Ep 68: Hormones and Blood Sugar: Why PCOS and Irregular Periods Are Linked to Insulin Resistance

Many women who struggle with irregular periods, PCOS, fertility challenges, fatigue, or stubborn weight gain are often told the problem is purely hormonal.But what many people don’t realize is that blood sugar balance and insulin resistance play a major role in hormone health.In this episode of the Path to Better A1C Podcast, Jenny Pena, National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach and Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach, explains the connection between hormones, blood sugar, and metabolic health.Understanding this relationship can help explain why many women with PCOS or irregular menstrual cycles experience symptoms like cravings, energy crashes, mood swings, and difficulty losing weight.Jenny breaks down the key hormones involved and explains how insulin resistance can disrupt ovulation, menstrual cycles, and overall hormone balance.• How insulin affects hormone balance• Why insulin resistance is common in PCOS• The role of estrogen and progesterone in menstrual health• How cortisol (the stress hormone) can impact blood sugar and hormones• Signs that blood sugar imbalance may be affecting your hormones• Why more women are experiencing metabolic dysfunction earlier in life• Simple strategies to support both hormone balance and blood sugar stabilityThis episode also sets the stage for the next conversation on the podcast, where Jenny will be joined by functional medicine nurse Vanda to dive deeper into hormones, minerals, and practical strategies for women experiencing irregular periods.🎧 If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who may be struggling with PCOS, irregular periods, or blood sugar imbalance.