PCOS and Insulin Resistance: Why Periods Go Irregular in Women? | Dr. Aimee Browne

Hormones don’t stay constant across a woman’s life and when they shift, metabolic health can shift with them.In this episode of the Five Rivers Podcast ( sponsored by Heald ), Dr. Sumeet Arora (Pediatric & Adolescent Endocrinologist, American Board Certified ) sits down with Dr. Aimee Browne, MD (Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility + Lifestyle Medicine) to explain PCOS in a way that finally makes sense.PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is one of the most common metabolic disorders in women, yet it’s still misunderstood. Many people think PCOS only means “cysts on the ovaries” or that irregular periods automatically equal PCOS. In this conversation, Dr. Browne breaks down what’s actually happening under the hood: the “triad” of insulin resistance, inflammation, and weight gain that can disrupt brain-to-ovary signaling leading to irregular cycles, skipped periods, high androgens (male hormones), acne, hair growth, fatigue, and fertility challenges.One of the most powerful moments in this episode is Dr. Browne’s insulin resistance analogy, which illustrates how glucose struggles to enter cells when insulin resistance is present, creating ripple effects such as fatty liver, disrupted ovulation, and hormonal imbalance. You’ll also learn why lifestyle factors matter hugely for treatment, but they’re not the original cause and why some women respond very differently to the same foods due to underlying metabolic programming and genetics.If you’re searching for answers about irregular periods, PCOS symptoms, insulin resistance in women, fertility and PCOS, or how to prevent long-term risks like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, this episode gives an evidence-based, practical framework. We also cover why PCOS can feel “confusing” across life stages (and why the diagnosis can appear to change), plus what to test, what labs rule out PCOS “impersonators,” and why early screening matters, especially after gestational diabetes. Visit HealD for more resources on diabetes management!