Many women with PCOS also have chronic low-grade inflammation. Recent studies have suggested that this inflammation can be both a cause and a result of PCOS, due to a variety of underlying mechanisms. Today, Dr. Minni Malhotra breaks down the components that contribute to inflammation, and how they form a complicated interlinked system that both causes PCOS, and is worsened by it. From the impact of diet to the cytokines that are most commonly elevated in those with chronic inflammation, to fat as an organ, this episode is jam-packed with information! We hear how hyperandrogenism impacts mononuclear cells, and how these, in turn, affect adipose tissue. We discuss the impact of diet, and how insulin resistance is also caused by inflammation. We dive into the causes and effects of abdominal obesity, and how applying Dr. Minni’s COPE method can treat your PCOS. Don’t miss out on this educational episode!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What inflammation is and how it’s linked to PCOS.
• The difference between acute and chronic inflammation.
• How adipose tissue causes inflammation.
• The cells responsible for inflammatory cytokine production: mononuclear cells. 
• How hyperandrogenism activates mononuclear cells. 
• The impact of diet on causing a pro-inflammatory state. 
• How obesity can also cause a pro-inflammatory state. 
• The link between tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and PCOS. 
• Why insulin resistance is also linked to TNF-alpha.
• How diet increases ROS and atherogenesis. 
• A recap of the mechanisms underlying inflammation in PCOS, and why the COPE method can help treat PCOS. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Minni Malhotra Email

Anchor Wellness Center

The Institute of Functional Medicine