When you eat simple carbohydrates and sugar, your body releases more insulin to prevent your blood sugar from getting too high. Eating a carbohydrate-focused diet and frequently indulging in desserts increases insulin and can lead to insulin resistance.

As a result of insulin resistance, androgens (testosterone, DHEA) become high, which can cause irregular periods, cysts on the ovaries, acne, and unwanted hair growth. These are all symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), affecting 1-in-10 women.

Even if you aren’t diabetic, pre-diabetic, or overweight, you could have insulin resistance. The best way to know is to test fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels. You may also want to test your hormone levels of LH, FSH, estradiol, free and total testosterone, DHEA, and progesterone with the guidance of a naturopathic doctor if you suspect you have a hormone imbalance.

Incorporating healthy fats, protein, veggies, and high-fibre foods will go a long way to balancing blood sugar levels and reducing insulin resistance. Read more about nutrient-dense foods your hormones need here. 

Check out our free eBooks for expert tips on PCOS, hormonal acne, dysmenorrhea (the medical term for painful periods...eek!), and a whole lot more. Our seed syncing can help you balance your hormones naturally. Shop our organic moon seeds or moon bites today.

This is an excerpt from a post written by Dr. Meghan McNaughton, ND, a Naturopathic Doctor with a special interest in women's health, fertility, and digestion. She works with her patients to identify the underlying cause and barriers that are preventing them from reaching their health goals. Check her out on Instagram. Abridged content curated and edited by Nayla Al-Mamlouk.