PCOS, Insulin Resistance & Fertility: What You Need to Know Before
Trying to Conceive

For many women trying to conceive, the journey can feel confusing and disheartening, especially when your cycles are irregular, ovulation feels unpredictable, or every month ends with more questions than answers.

If you’ve been told you have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) or suspect your hormones are out of sync, it’s worth looking deeper at a key piece of the puzzle: insulin resistance.

This often-overlooked factor can quietly disrupt ovulation, impact egg quality, and make conception more difficult. The good news is that it’s also one of the most treatable root causes of fertility challenges.

We believe that when you understand what’s happening in your body, you can start to tune into what it’s telling you and feel confident knowing how to give it what it needs. We’re here to help you get there. So, here’s what you need to know.

Understanding PCOS and Insulin Resistance

At the heart of many PCOS cases is a hidden driver: insulin resistance. This occurs when your cells do not respond properly to insulin, causing your body to produce more of it. Over time, that excess insulin can:

• Increase androgen (testosterone) production, which may lead to acne, facial hair, and irregular cycles.
• Disrupt ovulation, causing delayed or missed periods.
• Affect egg quality and implantation, making conception more difficult.

Even if your blood sugar looks “normal” on standard lab work, insulin resistance can still be present and influence your fertility. Left unaddressed, it can also increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.

Early Signs Your Hormones May Need Support

You do not have to wait until you are struggling to conceive to start paying attention. Your body often gives gentle cues that your hormones or metabolism could use a little extra care. Here are a few common early signs that your body might need more support:

• Irregular or missed periods.
• Midsection weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
• Acne, especially along the jawline or chin.
• Fatigue or mood swings around your cycle.
• Cravings, blood sugar crashes, or feeling shaky after meals.

These symptoms are your body’s way of asking for balance, not just for fertility but for your long-term hormonal health.

Key Labs to Consider Before Trying to Conceive

If you are preparing for pregnancy, comprehensive lab testing can provide valuable insight into your hormone and metabolic health. Some of the most important markers to check include:

Hormones: FSH, LH, Estradiol, AMH, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA-S, Prolactin, and TSH

Metabolic Health: Fasting insulin, glucose, HbA1c, and a lipid panel

Nutrients: Vitamin D, B12, Folate, and Ferritin

Understanding your full picture helps you and your care team address the root causes, not just the symptoms.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Support Fertility

Balancing blood sugar is key to calming insulin resistance and supporting healthy ovulation. A few simple shifts can make a meaningful difference:

• Eat consistently. Avoid skipping meals, especially breakfast. Aim for balanced meals every four hours.
• Prioritize protein, fibre, and healthy fats. These stabilize blood sugar and support hormone balance.
• Choose lower-glycemic carbs. Think lentils, chickpea pasta, sweet potatoes, and mixed-grain bread.
• Move your body regularly. Walking, Pilates, or strength training can improve insulin sensitivity. Even short walks after meals help.
• Protect your sleep. Aim for seven to nine hours to support hormonal repair and reduce stress.
• Manage stress in ways that work for you. Breathwork, journaling, or time outdoors can help calm cortisol levels.

Comprehensive Support for Fertility and Hormone Health

PCOS and insulin resistance don’t have to stand in the way of conception but addressing them with the right support makes a difference.

At Crescent Health Collective, we have created a space where you can find all the support you need in one place. Our integrative team includes naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists, and other practitioners who work collaboratively to help you regulate cycles, balance hormones, and prepare your body for pregnancy.

When it comes to tackling PCOS and insulin resistance, we often recommend combining naturopathic care and acupuncture. Together, they support your body from both the inside out and the outside in, addressing the root cause while helping your nervous system, hormones, and metabolism find balance.

Naturopathic care focuses on nutrition, supplements, and metabolic testing to restore insulin sensitivity and hormonal health, while acupuncture helps improve blood flow, regulate menstrual cycles, and calm the stress response that can interfere with ovulation.

This dual approach allows your body to feel supported in every way, physically, emotionally, and energetically, so you can move forward with confidence on your fertility journey.

Send us a message to connect with our care team and take the next step toward understanding and supporting your body before pregnancy.

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