PCOS is almost as common as endometriosis, however due to the increased availability of diets riddled with concentrated sugars and trans fats in our general population as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress and environmental toxins, insulin resistance is a key contributor to the disorder.
Although insulin resistance affects between 50-70% in patients with PCOS, not all patients will be affected by this, however they will still suffer from PCOS. PCOS requires a diagnosis involving blood tests, ultrasounds, and a history of irregular periods.
In some circumstances, patients with PCOS may not develop cysts on their ovaries, whereas some women who do not have the disorder do develop cysts.