Endocrinology Peer Reviewed

Insulin Resistance and Ovarian Follicle Arrest in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Authors: Prof. Amit Patel, Dr. Marcus Reynolds, MD

Published: February 2026

Journal: Frontiers in Clinical Endocrinology

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DOI Identifier:10.3389/fendo.2026.00192

Abstract

Investigating the cellular mechanisms where hyperinsulinemia acts synergistically with luteinizing hormone (LH) to increase androgen synthesis in ovarian theca cells. High insulin levels suppress sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), increasing free testosterone and stopping follicle development.

Background & Study Details

### Background Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic disease... ### Methodology Theca cell bioassays were exposed to varying insulin levels... ### Summary Insulin acts directly on receptors to amplify LH signaling, driving hyperandrogenism and follicular arrest.

Citations & Medical References

Rotterdam PCOS Working Group. Diagnostic criteria consensus. Hum Reprod 2004.
Patel A. Insulin sensitizers in follicular development. Endocrinology Review 2021.