Ever Wonder What People Mean When They Throw Around the Word “Metabolism”?
We’ve all heard it. “You just have a fast metabolism.” “Fix your metabolism and the weight will drop.” Or, the one that makes many women pause: “Your metabolic dysfunction is related to your PCOS.”
But what does any of that really mean?
Let’s break it down in a simple, science-backed way (with a little fun too!).
So, What Is Metabolism?
Metabolism is your body’s energy system. It’s how your body converts what you eat and drink into energy, and then uses that energy to power everything — from breathing and blood circulation to building muscle and regulating hormones.
Metabolism isn’t just one single function. It has two major players:
Anabolism: The Builder
Anabolism is the constructive side of metabolism. It takes smaller molecules — like amino acids or glucose — and builds them into bigger, more complex structures like muscle tissue, fat stores, and even hormones. It uses energy to build and repair.
- Think of anabolism as your body’s construction crew.
- It’s at work when you’re recovering from a workout, building new cells, or storing nutrients for later.
Catabolism: The Breaker
Catabolism is the flip side — it breaks things down. Your body uses catabolism to break down food and stored energy (like fat or glycogen) into smaller units that it can use for fuel.
- Imagine catabolism as your body’s recycling center.
- It’s especially active when you fast, exercise, or need energy quickly.
Your body constantly toggles between these two processes to stay balanced, depending on your needs, food intake, and activity level.
How Does This Relate to PCOS?
Here’s where it gets important for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is more than just a reproductive hormone imbalance — it has a deep connection to your metabolic health. In fact, metabolic dysfunction is a key feature of PCOS.
What Happens?
- Many women with PCOS experience insulin resistance, where the body doesn’t respond well to insulin. This makes it harder to regulate blood sugar.
- That insulin resistance often leads to higher insulin levels, which can trigger the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones).
- More androgens = worsened PCOS symptoms and disrupted ovulation.
- At the same time, high insulin and androgen levels can slow down metabolism, promote fat storage (especially belly fat), and make weight loss more difficult.
It’s a frustrating cycle — and metabolism is right at the center of it.
PCOS Can Impact Metabolism, and Vice Versa
It’s not just that metabolism is affected by PCOS — a sluggish or dysfunctional metabolism can worsen PCOS symptoms too.
Poor metabolic function can:
- Reduce energy levels
- Increase inflammation
- Worsen insulin resistance
- Increase cravings and blood sugar crashes
- Affect mood, focus, and hormones
That’s why managing PCOS is not just about reproductive health — it’s about addressing metabolic health too.
The Good News? You Can Improve It
The beauty of the human body is that it’s adaptive. With lifestyle changes, you can improve metabolic health and reduce PCOS symptoms. This includes:
- Prioritizing protein-rich, whole food meals
- Strength training and walking
- Managing stress
- Getting restorative sleep
- Reducing inflammation through food and movement
Want to Dive Deeper? Here Are Some Powerful Studies:
- Metabolic Dysfunction in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pathogenic Role of Androgen Excess (PubMed)
- Metabolic Syndrome and PCOS: Pathogenesis and the Role of Metabolites (PMC)
- NIH Overview on PCOS and Metabolism
What This Means For You
If you’re managing PCOS and feel like your metabolism is “off,” you’re not imagining it. But you’re not stuck either.
Understanding how metabolism works — and how to support it — gives you the power to take your health back, one step at a time.
Ready to be your own metabolic BFF? Let’s build, break down, and balance the smart way.
Want support tailored to your body and your hormones? Work with me 1:1 to start your personalised PCOS healing plan.
