AN IMBALANCE OF the hormones can cause some women to develop cysts (benign masses) on the ovaries. This condition, called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, evidence of excessive testosterone, and the presence of cysts (usually detected by ultrasound). PCOS patients share many of the same characteristics as type 2 diabetics, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance. PCOS is caused by elevated insulin resistance26 and increases the risk
