PCOS Isn't Just Hormonal | The Metabolic Root Cause Women Need to Know | Forum Health Podcast

Most women with PCOS are told it's a hormone problem. But the science tells a different story, and understanding the real root cause could change everything about how you manage your symptoms, your fertility, and your long-term health. Margaux Cousturian, PA-C, MMSc, Physician Associate and functional medicine expert at Forum Health, joins us to break down why PCOS is primarily a metabolic disorder driven by insulin resistance, not just a hormonal imbalance, and how that distinction affects everything from ovulation and fertility to inflammation, weight gain, and mood. Margaux explains why so many women go undiagnosed for years, particularly those with irregular cycles, acne, unexplained hair growth, painful periods, or lean PCOS, and why the conventional diagnostic framework continues to miss the full picture. Understanding PCOS through a metabolic lens isn't just more accurate. It's the difference between managing symptoms indefinitely and actually addressing what's driving them. You'll also learn how practical, sustainable strategies including nutrition, sleep optimization, stress management, strength training, blood sugar stability, and CGM data can naturally improve insulin signaling, restore hormone balance, reduce inflammation, and support better fertility outcomes. Whether you've been living with a PCOS diagnosis for years or suspect your symptoms have never been fully explained, this episode gives you a root-cause framework and real tools to start moving the needle today. ——————————————————— 🩺 Ready to find a root-cause approach to your hormonal health? 👉 Get started: https://forumhealth.com/ 👉 Find a provider near you: https://forumhealth.com/locations/ 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://forumhealth.com/podcast/ 📲 Follow Forum Health: Instagram →   / forum_health   Facebook →   / forumhealthco   ——————————————————— About Margaux Cousturian, PA-C, MMSc: Margaux Cousturian is a Physician Associate and functional medicine expert at Forum Health specializing in hormone optimization, gut health, fertility, autoimmune conditions, mold illness, and complex chronic health cases. With a Master of Medical Science from Mercer University and published research in PLOS ONE, she combines evidence-based medicine with a root-cause functional approach to uncover the underlying drivers of illness. Known for her detective-style diagnostic process, Margaux helps patients move beyond symptom management by addressing metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle factors that affect long-term health and vitality. ——————————————————— About Forum Health: Forum Health is the nation's first and largest network of integrative and functional medicine providers. Our clinicians go beyond symptom management to find the root cause — using advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and evidence-based therapies. With clinics across the U.S., expert care is closer than you think. 👉 https://forumhealth.com/ ——————————————————— #PCOS #InsulinResistance #FertilityHealth