[fcuser10395743]

This is going to come off like a crazy question, but as you know PCOS is about so much more than just ovaries. I am having a total hysterectomy (i.e. including the ovaries) but because it's for another reason we didn't really get into the effect it would have on the PCOS, mine is such small fry compared to my major medical conditions that it rarely comes up. Anyway, will the PCOS go away when I have my ovaries out? I'm particularly keen to be rid of my lovely 'tache, but would also be interested to know what effect it ought to have on insulin resistance and speed of weight loss, if any. I don't get to see my doctor again till the day of surgery and will have so much more on my mind by then, so haven't a chance to ask a doctor. Does anyone know?

[Rana]

My understanding is that your PCOS won't go away just because you get a hysterectomy.

Your insulin resistance isn't caused by your ovaries, but rather by your pancreas not working efficiently (which is also caused by being overweight, because our bodies are too large for the pancreas to work right).

Women make some testosterone in their ovaries, but testosterone is also made by the adrenal glands. A lot of doctors think that part of the PCOS symptoms is a misfiring of the adrenal glands, not just the ovaries (they think the ovaries are a secondary symptom of a large issue elsewhere).