Can quitting smoking trigger the development of PCOS? My entire body and metabolism changed after quitting 18 mos ago. I gained all my weight in the hips/waist.

The answer is definitely NOT.

PCOS is directly caused by insulin problems. And stopping smoking can't trigger you to have PCOS.

Ok, but what about quitting smoking triggering insulin problems? It seems that that could cause PCOS or cause mild PCOS to become worse. Before quitting the only symptoms I had were depression, weight problems, and acne. After quitting, I compulsively ate because of my intense carbo cravings--I am not just talking about eating more to "replace" smoking--I am talking about compulsive eating based solely on cravings. All of the extra weight went to my waist and belly. I have always been apple-shaped, but now I am a big apple!!! I was a heavy smoker, and I believe that quitting smoking really affected my insulin production and my metabolism. I have always suspected PCOS, but now I think it is more severe.

I think I misunderstood your first post. I took it as you asking if quitting smoking can cause you to get PCOS.

I won't say a definite no, however I would think that the answer would be no for the simple reason that lots of people who's insulin rises don't have PCOS and the same is true of the opposite.

Now if you already had PCOS and knew it, maybe it was affected more when you quit smoking. God knows smoking is very hard on people and the withdrawls can be pretty intense.

If you had PCOS and didn't know it, then I would definitely say the same as above but also add: go see a doctor ASAP.

If you suspect you might have it but aren't sure... again... please seek medical help.

PCOS is a pain in the neck. It varies form person to person and lots of people have different symptoms. I would suggest 2 things to you at this point:

1- Go see an endocrinologist (specializing in PCOS)

2- Go do research on PCOS web sites who specialize in PCOS to see if they have any information on the effects of quitting smoking and having PCOS.