Understanding PCOS

This post is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women of reproductive age. Many women live with symptoms for years before realizing they’re connected.

PCOS affects how your ovaries function, how your body handles hormones like insulin, and can impact everything from your menstrual cycle to your energy levels and mood. The good news? With the right understanding and support, PCOS is manageable, and you can feel better.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects the ovaries. Normally, the ovaries release one mature egg each month. In PCOS, that process can be disrupted — the ovaries may not release eggs regularly, and small fluid-filled follicles (often called “cysts”) may form.

PCOS isn’t just about the ovaries, it’s a whole-body condition involving hormones, metabolism, and inflammation.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Because PCOS affects several hormone systems, symptoms can look different for everyone. The most common include:

• Irregular or absent periods

• Acne or oily skin

• Thinning hair on the scalp

• Unwanted hair growth on the face, chest, or abdomen (called hirsutism)

• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• Fatigue or mood changes

• Fertility challenges

Some women have classic symptoms, while others may have normal cycles but still show hormonal or metabolic signs of PCOS.

The Hormonal Root Causes

The main hormones involved in PCOS include:

• Insulin: Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning their cells don’t respond normally to insulin. This leads to higher insulin levels, which can trigger the ovaries to make more androgens (male-type hormones like testosterone).

• Androgens: Higher androgen levels cause acne, excess hair growth, and ovulation issues.

• Progesterone: When ovulation doesn’t occur regularly, progesterone levels stay low — leading to irregular or heavy periods.

This combination creates a hormonal cycle that feeds itself, making symptoms persist unless the underlying balance is addressed.

How PCOS Affects Long-Term Health

Untreated or unmanaged PCOS can increase the risk of:

• Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance

• High cholesterol and heart disease

• Sleep apnea

• Endometrial (uterine) thickening due to skipped periods

• Mood disorders like anxiety or depression

But early diagnosis and lifestyle adjustments can make a huge difference in prevention and quality of life.

How to Support Your Body if You Have PCOS

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment, but many women find improvement with a combination of nutrition, movement, stress support, and sometimes medication.

1. Balance Blood Sugar

This is key. Keeping blood sugar stable helps lower insulin and androgen levels.
Try to:

• Eat balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fiber

• Limit added sugars and refined carbs

• Avoid long gaps between meals

Even small changes, like adding protein to breakfast can help.

2. Move Your Body Regularly

Exercise increases insulin sensitivity and supports hormone balance. Aim for a mix of strength training, walking, or yoga (consistency matters more than intensity).

3. Manage Stress and Sleep

Chronic stress raises cortisol, which worsens insulin resistance and inflammation. Prioritize rest, deep breathing, or calming routines before bed.
Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.

4. Medical and Supplement Options

Your healthcare provider may recommend treatments such as:

• Metformin to improve insulin sensitivity

• Hormonal birth control to regulate periods and lower androgen levels

• Inositol supplements (myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol) to support insulin and ovarian function

• Vitamin D and magnesium if deficiencies are present

Treatment is highly individualized, what works best depends on your unique hormone profile and goals (for example, fertility vs. symptom control).

The Emotional Side of PCOS

Living with PCOS can be frustrating, especially when you’re doing “everything right” and still struggling with weight, skin, or irregular cycles. Remember that PCOS is not your fault, and healing takes time.

Finding a healthcare provider who listens, supports, and personalizes your plan makes all the difference.

PCOS is common, but it’s not hopeless. Understanding how your hormones interact with your metabolism and stress response can help you regain balance and feel like yourself again. Start small, stay consistent, and remember that progress, not perfection, leads to long-term change.

-Nina