Don’t Let PCOS Control Your Life

If you’ve been told your period irregularities, acne, or weight gain are “just hormonal”—but things don’t feel right—it might be time to dig deeper.

You could be dealing with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

So, What Exactly Is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects how the ovaries work. Despite the name, not all women with PCOS have cysts. But what really happens is:

• You may not ovulate regularly
• You may have higher levels of male hormones (androgens)
• Your periods might be irregular or even stop for months

This can affect everything, right from your skin and hair to your mood and fertility.

Why Does PCOS Happen?

Science hasn’t found an answer to that yet, but we know few factors that can play a role:

• Insulin resistance: Your body struggles to use insulin properly, raising blood sugar and androgens
• Hormonal imbalance: Disruption between estrogen, progesterone, and androgens affects ovulation
• Genetics: PCOS tends to run in families
• Low-grade inflammation: Can contribute to excess androgen levels

Common Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Symptoms vary, but there are some commonly occurring symptoms:

• Irregular periods or no periods at all
• Weight gain (especially around the waist)
• Excess hair growth on the face, chest, or back (hirsutism)
• Acne and oily skin that doesn’t respond to regular treatment
• Hair thinning or male-pattern baldness
• Fatigue, mood swings, or anxiety
• Dark skin patches (especially on the neck or underarms)

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

• Understanding your symptoms and medical history
• A physical examination
• Blood tests to check hormone levels (like testosterone, LH, FSH, and insulin)
• Pelvic ultrasound to look for multiple small follicles (commonly called cysts)

Diagnosis is usually made following the Rotterdam Criteria, which requires at least 2 of these 3:

• Irregular or absent ovulation
• Signs of high androgen levels (acne, excess hair)
• Ovaries showing a polycystic appearance on scan

Impact of PCOS on Fertility

PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility because it can:

• Prevent ovulation (no egg release = no pregnancy)
• Cause poor egg quality or irregular cycle
• Increase risks of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, or high blood pressure during pregnancy

But with the right treatment, most women with PCOS do conceive—and for many all that is required is just a few lifestyle changes or fertility medications.

How can we Treat PCOS?

PCOS treatment is tailored based on your goals—whether it’s regulating your cycle, clearing your skin, managing weight, or planning a pregnancy.

Lifestyle Changes (First Step for Most Women)

• Balanced diet: Low GI (glycemic index) foods help manage insulin
• Exercise: Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance
• Stress management: Yoga, mindfulness, and quality sleep can also help regulate hormones

Medications

• Birth control pills: Help regulate periods and reduce acne or hair growth
• Metformin: Improves insulin resistance and can help with weight loss and ovulation
• Clomiphene (Clomid): Helps stimulate ovulation in women trying to conceive

Supplements

• Inositol: Can improve insulin sensitivity and egg quality
• Vitamin D: Often low in women with PCOS and may support hormonal balance

Surgery (Only When Needed)

• Ovarian drilling: A minor laparoscopic procedure to reduce androgen production and trigger ovulation—used rarely today when medications don’t help

Living With PCOS: What You Should Know

PCOS doesn’t just affect your fertility. It can increase long-term risks like:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol and heart disease
• Endometrial cancer due to prolonged absence of periods

That’s why ongoing care, annual checkups, and lifestyle support are key.

PCOS is still misunderstood—even by those who have it. It’s not “just hormonal” or something you should “learn to live with.”

We believe that awareness, empathy, and expert support can change lives.