What Is PCOS? Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
What actually is PCOS?
Let’s clear this up once and for all.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) isn’t just “a few cysts on the ovaries.” It’s a hormonal condition that affects how your ovaries work, and it can have ripple effects on energy, skin, mood, fertility, and even long-term health.
And as much as it’s considered as a condition of the reproductive system, there are so many other systems involved that determine how and why your symptoms flair up (think gut, immune system, thyroid) and i'’s different for each woman.
If you’ve ever been told “just lose weight” or “go on the pill” and left your GP’s office feeling dismissed… you’re not imagining it. PCOS is complex, but understanding what it means for you, is the first step to taking control.
Common PCOS symptoms
PCOS symptoms can look different for everyone, but the most common include:
Irregular, missing periods and/or painful periods
Acne on your face or body or oily skin
Excess hair growth on the face or body (thanks, testosterone)
Thinning hair on the scalp
Weight gain, especially around the tummy that’s hard to shift
Trouble getting pregnant
Brain fog, fatigue, low mood, anxiety
You might have one or all of these, it’s different for every woman.
Why does PCOS happen?
Again, it’s different for everyone, but here are some of the key culprits…
Insulin resistance → your body struggles to handle carbs and sugar, leading to weight gain and hormone disruption.
High androgens → testosterone levels rise, causing skin, hair, and ovulation issues.
Genetics → PCOS can often runs in families.
Stress & environment → modern life isn’t exactly hormone-friendly.
It’s a cocktail of factors, which is why one-size-fits-all advice rarely works.
Why PCOS matters (beyond periods)
Here’s the thing: PCOS isn’t just about irregular cycles. Left unmanaged, it can increase risks of:
Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
Endometrial cancer (if you’re not having regular periods)
Anxiety and depression
Not to scare you, but to empower you. The sooner you know what you’re dealing with, the sooner you can take steps to prevent these knock-on effects.
What can you actually do?
The good news: PCOS is 100% manageable, which is exactly the reason I chose to specialise in it. The right nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes can help you:
Regulate cycles
Boost energy
Improve skin and hair
Support fertility
Reduce long-term health risks
And it definitely doesn’t mean giving up everything you enjoy. It’s about learning what is right for you and your body, and how to nourish your body with healthy, daily habits that are easy to slot into your bust lifestlye, rather than restriction and extreme diets (which don’t work).
FAQs
Q: Can PCOS go away?
No, but symptoms can be massively reduced and managed, often to the point where you barely notice them.
Q: Do you have to take the pill for PCOS?
Not at all. The pill masks symptoms but doesn’t fix underlying imbalances. Nutrition and lifestyle play a huge role.
Q: Is PCOS my fault?
Absolutely not. It’s a hormonal and metabolic condition, not a reflection of your willpower.
👉 Next step: If this resonates, check out my guide on [How PCOS is Diagnosed] (link to next blog). Knowledge is power, and you deserve answers.
