Is It PCOS? What Every Woman Should Know

Your period is inconsistent. Your skin keeps breaking out (no matter what you try). Losing weight feels nearly impossible. Something is off, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. Cue PCOS, a hidden culprit affecting millions of women. A complex—and often misunderstood condition—Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is one of the most common female hormonal imbalances. In fact, countless women go years before getting a diagnosis. The result? Frustration, confusion, and a relentless search for answers.

Whether you’re starting to piece together your symptoms (or have recently been told you have PCOS) this guide is meant to empower you. We’re shedding light on what’s happening beneath the surface and giving you the tools to take control of your well-being. Because understanding your body is the first step to reclaiming your health.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a multifaceted endocrine disorder that stems from hormonal imbalances. Most notably, an excess of androgens (male hormones) and insulin resistance. While it’s called “polycystic ovary syndrome,” not all women with PCOS have ovarian cysts. Not to make matters more confusing, but the condition is less about cysts and more about how the body processes hormones like insulin and testosterone.

A diagnosis of PCOS is typically based on the Rotterdam Criteria, meaning a woman must have at least two of the following:

1. Irregular or absent periods
2. Excess androgens (often resulting in acne, hair loss, or excess body hair)
3. Polycystic ovaries (seen via ultrasound)

Because PCOS symptoms vary widely, it is often overlooked or mistaken for other conditions like hypothyroidism or adrenal issues. This is why proper testing and understanding your symptoms are crucial!

Common PCOS Signs and Symptoms 

PCOS doesn’t look the same in every woman, but some of the most common symptoms include:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
• Hair thinning or male-pattern baldness
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Persistent acne, especially along the jawline
• Ovarian cysts (only detectable via ultrasound)
• Fatigue and low energy
• Insulin resistance (which can lead to sugar cravings and weight gain)
• Mood disorders like anxiety and depression

If any of these resonate with you, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

The Four Types of PCOS

Like most health conditions, PCOS isn’t one-size-fits-all. Women with PCOS typically fall into one of these four categories:

1. Insulin-Resistant PCOS: The most common type, where the body’s cells stop responding to insulin, leading to high blood sugar, weight gain, and increased testosterone.
2. Inflammatory PCOS: Triggered by chronic inflammation, often linked to gut issues, food sensitivities, and elevated stress levels. Symptoms can include fatigue, bloating, and skin conditions like eczema.
3. Adrenal PCOS: Driven by chronic stress and high cortisol levels, which overstimulate the adrenal glands and lead to excess androgens. Women with this type often experience anxiety and sleep disturbances.
4. Post-Pill PCOS: Some women develop PCOS-like symptoms after stopping birth control, as their hormones struggle to regulate post-contraceptive use. Fortunately, this type often resolves with time and proper support!

Not sure which type you have? Start by assessing your symptoms, medical history, and any lab work related to blood sugar, inflammation, and hormone levels. Working with a healthcare provider or functional medicine practitioner is key to helping you pinpoint what your PCOS is driven by (I.e. insulin resistance, inflammation, adrenal dysfunction, or post-pill hormonal shifts, etc.). In turn, you can take a personalized approach to healing.

Setting the Debate: PCOS Myths vs. Facts

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about PCOS. This leads to a maze of confusion and misinformation. To help you navigate, let's bust some of the biggest myths and set the record straight.

Myth: You must have ovarian cysts to have PCOS.

Fact: Not all women with PCOS have cysts, and not all ovarian cysts mean you have PCOS. 

While ovarian cysts are often associated with PCOS, they are not a defining factor. In fact, plenty of women with PCOS do not have cysts, and some women without PCOS may have cysts. The diagnosis of PCOS is based on other criteria, such as hormonal imbalances and irregular cycles, rather than the presence of cysts alone.

Myth: PCOS only affects women with a higher body weight.

Fact: PCOS can affect women of all body types, including those who are lean. 

Said differently—PCOS doesn’t discriminate. It can impact women of all shapes and sizes. Women who are lean also experience the hormonal imbalances, irregular cycles, and other symptoms associated with PCOS, proving that body weight is not the determining factor.

Myth: Birth control is the only way to “fix” PCOS.

Fact: While birth control can help manage symptoms, it doesn’t address the root cause. Lifestyle and dietary changes can also be effective.

While birth control can help regulate symptoms like irregular periods and acne, it doesn’t address the underlying hormonal imbalances or metabolic issues that cause PCOS. To truly manage PCOS in a sustainable way, lifestyle and dietary changes—such as balancing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and supporting hormone health—are crucial in treating the root cause and improving long-term health.

Myth: Women with PCOS can’t get pregnant without fertility treatment.

Fact: Fertility treatments may be necessary in some cases, but they are not always required.

While women with PCOS may face challenges with ovulation, many can still conceive naturally with lifestyle changes and proper management of their symptoms. Everything from regulating blood sugar levels to maintaining a healthy weight can improve fertility for women with PCOS.

How to Manage PCOS Naturally

While there is no “cure” for PCOS, you can successfully manage symptoms with lifestyle and dietary shifts. Here are some science-backed ways to support your body:

• Balance Blood Sugar—Since women with PCOS often experience insulin resistance, a blood sugar-friendly diet is crucial. Focus on high-quality protein, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats with every meal.
• Exercise Smartly—Strength training and moderate-intensity workouts (like walking or Pilates) help improve insulin sensitivity and hormone balance. Excessive cardio, on the other hand, can stress the body and exacerbate symptoms.
• Manage Stress—To no surprise, chronic stress fuels inflammation and worsens PCOS symptoms. Prioritize stress-reducing habits like deep breathing, journaling, yoga, or carving out time for nature.
• Prioritize Healthy Fats—Omega-3s (found in walnuts, flaxseeds and fatty fish) help combat inflammation and support hormone production.
• Seed cycling – Seed cycling has supported the fluctuations of hormones that occur with PCOS to help bring back balance. Rotating flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds throughout the menstrual cycle provides our natural hormonal rhythm with key nutrients to help tackle symptoms of PCOS. Our 100% organic seed cycling blends make the process super easy. 
• Support Your Gut and Liver—Since the gut and liver play a role in hormone detoxification, focusing on gut-friendly foods (fermented foods, fiber) and liver-supporting nutrients (like dandelion root tea) can help regulate hormones.
• Work with a Knowledgeable Practitioner—If you suspect PCOS, seek out a healthcare provider who understands hormonal health. Functional medicine doctors, naturopaths, and endocrinologists can help uncover the root cause and provide a tailored treatment plan.

How Long Does It Take to See Improvements?

Just as a diagnosis isn’t one-size-fits-all, neither is the timeline for improvement. That said, you may notice changes within 3-6 months of making lifestyle adjustments. This can include (but isn’t limited to!) changes in diet, exercise, and stress management. For some, it may take longer, especially if other underlying factors (insulin resistance, etc.) are present. Ultimately, managing PCOS is a marathon, not a sprint. 

Taking Charge of Your Hormones

While PCOS brings its challenges, it’s absolutely manageable. By focusing on hormone-supporting nutrition, consistent movement, and stress management, you can minimize (or mitigate, entirely!) your symptoms. With the right approach, you can improve your overall well-being—despite the hurdles PCOS brings. It’s all about taking those first steps toward a healthier, more empowered you.