First…the Facts

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS as it’s commonly known is an underdiagnosed and very common condition – affecting an estimated 1 in every 10 women in the UK.

Symptoms of PCOS can often be overlooked and misdiagnosed as puberty, PMT, stress and lifestyle choices.

To be diagnosed with PCOS the NHS in the UK typically look for:

• Irregular periods
• High levels of androgens (male hormones)
• Polycystic ovaries on a scan

(you need 2 of 3 to be diagnosed)

There is no cure for PCOS, and no one is quite sure what causes it or who is more likely to have it (some studies suggest it is passed through the male side of the mother’s family – i.e grandad)

There are many, many symptoms and side effects of PCOS, usually including, but not always limited to;

• Insulin Resistance – this is explored more in my post here.
• Hirtuism (excessive hair growth on face, stomach, chest)
• Mood swings
• Painful and Heavy, or non existent periods.
• Lack of ovulation
• Increase in mental health challenges – anxiety, depression, body image issues
• Hair thinning and loss
• Acne and other skin complaints
• Fertility Concerns – lack of ovulation, hightened risk of miscarriage, inability to conceive

I did a seperate post on my own personal symptoms that you can find here.

Now for the PCOS Myths

If you have PCOS you cannot get pregnant.

People with PCOS absolutely can fall pregnant naturally (if that’s your aim), sometimes it can be a little bit more difficult, or take longer, but I know many PCOS sufferers who have had multiple healthy pregnancies.

PCOS only affects people who are overweight.

Another huge misconception is that PCOS only impacts those already overweight. PCOS affects women of all body types. While weight can exacerbate symptoms, lean PCOS is a recognised type — and sometimes even harder to diagnose.

Taking the ‘Pill’ can cure PCOS

The pill can help regulate periods and symptoms, but it doesn’t treat the underlying hormonal imbalance. It’s a management tool, not a cure. Side note: Quite often the Pill can have negative side effects for PCOS sufferers, such as increased mood swings.

You caused your PCOS by eating badly or not exercising

PCOS is a genetic and hormonal condition — not something you cause through lifestyle. That said, lifestyle changes can help manage some symptoms, but losing wieght is not the ‘secret’ to reversing PCOS – despite what many may say. See my other posts on my experiences managing weight with PCOS.

PCOS Support and Further Research

There are lots of well established and credible sources to read more about PCOS.

NHS PCOS Overview

Verity – UK PCOS Charity

Tommy’s – PCOS and Pregnancy Info

Amazon currently have the Myo Inositol I take (which likely comes with next day delivery if you’re a Prime member) – find them here.

I manage my PCOS using supplements (Myo-Inositol and Female Multivitamins) from Free Soul – you can get 15% off your first subscription if you follow the link here