Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS): What You NEED To Know

If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you or someone you know might be grappling with the rollercoaster of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Causing everything from infertility and irregular periods to mood swings, unwanted hair growth and stubborn weight gain – all the good stuff, right?!

I’ve struggled with PCOS symptoms for as long as I can remember, (Click here to read my post about my early PCOS symptoms, as well as my hormonal contraception experiences).

I only received my official diagnosis back in 2021. But by then, I was already looking into more natural ways to help myself. Despite being one of the most common endocrine disorders, affecting a staggering 1 in 10 women, it cannot be yet cured; but the good news is, symptoms can be managed.

*Disclaimer: I am not a health professional, and the purpose of this post is to share my knowledge surrounding PCOS and my experiences with having it. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms I list below, or are unsure whether you may have PCOS, it is always best to speak to your doctor and request the appropriate testing.

So without further ado, lets dive into the world PCOS. What is it? How does it affect us? and what can we do to help balance those hormones and make living with this gremlin a little easier?

What is PCOS?

In short, PCOS is a condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. So let’s break down the “sciency” stuff behind that to help give you a better understanding.

Your menstrual cycle actually begins on the first day of your period, marking the start of the follicular phase. During this phase, an egg matures and is eventually released during ovulation.

In a regular follicular phase, your body releases a spike of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which aids in the maturation of the egg within your ovary. Once the egg reaches maturity, your brain then signals a surge of luteinising hormone (LH), prompting the egg to be released into the fallopian tubes and it will travel down into the uterus. This is known as ovulation and typically occurs around day 14, or within 28 to 36 hours after the LH surge.

Following ovulation, comes the luteal phase. The walls lining the uterus will thicken. If pregnancy occurs during this phase, hormones will maintain the uterus lining, preventing it from shedding. The fertilised egg will then begin to develop into an embryo – and tada. A baby! However, If pregnancy does not occur, bleeding will begin around day 28, marking the start of a new cycle.

For those of us with PCOS, these hormones and signals from the brain are essentially scrambled (pardon the egg-pun). Anyway, numerous small, fluid-filled sacs, known as follicles, develop inside the ovaries. These “sacs” (each containing an under-developed egg) fail to mature enough to initiate the signals from the brain to release the appropriate hormones, which means ovulation does not take place as it usually should.

The absence of ovulation not only effects fertility, but it also disrupts the delicate balance of Estrogen, Progesterone, FSH, and LH levels within our system. Progesterone levels drop, while Androgen (male hormone) levels rise. And this is where the chaos of our symptoms begins...

What causes PCOS?

With still so much research to be done, the exact cause of PCOS is unknown. There are many lifestyle factors that can play a part in PCOS. Although, the root cause can often be determined from genetic traits and a family history of other abnormal hormone levels in the body, including high levels of insulin and testosterone. For example, if your Mother, Auntie, or Sister have PCOS, there is a higher chance of you having it too.

Did you know there are actually 4 different types of PCOS?

1. Insulin-Resistant PCOS

The most common form of PCOS is insulin-resistant. This type can be flared up by lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive sugar consumption, pollution, and trans fats. Many women with PCOS are resistant to the action of insulin in their body, meaning they end up producing even higher levels to try and overcome this. High levels of insulin cause the body to have too much testosterone, which (as we just covered) interferes with the development of the follicles (the sacs in the ovaries where eggs develop) and thus prevents normal ovulation… Are the puzzle pieces fitting together yet? Exhausting, isn’t it!

2. Pill-Induced PCOS

The second most common type of PCOS is pill-induced PCOS, which develops due to use of hormonal birth-control pills that suppress ovulation. While most women resume normal ovulation after stopping the pills, some of us can experience prolonged delays and abnormalities in our cycles for some time until the hormones regulate themselves naturally again.

3. Inflammatory PCOS

This type of PCOS occurs when inflammation interferes with the ovulation cycle, disrupts the hormone balance, and leads to increased androgen production. This type of PCOS can be bought on by stress, environmental toxins, and inflammatory foods like gluten or dairy.

4. Hidden PCOS

Hidden PCOS is a tricky one, and can go undiagnosed for a long time. However, once the underlying cause is addressed and managed, it usually settles. Common hidden causes include thyroid disease, iodine deficiency (ovaries need iodine), a vegetarian diet (which can lead to zinc deficiency), and artificial sweeteners.

What are the symptoms?

So, now we understand the brief outline of what PCOS is, and how it plays havoc with our hormones. It’s understandable that there are a wealth of other side effects involved. The human body is an intricate chain of systems, each working together to play a vital role in our every day lives.

But put a kink in that chain, and the ripple effect will occur.

People with PCOS can experience some or all of these symptoms:

• Infertility: The big one. Due to the complications that arise in our ovulation process, it’s pretty common for people with PCOS to experience difficulties in conceiving.
• Pelvic Pain: Thought to originate from the presence of ovarian cysts. Many of us can describe the pain as a persistent dull-ache, or even a sharp stabbing sensation and it can occur during any time of the cycle. Fun!
• Heavy & Painful Periods: When we do not ovulate, the body fails to produce progesterone. Therefore, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) becomes thicker and may shed irregularly, which can result in painful, heavy bleeding.
• Abnormal Periods: Irregular, prolonged or infrequent menstrual cycles are one of the most common symptoms of PCOS.
• Sleep Problems: Many with PCOS report issues like insomnia, sleep apnea or poor sleep in general. We are also more sensitive to effects of blue-light. No more doom-scrolling before bed.
• Fatigue: It’s no wonder that if you struggle with sleep issues, you will feel sluggish and lethargic on the daily. But the chronic tiredness can also be traced back to insulin resistance. Research also shows us that PCOS sufferers can be more prone to Vitamin D and B-12 deficiencies – big factors for feeling rundown and “burnt-out”.
• Weight Gain: Elevated insulin levels can contribute to weight gain by increasing hunger, promoting excess fat storage, and disrupting the breakdown of stored fat around the body.
• Risk of Diabetes: Humans naturally produce insulin, a key hormone in balancing blood-sugar. BUT, if we can’t use it effectively then we are considered “Insulin-resistant”. This increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Around 50% of women with PCOS are diagnosed with diabetes by the time they are 40.
• Unwanted Hair Growth (Hirsutism): Those pesky high levels of Androgens (male hormones) can affect areas such as the face, neck, arms, back, chest, and abdomen, causing thicker and darker hair growth.
• Thinning Hair on the Head: Again, high levels of testosterone continue to bless us with hair loss and thinning.
• Acne: If the Hirsutism and Male pattern baldness wasn’t enough for you, elevated androgens can also cause excessive oil production in the skin and breakouts on the face, chest, and upper back. – Think teenage boy in puberty.
• Darkening of Skin: This can be a result of higher levels of insulin. Thick, dark, velvety patches of skin may appear under the arms, breasts, or on the back of the neck.
• Inflammation: New research is emerging that suggests people with PCOS at a greater risk of chronic low-grade inflammation of the body. Examples of inflammation can present as; Bloating, Headaches, Migraines, Constipation or diarrhoea, Indigestion, Rapid weight fluctuations, Brain fog, or even IBS (if you haven’t had it before).
• Mood Changes: Prolonged episodes of inflammation can spike high cortisol levels, which increases stress, anxiety and depression.

The human body is an intricate chain of systems, each working together to play a vital role in our every day lives.
But put a kink in that chain, and the ripple effect will occur.

People with PCOS are also at a greater risk of developing the following:

• Endometrial or Uterine Cancer
• Cardiovascular Problems & Heart Disease
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
• Type II Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome
• Lipid Disorder (High Cholesterol & Triglycerides)
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea

How can I help manage my PCOS?

While we know its not curable, there are many gentle ways of aiding and regulating your bodies hormones naturally without the need for harsh medications that could potentially mask the problem, or cause other side effects in the future. The benefits of a healthy diet paired with natural supplements on the body are vast, and I believe its vital for people to have all of the information before making an decision on how they would like to manage their symptoms – however, it’s important to remember that supplements are not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting anything new, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

(Read my post here – Covering natural supplements, diet & lifestyle tweaks to help manage PCOS gently and effectively)

Navigating PCOS can feel like a wild ride, but with the right tools, knowledge, and a bit of natural help, you can take control of your health. So, why not give it a try? Your hormones just might thank you.

Navigating PCOS can feel like a wild ride, but with the right tools, knowledge, and a bit of natural help, you can take control of your health. So, why not give it a try? Your hormones just might thank you.

Stay balanced and be kind to yourself. You’re doing great!

Wholeheartedly,