After years of struggling with embarrassing acne, unpredictable and increasingly painful and heavy periods, brain fog and intense fatigue, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) around the age of 27. The doctor at the walk-in clinic who gave me the diagnosis offered to renew my prescription for oral contraceptives (originally prescribed to me by my paediatrician at 17 to “regulate” my absent periods) and shrugged when I pressed him for more information about the condition. He suggested that some people have bad genetic luck and I would have to learn to live with the symptoms that the Pill wasn’t able to control. He reluctantly offered to refer me to an endocrinologist for more bloodwork, but that experience was no better.
Without asking me any questions (and mostly addressing the attending interns), this specialist told me that I would struggle with fertility and would probably need to be on diabetes medication for the rest of my life. After a few short minutes, he sent me home with a requisition for bloodwork to establish what dose of medication I would need, and a huge amount of confusion and grief to process on my own. I have rarely felt so disempowered in my life.
I’m not proud of this admission, but I was so terrified and demoralized by this experience that I never actually went to go get that bloodwork done, and never booked a follow up with that doctor. I couldn’t believe or accept that a young, athletic vegetarian like myself had no options except a lifetime of pharmaceuticals and infertility ahead. I felt adrift in my own emotions, and incredibly frustrated that doctors weren’t willing to talk to me about my own body.
In retrospect, I’m incredible grateful for that horrible experience, as it lit a fire under me to get to the heart of what was going wrong in my body. It kicked off years of reading, research, experimentation, lifestyle shifts — and ultimately going back to school to learn how to provide the kind of support to others that I had so desperately needed myself.
When I began my formal studies in Phytotherapy (medical herbalism), I knew that I wanted to deepen my understanding of hormonal disorders like PCOS, and learn about effective, sustainable and non-invasive approaches to managing them. Years later, I’m symptom-free and just as passionate as I ever was and am keen to provide the information, perspective and hope I would have been grateful to have had after my diagnosis.
Knowledge is power, so read on to learn more about this often misunderstood diagnosis:
- PCOS is very common
PCOS is remarkably prevalent, affecting an estimated 10% of menstruating individuals in North America, which makes it one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age. Despite its high prevalence, PCOS is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, partly due to its varied presentations and the lack of awareness among both patients and healthcare providers. - PCOS has very diverse presentations
PCOS does not manifest the same in every individual. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person and can include:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Hirsutism (excessive hair growth, sometimes on the face, chest or belly)
- Hair loss
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Infertility
- Blood sugar imbalances
- PCOS is not just about cysts
While the name “polycystic ovary syndrome” suggests a focus on ovarian cysts, the presence of cysts is not necessary for diagnosis. Some individuals with PCOS may not have visible cysts on their ovaries but still experience the hormonal imbalances characteristic of the syndrome.
The Rotterdam diagnostic criteria used by most doctors include three key features of PCOS, two of which must be present for an official diagnosis:- “Oligomenorrhea” (infrequent and/or irregular menstrual cycles, resulting in periods over 35 day apart)
- “Hyperandrogenism” (elevated levels of male hormones in bloodwork or symptoms of high testosterone, such as acne and male-pattern hair growth)
- “Polycystic ovaries” (the presence of multiple “*cysts” on the ovaries)
*The PCOS “cysts” actually refer to multiple egg follicles that are attempting to mature at the same time, but are unable to do so enough to release an egg (resulting in delayed or skipped ovulation and long or irregular menstrual cycles). “True” ovarian cysts are unrelated to PCOS.
- PCOS is not strictly a gynaecological issue
While PCOS is often categorized as a gynaecological condition due to its impact on menstrual cycles and fertility, it has far-reaching effects on other parts of the body. Some specialists even argue that it should be reclassified as an endocrine (hormonal) or metabolic disorder because of the role that the hormone insulin (which regulates how to body stores and uses sugar) plays in exacerbating PCOS symptoms.
The insulin resistance and obesity that often associated with PCOS can influence overall well-being, including having implications on your longterm health, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer. - PCOS can affect mental health
It’s important to acknowledge that depression and anxiety are common among those with PCOS. In addition to the impact on mood from unpredictable hormonal shifts, the stress of managing chronic symptoms like weight gain, infertility, persistent acne and unwanted body and facial hair can have a very real impact on our confidence, self-esteem and outlook for the future. - PCOS is very responsive to totally free DIY lifestyle changes
Lifestyle modifications can significantly impact PCOS management and are often free to implement. Simple changes such as adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress can improve symptoms and overall health. These DIY strategies can enhance insulin sensitivity, regulate menstrual cycles, and support mental well-being. - There are many natural remedies and supplements that can support PCOS symptoms
Alongside little changes, we can look to nature to play a supportive role in managing PCOS symptoms. Herbs such as spearmint (Mentha spicata) can help lower androgen levels and reduce hirsutism (excessive hair growth), while others like chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) may help regulate menstrual cycles and support hormonal balance. Supplements like inositol have been shown to help support regular ovulation, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce menstrual discomfort.
Understanding these aspects of PCOS can help demystify the condition and guide faster diagnosis as well as more effective management strategies. For personalized support managing PCOS, book an appointment with Kate here.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
