PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome — a hormonal condition affecting up to 10% of women, driven by an imbalance of sex hormones.
Not medical advice. PCOS presents differently for everyone and carries real metabolic risks. This is general information, not a personal treatment plan.
What it is
PCOS involves abnormally high levels of androgens (male hormones), which can prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg during the menstrual cycle. Common symptoms include irregular or absent periods, excess hair growth (hirsutism), hair thinning, acne, and ovarian cysts. It's also associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease — which is part of why lifestyle management matters even outside of fertility concerns.
Managing day to day
- Diet: a Mediterranean or DASH-style eating pattern — high fiber, low glycemic index carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats — is well supported for improving insulin resistance, which sits at the center of most PCOS symptoms.
- Regular eating: consistent meal timing helps keep blood sugar stable rather than swinging, which in turn eases insulin resistance.
- Exercise: roughly 30 minutes a day, aiming for about five sessions a week, is the commonly cited target for improving symptoms and metabolic risk.
- Medical support: birth control or metformin are commonly used to help regulate hormones and cycles — these are prescribed and monitored by a doctor based on your goals, including fertility plans.
Sources