You’ve noticed the signs—irregular cycles, unexplained weight gain, stubborn acne, or maybe even unwanted hair growth. Maybe your period disappears for months at a time, or perhaps it’s unpredictable, showing up whenever it pleases.
You might be wondering: Could this be PCOS? And if it is, what does that mean for my fertility?
You’re not alone. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 1 in 10 women and is one of the most common hormone imbalances in women of reproductive age, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many women go years without a proper diagnosis, while others are given little guidance beyond, “Just go on birth control” or “Lose weight and come back when you want to get pregnant.”
But PCOS is more than irregular cycles or difficulty conceiving. It’s a complex metabolic and hormonal condition that affects your whole body—and most importantly, it’s something you can manage naturally with the right approach.
If you’re wondering whether you have PCOS, or you’ve already been diagnosed but feel unsure about your next steps, keep reading. We’re going to break down exactly what PCOS is, how it affects your body, and what you can do to regain balance naturally.
If you want to work 1-1 with a naturopathic doctor who specializes in PCOS and fertility, schedule your free consultation today!
What Is PCOS, Really?
PCOS is often described as a reproductive disorder, but at its core, it’s actually a hormonal and metabolic condition that impacts your entire system.
It typically involves three main issues:
✔ Irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation (leading to irregular or absent periods)
✔ Elevated androgens (male hormones like testosterone), which can cause acne, hair growth, or hair thinning
✔ Insulin resistance (difficulty regulating blood sugar), which can lead to weight gain, sugar cravings, and energy crashes
The tricky part? Not every woman with PCOS has the same symptoms. Some women struggle with acne and oily skin, while others have none at all. Some gain weight easily, while others are lean but still experience hormone imbalances.
This is why PCOS is often misdiagnosed—or missed entirely. Many women are told they don’t have it simply because they don’t fit the “classic” picture of weight gain and cystic ovaries.
How Do You Know If You Have PCOS?
If you’re concerned about PCOS, the first step is understanding its key symptoms.
Common PCOS Symptoms:
🔹 Irregular Periods – Cycles that are too long, too short, or missing altogether. Many women with PCOS ovulate infrequently or not at all.
🔹 Acne & Oily Skin – Hormonal imbalances, particularly high androgens, can trigger cystic acne, especially along the jawline, chin, and back.
🔹 Unwanted Hair Growth (Hirsutism) – Excess testosterone can cause hair growth on areas like the chin, upper lip, chest, or abdomen.
🔹 Thinning Hair or Hair Loss – High androgens can also cause androgenic alopecia, leading to thinning hair or increased shedding.
🔹 Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight – PCOS is closely linked to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar and store fat properly.
🔹 Fatigue & Blood Sugar Crashes – If you often feel tired after meals or experience sugar cravings, insulin resistance could be playing a role.
🔹 Mood Swings, Anxiety, or Depression – Hormonal imbalances and blood sugar instability can impact mental health, increasing feelings of stress or overwhelm.
🔹 Dark Skin Patches (Acanthosis Nigricans) – Velvety, dark patches of skin (often on the neck, underarms, or groin) can be a sign of insulin resistance.
Not all women with PCOS have every symptom. Some may only struggle with irregular cycles and fertility issues, while others may deal more with insulin resistance and metabolism challenges.
Can You Have PCOS and Still Be “Normal” Weight?
Yes! While many women with PCOS struggle with weight gain, lean PCOS is also common. Even women who appear to be at a “healthy” weight can have insulin resistance, ovulation issues, or elevated androgens.
That’s why looking beyond weight—and focusing on hormonal balance—is so important when addressing PCOS.
How Do You Know If You Have PCOS?
The tricky thing about PCOS is that there’s no single test to diagnose it. Instead, doctors use something called the Rotterdam Criteria, which means you need at least two of the following three to be diagnosed:
1️⃣ Irregular or absent ovulation (long cycles, short cycles, or skipped periods)
2️⃣ Signs of high androgens (acne, hair growth, hair loss) or elevated androgens on lab work
3️⃣ Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (not always present but can appear as "string of pearls" cysts)
Since PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion, your doctor may also run tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction or adrenal issues.
If you suspect PCOS, functional lab testing can be incredibly helpful in identifying the root imbalances and guiding a treatment plan that works for your body.
Can You Still Get Pregnant with PCOS?
Absolutely. PCOS can make it harder to conceive, but it does not mean you’re infertile. Many women with PCOS go on to have healthy pregnancies, especially when they address hormone imbalances naturally.
A holistic fertility specialist will assess how your PCOS is impacting your fertility. Some common fertility obstacles that PCOS can cause are:
✔ Disrupting your ovulation (if your cycles are irregular, it’s harder to pinpoint fertile days)
✔ Altering your hormone balance (higher testosterone levels can interfere with egg quality and cervical mucus production)
✔ Increasing inflammation and insulin resistance (which can impact implantation and egg maturation)
The good news? PCOS is highly responsive to lifestyle and naturopathic approaches that help restore hormone balance and support ovulation naturally.
A Holistic Approach to Managing PCOS Naturally
Instead of masking symptoms with medication (like birth control or Metformin), a holistic approach focuses on addressing the root causes—blood sugar balance, inflammation, and hormone regulation.
1. Blood Sugar Balance: The PCOS Foundation
PCOS is deeply linked to insulin resistance, meaning your body struggles to process carbohydrates properly. The key? Stabilizing blood sugar throughout the day.
Helpful tips:
✔ Prioritize protein & healthy fats at every meal
✔ Minimize processed carbs & refined sugar (swap for fiber-rich whole foods)
✔ Eat balanced meals (no skipping meals or drastic calorie restriction!)
✔ Add strength training & movement (which helps improve insulin sensitivity)
2. Nourish Your Hormones with the Right Nutrients
Your hormonal system might have a tough time working properly if it doesn’t have the right fuel.
Some key nutrients for PCOS support include:
✔ Inositol (supports ovulation and insulin balance)
✔ Magnesium (calms the nervous system & reduces sugar cravings)
✔ Zinc (lowers excess androgens & improves skin)
✔ Omega-3s (reduces inflammation & supports egg quality)
3. Reduce Stress & Support Your Nervous System
PCOS is a condition that thrives on stress. High cortisol (your stress hormone) can worsen insulin resistance and inflammation, making symptoms even harder to manage.
Helpful tips:
✔ Try mindfulness & deep breathing to reset your stress response
✔ Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night
✔ Practice gentle movement like yoga or walking (instead of intense cardio, which can spike cortisol)
4. Cycle Tracking & Natural Ovulation Support
Many women with PCOS assume they’re not ovulating at all—but sometimes, ovulation is just delayed instead of absent. Tracking your cycle can help you recognize patterns and optimize fertility.
Helpful tips:
✔ Use Basal Body Temperature (BBT) to confirm ovulation
✔ Check for cervical mucus changes as a sign of approaching fertility
✔ Consider herbs & supplements that promote ovulation naturally (like Vitex or Myo-Inositol)
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Broken
If you suspect you have PCOS, know this: you are not broken, and you are not alone.
Your body isn’t failing you—it’s just asking for support in the right areas.
By balancing blood sugar, managing stress, and optimizing your nutrition, you can regain control of your cycle, improve fertility, and feel more connected to your body than ever before.
✨ Looking for more personalized guidance? Schedule a free consultation to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and create a plan tailored to your unique fertility journey. You deserve answers—and the support to feel your best.