PCOS – What Is It, Why It Happens, and How to Support PCOS Naturally

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age. It can affect periods, weight, skin, fertility, mood and long-term health.

It is estimated that around 1 in 10 women have PCOS, although many remain undiagnosed for years.

Despite the name, PCOS is not simply a condition of cysts on the ovaries. It is a complex metabolic and hormonal imbalance that can affect the whole body.

Women with PCOS are more likely to experience insulin resistance, weight gain, acne or excess hair growth, irregular periods, thyroid problems, fertility difficulties and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

PCOS symptoms can vary widely, which is why some women struggle for years before getting answers.

Common Symptoms of PCOS

Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms, but common PCOS symptoms include:

·       Irregular or missing periods

·       Difficulty getting pregnant

·       Weight gain, and difficulty losing weight

·       Oily skin and acne, particularly around the jawline and chin

·       Excess facial or body hair

·       Hair thinning on the scalp

·       Fatigue

·       Anxiety or low mood

·       Sleep problems

·       Skin tags or darkened skin folds

·       Bloating or digestive issues

Root Causes of PCOS

PCOS is usually caused by a combination of factors rather than one single problem.

There is not a one-size-fits-all plan with PCOS. Understanding what is driving the symptoms is important, because treatment should be different depending on whether the main issue is insulin resistance, stress hormones, inflammation, thyroid dysfunction or androgen excess.

Insulin Resistance

One of the most common drivers of PCOS is insulin resistance.

When the body produces too much insulin, it stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgens, irregular cycles, acne, weight gain and excess hair growth. Signs include strong sugar cravings, energy crashes, skin tags, difficulty losing weight. A diet high in refined carbohydrates, chronic stress and lack of sleep can all worsen insulin resistance.

Hormonal Imbalance

Women with PCOS often have higher androgen levels and disrupted ovulation. Androgens can come from the ovaries, the adrenal glands, or both. Common symptoms are irregular periods, anovulatory cycles, acne, thinning hair, hirsutism. Hormone imbalances may also occur after stopping the contraceptive pill, during periods of stress, or alongside thyroid dysfunction.

Chronic Stress and High Cortisol

Even moderate stress can have a body wide effect on women with PCOS, affecting sleep, the gut microbiome, serotonin production and mood.

Inflammation

Low-grade inflammation is common in PCOS and can affect how the body responds to insulin and hormones. Inflammation can be linked to a highly processed diet, microbiome imbalances, poor sleep, stress, nutrient deficiencies. Inflammation can make symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain and skin problems worse.

Gut Health Problems

Compromised digestion, IBS symptoms, microbiome imbalances and low stomach acid can affect nutrient absorption and increase inflammation. This can contribute to insulin resistance, hormone imbalance and fatigue. Many women experience bloating, constipation or diarrhoea.

Thyroid Dysfunction

An underactive or suboptimal thyroid can slow metabolism, affect ovulation and make weight loss more difficult. Symptoms may include fatigue, constipation, feeling cold, low mood and hair thinning. Autoimmune thyroiditis is common.

Genetic Predisposition

There is often a family history of PCOS, certain genes can put some women at a higher risk.

Environmental Factors

Certain chemicals known as endocrine disruptors can interfere with normal hormone signalling. These can be found in cosmetics, cleaning products, pesticides and food packaging. Research shows higher levels of these chemicals in women with PCOS, and they may contribute to inflammation, insulin resistance and androgen excess.

How Can Your GP Help With PCOS?

Your GP is an important first step if you suspect PCOS.

They may:

·       Check hormone levels

·       Arrange an ultrasound scan

·       Prescribe the contraceptive pill

·       Prescribe metformin

·       Discuss fertility treatment if needed

·       Suggest weight loss

These treatments can be helpful, especially for managing symptoms, but they do not always address the underlying causes.

My Approach

My approach looks at the root causes and whole picture rather than focusing on masking and managing symptoms.

This may include:

1.     Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress

2.     Introducing a Mediterranean diet

3.     Supporting insulin sensitivity, by balancing blood sugar

4.     Improving sleep and stress resilience

5.     Supporting gut health, digestion

6.     Optimising liver function to support hormone imbalance and detoxification

7.     Supporting ovulation and hormone imbalance

8.     Reducing exposure to toxins and hormone disruptors

9.     Correcting nutrient deficiencies

10.  Supporting thyroid function where needed

11.  Using targeted supplements where appropriate

Every plan is individual, because PCOS does not look the same in every woman.

Functional Testing

Where appropriate, functional testing can help us understand what is driving symptoms.

This may include:

·       Full thyroid panel including antibodies (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, TPO Ab, TG Ab)

·       Fasting glucose, insulin and HbA1c

·       Female hormone testing

·       DUTCH test

·       Inflammation markers

·       Comprehensive gut testing

·       Cortisol testing

Take the First Step Toward Improvement

I’d love to help. Reach out for a chat, and let’s explore how I could support you.

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