Did you know that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormone-related issues affecting women around the world? In the United States alone, PCOS is a leading cause of infertility; yet, according to findings from the 2024 ACOG Annual Meeting, delays in diagnosis and having symptoms brushed off by doctors are still way too common — leaving many women feeling ignored and disappointed when they’re just trying to figure out what’s happening with their bodies.  If you’re a woman of reproductive age, there’s roughly a one-in-ten chance you might be dealing with PCOS...

Let’s face it: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can make you feel just plain rotten.  This condition, which is a hormone imbalance affecting 1 in 10 menstruating people, or about 7 million women of reproductive age in the United States, is no walk in the park. PCOS impacts ovulation by interfering with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries. This, in addition to being a major factor behind female infertility, can cause a slew of uncomfortable symptoms, ranging from irregular or absent periods to insulin resistance, acne, hair loss, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and mood...

Pregnancy loss is awful for everyone, but what about people dealing with conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? Not only does PCOS cause a slew of aggravating symptoms, but it also can have a serious impact on your fertility and any potential pregnancies. PCOS is a hormone imbalance affecting 1 in 10 menstruating people, or about 7 million women of reproductive age in the United States. The hormonal imbalance can mess with ovulation by interfering with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries. Common symptoms include irregular or absent periods, difficulty losing weight, and...

If you went on hormonal birth control as a teenager and later stopped taking it (in your 20s or 30s), only to discover irregular periods, you are not alone. Many women find themselves in this situation, which often raises bigger questions: Is there a connection between birth control and menstrual irregularities? Could hormonal contraception somehow be linked to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? Recently, there’s been growing speculation, especially on social media, about whether birth control can cause PCOS. But is this theory grounded in actual evidence, or is it just another Internet myth that needs debunking?...

Dealing with PCOS can sometimes feel overwhelming, whether it's fertility worries, stubborn skin issues, weight challenges, or unpredictable mood swings. But here's the thing: you're tougher than you think, and with the right tools and self-care, you can absolutely take control and live well with PCOS. So let's explore some practical, empowering strategies to help you manage your symptoms and remind yourself that you've got this every step of the way! But first, what is PCOS? PCOS is a common hormonal disorder affecting people with ovaries, characterized by irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries. ...

Have you ever fallen down the Reddit rabbit hole in a desperate attempt to seek answers about a medical condition? First of all, no judgment, and second of all, it’s completely understandable! Platforms like Reddit offer a sense of community for those of us trying to wrap our heads around frustrating diagnoses that can affect our fertility, like, say, PCOS.The problem with these online forums is they don’t always offer evidence-based medical advice. Sometimes, these discussions can even create more questions than answers! For example, one query that’s come up from these Reddit chats is whether...

Whether you’ve been dealing with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) for a number of years or you’re in the same camp as approximately one-third of people who wait two years or more for a PCOS diagnosis and have yet to be diagnosed, one common thread is that you probably feel exhausted all.of.the.time. The PCOS fatigue might feel particularly debilitating around your heavy flow days that seem to chain you to your couch or bed, but you might also feel constantly tired and drained all throughout your cycle, too. It can make it nearly impossible to still get...

Remember when you used to have long, voluminous hair? Perhaps you were a teenager or a young adult. For many people, not only does the aging process have a profound effect on hair growth, but also the presence of reproductive or hormonal issues. More specifically, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been shown to increase hair loss in 20-30% of patients.  If you're reading this, then it's safe to say that either yourself or a loved one may be experiencing PCOS-related hair loss. You're not alone. We spoke with an expert about why this happens, as well...

Have you heard of Ovasitol? The supplement has been making waves on TikTok, with proponents touting its ability to improve insulin resistance and support healthy ovulation. But what is Ovasitol, and what are its benefits for women's health? Let’s discuss.  First, what is Ovasitol? Ovasitol is the brand name for inositol, an over-the-counter dietary supplement designed to support healthy insulin and hormone levels, menstrual regularity, and fertility.* It’s a combination of two sugar alcohols, myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol, which are naturally occurring in the body as well as in foods like fruits, beans, grains, and nuts. Myo-inositol...

Anyone who lives with PCOS knows that it can impact everything from your mood to your diet. If you’re trying to conceive, it’s natural to also worry about whether PCOS will affect this aspect of your life in unwanted ways.  There is research available that points to connections between PCOS and difficulty conceiving. Still, there are also tools, resources, and tests that can help you better manage the risk of miscarriage or other unwanted pregnancy conditions.  According to Dr. Dorothy Bestoyong, an OB/GYN based in Orlando, Florida, one of the first things you should do before...