PCOS is a common condition that is not well understood, which isn’t terribly surprising. The frustrating reality of many women’s health conditions is that there’s not enough information available to the public…and an absolute abundance of false claims. As we know by now, when women don’t have the answers they need about their own bodies, they’re vulnerable to the trap of medical misinformation. And in the case of PCOS, that misinformation is all over the internet. Our goal, as always, is to cut through the noise and give women the accurate information they need to advocate...

Zara Hanawalt • Dec 14, 2024 • 3 minute read

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) impacts 1 in 10 women in the United States. Many of these women — maybe yourself included — would tell the world that PCOS is as unpredictable as it is stressful. It’s a condition with symptoms that can make managing day-to-day well-being difficult.  PCOS is known for its hormonal imbalance and the trickle-down effect it can have on the rest of your body. It’s not out of the norm for it to impact your self-confidence, fertility, and physical well-being.  For instance, some women may struggle with missing ovulation or periods, which can...

Vivian Nunez • Nov 24, 2024 • 3 minute read

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...

Sarene Leeds • Nov 10, 2024 • 4 minute read

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...

Sarene Leeds • Oct 28, 2024 • 3 minute read

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?...

Kristyn Hodgdon • Sep 26, 2024 • 3 minute read

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. ...

Kristyn Hodgdon • Sep 23, 2024 • 4 minute read

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...

Sarene Leeds • Sep 19, 2024 • 3 minute read

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...

Mara Santilli • Aug 28, 2024 • 4 minute read

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...

Casey Clark • Aug 22, 2024 • 3 minute read

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...

Erin Pettis • Aug 21, 2024 • 3 minute read