PCOS Diagnosis: What You Need to Know & How to Take Control

Receiving a PCOS diagnosis can stir up a mix of emotions. For some, it brings relief—finally putting a name to unexplained symptoms. For others, it can feel overwhelming, leaving them with more questions than answers.

Many leave their doctor’s office with a prescription for Metformin, hormonal contraceptives, or Aldactone, but with little understanding of how these medications fit into a long-term management plan.

The confusion often leads to Google searches, social media deep dives, and conflicting advice, making it hard to know what’s truly effective. As a naturopath dedicated to supporting women with PCOS, I want to provide clarity, bust common myths, and offer practical, evidence-based steps to help you navigate your health journey.

What does a PCOS Diagnosis Really Means for Your Health

PCOS & Fertility: Can You Still Get Pregnant?

A common misconception is that PCOS makes pregnancy impossible. While irregular or delayed ovulation can make conception more challenging, many women with PCOS conceive naturally or with medical support like ovulation-inducing medications. Instead of focusing solely on fertility struggles, prioritising hormonal balance, insulin regulation, and metabolic health now can set the foundation for easier conception when the time comes.

PCOS is More Than Just a Reproductive Disorder

Contrary to popular belief, PCOS isn’t just about ovarian cysts—it’s a complex endocrine and metabolic condition. It affects multiple systems in the body, increasing the risk for insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic inflammation. Recognizing PCOS as a whole-body condition is key to managing it effectively.

Not Everyone’s PCOS Looks the Same

PCOS symptoms vary from person to person. While the three main diagnostic criteria include irregular periods, excess androgens (such as elevated testosterone), and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, not everyone with PCOS will experience all these symptoms. There are also different PCOS types, including:

• Insulin-Resistant PCOS (most common)

• Post-Pill PCOS (triggered after stopping hormonal birth control)

• Adrenal PCOS (driven by stress and cortisol imbalances)

• Inflammatory PCOS (rooted in chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction)

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Identifying your specific type of PCOS is essential for choosing the right management approach.

5 Myths About PCOS That Are Holding You Back PCOS diagnosis need to know

1. Weight Loss Will Cure PCOS

Weight loss is often recommended as a “fix” for PCOS, but PCOS is not caused by being overweight. While maintaining a healthy weight can improve symptoms by enhancing insulin sensitivity, it is not a cure. PCOS is a lifelong condition, and focusing only on weight loss instead of overall metabolic and hormonal balance can lead to frustration and unsustainable approaches. PCOS diagnosis need to know.

2. Birth Control is the Only Solution

Many women a

re prescribed hormonal birth control as a first-line treatment for PCOS, but this only masks symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. While birth control can regulate cycles and reduce symptoms like acne, it does not resolve underlying hormonal imbalances. Once stopped, symptoms often return—sometimes worse than before.

3. PCOS Means You Have Ovarian Cysts

Despite the name, polycystic ovary syndrome does not mean you have actual cysts. The “cysts” seen on ultrasound are actually small follicles that fail to mature due to hormonal imbalances. Additionally, not everyone with PCOS has polycystic ovaries—some women have normal ovaries but still meet the diagnostic criteria.

4. You Can’t Get Pregnant with PCOS

While ovulation can be irregular, PCOS does not equal infertility. Many women with PCOS successfully conceive naturally or with medical support. Focusing on regulating ovulation, managing insulin resistance, and reducing inflammation can significantly improve fertility outcomes.

5. Medication is Your Only Option

While medications like Metformin, Spironolactone, and hormonal birth control can help manage symptoms, they are not the only way to control PCOS. Many women have successfully managed their symptoms through dietary and lifestyle changes, targeted supplementation, and stress management. PCOS management should be personalized and focus on sustainable health changes rather than just relying on medication.

How to Take Control of Your PCOS Journey

Step 1: Get Comprehensive Blood Work Done

The first step in managing PCOS effectively is understanding your unique health profile. Standard tests often miss key markers that provide insight into insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. When testing for PCOS, ask for:

• Fasting insulin & glucose

• HbA1c (blood sugar control over 3 months)

• Full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies)

• Cortisol levels (to assess stress impact)

• Testosterone, SHBG, and DHEA-S (for androgen levels)

Having a full picture of your health allows for a more targeted and effective management plan.

Step 2: Optimise Nutrition for PCOS Management

Your diet plays a huge role in how you feel with PCOS. Rather than restrictive diets like keto or extreme carb-cutting, focus on: ✔️ Whole, nutrient-dense foods ✔️ Low-GI carbohydrates (quinoa, lentils, sweet potatoes) to balance blood sugar ✔️ Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil) to support hormone production ✔️ Adequate protein to stabilise energy and metabolism.

Step 3: Prioritise Stress & Sleep

Chronic stress elevates cortisol and insulin, which can worsen PCOS symptoms. Managing stress through breathwork, meditation, or Emotional Release Technique (ERT) can make a huge difference. Additionally, getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night supports hormone regulation and metabolic function.

Step 4: Move in a Way That Supports Your Body

Exercise is important for insulin sensitivity and overall well-being, but not all workouts are beneficial for PCOS. Avoid excessive cardio, which can elevate cortisol. Instead, focus on:

• Strength training to improve insulin sensitivity

• Walking & yoga to reduce stress

• Interval training (not excessive HIIT) for metabolism support

You’re Not Alone – Get Support for Your PCOS Journey

PCOS can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you choose medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both, the goal is long-term health and symptom management.

If you’re ready for a personalized approach, let’s create a plan that truly works for you. Book a FREE PCOS Success Gameplan Call today to get the support you need.

Click here to book now! 

Managing PCOS is a journey, but with the right tools and guidance, you can take control of your health and feel your best.