PCOS & the Pill: What You Need to Know

The Go-To Prescription That Doesn’t Solve the Problem: PCOS and the Pill

If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, chances are your doctor handed you a prescription for the pill. Maybe you were told it would regulate your cycle, clear your skin, or reduce excess hair. And maybe it did—for a while. But what if I told you those results were only temporary, and that the pill isn’t actually treating the root cause of your PCOS at all?

Many of the women I work with have spent over a decade on the pill—some starting in their early teens and only stopping when they’re ready to conceive. The result? Their real hormonal imbalances were never addressed. And now, they feel lost, overwhelmed, and fearful about their fertility.

Let’s unpack the truth about the pill and what you can do if you’re currently on it—or trying to come off it.

What the Pill Is Actually Doing to Your Body

The pill is a form of hormonal contraception that shuts down your body’s natural hormone production. It prevents ovulation and creates a monthly withdrawal bleed, not a true period.

What it doesn’t do:

• Fix the underlying hormone imbalances

• Promote real menstrual cycle regulation

• Improve insulin sensitivity or inflammation (which drive PCOS symptoms)

  
  

It acts as a bandaid, suppressing symptoms without resolving the cause.

Why It’s Prescribed for PCOS

Doctors often prescribe the pill to manage:

• Irregular periods

• Acne

• Hair growth

• Heavy Bleeds

  
  

And while it can help in the short term, it doesn’t mean your PCOS is “under control.” It means your symptoms are being silenced. When you stop taking it, you may find that:

• Your cycles are still irregular

• Ovulation hasn’t returned

• Symptoms rebound—sometimes worse than before

  
  

Long-Term Pill Use & Your Fertility

Here’s the truth many women aren’t told. Taking the pill from puberty until your 30s means you may not have ovulated naturally in over a decade. That’s a long time to go without understanding your body or recognising early signs of hormonal imbalance.

When it comes time to try for a baby, this can delay diagnosis of:

• Lack of ovulation (anovulation)

• Insulin resistance

• Thyroid or other hormonal conditions

  
  

The result? It can feel like your body has failed you—when really, it just hasn’t had a chance to function on its own.

How to Support PCOS while on the Pill

If you’re currently taking the pill (or feel like it’s your only option), here’s how you can still support your body:

1. Balance your blood sugar

Even on the pill, insulin resistance can worsen PCOS. Focus on balanced meals with protein, fibre, and healthy fats.

2. Take key nutrients

The pill depletes B-vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and folate. A quality multivitamin or targeted supplementation can help replenish what’s lost.

3. Support your gut

Hormonal birth control alters gut bacteria. Include fermented foods, fibre-rich veggies, and possibly a probiotic.

4. Prioritise sleep and stress

Both impact hormone balance and inflammation. Think: 8 hours of sleep, mindful movement, and regular self-care.

5. Keep your body moving

Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, supports mental health, and reduces inflammation—all essential in managing PCOS.

A Gentle Reminder

The pill isn’t inherently “bad”—but it shouldn’t be the only tool in your toolbox. You deserve care that goes beyond suppression. Whether you're on the pill, coming off it, or wondering what’s next, you’re not alone. There are ways to support your body and feel empowered again.

Ready to take control of your hormones?

Book your free Naturopathic Assessment Call for PCOS today. We’ll talk about your symptoms, goals, and whether personalised support could help you manage PCOS naturally and sustainably—even if you're still on the pill.