PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – a condition characterized by hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that affect women’s overall health and appearance… and is a common and treatable cause of infertility.

The hormonal imbalances seen in PCOS alter the menstrual cycle, so the egg may not develop as it should or it may not be released during ovulation as it should be – giving rise to the condition’s name.

This is one of the many reasons why there is still confusion around this condition. In fact, the “cysts” aren’t your standard cysts that need removal. They are actually small follicles (a normal part of the ovulating ovary), each containing an egg. The buildup in the ovary due to eggs not being released over time impacts the ovaries’ ability to produce important female hormones that assist with cycle regulation.

Here are some common symptoms of PCOS:

• Difficulty getting pregnant (infertility)
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Hirsutism (hair growth on the face, chin, or parts of the body where men usually have hair)
• Acne on the face, chest, and upper back
• Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp; male-pattern baldness
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Darkening of skin, particularly along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath breasts, which is commonly associated with insulin resistance
• Anxiety and/or depression
• Elevated waist-to-hip ratios, overweight and obesity
• Fatigue

When patients receive a medical diagnosis of PCOS, this can create even more fear and confusion… because they are led to believe that it can’t be healed, and that you can only treat it with medications.