6 PCOS Myths That Deserve to Be Left on Read

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is one of the most misunderstood hormonal disorders out there, and the myths surrounding it? Insane. From cures for cysts to misconceptions about symptoms, misinformation runs unchecked. Let’s dissect six fabricated ideas about PCOS.

Not Ovary-acting, These PCOS Myths Are Wild…

Myth #1: If You Lose Weight, You Can Get Rid of PCOS

PCOS does not pack its bags and leave after one has lost a few pounds, as it is not an issue that only targets overweight people. Weight loss is an important step in managing symptoms for some individuals, but it is not a cure. PCOS is a condition tied to hormonal imbalances and the increase in insulin resistance, which do not simply vanish with a smaller waist size. Insulin resistance disrupts your body’s ability to process sugar, inducing higher insulin levels and an increase in androgens (male hormones) that worsen these symptoms. Weight loss is a side quest rather than the endgame, addressing root issues like insulin resistance and inflammation is the key to managing your PCOS symptoms.

Myth #2: PCOS Only Affects Overweight Women

Believe it or not, PCOS is very inclusive. Even if you’re at a healthy weight, these underlying hormonal imbalances can persist. Women of all shapes and sizes can obtain these issues, and assuming otherwise is not only incorrect, but it’s also harmful since it has been turned into a body-shaming tactic. Due to this stereotype, people with normal body weight are often misdiagnosed or left undiagnosed for years. Weight is not a prerequisite to obtaining PCOS, and when weight isn’t a part of the equation, symptoms like irregular cycles, acne, or hirsutism are overlooked. No matter the weight, everyone’s ovaries deserve the same awareness.

Myth #3: All Women with PCOS Experience Unwanted Hair Growth

PCOS symptoms are like a group project: everyone gets a different assignment. PCOS has a spectrum of symptoms. Some might experience an increase in facial hair (hirsutism), while others experience hair loss or thinning. There are even women who don’t experience anything hair-related at all. Another example of this would be the issue with periods, some receive irregularity, others receive heavy, consistent periods, but there are still women with PCOS who have no issues with their periods at all. Androgens don’t hand out the same symptoms to everyone, and each symptom can always vary from mild to severe. Long story short, symptoms vary amongst those with PCOS, and this also proves that one singular symptom doesn’t mean that you have PCOS

Myth #4: You Must Have Cysts on Your Ovaries to Have PCOS

If we look at the Rotterdam criteria, there are four different attributions recognized:

Frank or Classic polycystic ovary (chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries – 3 of 3)
Classic non-polycystic ovary (chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and normal ovaries – 2 of 3)
Nonclassic ovulatory PCOS (regular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries – 2 of 3)
Mild PCOS (chronic anovulation, normal androgens, and polycystic ovaries – 2 of 3)

The Rotterdam criteria show that to be diagnosed with PCOS, a patient must possess two out of the three conditions: hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularities, and polycystic ovaries. PCOS stands for “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,” but it does not mean that everyone with the condition has ovarian cysts, as it is not the only underlying factor. Some people have cysts; some people don’t, so people can be misled by the name. The presence of cysts on ovaries is not what confirms a PCOS diagnosis; it’s the hormonal imbalance detected by evaluating your hormone levels.

Myth #5: All PCOS Symptoms Are Visible

The symptoms of PCOS are not all front and center, those like fatigue, insulin resistance, or even anxiety are completely invisible, as opposed to acne or hirsutism. This myth is damaging because it fuels the “but you don’t look sick” narrative, which is simply just gaslighting. There are many visible and invisible signs that someone is struggling, and those invisible symptoms matter just as much as the visible ones, possibly even more. Insulin resistance can lead to many other issues, like the development of type 2 diabetes, metabolic dysfunction, and even liver cancer. Being aware of these invisible symptoms is crucial to managing this complex condition.

Myth #6: PCOS Isn’t a Big Deal If You Don’t Want Kids

PCOS does affect fertility, but that is just one out of many factors of the hormonal circus. It is a whole-body condition that affects many parts, not just reproduction. Even if kids are not a part of your life plan, managing PCOS is still essential for a healthy life. Ovaries are connected to more than just your uterus and can impact your whole body if disrupted. Studies have continued to show the risk that women with PCOS face in developing metabolic issues like diabetes and heart disease. When facing this condition, it is important to take a holistic approach to addressing your health, managing it is not just about reproduction.

PCOS myths are like when a person overshares: unnecessary and harmful. By learning the facts and shutting down misinformation, we can properly support those living with this condition. Remember, science, empathy, and self-care go a long way in dismantling the misinformed.