PCOS Awareness Month is upon us and it's a perfect opportunity to remind ourselves that, despite all of those TikTok videos, we probably still don't completely understand polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In fact, there's never been a better time to straighten up some of those PCOS myths that are still circulating on the internet
We spoke to Dr Hazel Wallace about some of the most common misconceptions she hears from her patients about the condition. Wallace is an NHS medical doctor, registered associate nutritionist, and founder of The Food Medic – an educational platform that aims to bridge the gap between traditional medical advice and the latest developments in nutrition.
From understanding irregular periods to navigating pregnancy with PCOS, here are the top six things that Dr Hazel wants you to know:
Myth #1: PCOS is a rare condition
PCOS is actually one of the most common reproductive hormone disorders and affects one in 10 women in the UK. Symptoms include irregular or absent periods, excess body or facial hair, acne or oily skin, hair loss from the scalp (alopecia), difficulty becoming pregnant, and mood changes. Some people have no symptoms at all. If you’re worried you may have PCOS, speak to your GP.
Myth #2: If you have irregular periods, you have PCOS
If you have irregular periods, it doesn't necessarily mean you have PCOS – so make sure to get checked out first before making any self-diagnoses.
There are many other causes for irregular periods including; certain forms of contraception, medical conditions, puberty and perimenopause, extreme weight loss or weight gain, restrictive diets and/or excessive exercise.
It’s also very common for women to experience a missed period at some point in their reproductive life, especially during periods of stress. That’s okay and usually, nothing to worry about, however, if it continues to happen consecutively over a few months – that’s when you should go see your doctor.
Everything you need to know about endometriosis.
Myth #3: If you have PCOS, you have to cut out carbs
The myth stems from the fact that many women with PCOS also have insulin resistance, which means the body is unable to take up and use carbohydrates (in the form of glucose) from the bloodstream as well as it should. This does not mean you need to cut carbohydrates out completely – they should still remain an important part of a healthy balanced diet (PCOS or not).
However, it seems focusing on the quality of carbohydrates (as opposed to the quantity) may be more important when it comes to managing PCOS and supporting overall health (see this study).
Opting for carbohydrates with a low glycaemic index (GI) which are typically complex carbohydrates such as oats, brown rice, wholemeal bread, and pulses as opposed to high GI foods which are generally simple and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, sweets and dried fruit, has been shown to be helpful for those with PCOS (see this study). Also pairing carbohydrates with lean protein, healthy fats and fibre can help to stabilise glucose levels.
Some meal ideas might be:
* Wholemeal toast with peanut butter and sliced strawberries
* Baked sweet potato with tuna, mayonnaise and sweetcorn.
* Vegan lentil chilli with brown rice and guacamole.
For more information on a low GI diet see here.
Answers about vitamins A to Z(inc).
Myth #4: It only affects women who are obese or overweight
While it is true that people with PCOS are more likely to have a higher weight, women in the ‘normal’ BMI category also get PCOS (this is sometimes called “lean PCOS”).
Having a higher weight doesn’t cause PCOS but it can contribute to insulin resistance and increased male sex hormone levels. For those with a BMI >25, 5-10% weight loss is linked with significant improvements in the regulation of periods and fertility (see this study).
BUT dieting and pursuing weight loss does not come without its own risks – particularly as women with PCOS are more likely to develop disordered eating (see this study). This is likely due to the pressure on women with PCOS to lose weight and the fact women with PCOS find weight loss more challenging, placing them at risk for disordered eating behaviours such as severe restriction or binge eating.
So focusing on weight loss isn’t in the best interest of all women with PCOS – but you can still take an active role in improving your health and symptoms of PCOS by focusing on managing stress, exercise, sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Myth #5: You can't get pregnant if you have PCOS
One of the most common symptoms of PCOS is irregular or absent periods, which means that ovulation does not always occur, which can therefore make it harder – or take longer – to get pregnant.
However, reassuringly, there are effective treatments that can support women with PCOS to get pregnant. In fact, research shows that both people with and without PCOS have a similar number of pregnancies and children (see this study).
There’s also some evidence that women with PCOS may have certain fertility advantages, such as a slower decline in the number of healthy eggs as women get older (i.e. into their 30s and 40s) (see this study).
Myth #6: PCOS always causes excessive hair growth
One of the most common symptoms of PCOS (according to TikTok, anyway) is hair growth — usually in places where you might not want it, such as the chin and the cheeks. However, having unusual facial hair growth doesn't necessarily mean you have PCOS — and having no unusual hair growth also doesn't mean you don't have it, either.
In reality, things aren't quite so clear cut. While some women do notice extra thicker hair on their faces, others may not experience the symptom at all. In fact, according to a 2022 study, around 70% of women with PCOS experience this symptom, while 30% do not.
If you are concerned about polycystic ovary syndrome, it's always recommended to book an appointment with your GP to discuss diagnosis and treatment. You can find your local GP here.
One study estimates that women with PCOS are roughly eight times more at risk of suicide.
