Frequently Asked Questions About PCOS

Can I have PCOS if my periods are regular?

Yes. Although irregular or absent periods are common in PCOS, some women with PCOS have regular-looking menstrual cycles. Regular bleeding does not always mean that ovulation is occurring consistently however.

If you have other signs of PCOS, such as acne, excess facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning or elevated androgens, further assessment may be appropriate.

Do I need to have polycystic ovaries to have PCOS?

No. Despite the name, you do not need to have polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound to be diagnosed with PCOS.

PCOS is diagnosed based on a combination of features, including ovulatory dysfunction and increased androgen activity, with ovarian morphology being one possible component of the diagnosis.

Can I have PCOS if I’m not overweight?

Absolutely. PCOS can affect women of all body sizes.

While excess weight and abdominal adiposity can worsen insulin resistance and some manifestations of PCOS, being overweight is not a requirement for having PCOS.

For this reason, PCOS care should focus on your individual hormonal and metabolic health rather than weight alone.

Do I need to lose weight to improve my PCOS?

Not necessarily. While weight loss can improve some PCOS symptoms and metabolic markers in women who are carrying excess weight, PCOS also occurs in women who are not overweight.

Rather than focusing on weight alone, I look at the individual factors that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as insulin regulation, nutrition, hormonal health, menstrual function, sleep, stress and lifestyle.

Is insulin resistance always present with PCOS?

No. Insulin resistance is common in PCOS but does not occur in every woman with the condition.

Where insulin resistance is present, it can contribute to elevated androgen levels, menstrual irregularity, ovulatory dysfunction and other metabolic changes. Assessing blood sugar and insulin regulation may therefore be an important part of understanding your individual presentation.

Can PCOS affect fertility?

Yes. PCOS is one of the most common causes of ovulatory dysfunction and can make it more difficult to conceive.

However, having PCOS does not mean that you cannot become pregnant. Supporting healthy ovulation, metabolic health and nutritional status may form part of a preconception approach, alongside appropriate medical care where required.

Can PCOS cause acne and unwanted facial hair?

Yes. Increased androgen activity is one of the key features associated with PCOS and can contribute to acne, increased facial or body hair and scalp hair thinning.

Can PCOS develop later in life?

PCOS usually has its origins during the reproductive years, and symptoms may become apparent during adolescence or later.

Some women may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood, particularly if symptoms have previously been mild, masked by hormonal contraception or have changed over time.

New hormonal symptoms later in life should be assessed carefully, as there are other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to PCOS.

Can naturopathy help with PCOS?

Naturopathic care may provide supportive strategies for women with PCOS, particularly around nutrition, metabolic health, menstrual health, ovulation, hormonal symptoms and overall wellbeing.

Can naturopathy be combined with conventional medical care for PCOS treatment?

Yes – naturopathy can be used alongside medical care for those patients who like to combine conventional and complementary medicine approaches. It is important to disclose to your practitioner any medications that you are taking. 

What tests might be useful if I have PCOS?

The most appropriate testing will depend on your individual symptoms, health history and previous results. Where relevant, assessment may include hormone panels, blood glucose and insulin markers, cholesterol and triglycerides, thyroid function and other tests to help rule out conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Recent GP pathology and ultrasound reports can also provide valuable information and will be reviewed as part of your overall assessment.

Some investigations can be arranged through your GP and may be Medicare-rebatable. Where more specialised testing could provide additional information, I may recommend functional testing through an appropriate pathology provider. These tests are generally an additional out-of-pocket expense, and your budget and individual circumstances are always taken into consideration when discussing testing options.