Understanding PCOS: A Modern Epidemic in Women’s Health

Mascari, Brooke - April 20th, 2025

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, better known as PCOS, is one of the most common yet misunderstood hormonal imbalances affecting women today. It is estimated that 1 in 10 women of reproductive age live with PCOS, although many go undiagnosed for years. As awareness increases, so do the questions: What is PCOS? Why is it becoming more common? What does it mean for our long-term health—and how can we begin to heal?

Let’s break it all down.

🌸 What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries and the overall endocrine system. It involves a combination of symptoms related to:

• Irregular or absent ovulation

• Elevated androgens (male hormones such as testosterone and DHEA)

• Insulin resistance

• Multiple small cysts on the ovaries (though not always present)

It’s important to note: You do not have to have ovarian cysts to be diagnosed with PCOS. The syndrome is more about hormonal patterns and metabolic imbalances than just cysts alone; that’s why we call it a syndrome. It tends to show up differently from one woman to another.

📈 Why Is PCOS on the Rise?

Several modern-day lifestyle factors are believed to contribute to the increasing rates of PCOS, including:

• Chronic stress which disrupts the HPA axis and worsens hormonal imbalances.

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (found in plastics, pesticides, and beauty products) that mimic hormones and confuse the body.

• High-sugar, low-nutrient diets that spike insulin and worsen inflammation.

• Sedentary lifestyles that impair metabolic health.

• Poor gut health - directly linked to hormone regulation and detox pathways.

In essence, our modern world has created the perfect storm for hormonal chaos. And our bodies, especially as women, are speaking up!

🌺 Signs & Symptoms of PCOS

Every woman’s experience with PCOS can look different, but the most common signs include:

Hormonal

• Irregular or missed periods

• Ovarian cysts

• Infertility or difficulty conceiving

• Acne, especially on the jawline or chin

• Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)

• Thinning scalp hair

Metabolic

• Weight gain or resistance to weight loss (especially around the midsection)

• Blood sugar imbalances, insulin resistance, and pre-diabetes.

• Fatigue or energy crashes

• Cravings for sugar and carbs

Emotional & Mental

• Mood swings

• Anxiety or depression

• Poor sleep or insomnia

• Low libido

💔 What Happens if PCOS Is Left Unbalanced?

Untreated or unmanaged PCOS can lead to long-term complications such as:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Heart disease

• Endometrial cancer (due to unopposed estrogen)

• Osteoporosis and other bone deterioration symptoms

• Infertility

• Increased risk for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders

But here's the empowering truth: PCOS is manageable, and even reversible, through lifestyle, nutrition, and holistic healing. You are not broken. Your body is simply asking for support.

🌿 How to Heal PCOS Naturally

1. Balance Blood Sugar

Insulin resistance is at the core of the majority of PCOS cases.

• Focus on high-protein, fiber-rich meals.

• Choose complex carbs (quinoa, sweet potatoes, fruit in moderation).

• Avoid high-sugar and processed foods.

• Take 1 Tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar daily.

2. Support Liver & Gut Health

Hormones are detoxed through the liver and excreted via the gut.

• Eat cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower).

• Include bitter foods (arugula, dandelion, lemon).

• Support digestion with probiotics, fermented foods, and warm herbal teas (ginger, fennel, peppermint).

3. Reduce Androgens Naturally

• Spearmint tea is shown to reduce testosterone levels.

• Zinc, magnesium, and inositol are excellent for balancing hormones.

• Avoid inflammatory foods like seed oils, dairy, and refined sugar.

4. Nurture the Nervous System

Chronic stress = hormonal chaos.

• Practice daily breathwork, meditation, or yoga.

• Prioritize sleep and rest, not just productivity!

• Set boundaries that protect your peace.

5. Move Intuitively

Exercise helps regulate insulin and inflammation, but too much intensity can worsen symptoms.

• Walk, lift weights, or try restorative practices like Pilates or yoga.

• Avoid overtraining and honor your energy levels.

💌 The Emotional Side of PCOS

PCOS isn’t just physical, it affects how a woman feels in her body. Many women report feeling:

• Frustrated by their unpredictable cycles

• Self-conscious about weight, facial hair, and water retention

• Disconnected from their femininity

Healing PCOS is about reclaiming your power. Not fighting your body, but learning to understand it. When you begin to treat yourself with compassion, nourishment, and patience, your body responds!

✨ A Holistic Approach: Treating the Root, Not Just the Symptoms

Conventional medicine often offers birth control or metformin for PCOS. While these may help manage symptoms, they don't address the root causes.

A holistic approach is about:

• Rebalancing the endocrine system

• Supporting metabolic function

• Healing gut and liver health

• Empowering women to listen to their bodies

📌 Key Takeaways

• PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder, not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis.

• It’s deeply tied to blood sugar, stress, gut health, and environmental toxins.

• With a nourishing lifestyle, many women reverse symptoms and reclaim their cycles, fertility, and vitality.

• Healing PCOS is also about healing your relationship with your body; learning to trust her again.

🌸 You Deserve to Thrive

If you’re navigating PCOS, know that you are not alone, and your body is not against you. She is whispering for help, and there is a beautiful path to balance that honors your whole self: physical, emotional, and spiritual.

You were designed to feel radiant, whole, and in rhythm with your body. Let healing be a return to that truth!

Love and blessings; don’t forget to reach out for further support.