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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age, yet it remains widely misunderstood. Myths and misinformation about PCOS are abundant, often leading to confusion, stigma, and delayed diagnosis for many women.
It is a common hormonal disorder characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excessive levels of male hormones (androgens), and, in some cases, multiple small cysts on the ovaries.
Women with PCOS may experience a range of symptoms, including weight gain, acne, hair loss, and difficulty getting pregnant. It can also increase the risk of developing long-term health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and mental health challenges.
While the condition affects up to 1 in 10 women globally, much of what is commonly believed about PCOS, its causes, symptoms, and treatments are misleading or entirely false. In this article, we debunk some of the most persistent myths surrounding PCOS to offer clear, evidence-based facts to empower women with accurate information and help foster greater awareness and understanding.
Myth 1: PCOS only affects fertility
Verdict: Misleading!
PCOS does not only affect fertility. While it is a leading cause of infertility, PCOS can have a wide range of effects on a person’s health, including menstrual irregularities, metabolic issues, skin conditions, mental health, cardiovascular risk, sleep apnea, weight gain and obesity.
So, while fertility issues are a major concern, PCOS affects overall health and well-being in various ways.
Myth 2: You have to have cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS.
Verdict: False!
You do not have to have cysts on your ovaries to be diagnosed with PCOS. It is diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms, not just the presence of ovarian cysts. The three main criteria for diagnosing PCOS are irregular or absent menstrual cycles,
excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries, which are ovaries with multiple small follicles seen via ultrasound.
According to the Rotterdam criteria (one of the most commonly used for diagnosis), a person only needs to meet two out of the three criteria to be diagnosed with PCOS. So, you can have PCOS without actually having cysts on your ovaries.
Myth 3: Weight loss will cure PCOS.
Verdict False!
Weight loss does not cure PCOS, but it can help manage and alleviate some of the symptoms.
While weight loss can improve symptoms like insulin resistance, irregular periods, and fertility issues in people with PCOS, it is not a cure for the condition itself, which is a chronic hormonal disorder. Even individuals with PCOS who are not overweight can still experience symptoms. Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, can help manage PCOS, but the underlying hormonal imbalances and other symptoms may still persist.
Treatment for PCOS often involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions such as hormonal therapy or medications to address specific symptoms.
Myth 4: You can’t get pregnant if you have PCOS.
Verdict: False!
You can get pregnant if you have PCOS, though it may be more challenging for some individuals due to hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation.
PCOS is a common cause of infertility because it can lead to irregular ovulation or anovulation (not ovulating at all), which makes it harder to conceive. However, many people with PCOS can and do become pregnant, either naturally or with the help of fertility treatments like medication, lifestyle changes, or assisted reproductive technologies such as the vitro fertilization (IVF).
With proper management and medical intervention, many individuals with PCOS can achieve successful pregnancies.
Myth 5: PCOS is a rare condition.
Verdict: False!
PCOS is not a rare condition. In fact, it is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting individuals of reproductive age.
It is estimated that between 5 to 10 per cent of women of childbearing age worldwide have PCOS. Because it affects a wide range of body systems, the symptoms can vary, leading some people to go undiagnosed for a long time. Despite its prevalence, many are unaware of the condition or do not seek treatment for the associated symptoms.
Myth 6: Only overweight women get PCOS.
Verdict: False!
PCOS can affect individuals of any body type, not just those who are overweight. While there is a correlation between obesity and PCOS, many people with the condition also struggle with weight management due to insulin resistance and other hormonal imbalances. However, you do not need to be overweight to have PCOS.
Many lean or normal-weight individuals are diagnosed with PCOS and experience similar symptoms, such as irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, and fertility challenges.
PCOS manifests differently in each individual, and body weight is just one factor that may influence how the symptoms present.
Myth 7: PCOS goes away after menopause.
Verdict: False!
PCOS does not go away after menopause, though some symptoms may change or lessen over time.
While menopause typically leads to a decrease in reproductive hormone levels and the end of menstrual cycles, other aspects of PCOS, such as insulin resistance, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic issues, can persist beyond menopause. Additionally, some symptoms like weight gain, hair thinning or hirsutism post-menopause.
Managing PCOS requires ongoing attention even after the reproductive years are over.
Myth 8: Using birth control pills is the main factor for PCOS
Verdict False!
Using birth control pills is not a cause or main factor for PCOS. PCOS is primarily related to hormonal imbalances, particularly involving insulin and androgen levels. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Birth control pills are often used to help manage symptoms of PCOS, such as irregular periods, excess hair growth, and acne by balancing hormone levels.
Birth control pills are a common treatment for PCOS symptoms, not a contributing factor. They help manage the condition rather than cause it.
Myth 9: All PCOS patients have irregular menstruation
Verdict: False!
While irregular or absent periods (amenorrhea) are common symptoms of PCOS due to hormonal imbalances affecting ovulation, some individuals with PCOS still have regular menstrual cycles. PCOS can present differently from person to person, and some may have other symptoms, such as excess androgen levels (leading to acne or excess hair growth), weight gain, or insulin resistance, without irregular periods.
Since PCOS is a syndrome with a variety of symptoms, not all patients will experience every symptom, including irregular menstruation.
Myth 10: PCOS has nothing to do with mental health
Verdict: False!
PCOS can have a significant impact on mental health. Many individuals with PCOS experience mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These issues can stem from a variety of factors associated with the condition, including hormonal imbalances, physical symptoms (acne, weight gain, excess hair), fertility challenges, and chronic health concerns.
Addressing both the physical and mental health aspects of PCOS is important for comprehensive treatment and well-being.
Expert Opinion
We spoke to Halimat Jimoh, a midwife and the founder of the Midwife Next Door Foundation. She emphasized the importance of debunking myths surrounding PCOS to empower women and girls.
“I really believe it’s vital to debunk the myths surrounding PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) to empower our women and girls. Many are misled by misconceptions, such as thinking that having PCOS means they can never conceive or that the only way to manage it is through drastic weight loss. These beliefs can lead to unnecessary emotional stress and delays in getting the right treatment.” she noted.
According to Ms Jimoh, PCOS is a spectrum, with its effects varying from person to person. While weight management can be helpful, she stressed that fertility can often be improved through personalized care plans, lifestyle adjustments, and medical interventions tailored to each woman’s unique needs.
She shared that she has encountered women who assumed their chances of conceiving were lost due to their PCOS diagnosis. In some cases, these women had even faced rejection or divorce because their partners misunderstood their condition. Jimoh highlighted the need for education about PCOS, not just for women but for their loved ones as well.
Ms Jimoh encouraged women to take proactive steps, such as adopting dietary changes and seeking appropriate fertility care, while also emphasising the importance of a strong support network. Women with PCOS, she said, need encouragement to tackle the challenges they face. She urged women to seek holistic care rather than falling for myths, as this would help them regain control over their reproductive health and improve their overall outcomes.
Conclusion
There are numerous misconceptions surrounding PCOS that can lead to confusion and misunderstanding about the condition. Understanding the complexities of PCOS helps debunk these myths, allowing for more accurate awareness, better support, and improved management for those living with the condition.
