The general consensus is that 1 in 8 women globally are affected by PCOS

I have serious doubts about these statistics and can’t help but to question the true prevalence of PCOS. How often does someone from your personal circle mention hormone struggles?

A woman practicing mindfulness to lower cortisol

Factor in the number of undiagnosed and misdiagnosed cases. Globally, the number of women dealing with PCOS adds up to a number far into the millions. 50 million is the current estimate but I’d wager it’s closer to double.

PCOS was first written about in 1935 and since then, it has become astonishingly common. Why then is it still being treated like an afterthought by medical professionals, who say there’s no cure?

If you’re reading this, you’re one of those lucky women. And if you’re anything like me, you believe that reversing PCOS naturally must be possible.

Disclaimer: the content shared on this blog is not medical adivce. I share here what I’ve learned through my own research and experiences. You deserve to make choices that feel right for you, so feel free use this as a resource but please consult with qualified healthcare professionals before adopting any changes to your lifestyle.

The exact cause of PCOS remains a mystery

Ever heard the saying that genetics loads the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger?

Research points to several factors that play a role in PCOS. Being mindful of what undoubtedly makes PCOS worse is a good starting point to help us to make informed decisions about our health.

1. Genetics: The risk of developing PCOS is greater if a mother, sister, or aunt has been diagnosed, though the specific gene(s) that causes this has not yet been identified. Sorry girls, not much you can do about this one!

2. Insulin Resistance: Insulin is the only hormone capable of storing fat, so be sure to pay special attention to this one. Avoid alcohol at all costs. Don't skip breakfast. Keeping your blood sugar stable is key to reversing insulin resistance and preventing the ovaries from producing excess androgens.

3. Hormonal Imbalances: Women have been criminally mislead about the dangers of synthetic hormones (prescribed contraceptives). Supporting a healthy menstrual cycle naturally is possible through diet and herbal supplements such as Chaste Tree Berry. Also make sure that your sanitary products are organic.

4. Low grade inflammation: Insulin resistance is known to increase levels of inflammation in women with PCOS, which has been linked to higher levels of androgen production. This can be mitigated with good sleep hygiene, regular resistance training, eating to support hormonal balance and managing stress.

5. Environmental factors: Audit the ingredients in your beauty and household products and limit your exposure to endocrine disruptors. Find less toxic alternatives and make it a habit to be more conscious about the things you are consuming - that includes ditching fast fashion for natural fibers and shopping along the outer edges of the supermarket.

A bitter pill to swallow

The degree to which you can reverse PCOS naturally depends on how honest you can be with yourself about your daily habits.

Because the body is a brutally honest reflection of those habits.

That 'harmless' glass of wine.

The sweet treat here and there.

Not looking at the ingredients list.

Treating your bedtime routine like an afterthought.

Being afraid of lifting weights and just doing cardio or worse - not exercising at all.

Feeling bloated, hungry, tired and moody is not your factory default.

You didn't get here overnight.

You accumulated years of bad habits.

Similarly, it's going to require a lot more than just a week of consistency to start seeing improvements.

Tips to build a sustainable routine

It's easy to prioritize your partner, your kids, your career and you name it, instead of your own well-being. You blame everything except the one person who can turn this ship around.

Every decision you make this week, ask yourself:

1. Does this help or harm my hormonal balance?

2. Does this help or harm my metabolic health?

Chances are, there's many opportunities for YOU to control the outcome.

Find ONE thing that you can change:

Going for a brief walk after dinner

Reducing screen time 2 hours before bed

Increasing your dietary intake of Omega 3

Repeat until it becomes a non-negotiable.

Conclusion

Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.

A deliberate, methodical approach, focused on one thing at a time, consistently > going to extremes, overwhelming yourself by trying to make multiple changes too quickly.

Don't get so caught up in reversing PCOS that it becomes a stressor! It's a journey without a destination.

Being open, curious and mindful is key.