September is PCOS Awareness Month.
What I wish I knew earlier about PCOS.
Being diagnosed with PCOS was both a relief and a frustration.
A relief because I finally had a name for the cocktail of symptoms I was struggling with: persistent acne along my jawline, hair growing in places I didn’t want it, hair thinning in places I did, constant bloating, irregular periods, and a deep sense that something just wasn’t right. But the frustration came from how little clear, helpful information I got from my doctor and could find on what PCOS really was and what I could actually do about it.
If that’s you too, you’re not alone.
September is PCOS Awareness Month — a chance to bring this often-misunderstood condition into the light, support each other, and learn more about how to manage symptoms holistically.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine (hormonal) disorder that affects about 1 in 10 women in the UK and globally. It’s also believed that up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed.
PCOS is not just a reproductive issue. It affects:
Skin (acne, hirsutism)
Hair (thinning on the scalp, unwanted hair growth)
Weight and metabolism
Mood and mental wellbeing
Blood sugar and insulin levels
And it carries increased risk of:
Type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular issues
Infertility
Anxiety and depression
Why is this happening in the body?
At the core of PCOS for many women is a hormone imbalance, particularly high androgens (male hormones like testosterone) and insulin resistance.
One important connection that’s often overlooked is the role of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) and your liver.
Here’s how it works:
Normally, testosterone is bound by SHBG, a protein produced in the liver, which makes it inactive.
In PCOS, high insulin levels (often from poor blood sugar regulation) suppress SHBG production.
With less SHBG, there’s more free testosterone circulating, leading to the symptoms we see: acne, missed periods, hair growth, hair loss, etc.
It becomes a cycle:
High insulin → low SHBG → high free testosterone → worsening PCOS symptoms
This is why blood sugar balance is key in managing PCOS symptoms.
Practical Tips That Helped Me
After years of research, trial-and-error, and finally using an integrative approach, here’s what helped me the most:
1. Prioritising Blood Sugar Balance
Include protein, fat, and fiber with every meal
Avoid skipping meals (especially breakfast)
Reduce sugary drinks/snacks
Focus on slow carbs: root vegetables, lentils, oats
2. Supporting My Liver
Eat more cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, rocket, kale)
Drink enough water daily
Limit alcohol and ultra-processed foods
Consider gentle liver-supporting herbs like dandelion or milk thistle (talk to a practitioner first)
3. Supplements That Helped
Always check with a health professional before taking any supplements. The following have been studied in PCOS:
Myo-inositol & D-chiro-inositol: improve insulin sensitivity and support ovulation
Magnesium: helps with blood sugar, mood and PMS
Omega-3s: anti-inflammatory and hormone-supportive
Vitamin D: often low in women with PCOS
4. Movement & Stress
Gentle, regular movement (walking, Pilates, yoga, weights) improved my symptoms far more than intense workouts
Prioritising sleep and finding time to relax helped regulate my cycle
Final Thoughts
PCOS doesn’t show up the same way for everyone.
For some, it’s breakouts and unwanted hair. For others, it’s energy crashes, irregular cycles, weight struggles, or fertility challenges.
But there is hope, and there are tools that can help. With the right support and a holistic approach, you can start feeling better.
You deserve to feel good in your body. It starts with understanding what’s going on, offering yourself compassion, and taking small, consistent steps forward.
If you're ready to learn more about your body and hormones, or if you simply want support, come join our Wild Violets women’s community.
We offer inspiration, guidance, and 1-to-1 support to help you feel more balanced, confident, and in tune with yourself.
Resources:
NIH Overview of PCOS
ScienceDirect — Liver, Insulin & SHBG in PCOS
PMC: PCOS and Insulin Resistance
