Living with PCOS: Understanding the Why Behind the Symptoms

Being diagnosed with PCOS felt like getting handed a confusing puzzle, one made up of breakouts, hair where it shouldn’t be, bloating, unpredictable cycles, and exhaustion I couldn’t shake.

If you’re living with PCOS, or suspect you might be, you’re not alone. This common hormone imbalance affects 1 in 10 women, but many go undiagnosed for years, unsure what’s happening in their body or how to get help.

In this article, I’ll break down what PCOS really is, why it's so often misunderstood, and how it connects to things like insulin resistance, the liver, and your everyday food choices. We’ll also look at simple, science-backed steps you can take to start feeling better without overwhelm.