7 Common Myths About PCOS – Busted!
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, yet it remains widely misunderstood. With the internet flooded with conflicting advice and well-meaning friends sharing “tips,” it’s easy to fall prey to myths that can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Let’s set the record straight by busting 7 common myths about PCOS.
Myth 1: You must have ovarian cysts to have PCOS.
Fact: Despite the name, not all women with PCOS have ovarian cysts. PCOS is a complex hormonal problem that affects ovulation and is diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms like irregular periods, elevated androgens (male hormones), and/or polycystic-looking ovaries on ultrasound. Having cysts alone doesn’t confirm PCOS, and not having cysts doesn’t rule it out.
Myth 2: PCOS only affects overweight women.
Fact: PCOS affects women of all body types. While weight gain is a common symptom due to insulin resistance, many women with PCOS are lean. In fact, lean PCOS can be just as hormonally disruptive and deserves equal attention in diagnosis and treatment. Weight is just one part of the puzzle—not the whole story.You can’t negate the possibility of PCOS based only on a lean weight.
Myth 3: You can’t get pregnant if you have PCOS.
Fact: PCOS is a leading cause of infertility, but it doesn’t mean you’re infertile forever. With proper treatment—whether through lifestyle changes, medications to induce ovulation, or assisted reproductive technologies like IVF etc.—many women with PCOS go on to have healthy pregnancies. Early diagnosis and proactive care make a huge difference.
Myth 4: Birth control pills cure PCOS.
Fact: Birth control pills are commonly used to regulate periods and manage symptoms like acne or excess hair, but they don’t cure PCOS. They act as a band-aid to help control symptoms. Once the pills are stopped, symptoms usually return unless underlying hormonal imbalances are addressed through lifestyle and medical interventions.
Myth 5: If you don’t want a baby, PCOS isn’t a big deal.
Fact: PCOS isn’t just about fertility. It can lead to long-term health risks such as Type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, depression, and even endometrial cancer. Even if you’re not planning to conceive, managing PCOS is vital for your overall well-being.
Myth 6: Hair loss and acne have nothing to do with PCOS.
Fact: Hormonal imbalances in PCOS often lead to excess androgens, which can cause acne, oily skin, and hair loss (especially thinning around the crown). These “cosmetic” symptoms are not trivial—they are signs that your hormones are off balance and should be evaluated in context with other PCOS markers.
Myth 7: You just need to lose weight, and PCOS will go away.
Fact: While weight loss can improve symptoms for some women with PCOS, it’s not a cure. PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder influenced by genetics, inflammation, insulin resistance, and environmental factors. Telling someone to “just lose weight” oversimplifies a very real and nuanced condition.
The Takeaway
PCOS isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition, and neither is its treatment. By busting these common myths, we hope to educate and empower more women to seek proper care and understand their bodies better. If you suspect you might have PCOS or are struggling with its symptoms, consult a healthcare professional who understands the full spectrum of this condition.
Knowledge is power. Don’t let myths get in the way of your health.
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