PCOS Uncovered: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Symptoms & Treatment

Sarah Lee

Cofounder of IFM
​ARNP, FNP-BC

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women, yet many struggle to find answers. From hormone imbalances to insulin resistance, PCOS can impact everything from periods to long-term health. The good news? There are ways to manage it and feel better.  Read more to learn about symptoms, risks, and effective treatment options.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a health condition that affects women, usually during their teenage or adult years. One of the main signs of PCOS is having irregular or missing periods because of hormone imbalances. Other symptoms include extra hair growth on the face or body, acne, and gaining weight, especially around the belly. Some people may also lose hair on their heads, feel moody, or have trouble getting pregnant. Since symptoms can be different for everyone, it’s important to know what to look for so it can be treated early.

​What Causes PCOS?
Research is still being done to determine the causes of PCOS, but we do know what the main symptoms of PCOS are and the long-term effects on one's health over their lifespan. One major problem is having too much of certain hormones, like testosterone or estrogen, which can stop the body from ovulating properly. Excess production of testosterone in a woman's body can cause hair loss, excess hair growth on the face and body, acne, and many other symptoms.

The Role of SHBG in PCOS
Women with PCOS also have a deficiency in Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). SHBG is a special protein in the blood that helps control certain hormones in the body. It mainly binds to three hormones: testosterone, estrogen, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When these hormones are attached to SHBG, they are not active, meaning they can’t be used by the body right away.

This helps keep hormone levels balanced and prevents the body from having too much or too little of them. SHBG is made in the liver and plays an important role in keeping hormones in check. If someone has too little SHBG, they might have too many free hormones in their body, which can lead to problems like acne, extra hair growth, or hormone-related health issues. If they have too much SHBG, their body might not have enough free hormones, which can cause low energy, weak muscles, or trouble with reproduction.

PCOS & Insulin Resistance
Many women with PCOS also have insulin resistance, which means their bodies don’t use insulin correctly. This can lead to weight gain and high blood sugar levels, making it easier to develop diabetes. Not eating healthy, not getting enough exercise, and stress can make PCOS worse.

Long-Term Health Risks of PCOS
If PCOS isn’t treated, it can lead to serious health problems over time. Some of the biggest risks include:

• Type 2 Diabetes – Due to ongoing insulin resistance
• Heart Problems – Increased likelihood of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease
• Endometrial Cancer – Risk increases due to irregular periods causing the uterine lining to become too thick

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Managing PCOS & Improving Health
The good news is that in many cases, PCOS can be improved with lifestyle interventions, such as:
✅ Eating nutritious foods
✅ Exercising regularly
✅ Reducing stress

Medications can be prescribed to help with hormones, blood sugar levels, or fertility. Supplement protocols (when appropriate) can also have very effective results for women who struggle with PCOS.
Learning about PCOS and getting the right treatment can make a big difference in staying healthy and feeling better.