March 5 is PCOS Advocacy Day. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a term used to describe a pattern of hormonal imbalance that can affect women during their reproductive years, is often talked about online, but it is also widely misunderstood. Many people assume it looks the same for everyone. Others think it is only about fertility or weight. In reality, living with PCOS is far more complex.
Hormonal fluctuations are a normal part of life. But for many women, those fluctuations feel stronger, more confusing, and harder to explain. One reason is a hormonal pattern commonly known as PCOS.
PCOS is often talked about online, but it is also widely misunderstood. Many people assume it looks the same for everyone. Others think it is only about fertility or weight. In reality, living with PCOS is far more complex.
Our friends at Wholesome Story, a mission-driven supplement company focused on hormonal balance and reproductive health, have created an information guide exploring what people often don’t understand about PCOS from a general wellness and lifestyle perspective, using clear, evidence-based information intended to educate. If you live with hormonal fluctuations, you are not alone, and your experience is valid.
What PCOS Really Is (and What It Isn’t)
PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome, a term used to describe a pattern of hormonal imbalance that can affect women during their reproductive years. It is one of the most common hormonal patterns in women worldwide.
However, the name itself can be misleading.
It’s Not Just About Ovaries
Despite the name, PCOS is not only about the ovaries. It involves how the body produces and responds to hormones, including insulin and androgens (often called “male hormones,” though all women naturally have them).
It Looks Different in Every Person
There is no single “PCOS body” or experience. Some women notice changes in their cycle. Others experience skin changes, hair changes, or shifts in energy. Many experience several of these at once.
This variation is one of the main reasons PCOS is so misunderstood.
Hormonal Fluctuations Affect More Than Periods
One of the biggest misconceptions about PCOS is that it only affects menstrual cycles. In reality, hormones influence many systems in the body.
Energy and Mood
Hormones play a role in how energized or drained you feel. Many women with hormonal fluctuations report feeling tired even after rest, or emotionally sensitive without a clear reason.
This does not mean something is “wrong” with them. It means hormones are doing what hormones do: affecting the whole body.
Skin and Hair Changes
Hormonal shifts can influence oil production, hair growth patterns, and skin texture. These changes can feel frustrating, especially when they don’t respond quickly to common routines.
Hunger and Cravings
Hormones are closely tied to appetite signals. Some women notice stronger hunger cues or cravings during certain phases of their cycle. This is not a lack of discipline—it is biology.
PCOS Is Not Caused by Laziness or Lack of Willpower
This is one of the most harmful myths.
Hormonal patterns are influenced by genetics, environment, and internal signaling systems. They are not a moral failure.
Lifestyle habits can support general wellness, but they do not erase hormonal complexity. Two people can eat the same foods, sleep the same amount, and move their bodies in similar ways—yet feel very different.
Understanding this helps reduce shame and unrealistic expectations.
Weight Is Only One Small Piece of the Picture
PCOS is often discussed only in the context of weight. This narrow focus causes harm.
Not Everyone With PCOS Has Weight Changes
Many women with PCOS are in smaller bodies. Others experience changes over time. Weight alone does not define hormonal health.
Health Is Multifaceted
Hormonal balance, stress levels, sleep quality, mental well-being, and daily routines all matter. Focusing only on weight ignores the bigger picture of women’s health.
The Emotional Side of PCOS Is Often Ignored
Living with hormonal fluctuations can be emotionally taxing.
Feeling Dismissed
Many women report feeling unheard when they talk about symptoms that don’t fit a neat checklist. This can lead to self-doubt and frustration.
Mental Load
Tracking cycles, managing energy, and adjusting daily routines takes mental effort. Over time, this can feel overwhelming—even if it’s invisible to others.
Acknowledging this emotional labor is an important part of understanding PCOS.
Lifestyle Support Is About Balance, Not Perfection
You may see extreme advice online about hormonal balance. In reality, consistency matters more than perfection.
From an educational wellness standpoint, supportive habits often include:
• Regular meals that help maintain steady energy
• Daily movement that feels sustainable and enjoyable
• Sleep routines that support recovery
• Stress-management practices, such as walking, journaling, or breathing exercises
These habits support overall well-being for most people—not just those with PCOS.
Important note: Lifestyle habits support general wellness but are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
PCOS Can Change Over Time
Hormonal patterns are not static.
Life stages such as stress, aging, routine changes, or major life events can influence how hormones feel in the body. What worked at one stage of life may not feel supportive at another.
This is normal and does not mean you are “failing.”
Why Education Matters More Than Labels
Many women spend years feeling confused about their bodies before finding language that helps them understand their experience.
Education helps women:
• Ask better questions
• Advocate for themselves
• Separate myths from facts
• Make informed lifestyle choices
Knowledge does not replace medical care—but it empowers better conversations with healthcare professionals.
Talking About PCOS Without Fear or Shame
PCOS is not rare. It is not something to hide. And it does not define a woman’s worth, femininity, or strength.
The more we talk about hormonal fluctuations in a clear, respectful, and evidence-based way, the easier it becomes for women to feel supported instead of isolated.
When to Speak With a Healthcare Professional
If hormonal symptoms feel disruptive to your daily life, it is important to speak with a qualified healthcare provider. They can help interpret symptoms, discuss testing options, and provide individualized guidance.
This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.
[This article was originally published by Wholesome Story, and adapted and republished here with permission.]
References & Sources
1. National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
2. Office on Women’s Health (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) – PCOS Overview
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – PCOS and Women’s Health
4. Endocrine Society – Hormones and Women’s Health 5. Mayo Clinic – Hormonal Health and Lifestyle Factors
