10 things that PCOS is NOT
It is NOT your fault. Anyone who says different is a lying liar who lies. Whilst we don’t know what causes PCOS, we do see early signs of it in young children. It may well be a condition you are born with, even though we won’t diagnose it until puberty and beyond.
It is NOT caused by being fat. Depending on which study you’re reading, up to half of people with PCOS are lean. It is associated with insulin resistance, which causes weight gain in some people. The degree of insulin resistance has nothing to do with a person’s weight either, because guess what? It’s far more complicated than that.
It is NOT going to get better with weight loss. Not in the long run. If anything, it will get worse because among other things, dieting can worsen insulin resistance once the regain process commences.
It is NOT the same for everyone. Some people have symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life and others are completely asymptomatic and only find out during a routine ultrasound.
It is NOT a complicated diagnosis to make and is predominantly based on the history. You only need to meet two of the three criteria for diagnosis, and blood tests and/or ultrasounds are often unnecessary.
It is NOT a fertility issue. Some people with PCOS will struggle to get pregnant, but many won’t. PCOS is a condition of hormones and the assumption that all people with ovaries wish to get pregnant reflects very poorly on the medical profession.
It is NOT just something that effects people during their reproductive years. The newest guidelines make it clear that PCOS can be considered a lifelong condition, which is a welcome relief for post-menopausal people whose treatment is being withdrawn.
It is NOT difficult to treat, although the evidence for treatment is limited. Doctors have a responsibility to discuss all your treatment options with you, including the benefits and risks of each one, before letting you decide for yourself what (if any) you want to try.
It is NOT something that can be ignored, especially in people who have less than 4 periods a year. Why? Because infrequent periods increase your chance of developing endometrial hyperplasia, which is a risk factor for cancer. Whilst the incidence of cancer remains low, this risk can be avoided with treatment. Doctors have a responsibility to discuss your options with you.
It is NOT a woman’s issue. PCOS affects anyone with ovaries, and some argue that it falls under the Intersex umbrella.
Is there anything on this list that you weren’t aware of? Then consider purchasing my eBook “Beyond The Scales: PCOS, Hormones, And The Truth About Weight Loss”. It’s a 13k word digital download (in PDF format) which is available immediately after purchase. You also have the option of buying the audiobook which you can stream as often as you like.
But if you really want to learn more about PCOS from a completely weight neutral, anti-diet lens then you need my course. It’s a self-paced pre-recorded collection of seven modules that are designed to accompany the book, in which I tackle a lot of the myths that continue to be perpetuated by the medical profession.
For those who don’t just want the knowledge, consider the empowerment package. I’ve not only created a specially crafted resource pack for you, but you’ll also gain lifetime access to the Weighting Room, featuring monthly meetups and exclusive access to empowering events hosted by myself.
And if you’re an ant-diet or HAES professional, then I’ve got you covered too. I’ve created a 7-day course tailored for individuals in the weight-inclusive field seeking a deeper understanding of PCOS. With over 40 references, it delves into extensive research and offers practical guidance for those working with higher weight clients.
BUT HURRY! Introductory prices will only last during the month of November.