Understanding PCOS: Why It’s Being Diagnosed More Often and What It Means for Your Health

rhmgyn
Jan 30
3 min read

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women today, and one of the most misunderstood. Many women receive a diagnosis feeling confused or overwhelmed, unsure what PCOS means for their hormones, cycles, or long-term health.

PCOS is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It looks different from person to person, and understanding why it develops, rather than focusing only on symptoms, is key to meaningful care.

For a detailed explanation of what PCOS is and how we approach it, you can read our full PCOS overview here.

What Is PCOS? (Brief Orientation)

PCOS is a hormone signaling condition that often involves disrupted ovulation and metabolic regulation. It is commonly associated with elevated androgens and irregular ovulation, but it is not defined by ovarian cysts alone.

PCOS is typically diagnosed when at least two of the following are present:

Dysfunctional or absent ovulation
Signs of elevated androgens (such as acne or excess hair growth)
Polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound

Because PCOS affects multiple systems, it is best understood as a whole-body condition, not solely a reproductive one.

Why Are More Women Being Diagnosed With PCOS?

It can feel as though PCOS diagnoses are everywhere. While PCOS is not new, several factors help explain why it is being identified more often:

Improved awareness and earlier screening

Both clinicians and patients are more attuned to cycle irregularities and hormonal concerns than in decades past.
Shifts in metabolic health

Insulin resistance, blood sugar dysregulation, and inflammation have become more common and are closely linked to PCOS physiology.
Chronic stress and sleep disruption

Persistent stress and inadequate sleep can worsen insulin resistance and disrupt ovulatory signaling.
Environmental influences

Certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals may contribute to hormone imbalance in susceptible individuals.
Refined diagnostic criteria

Women who may have gone undiagnosed in the past are now receiving clearer answers.

Common Patterns Seen in PCOS

PCOS can present differently in each person. Common patterns include:

Menstrual and Ovulatory Changes

Irregular or missed periods
Long or unpredictable cycles
Difficulty identifying ovulation

Androgen-Related Changes

Persistent acne
Excess facial or body hair
Hair thinning or scalp hair loss

Metabolic Features

Insulin resistance
Blood sugar fluctuations
Fatigue or energy “crashes”
Strong carbohydrate cravings

Not every woman experiences all of these features, and symptoms may change over time.

Supporting Hormonal and Metabolic Health in PCOS

There is no single cure for PCOS, but many women experience meaningful improvement when underlying contributors are addressed.

Common areas of focus include:

Blood Sugar and Insulin Regulation

Insulin plays a central role in ovarian hormone signaling. Supporting insulin sensitivity can help improve cycle regularity and ovulatory function.

Education often emphasizes:

Balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
Limiting highly processed foods and added sugars
Consistent meal timing
Strength training to support muscle mass and insulin sensitivity

Ovulatory Support

For those seeking more predictable cycles or future fertility, care may focus on:

Improving sleep and stress physiology
Supporting metabolic health
Targeted supplements or medications when appropriate, guided by a provider

Reducing Hormone Disruption

Small, practical changes, such as avoiding heating food in plastic or choosing fragrance-free personal care products, may support healthier hormone signaling over time.

PCOS and Fertility

PCOS does not mean infertility. It means ovulation may be less consistent and may require thoughtful support.

When ovulation becomes more regular, the likelihood of conception increases. Supporting blood sugar balance, ovulatory signaling, and overall hormonal health plays a central role in restorative fertility care.

At RHM Gynecology, care is individualized based on cycle patterns, metabolic markers, and reproductive goals, with an emphasis on understanding physiology rather than bypassing it.

The Takeaway

PCOS is common but it is not a dead end. With informed care and a physiology-first approach, many women experience improved cycles, better metabolic health, and supported fertility when desired.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with PCOS or suspect it may be contributing to your symptoms, our team is here to help guide you through evaluation and next steps.