5 Myths about PCOS

Myth 1: PCOS can be diagnosed via ultrasound. Nope. Women are often told they have PCOS because multiple follicles were found on ultrasound. However, multiple follicles may be normal depending on the stage of her cycle at which the ultrasound was done. All women have multiple cysts leading up to ovulation, and this is not diagnostic. To diagnose PCOS, you should see a high LH to FSH ratio on a cycle day 2 or 3 blood test if cycling or any day if not, not be ovulating and have high androgens- either or all testosterone, DHEAS and androstenedione.

Myth 2: PCOS only occurs in women who are overweight. While 70% of women with PCOS will have insulin resistance, which usually leads to increased body weight, slim women can also have insulin resistance, along with having PCOS without insulin resistance. This is because PCOS is also caused by adrenal stress, inflammation and post pill.

Myth 3: You must be on a low-carb diet to heal PCOS. A low-carb diet can be helpful if you have Insulin resistance, but this can cause further harm if you have adrenal stress or post-pill type PCOS without insulin resistance. This is why a proper workup is key to getting the correct treatment.

Myth 4: You will have painful periods with PCOS. You should not feel pain at all with your period, and it is not a sign of PCOS. If you have PCOS and also experience painful periods, you have another condition co-occurring.

Myth 5: You can’t fall pregnant naturally if you have PCOS. You can heal from PCOS and pregnancy is possible, by getting the correct treatment to lower androgens, and get you ovulating again.