Common PCOS Myths

Myths:

All people with PCOS are obese/overweight- While it is true that PCOS can cause obesity NOT all cysters are overweight, some are even thin or underweight.

With PCOS I  can never have children- PCOS infertility is the most common form of infertility for women. Although you have infertility it does not mean that you can never have children. Some cysters never have any problems with their cycles at all and do not require further treatment for pregnancy, while others need any where from an oral drug called clomid to something more up to Injectables up to IVF.

I am overweight, that means I must have PCOS- While people with PCOS DO typically become overweight/obese this does NOT automatically mean that you have PCOS.

Menopause or total hysterectomy will cure my PCOS-  There is no known cure for PCOS including menopause and hysterectomy. This is a metabolic syndrome that without proper treatment can cause a whole host of other problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.

Birth Control will cure my PCOS- Birth control does nothing more than give you a fake cycle (similar to what progesterone does). Birth control masks the problems (excess hair, missing menstrual cycles, acne) of PCOS, in the long run it can make your insulin resistance worse.

ONLY Overweight people get PCOS- There are many many PCOS patients who are thin. Being overweight/obese is only a symptom of PCOS.

I don't have any cysts on my ovaries therefore I don't have PCOS- Again this is another symptom of PCOS. Not every woman who has PCOS has cysts on their ovaries.

I have a regular period so that means I am ovulating- Having your period every month does not guarantee that you are ovulating. All it means is that your estrogen and progesterone are rising and lowering when they are supposed to, to create a monthly bleed.

This is not a full list of the myths surrounding PCOS but it is a lot of common ones.