PCOS Symptoms You Might Be Overlooking

PCOS Is More Than Just a Hormonal Issue

When people hear “PCOS,” they often think of irregular periods, ovarian cysts, or fertility challenges. But PCOS—Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—is a complex hormonal condition that impacts far more than just the reproductive system. What’s even trickier? Many symptoms go unnoticed, dismissed as “normal,” or attributed to other health issues.

From unexplained fatigue to mood swings, the signs of PCOS can be subtle, making it easy to overlook. In naturopathic care, we focus on recognising these hidden symptoms, understanding their root causes, and supporting the body holistically.

What Is PCOS, Really?

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects how the ovaries work. Despite its name, you don’t need to have ovarian cysts to be diagnosed. It’s a syndrome—meaning it’s defined by a collection of symptoms rather than a single diagnostic marker.

While the exact cause of PCOS is still being researched, factors like insulin resistance, inflammation, and genetics often play a role. Naturopathically, we look beyond the standard symptoms to uncover what’s really happening inside the body.

Common Symptoms You Probably Already Know:

• Irregular or absent periods

• Difficulty getting pregnant

• Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)

• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen

• Acne or oily skin

But what about the less obvious signs? Here’s where it gets interesting.

PCOS Symptoms You Might Be Overlooking

1. Fatigue That Doesn’t Make Sense

Feeling constantly drained, even after a full night’s sleep? Many people with PCOS experience persistent fatigue, which isn’t always linked directly to hormones. It can stem from insulin resistance, poor sleep quality, or underlying inflammation.

2. Mood Swings, Anxiety, or Depression

Hormonal imbalances affect neurotransmitters in the brain, which can lead to mood disturbances. Anxiety and depression are common in people with PCOS, but these symptoms often go untreated because they’re not immediately linked to hormonal health.

3. Thinning Hair on the Scalp

While excess hair growth in unwanted places is a well-known PCOS symptom, hair loss on the scalp—especially around the crown or temples—is often overlooked. This can be due to elevated androgen (male hormone) levels.

4. Unexplained Weight Changes

Weight gain around the midsection or difficulty losing weight despite healthy habits is a classic, but underestimated, PCOS symptom. Insulin resistance and hormonal fluctuations play a big role in how your body stores fat.

5. Dark Patches of Skin (Acanthosis Nigricans)

Notice velvety, dark patches of skin around your neck, underarms, or groin? This can be a sign of insulin resistance, a common driver of PCOS. It’s often brushed off as a cosmetic issue, but it’s an important clue.

6. Sleep Disturbances (Including Sleep Apnoea)

Struggling with insomnia, restless sleep, or even signs of sleep apnoea like loud snoring? PCOS increases the risk of sleep disorders, partly due to weight gain and hormonal imbalances affecting breathing during sleep.

7. Digestive Issues

Bloating, constipation, or irregular bowel movements aren’t often associated with PCOS, but they can be linked to hormonal shifts, inflammation, or stress-related gut changes.

8. Frequent Headaches

Hormonal fluctuations can trigger headaches or migraines, especially around the time of your period (if you have regular cycles). This symptom often gets overlooked as a standalone issue.

9. Cravings and Blood Sugar Spikes

Craving carbs or sweets like there’s no tomorrow? Feeling shaky, irritable, or “hangry” if you miss a meal? These can be signs of insulin resistance, which is common in PCOS but often missed in routine check-ups.

10. Low Libido

Decreased sexual desire can be linked to hormonal imbalances, stress, and mood disturbances—all of which can be part of PCOS. It’s a sensitive topic, but one worth discussing because it’s often ignored.

Why These Symptoms Get Overlooked

• They seem unrelated: Fatigue or mood swings don’t scream hormonal imbalance at first glance.

• They’re common: Symptoms like headaches or digestive issues are widespread, so people often assume they’re “normal.”

• Medical focus: Conventional diagnosis focuses on reproductive symptoms, sometimes missing the broader picture.

• Dismissed experiences: Sadly, many people—especially women—have their symptoms downplayed or brushed off as stress-related.

The Naturopathic Approach: Looking Beyond the Obvious

In naturopathy, we don’t just check boxes on a list of symptoms—we look for patterns that reveal deeper imbalances. PCOS is not just a reproductive condition; it’s a metabolic, hormonal, and sometimes inflammatory issue that requires a holistic lens.

What We Focus On:

• Comprehensive health history: Not just your periods, but your sleep, mood, digestion, skin, and more.

• Root-cause analysis: What’s driving your symptoms? Is it insulin resistance, chronic stress, inflammation, or a combination?

• Individualised care: No one-size-fits-all solutions. Your body is unique, and your treatment should be too.

Why Self-Diagnosis Isn’t Enough

Google can tell you a lot, but it can’t replace personalised care. Many PCOS symptoms overlap with other conditions like thyroid disorders, adrenal issues, or nutrient deficiencies. That’s why it’s important to work with a healthcare professional who can dig deeper.

Is It Time to Reassess Your Symptoms?

If you’ve been experiencing unexplained symptoms that don’t seem connected—or if you’ve been told “everything looks normal” but you don’t feel normal—it might be time to look at the bigger picture.

PCOS isn’t just about your ovaries. It’s about your whole body. And you deserve care that sees you as a whole person, not just a collection of symptoms.

Let’s Work Together to Uncover the Root Cause

If you suspect PCOS—or if you’ve been diagnosed but still feel like something’s missing—book an appointment today. Together, we’ll get to the bottom of what’s going on and create a personalised plan to support your health and wellbeing.

FAQs About PCOS

1. Can I have PCOS without irregular periods?

Yes. While irregular periods are common, some people with PCOS have regular cycles but still experience other symptoms like insulin resistance, acne, or hair changes.

2. Does PCOS mean I can’t get pregnant?

No. While PCOS can make conception more challenging, many people with PCOS conceive naturally or with support.

3. Is PCOS curable?

PCOS isn’t “curable,” but its symptoms can be effectively managed with the right approach, focusing on lifestyle, hormonal balance, and metabolic health.

4. Can thin people have PCOS?

Absolutely. PCOS affects people of all body sizes.