If you’re here, you might have just been diagnosed with PCOS, or perhaps you’re trying to learn more about what’s going on in your body. I know firsthand that this journey is packed with emotions, confusion, and more medical jargon than you ever wanted to learn. I’ve been there—right where you are—and as a dietitian living with PCOS, I want to make this road a little smoother for you.

1. PCOS:

This acronym stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. In essence, it’s a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Ladies with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods and often have higher than normal levels of male hormones (androgens).

2. Androgens:

Often dubbed as “male hormones”, all women produce them. Those of us with PCOS just have them in higher amounts, which can lead to symptoms like acne, hairiness (hirsutism), and sometimes thinning scalp hair.

3. Insulin:

The hormone that controls sugar in the bloodstream.

4. Insulin Resistance:

Insulin is the hormone that controls sugar in the bloodstream. Insulin resistance means your body’s cells can’t respond to insulin the way they should. This is common in many women with PCOS, and it can lead to type 2 diabetes if not managed.

5. Ovulation:

This is the process where the ovaries release an egg each month. Many women with PCOS ovulate less frequently or not at all.

6. Follicles:

These are tiny, fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries. Though they sound sweet and harmless, when you have too many, they can prevent ovulation, leading to fertility challenges. Now, a common misconception is that PCOS means you have cysts in your ovaries. In reality, what many call ‘cysts’ are actually immature follicles. They might not ever reach the maturity needed to ovulate, but they’re not technically the same thing as cysts. This distinction is essential to understanding your PCOS diagnosis better.

7. Metabolic Syndrome:

A group of symptoms that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Sadly, us Cystas are at a higher risk, but the right nutrition and lifestyle can help manage it.

8. Hirsutism:

Sounds like a magical spell, right? It’s actually the medical term for unwanted male-pattern hair growth, a common PCOS symptom.

9. Amenorrhea:

This term refers to the absence of menstruation. It’s one of the potential symptoms of PCOS, though not every woman with PCOS will experience it.

10. Hyperandrogenism:

While this term sounds super intense, it just refers to the body producing more androgens than typical.

11. Anovulation:

Another one of those medical terms that sounds more complicated than it is. It simply means the absence of ovulation.

12. Oligomenorrhea:

Another one of those medical terms that sounds more complicated than it is. It simply means the absence of ovulation.

In conclusion, understanding the key terms associated with PCOS is essential for every woman on her journey to managing this condition effectively. 

Stay nourished, stay informed, and remember: wellness doesn’t have to be wrapped up in complicated terms. Let’s keep it real and tackle PCOS without the “blah”.

Got questions or want to share your PCOS story? Drop a comment below. And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share with our fellow PCOS Cystas.

Sending love and wellness vibes your way,
The PCOS Cysta

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