PCOS: The Syndrome That Wants a Rebrand (And How to Manage It Like a Pro)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a bit like that overachieving friend who just has to do it all - mess with your hormones, play havoc with your metabolism, throw in a few ovarian cysts for good measure, and oh, make weight management extra fun (not).Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition affecting various bodily functions, with insulin resistance (IR) being a significant component. Approximately 35% to 80% of women with PCOS exhibit insulin resistance, which contributes to metabolic disturbances.(1)

PCOS isn’t just about ovaries. In fact, scientists have been debating whether we should ditch the name altogether and call it something that actually reflects its full-body impact. Some researchers have floated the idea of renaming it Metabolic Reproductive Syndrome, arguing that its effects extend far beyond fertility (Sage Journals, 2024).  Is calling it “polycystic ovary” syndrome  as helpful as calling a smartphone a “fancy calculator?”

The Name Debate: What’s in a Name?

The push for a rebrand isn’t just about making it sound fancier. PCOS is linked to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. That’s why some experts argue it deserves a name that reflects its metabolic mayhem, not just its impact on reproduction.

Back in 2013, researchers proposed splitting PCOS into different categories, depending on whether your main issues were hormonal or metabolic (PubMed, 2013). But, as of today, PCOS is still stuck with its current name, probably because the medical community, like the rest of us, isn’t great at making big decisions.

Regardless of what we call it, managing PCOS effectively comes down to tackling its metabolic and hormonal chaos head-on. Here’s how.

Tips for Managing PCOS (Whatever You Call It)

1. Eat Like Your Hormones Depend on It (Because They Do)

PCOS loves to mess with your blood sugar levels, so keeping things stable is key. That means:

✅ More fibre – Think whole grains, chia seeds, flaxseeds, veggies, and legumes to keep your blood sugar steady.
✅ Lean protein – Helps keep you full and supports muscle mass (which we love).
✅ Healthy fats – Avocados, nuts, and olive oil are your friends.
❌ Ultra-processed carbs and hidden sugar bombs – These can send your insulin levels on a rollercoaster ride and set off inflammation.

A recent review found that dietary changes significantly improve both reproductive and metabolic health in PCOS sufferers (MDPI, 2023). Translation? What you eat really matters.

2. Exercise: Not Just for "Losing Weight" (But Also That)

PCOS and insulin resistance are besties and the best way to break up that toxic friendship is exercise.

🏃 Cardio (Walking, Running, Swimming) – Helps improve insulin sensitivity and burn excess glucose.
💪 Strength Training – Builds muscle, which naturally helps regulate blood sugar.
🧘 Yoga & Pilates – Research suggests yoga can actually help regulate hormones in women with PCOS (MDPI, 2023). So, downward dog your way to better hormones.

3. Sleep Like You Mean It

Your hormones don’t just get messed up in the daytime—poor sleep can make PCOS symptoms worse. Aim for 7-9 hoursa night and avoid doom-scrolling TikTok until 2 AM (your cortisol levels will thank you).  Scrolling with blue light is a melatonin vampire. Melatonin is our sleep hormone.

4. Stress Less (Or at Least Try)

Cortisol, your stress hormone, likes to throw a party when you’re overwhelmed, and guess what? It makes PCOS symptoms worse. Try:

🧘 Mindfulness, deep breathing, or even just screaming into a pillow (hey, whatever works).
🌿 Adaptogens like ashwagandha—some research suggests they can help with stress-related hormone imbalances.
🛀 Taking an actual break (no, scrolling Instagram doesn’t count). Find a stress hack habit that works for you.  Ten-minute walk at lunch in the sunshine without any noise in your ears, gardening, CALM app,  or anything that makes sense to your busy life.  Too often, people try to add a habit that is too far reaching and fail at making it consistent.  Do not do this; start small and ‘do-able’ to create a lifetime habit. Reducing stress is as important as the food you eat – on a biochemical level!

5. Work with a Pro

Seeing an accredited nutritionist or dietician, endocrinologist, or exercise specialist can help tailor an approach that actually works for your body. Because let’s be real—PCOS is not a one-size-fits-all condition.

So, Should PCOS Get a New Name?

Maybe. Maybe not. What we do know is that managing PCOS means tackling both its reproductive and metabolic components. Whether we call it Metabolic Reproductive Syndrome or just stick with PCOS, the reality remains the same: lifestyle changes, stress management, and proper support can make a huge difference.

And remember—PCOS may be a complicated, but with the right approach, you can absolutely take back control and damned down the negative symptoms. For more information, join our online, on-demand course, The Science of Wellbeing.

References:

1. Barber, T. M., Hanson, P., Weickert, M. O., & Franks, S. (2022). Obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome: Implications for pathogenesis and novel management strategies. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 107(1), 29–42. https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgab623

2. MDPI (2023). The role of nutrition in managing PCOS. Nutrients. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com

3. Sage Journals (2024). PCOS reclassification debate. Journal of Endocrinology. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com

4. PubMed (2013). PCOS subtypes and classification. Reproductive Endocrinology. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov