PCOS Awareness Month: Understanding, Supporting, and Empowering Yourself

September is PCOS Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women and people with ovaries. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) impacts an estimated 1 in 8 reproductive-aged people worldwide, yet it’s still widely misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and under-discussed.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can affect your menstrual cycles, fertility, insulin levels, and overall hormonal balance. Common symptoms include:

• Irregular or absent periods

• Excess hair growth (hirsutism)

• Acne or oily skin

• Weight fluctuations or difficulty losing weight

• Fatigue and mood changes

• Ovarian cysts (though not everyone with PCOS develops them)

It’s important to note that PCOS presents differently in everyone, which is why awareness and individualized care are essential. Some people, like myself, have what’s called “lean PCOS”, where symptoms are present despite a lower body weight.

Why Awareness Matters

Many people go years without an accurate diagnosis because symptoms can be subtle or attributed to lifestyle factors. Raising awareness helps:

• Reduce stigma and self-blame

• Encourage earlier diagnosis and management

• Improve access to supportive care and treatment

• Promote research for better understanding and therapies

Supporting Your Body with PCOS

While PCOS doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution, there are ways to support your body and hormonal health:

• Cycle Tracking & Awareness: Understanding your cycle patterns helps identify ovulation issues and hormone imbalances. Practices like basal body temperature tracking or apps designed for hormonal health can provide insight.

• Nutrition & Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular movement, and stress management can help regulate insulin and hormonal levels.

• Womb Care Practices: Self-womb massage, yoni steaming, and womb yoga may support circulation, reduce discomfort, and enhance mind-body connection.

• Medical Support: Functional testing, lab work, and consultation with a trusted healthcare provider can guide targeted treatment strategies.

You Are Not Alone

Living with PCOS can feel overwhelming, but knowledge and support make a powerful difference. Whether you’re managing symptoms, planning for pregnancy, or seeking better hormonal balance, small steps toward understanding your body can have a profound impact.

This PCOS Awareness Month

Take a moment to check in with your body, celebrate your resilience, and connect with resources that support your hormonal and reproductive health.

💖 Next Steps

If you want to dive deeper into understanding your cycle, tracking your symptoms, or learning self-care practices for PCOS, schedule a free discovery call and check out Jihi—designed to help you see patterns, track labs, and create a personalized wellness plan.