The Other Side of PCOS No One Talks About (But Should)

When most people hear PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), they immediately think: irregular periods, fertility issues, maybe some facial hair or acne. But what if we told you there’s more to PCOS than what’s happening in the ovaries?

At Renew Health, we believe in looking deeper—because PCOS isn’t just a reproductive issue. It’s a whole-body metabolic condition, and treating it effectively requires more than just birth control or hormone therapy.

The Hidden Layers of PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is often misrepresented as a condition only affecting your menstrual cycle or ability to conceive. But here’s the truth functional medicine teaches us:

  • Many women with PCOS don’t even have ovarian cysts.

  • The root issue often lies in insulin resistance, inflammation, gut imbalances, and adrenal dysfunction.

  • The symptoms you feel on the outside are often the result of a deeper imbalance happening on the inside.

Common—but often overlooked—symptoms of PCOS:

  • Fatigue, especially after meals

  • Cravings for sugar or carbs

  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

  • Anxiety or mood swings

  • Acne, especially along the jawline

  • Hair thinning or hair loss

What’s Really Going On?

Let’s break down the key root causes:

1. Insulin Resistance

High insulin levels can trigger the ovaries to produce excess androgens (like testosterone), which contributes to acne, facial hair, and irregular cycles. This also makes weight loss incredibly frustrating.

2. Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation increases stress on your cells, disrupts hormone signaling, and worsens insulin resistance. It can come from poor diet, stress, gut issues, or even environmental toxins.

3. Adrenal Imbalance

In some women, elevated stress hormones like cortisol drive the symptoms of PCOS—even without insulin resistance. This is often called “lean PCOS” and requires a different, gentler approach.

Trusted Resources if You Want to Dig Deeper

Our Mission at Renew Health

At Renew Health, our mission is simple: to help you reconnect with your body, get real answers, and feel truly seen—not just handed a prescription.

We believe in root-cause healing, using advanced lab testing, whole-body strategies, and personalized support to uncover what’s really going on.

Because PCOS isn’t just about ovaries.

It’s about you—and the full picture of your health.

Jessica Fish