Hi there! If you’re wondering about the truth behind Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), here’s the quick scoop: there are tons of myths floating around—like “PCOS means you can’t have kids” or “it’s just about cysts”—but the facts are much more hopeful and clear.
PCOS is a common hormone issue that affects many women, and while it can be tricky, it’s manageable with the right info and help.
I’m a gynecologist & Infertility sepcialist from Mamata Fertility Hospital in Secunderabad, and I’m here to sort out what’s true and what’s not.
In this article, we’ll walk through the most common myths about PCOS—like whether it’s rare, if it’s your fault, or if losing weight fixes everything—and replace them with solid facts.
You’ll hear stories from my patients, get easy explanations, and learn what you can do about PCOS. Whether you’re dealing with irregular periods, weight struggles, or worries about having a baby, I’ve got you covered with honest answers and practical steps.
By the end, you’ll feel more in control and ready to take charge of your health. Let’s dive in!
What Is PCOS? A Simple Start
Before we tackle myths, let’s get on the same page about PCOS. Picture your ovaries as little kitchens that make eggs and hormones to keep your body running smoothly—like clockwork for your monthly period.
With PCOS, that kitchen gets a bit out of order. It starts making too much of a hormone usually found more in men, called testosterone, and instead of sending out an egg each month, it holds onto lots of tiny sacs called follicles.
This can mess up your periods, make extra hair pop up where you don’t want it, or even make it harder to keep weight off.
PCOS affects about 1 in 10 women, so it’s not rare at all. I see it every day at Mamata Fertility Hospital—women come in with questions about their cycles, skin changes, or dreams of starting a family. It’s a big deal, but it’s not unbeatable. Now, let’s bust some myths that might be clouding your mind.
Myth 1: PCOS Means You Have Cysts on Your Ovaries
The Fact: You Don’t Need Cysts to Have PCOS
A lot of women think PCOS is all about having cysts—little fluid pockets—on their ovaries. The name sure makes it sound that way, right?
But here’s the truth:
You can have PCOS without any cysts at all. In my clinic, I’ve seen this confuse so many patients.
Take Sneha, a 25-year-old who came to me because her periods were skipping months. She’d read online that PCOS meant cysts, so she was shocked when her ultrasound showed no cysts—just lots of small follicles.
We checked her hormones and saw high testosterone levels, plus those irregular cycles. That’s PCOS, cysts or not.
To diagnose it, we look for two out of three things: irregular periods, signs of extra male hormones (like hair growth), or lots of follicles on an ultrasound. Sneha had two, so PCOS it was—no cysts required.
Myth 2: PCOS Only Affects Overweight Women
The Fact: PCOS Can Happen to Anyone, No Matter Their Size
Another big myth is that PCOS only hits women who carry extra weight. Sure, weight gain is common with PCOS, but it’s not the whole story. I’ve met women of all shapes and sizes with this condition.
Ritu, a 28-year-old teacher, walked into my OPD worried about acne and missing periods. She’s slim—always has been—but her hormone tests showed PCOS signs.
She was surprised because she thought, “I’m not overweight, so it can’t be PCOS!” We call this “lean PCOS,” and it’s real—about 20% of women with PCOS aren’t overweight.
The hormone mix-up happens regardless of your size, often tied to insulin (a sugar-control hormone) not working quite right.
So, don’t rule out PCOS just because you’re not heavy—it’s more about what’s happening inside.
Myth 3: You Can’t Get Pregnant with PCOS
The Fact: Many Women with PCOS Have Babies
This one breaks my heart because it scares so many women. Yes, PCOS can make getting pregnant trickier because it can stop eggs from releasing regularly. But it’s not a “no babies ever” sentence—far from it.
I remember Priya, a 30-year-old who came to Mamata Fertility Hospital desperate to start a family. Her periods were all over the place, and she’d heard PCOS meant infertility.
We tested her, confirmed PCOS, and made a plan—some lifestyle tweaks and a medicine to help her ovulate. Six months later, she was pregnant!
Studies show that with help—like diet changes, exercise, or treatments—up to 70-80% of women with PCOS can conceive. It might take a little extra effort, but it’s absolutely possible.
Myth 4: Losing Weight Cures PCOS
The Fact: Weight Loss Helps, But It’s Not a Cure
You’ve probably heard, “Just lose weight, and PCOS will go away.” I wish it were that simple! Losing weight can make a huge difference, but it doesn’t erase PCOS completely.
Lakshmi, a 35-year-old patient, dropped 10 kilos after we worked on her diet and walking routine. Her periods got more regular, and her energy soared—fantastic wins! But her PCOS didn’t vanish; it’s a lifelong condition tied to how her body handles hormones.
Losing weight—even 5-10% of your body weight—can lower insulin issues and testosterone levels, easing symptoms like irregular cycles or extra hair.
Science backs this up: a study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found weight loss improves ovulation. But it’s about management, not a magic fix.
Myth 5: PCOS Is Rare
The Fact: PCOS Is Super Common
Some think PCOS is this unusual thing only a few women get. Nope—it’s one of the most common hormone problems out there. About 6-12% of women of childbearing age have it—that’s millions worldwide, and I see it all the time in Secunderabad.
Anusha, a 22-year-old college student, thought her irregular periods were “just her” until she talked to friends and realized many had similar issues. She came to me, and sure enough, it was PCOS.
The World Health Organization says up to 70% of women with PCOS don’t even know they have it because it’s underdiagnosed. So, if you’re feeling alone with this, you’re not—it’s more common than you think.
Myth 6: PCOS Is Your Fault
The Fact: You Didn’t Cause PCOS
I’ve had patients cry in my office, asking, “What did I do wrong?” Let me be clear: PCOS isn’t your fault. It’s not because you ate too much or didn’t exercise enough—it’s deeper than that.
Kavita, a 27-year-old, felt guilty because she thought her love for sweets gave her PCOS. We talked it out—PCOS is tied to genes (it often runs in families) and how your body naturally works, not just lifestyle.
Sure, eating well and staying active help manage it, but they don’t cause it. Researchers still don’t know the exact trigger, but it’s not about blaming yourself—it’s about understanding your body.
Myth 7: PCOS Only Affects Your Periods
The Fact: PCOS Impacts Your Whole Body
Some think PCOS is just about wonky periods. It’s way more than that—it’s a whole-body thing. Your periods might be the first clue, but it touches other parts too.
Meena, a 33-year-old, came in because she was tired all the time and gaining weight despite trying hard to stop it. Her periods were irregular, yes, but PCOS was also raising her risk for diabetes and heart issues down the road.
It can mess with your sugar levels (insulin resistance), mood (like feeling down or anxious), and even sleep. So, it’s not just a period problem—it’s a health puzzle we need to solve together.
Myth 8: Birth Control Pills Are the Only Fix
The Fact: There Are Lots of Ways to Manage PCOS
A lot of women hear, “Take the pill, and you’re good.” Birth control pills can help—don’t get me wrong—but they’re not the only tool in the toolbox.
Anjali, a 29-year-old, didn’t want pills because she was planning a baby soon. We tried other things instead—like tweaking her meals to balance sugar levels and adding a medicine called metformin to help her insulin work better.
Her periods steadied, and she felt great. Depending on what you need—regular cycles, less hair, or baby plans—we can mix and match options: diet, exercise, pills, or best fertility treatments. It’s all about what fits you.
Myth 9: PCOS Goes Away After Menopause
The Fact: PCOS Sticks Around, But Changes
Some believe PCOS disappears when periods stop at menopause. Not quite—it changes, but it doesn’t vanish.
I had a patient, Shalini, who was 50 and thought her PCOS days were over. Her periods stopped, but she still had high sugar levels and weight struggles—PCOS leftovers.
After menopause, the ovary stuff calms down, but the insulin and hormone issues can linger, raising risks for diabetes or heart trouble. So, we keep managing it, just in a new way.
Myth 10: You Can’t Do Anything About PCOS
The Fact: You Can Take Control
This myth is the toughest—thinking you’re stuck with PCOS forever with no hope. You’ve got power here, and I’ve seen it work wonders.
Take Rani, a 26-year-old who felt helpless with her acne and weight gain. We started small—more veggies, a daily walk, and a check-in plan. Months later, she was glowing, her skin clearer, and her confidence back.
You can’t cure PCOS, but you can manage it with food, movement, and sometimes medicine. Studies show lifestyle changes cut symptoms by a lot—up to 50% improvement in some cases. You’re not powerless—you’re in charge.
What Patients Ask Me: Real Questions from the Clinic
I hear these all the time in my OPD, so let’s tackle them:
- “Did I cause my PCOS?” No, it’s not your doing—it’s a mix of genes and body wiring.
- “Will I ever have a baby?” Many women do! We can help your body get ready.
- “Is it just me?” Nope, millions have PCOS—you’re not alone.
- “Can I fix it with diet?” Diet helps a ton, but it’s part of a bigger plan.
One time, Neha asked, “Will my daughter get this?” Since it runs in families, there’s a chance, but we can watch and act early if needed. Every question matters—bring them to me!
Your Action Plan: Steps to Take Today
I want you to walk away feeling ready to act. Here’s your checklist:
- Track Your Symptoms: Write down your periods, any extra hair, or tiredness. It’s a map for us to follow.
- Start Small: Swap one sugary drink for water or take a 15-minute walk. Little wins build up.
- Get Checked: Visit a doctor for a hormone test or ultrasound. Knowing what’s up is step one.
- Talk to Someone: If you’re near Secunderabad, come see us at Mamata Fertility Hospital. We’ll figure it out together.
Why Mamata Fertility Hospital?
I’ve been helping women with PCOS for years, and at Mamata Fertility Hospital, we’re all about you—your story, your worries, your goals.
We’ve got the tests, the know-how, and the heart to listen. Whether it’s easing symptoms or planning a family, we’re here with real answers.
If PCOS feels overwhelming—maybe your periods are a mess, or you’re scared about the future—don’t sit with it alone.
Call us or check out mamatafertility.com. We’ll sit down, look at what’s going on, and make a plan that feels right for you. You deserve to feel good—I’m here to help make that happen.
Final Thoughts: You’re Stronger Than the Myths
PCOS comes with a lot of noise—myths that scare you or make you feel stuck. But the facts? They’re on your side. It’s not your fault, it’s not rare, and it’s not a dead end. You can manage it, have babies if you want, and live a full life.
I’ve seen women like Sneha, Priya, and Rani turn their PCOS story around, and I know you can too.
Start with one step—track your symptoms, tweak your day, or reach out. You’re not just a patient to me—you’re someone I want to see thrive.
At Mamata Fertility Hospital, we’re ready to walk this with you. Let’s bust those myths together and get you feeling like you again!