Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has become an increasingly common diagnosis, now affecting 8-13% of women. As a complex hormonal condition, PCOS results in a wide range of symptoms from menstrual irregularities, infertility, and miscarriage, to acne, excess hair growth, alopecia, and is associated with obesity. The many symptoms reflect the complex web of aetiological factors including insulin resistance, inflammation, genetics, stress, diet, and environmental toxins. However, the deeper spiritual and emotional roots of PCOS point to the immense pressures placed on women to conform to masculine levels of achievement in society.
What contributes to the development of PCOS? Hectic, high-stress lifestyles provoke the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) nervous system, raising cortisol and adrenaline over the long-term. The modern high-sugar, low nutrient diet wreaks havoc on blood sugar regulation. Sedentary routines and chronic technology use disturb hormonal cycles. Exposure to plastics and pesticides introduce endocrine disrupting compounds. When women internalise societal messages that we must “keep up with men” – our body responds accordingly.
Trying to override innate feminine qualities of cyclicality, creativity, receptivity, intuition, and instead connect with the driven, linear, competitive, intellectual traits associated with masculinity causes female bodies to quite literally develop more male hormones. The resulting excess androgens then generate the cluster of PCOS symptoms: absent or irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, hirsutism, hair loss, acne etc. The PCOS body cries out “Slow down! Turn back toward the feminine!”
Treatment strategies for PCOS aim to regulate hormones, improve insulin sensitivity, support liver and adrenal function, improve diet, reduce body weight if necessary, and support reproductive health.
A mind-body-spirit perspective reveals that true healing requires women live according to the female menstrual cycle – 28 (or so) days. The cycle flows as follows: During menstruation is a time of lower energy, going within, relaxing, nurturing the self. The follicular phase leading up to ovulation is a time where we are starting to bloom, energy is increasing where it culminates at a peak around ovulation, followed by the luteal phase leading up to menstruation where moods may fluctuate more and we begin to flow down and turn inwards again. Rather than exerting effort toward outer achievement within paradigms that are better suited to the male 24 hour cycle, women (especially women with PCOS) need to redirect attention inward to access inner wisdom, creativity, receptivity. Restoring rituals that honour the sacred cyclical nature allows the rushed female body to realign with feminine rhythms. Making space for play, pleasure and and self-care.
While supportive herbs, supplements, and lifestyle changes have an important place in managing PCOS symptoms, real transformation arises from releasing the need to compete with men or emulate masculine traits. By attuning to the guidance of the menstrual cycle, by prioritising nourishment over busy-ness, women can return to the true nature of womanhood. Healing PCOS involves recognising that our power lies not in mimicking masculinity, but in the courage to soften into our intuitive feminine beauty.