Understanding PCOS & How to Advocate for Your Health
Did you know that nearly 80% of women with PCOS experience menstrual dysfunction—even if they get a period every month?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed hormonal disorders, affecting millions of women worldwide. While many assume that PCOS only means having cysts on the ovaries, the truth is that irregular ovulation and hormonal imbalances are the real culprits behind the condition.
Today, I’m sharing expert insights from Tianna Trinidad, a former nurse and the creator of the Healthy PCOS Protocol. We’ll cover how to recognize PCOS symptoms, advocate for proper care, and start supporting your hormones naturally.
What is PCOS?
PCOS isn’t just one condition—it’s a combination of hormonal imbalances that present differently in each woman.
🚨 Common symptoms include:
✅ Irregular or absent periods
✅ Persistent fatigue and low energy
✅ Unexplained weight gain, especially around the midsection
✅ Acne and excessive hair growth (or hair thinning)
✅ Blood sugar imbalances and insulin resistance
Despite the name, not all women with PCOS have cysts on their ovaries. Instead, the key indicator is irregular ovulation, which can silently impact metabolism, mood, and fertility.
How Do Women Typically Discover They Have PCOS?
Most women don’t get diagnosed until they struggle to conceive or experience persistent symptoms like unexplained weight gain, hair loss, or fatigue.
According to Tianna, PCOS diagnoses typically happen in one of two ways:
1️⃣ During fertility planning – Many women realize they have PCOS when trying to conceive and noticing irregular ovulation.
2️⃣ After years of dismissed symptoms – Fatigue, weight struggles, and cycle issues often go ignored until they significantly impact quality of life.
Unfortunately, the average time to diagnosis is 5-10 years, with most women seeing at least five different doctors before getting answers.
How to Talk to Your Doctor About PCOS
🔹 Know the diagnostic criteria: PCOS is diagnosed when a woman meets at least two out of three of the following criteria:
- Irregular or absent periods
- High androgen (male hormone) levels
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound
🔹 Avoid unreliable ovulation tests: Many women with PCOS experience false positives on ovulation test strips due to fluctuating hormone levels.
🔹 Come prepared with a symptom log: Tracking your cycle, energy levels, and metabolic symptoms can help you advocate for proper testing and treatment.
Natural Ways to Support PCOS
Even if you don’t have a formal diagnosis, there are effective, natural ways to start supporting your hormones today.
🌿 Start with small, daily changes:
✨ Swap sodas for sparkling water
✨ Add protein and fiber to each meal to stabilize blood sugar
✨ Try Inositol, a research-backed supplement for PCOS support
✨ Reduce stress through gentle movement and mindfulness
One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that PCOS management isn’t about overhauling your life overnight—it’s about making small, sustainable changes that add up over time.
Final Thoughts: Take Charge of Your PCOS Journey
PCOS can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
💡 Tianna is offering a FREE one-hour PCOS consultation to help you get clarity on your symptoms and take the first step toward hormone balance.
📌 Claim your free consultation here
💬 Have you struggled with PCOS symptoms? Let’s chat in the comments or DM me on Instagram @wellness.with.vanda!