Not all women experience the same symptoms but some common early often symptoms include:

1. Irregular menstrual periods: Women with PCOS may experience infrequent or irregular periods, or heavy or prolonged bleeding.
2. Acne or oily skin: Hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can cause breakouts of acne or oily skin.
3. Weight gain or difficulty losing weight: Insulin resistance, a common feature of PCOS, can be one reason it is more difficult to lose weight.
4. Excess hair growth: PCOS can cause an increase in androgen levels, which can lead to excessive hair growth on the face, chest, and back, and thinning of hair on the scalp.
5. Darkened skin: Hyperpigmentation or dark patches of skin can develop on certain areas of the body, such as the neck, groin, and underarms.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and suspect you may have PCOS, it's important to seek advice and guidance from a health professional you trust to rule it out and get proper management.

The main symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) include irregular menstrual periods, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and sometimes (but not always) the formation of cysts on the ovaries.

Other common symptoms include acne, weight gain, and infertility. Some women with PCOS also experience excess hair growth on the face, chest, and back, and/or can lose head hair at the same time.

The presence of one or more symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) does not necessarily mean that a woman has the condition.

Many of the symptoms of PCOS are also symptoms of other conditions, and further testing is needed to make a definitive diagnosis.

A diagnosis of PCOS is typically made when a woman has two of the following three criteria according to the Rotterdam criteria:

•  Irregular or absent periods
•  Elevated levels of androgens (male hormones)
•  Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.

However, even with these criteria, it can be difficult to diagnose PCOS as symptoms of PCOS can vary widely and some women may only have a few mild symptoms. In addition, it's possible to have PCOS but not have any cysts in the ovaries which is called “non-classic PCOS”.

If you are experiencing symptoms that you believe may be related to PCOS, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional who can perform an evaluation, order any necessary tests and determine an appropriate diagnosis.

The exact cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is not fully understood. It is believed to be a complex disorder that is influenced by a combination of lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors.

One of the main underlying causes of PCOS is an imbalance in a woman's hormones, particularly an excess of androgens (male hormones). This can lead to a range of symptoms, such as irregular periods, acne, weight gain, difficulty becoming pregnant, severe mood swings, depression, anxiety and the development of cysts on the ovaries.

Insulin resistance and metabolic disorder also often play a role in the development of PCOS. Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells do not respond properly to the hormone insulin, which regulates the metabolism of glucose and fat. This can lead to an overproduction of insulin and an increase in androgen levels, which can contribute to the symptoms of PCOS.

Research also suggests that PCOS may be related to certain genetic factors and that it may run in families, however, this not been confirmed yet.

Again it's worth mentioning that the exact cause of PCOS is not known yet and more research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanism.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman's hormone levels, metabolism, and reproductive system. The exact cause of PCOS is not known, but it is thought to be related to a combination of lifestyle, environmental, and potentially genetic factors.

PCOS can affect a woman's ability to ovulate and become pregnant, as well as leading to changes in the menstrual cycle, such as missing or unpredictable periods or heavy bleeding. It can also cause a range of physical symptoms, such as acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth.

PCOS can also increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.

Due to the various symptoms and its effects on health, it's important for woman with PCOS to work with health professionals they trust in order to manage the condition properly. The most effective interventions are diet and lifestyle interventions. 

Sometimes other medications are needed when beginning to heal in conjunction with this natural management plan depending on your situation.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can lead to changes in body shape, particularly due to weight gain and changes in muscle and fat distribution.

One of the symptoms of PCOS is insulin resistance, which leads to an overproduction of insulin. This can lead to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. The body fat distribution in women with PCOS is often concentrated in the abdominal area, also known as central obesity. This can result in an "apple-shaped" body, with a larger waist circumference.

However, women with "lean PCOS" can also notice these changes in their shape.

Other factors like lifestyle and genetics also play a role. Also, not all women with PCOS will have the same body shape changes, some may experience more than others, and it's not a definite symptom.

Regular physical activity, healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are important in managing PCOS and can help to reduce the risk of these body shape changes. Seek guidance from a health professional you trust to follow an appropriate management plan to address these symptoms.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. While it is not a life-threatening condition, it can have serious health consequences if left untreated, and creates very serious, very real problems in the day-to-day life of women who suffer with PCOS.

PCOS can cause a range of symptoms such as missing or late periods, excess hair growth, acne, and trouble trying to conceive, which can greatly impact a woman's quality of life. It also increases the risk of certain health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.

When left untreated, PCOS can also make it more difficult for a woman to get pregnant, as it affects ovulation.

That's why it's important for women with PCOS to receive an early diagnosis and proper management. This should include diet and lifestyle changes.

For these reasons, PCOS should be taken seriously.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic condition that almost typically won't go away on its own. Left untreated, it often gets worse.

However, the symptoms of PCOS can often be managed through a combination of diet and lifestyle changes and sometimes, when needed, some forms of medical treatment.

Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, certain exercise, and a hormonally-supportive diet can help to regulate hormone levels and reduce the symptoms of PCOS. Some women may find that their symptoms improve or disappear entirely with weight loss, however weight loss is a side benefit of the correction of the underlying mechanisms behind PCOS.

It's important to note that, although the condition itself cannot be cured, the symptoms can be managed and even improved with proper management, thus leading to a better quality of life.

Overall, PCOS is a complex condition that can be managed with the guidance of a health professional, but it is not a condition that will go away on its own.

If Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is not treated, it can lead to a number of health problems and complications over time. Some of the potential complications of untreated PCOS include:

1. Infertility: PCOS can affect ovulation, making it more difficult for a woman to become pregnant. Without treatment, the chances of infertility increase.
2. Metabolic disorders: PCOS is associated with insulin resistance, which can lead to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
3. Cardiovascular diseases: PCOS has also been associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and heart diseases.
4. Endometrial cancer: The hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can lead to abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus, which can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
5. Psychological problems: The symptoms of PCOS can lead to emotional distress and impact quality of life, such as depression and anxiety.
6. Sleep Apnea: PCOS women has a higher likelihood of developing sleep apnea than women without PCOS, as a result of weight gain, which is a common symptom of PCOS.

These are some examples of the possible consequences of untreated PCOS, but it's important to note that not all women with PCOS will develop these complications.

Early diagnosis and proper management can greatly reduce the risk of these long-term complications. It is crucial for women with PCOS to work closely with healthcare professional to manage the condition and prevent these complications from arising.

Spontaneous remission is unlikely.

The symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can continue throughout a woman's reproductive years and even in postmenopausal years. The frequency and severity of symptoms can vary depending on the individual woman, and some women may experience more severe symptoms than others.

During the reproductive years, the hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle can exacerbate the symptoms of PCOS, such as irregular periods and ovulation, hirsutism, acne and so on.After menopause, women with PCOS may experience a decrease in the severity of symptoms, as their hormone levels decline.

However, it is important to note that PCOS-related health risks such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and endometrial cancer, may persist even after menopause. Also women with PCOS may have a higher chance of developing sleep apnea, as a result of weight gain, which is a common symptom of PCOS and this condition may not be affected by menopause.

It is important for women with PCOS to seek the advice of trusted health professionals to manage their symptoms and health risks throughout their lifetime.

The symptoms can be ‘managed’ to a point where no symptoms or bloodwork indicate PCOS.

Strictly medically speaking, as of 2023, there is still “no cure” for PCOS.

However, the literature is quickly building showing diet and lifestyle are significant factors in long-lasting, true PCOS management.

The PCOS Project is built on those exact principles.

It is possible but not common that women with PCOS fall pregnant easily.

Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can get pregnant, but they may have difficulty doing so because of the hormonal imbalances associated with the condition.

PCOS can affect ovulation, which can make it more difficult for a woman to fall pregnant. However, with the help of a holistic treatment plan, many women with PCOS are able to conceive.

Medical providers may sometimes recommend treatments such as ovulation-inducing medications or assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to help her conceive but it is worth noting natural diet and lifestyle interventions have been the recommendations to come out of the research on PCOS due to their high success rates.

It's important to note that pregnancy can also bring some additional risks for women with PCOS such as a higher chance of gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia (a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and damage to organs) which need to be considered and managed by healthcare professionals.

It is best to try your best to heal your PCOS prior to falling pregnant where possible.

Take the free PCOS quiz here to find out!

A healthy diet is an important part of managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Some specific dietary guidelines that may be helpful for women with PCOS include:

1. Low glycemic index (GI), balanced foods/meals: Eating foods that have a low glycemic index (GI) can help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Examples of low GI foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
2. High fibre foods: Consuming high fibre foods can help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Examples of high-fibre foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
3. Lean protein: Eating lean protein can help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Examples of lean protein include chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes.
4. Healthy fats: Eating healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil, can help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
5. Limit processed foods, sugar and saturated fats: Avoiding processed foods, sugar and saturated fats, can help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, as well as reducing the risk of obesity and other metabolic disorders.
6. Drink plenty of high quality water: staying hydrated is important for overall health, and it can also help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
    

It's worth noting that a healthy diet is not a one-size-fits-all, and it's important to work with a reliable nutritionist to create more PCOS- specific plans that meets your needs.

It's also important to keep in mind that a healthy diet is just one part of managing PCOS, other lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, stress management and maintaining a healthy weight also play important role in managing the condition.

Exercise is often an important part of managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and its associated symptoms. The following are some guidelines for exercise for women with PCOS:

1. Aim for at 3-5 sessions of moderate-intensity resistance training sessions.
2. Include leisurely exercise and incidental exercise where possible: This can include activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
3. Be consistent: Regular exercise can help regulate hormones, improve insulin sensitivity and reduce weight, which are all beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms.
4. Take rest days: allow your body to recover and avoid overtraining.
5. Work with a personal trainer or exercise professional: He or she can guide you by developing a PCOS-specific exercise plan that meets your needs and matches your personal goals, taking into account any physical limitations you may have.

It's important to note that, as with dietary changes, exercise should be done in conjunction with other lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, stress management to achieve the best results in managing PCOS.

Head to The PCOS Project to learn more about healing your PCOS symptoms naturally.

The PCOS Project is a 6-month specialised program that reduces the need for medication, balances high androgens and insulin and restores a healthy, resilient menstrual cycle.

Created by a Nutritionist, Personal Trainer & PCOS sufferer Dee Zibara, the program uses phase-specific nutrition plans, training plans and mindfulness practices to help you heal your PCOS symptoms naturally, once and for all.

The program includes 12 modules of evidence-based, PCOS-specific education, including how to create your own flexible PCOS-friendly meals whether cooking at home, ordering in, or eating out.

Simple.

If you've been reading up on PCOS solutions because you either know or suspect you have PCOS, you're already ready.

Or if your healthcare provider has offered medications now, (and/or medical intervention later) and you're wondering if there's a more natural approach your could try first, you're already ready.

I would highly recommend you do my quiz first.

If you have a likely or highly likely chance of having PCOS, then even without a GP diagnosis your symptoms and test results indicate you would still benefit greatly from the program.

That might mean better insulin management, restoring your period, losing stubborn weight, lowering your inflammation, reducing PMS or PMDD symptoms, or improving your gut health.

Yes!

Now look, is it the most ideal situation, to still be on birth control? No.

BUT, I know what it’s like to be too scared to fall pregnant and until you have an established predictable natural cycle, you may not track ovulation well. This is a reason why the program also includes some resources on understanding your body cues of ovulation to help you track your ovulation and navigate the transition off birth control with more confidence when being intimate.

To use an analogy…until you’re able to get out of the sun, let’s at least pop an umbrella over you to stop you from getting more sunburnt.

The PCOS Project is available with a single, upfront payment of $1997 (AUD) or 6 monthly payments of $399.

Whichever payment option you select, you will have the same level of access for six months. There are 12 modules to go through, but most women get through them within weeks and start seeing results within 4 weeks.

Not at all.

Programs of this calibre will openly offer money-back guarantees when their creators have sheer confidence in the results like I do for you.

In fact, I don't anticipate anyone would ever need to use it. Once you realise how much value is packed into this program and SEE the results in your own body, you'll be sharing it with all your girlfriends!!

And, of course, you can see the all the details here in the written Money-Back Guarantee.

Symptoms like improvements in skin, bloating, mood and energy should become evident within the first 2-4 weeks of implementing the full program.

Changes in your actual bleed should take around 3 months of implementing the full program (but often sooner).

Like anything in life, you will get out of this program what you put into it. While we do offer a 100% Money-Back Guarantee, the results you get are up to you.

I can promise that if you commit to the process, you will see results.

You can of course do the PCOS project if you’re pregnant. In terms of safety, there is no harm to being pregnant and doing the program. All programs should be tailored to the individual woman when pregnant based on her unique body, regardless. The PCOS Project would be the same.

It would provide different benefits and they wouldn’t be so obvious in your period which, for women in their reproductive years, is the usual feedback on how well their body is responding. It would be an incredibl post-partum program to re-establish a healthy period, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a head-start on establishing those healthy hormonal habits.

Because the program includes so many benefits, you could notice an improvement in your mood, energy, cravings, insulin management, sleep, and hormone metabolism. I would however, suggest some modifications and would encourage you to reach out to me to help you manipulate the program to best suit you.

Barriers to fertility for any woman include low progesterone, high oestrogen, high cortisol and high inflammation. In addition to this, with PCOS, high androgens and insulin mismanagement is another barrier to fertility.

Women with PCOS tend to face most if not all of these.
The PCOS Project addresses every single one of those hormonal barriers and more.

The insights you learn will definitely be share-worthy.

And I'm all for bringing your tribe along with you.

So share all of your learnings with them, but please don't give them access to your logins so that they can access the course themselves.

It's against the terms of your subscription for anyone else to access your account.

If you think your friend would truly benefit from The PCOS Project, ask them to reach out to Dee to organise a free personalised assessment.

If you have a question before signing up, I'm highly responsive to messages here on my Instagram @deezibara.

Or you're welcome to click here to email me at [email protected].

If you have a question after signing up, you can contact me in either of those ways OR ask your question in our exclusive/members only PCOS Project FB group and myself or my team will be able to help!