September is PCOS Awareness Month. It is a time to highlight a condition that affects 1 in 10 women and people with ovaries worldwide, yet is still widely misunderstood and often overlooked so today we are doing our own little part to ensure it is known more by people and understood just a little bit better.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects the ovaries and ovulation. While it can show up differently in each person, some common signs include:

• Irregular or absent periods
  
• Excess hair growth (on the face, chin, chest, or back)
  
• Acne or oily skin
  
• Weight changes or difficulty losing weight
  
• Thinning hair on the scalp
  
• Fertility struggles
  

But PCOS is more than “just a period problem.” It is linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.

Why Awareness Matters

Too often, people with PCOS go undiagnosed for years, dismissed as “just hormonal” or told to “just lose weight” which ironically is almost impossible with pcos as sometimes, it causes weight gain and makes weight loss significantly harder.  Awareness means earlier diagnosis, better care, and more compassion for those who live with it every day.

Living With PCOS

PCOS doesn’t have a cure yet, but it can be managed. Lifestyle changes, medication, and community support make a huge difference. And while the journey can be overwhelming, it’s important to remember:

• Your worth is not defined by your symptoms.
  
• Managing PCOS is not about perfection; it’s about progress.
  
• You are not alone as chances are a lot of women around you suffer from the same thing but because we don’t talk about it enough it may feel that way.
  

How You Can Support PCOS Awareness Month

• Educate yourself and others: Share facts about PCOS with your friends, family, and community.
  
• Wear teal: Teal is the official PCOS awareness color.
  
• Show compassion: Listen to and validate the experiences of people with PCOS.
  
• Join the conversation online: Use hashtags like #PCOSAwarenessMonth and #PCOSWarrior to spread visibility.
  

PCOS Awareness Month isn’t just about the condition — it’s about the people living with it. Behind every statistic is a real story, a real struggle, and real strength. By speaking up, we create a world where no one with PCOS feels invisible. To everyone living with PCOS: you are seen, you are strong, and your story matters.