Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): understand, manage and live with it

By Ichrak Haddad•1/31/2026
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Table of Contents

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a chronic endocrine disorder affecting 6–13% of women of reproductive age. It presents with menstrual irregularities, anovulation and sometimes infertility. PCOS is not always curable, but symptoms can be improved with targeted measures including diet, physical activity and medical management.

  • PCOS is a chronic endocrine disorder affecting 6–13% of women of reproductive age
  • It presents with menstrual irregularities, anovulation and sometimes infertility
  • PCOS is not always curable, but symptoms can be improved with targeted measures including diet, physical activity and medical management

Causes and biological mechanisms

The exact cause is partially understood: contributing factors include hormonal imbalances (elevated androgens), low‑grade inflammation, insulin resistance, genetic predisposition and lifestyle elements (high‑sugar diets, sedentary behaviour, stress, sleep disruption).

  • The exact cause is partially understood: contributing factors include hormonal imbalances (elevated androgens)
  • low‑grade inflammation
  • insulin resistance
  • genetic predisposition and lifestyle elements (high‑sugar diets
  • sedentary behaviour
  • stress
  • sleep disruption).

PCOS symptoms

Symptoms vary but often include irregular or absent periods, infertility, acne, hirsutism, hair thinning, abdominal weight gain and insulin resistance. Ultrasound may show numerous follicles but is not required for diagnosis.

  • Symptoms vary but often include irregular or absent periods, infertility, acne, hirsutism, hair thinning, abdominal weight gain and insulin resistance
  • Ultrasound may show numerous follicles but is not required for diagnosis

Link with insulin resistance and metabolism

Insulin resistance is common in patients with PCOS, even without overweight. It increases insulin secretion, stimulates androgen production and worsens ovulatory disturbances. Dietary and exercise interventions can improve insulin resistance and positively affect hormonal markers and body composition.

  • Insulin resistance is common in patients with PCOS, even without overweight
  • It increases insulin secretion, stimulates androgen production and worsens ovulatory disturbances
  • Dietary and exercise interventions can improve insulin resistance and positively affect hormonal markers and body composition

Diet and lifestyle

Low‑glycemic diets, DASH or Mediterranean patterns and hypocaloric approaches when weight loss is needed have shown benefits in PCOS. Emphasize vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, unsaturated fats and omega‑3 sources. Combined aerobic and resistance exercise is also recommended. Some micronutrients (vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, inositol, omega‑3) may be helpful as adjuncts under medical guidance.

  • Low‑glycemic diets, DASH or Mediterranean patterns and hypocaloric approaches when weight loss is needed have shown benefits in PCOS
  • Emphasize vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, unsaturated fats and omega‑3 sources
  • Combined aerobic and resistance exercise is also recommended
  • Some micronutrients (vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, inositol, omega‑3) may be helpful as adjuncts under medical guidance

Management and treatment

PCOS management is based on lifestyle (diet, physical activity, weight loss if needed) and targeted treatments for symptoms (contraceptives, anti‑androgen therapies, acne treatments, fertility management as indicated). Personalized follow‑up with a healthcare professional is essential.

  • PCOS management is based on lifestyle (diet, physical activity, weight loss if needed) and targeted treatments for symptoms (contraceptives, anti‑androgen therapies, acne treatments, fertility management as indicated)
  • Personalized follow‑up with a healthcare professional is essential

Conclusion

PCOS is a chronic condition with hormonal and metabolic components; while often not curable, effective management is possible through a holistic approach combining tailored diet, physical activity, medical follow‑up and symptom management. This can improve insulin resistance, fertility and quality of life.

  • PCOS is a chronic condition with hormonal and metabolic components
  • while often not curable, effective management is possible through a holistic approach combining tailored diet, physical activity, medical follow‑up and symptom management
  • This can improve insulin resistance, fertility and quality of life

Scientific references

World Health Organization – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome fact sheet (2025); Ameli.fr – PCOS treatment (2025); Miao C. et al. (2020); Systematic evidence – DASH, low GI and lifestyle interventions in PCOS (Nutrients, 2025).

  • World Health Organization – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome fact sheet (2025)
  • Ameli.fr – PCOS treatment (2025)
  • Miao C. et al. (2020)
  • Systematic evidence – DASH, low GI and lifestyle interventions in PCOS (Nutrients, 2025)