PCOS, Acne, and Cravings — Why It’s Not Just a Hormone Problem
If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS (or suspect it), and you’ve been told to:
“Just go on the pill”
“Just lose weight”
“Just eat low carb”
...you’re not getting the whole story.
Because PCOS isn’t just a hormone problem.
It’s a metabolic, inflammatory, and often gut-driven condition that goes way deeper than cysts on your ovaries.
Let’s unpack what’s actually going on, and what to do about it.
What PCOS Really Is (Hint: It’s Not About the Cysts)
PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
But here’s the kicker:
You don’t need cysts to have it.
And many women with cysts don’t have PCOS.
It’s a syndrome, a pattern. One that includes:
Irregular periods or no periods
High androgens (testosterone/DHEA)
Acne or hair growth in male-pattern areas
Ovarian cysts (sometimes)
Infertility, insulin resistance, weight gain, cravings, mood swings
Sound familiar?
What’s Driving It? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Ovaries)
1. Insulin Resistance
High insulin = high testosterone
High testosterone = acne, hair growth, mood swings, period chaos
Many women with PCOS don’t realize they have blood sugar issues until we test fasting insulin, glucose, or A1c.
Fix: Balance blood sugar, cut refined carbs, increase protein/fiber/fat, walk after meals, lift weights
2. Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation drives insulin resistance and disrupts ovulation.
It also makes your adrenals produce more DHEA-S (a male hormone precursor).
Fix: Heal the gut, reduce processed foods, test for underlying infections or food triggers, consider omega-3s and curcumin
3. Gut + Microbiome Imbalance
Your gut bacteria play a major role in hormone metabolism and inflammation.
An overgrowth of bad bugs (like gram-negative bacteria) = LPS (endotoxin) = inflammation = hormonal chaos
Fix: Test with GI-MAP, support with probiotics, prebiotics, gut repair protocols
4. Stress + Cortisol Dysregulation
Chronically elevated cortisol depletes progesterone, increases insulin resistance, and leads to skipped or anovulatory cycles.
Fix: Restore circadian rhythm, reduce overtraining, manage blood sugar, support HPA axis with adaptogens and minerals
Birth Control Doesn’t “Fix” PCOS — It Masks It
The pill may regulate your period on paper, but it doesn’t address the root cause.
And when you come off it?
Cravings, acne, and irregular cycles often come back even worse.
You deserve better than a Band-Aid.
The Root Cause Rx for PCOS
✅ Run the right labs: insulin, glucose, A1c, testosterone, DHEA, GI-MAP, DUTCH
✅ Support the gut, blood sugar, and adrenals
✅ Nourish, don’t restrict
✅ Rebuild your rhythm and metabolism
This is where functional medicine shines.
Ready to Get to the Root?
If you’ve been struggling with PCOS, acne, fatigue, or cravings, and want a deeper, root-cause plan:
