DEEP DIVE

(And what to actually say at the doctor’s office)

If you have PCOS—or suspect you might—you’ve probably had at least one appointment that left you feeling dismissed, rushed, or more confused than when you walked in.

Maybe you were told your labs were “normal.”
Maybe you were offered birth control and sent home.
Maybe your symptoms were brushed off as stress, weight, or “just how your body is.”

And maybe you left wondering if you were overreacting.

You weren’t.

PCOS is one of the most underdiagnosed and misunderstood hormonal conditions in women, and the healthcare system often focuses on surface-level symptoms instead of root causes. That means many women don’t get the answers—or the testing—they actually need unless they ask for them.

This isn’t about being difficult.
It’s about being informed.

PCOS doesn’t show up the same way in every woman. Some have irregular periods. Others don’t. Some struggle with acne, hair growth, or hair loss. Others mainly deal with weight gain, fatigue, or insulin resistance.

Because symptoms vary, PCOS is often treated as a reproductive issue instead of a whole-body metabolic condition. Many doctors focus only on cycles or fertility and overlook inflammation, blood sugar, gut health, and adrenal stress.

That’s why advocating for yourself matters—especially if something feels off and you’re being told everything is “fine.”

If you’re undiagnosed and looking for clarity, it helps to be specific rather than vague. Instead of saying, “I don’t feel right,” try connecting your symptoms clearly.

You might say:
“I’m experiencing irregular cycles, persistent acne, weight gain around my midsection, fatigue, and difficulty losing weight. I’d like to be evaluated for PCOS and insulin resistance.”

This signals that you’re not guessing—you’re noticing patterns.

If a provider says PCOS is unlikely because your cycles are regular or your weight is “normal,” it’s okay to respond with:
“I understand PCOS can present differently. I’d still like to rule it out based on my symptoms.”

Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis or already have one, labs matter. Many women are told they’re fine based on very limited testing.

You can ask about:

You don’t need every lab at once, but you do deserve more than “everything looks normal” without context.

A helpful question is:
“Can we look at trends and optimal ranges, not just whether something is flagged as abnormal?”

A PCOS diagnosis doesn’t mean the work is done. Many women are diagnosed and then offered only symptom management, not education.

If you’re already diagnosed, it’s reasonable to ask:

PCOS is not static. Your care shouldn’t be either.

This part matters.

If a provider dismisses your concerns, you’re allowed to ask for a second opinion. You’re allowed to switch doctors. You’re allowed to bring notes, symptom logs, or questions to appointments.

Advocating for yourself doesn’t mean you distrust medicine. It means you’re participating in your care.

You live in your body every day.
That data counts.

You’re not being dramatic.
You’re not “too focused on your health.”
You’re not failing because you need answers.

PCOS requires curiosity, consistency, and self-advocacy—especially in a system that often overlooks women’s symptoms unless they’re loud or obvious.

The goal isn’t to fight your doctor.
It’s to partner with someone who listens.

And if you haven’t found that person yet, keep going.

Your symptoms are real.
Your questions are valid.
And you deserve care that goes deeper than a prescription.

🩸 If this resonated, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.

^{Why PCOS Queens? I want to save you the energy and time in researching and instead give you the shortcut to managing PCOS. I want to help you avoid feeling self-conscious and thinking you have to accept how things are. I want to help you overcome the worst of your symptoms, feel empowered and discover your inner strength. I want to hand you the keys to take back control of your life.}

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*Disclaimer: Every woman is unique, and this information is provided for educational purposes only. I share summarized research data and personal experience, but this should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on your specific health needs.