5 PCOS Myths You Need to Stop Believing Now

1) Carbs are the enemy.

False. Let me be clear that what KIND of carbohydrates matter. Foods considered high in carbohydrates include fruit and whole grains which provide key nutrients. Eating the least processed carbs (whole foods are best) and even "buffering" them with healthy fats or protein can dramatically reduce insulin spikes. Reducing insulin spikes is the key to regulating hormones, appetite, and energy levels.

2) You can't get pregnant.

False. While it may take longer and with greater effort, it can happen! It mostly lies in ovulation issues. Healing your hormones with the help of nutrition modifications and other lifestyle changes, you certainly can ovulate. For some, medical intervention such as inducing ovulation may do the trick.

3) Birth control is the only answer to control your symptoms.

False. For some, hormonal birth control may work to help control symptoms in the short term. However, what happens when you get off it? Your symptoms will come back! That's because hormonal birth control only puts a band-aid on the problem and heals absolutely none of it. In fact, being on birth control worsens insulin resistance and depletes your body of several key vitamins.

4) You only have to be concerned about PCOS in your reproductive years.

False. Having PCOS means having increased risk of a multitude of conditions (besides infertility) if you don't make your health a priority. This includes diabetes, gestational diabetes, uterine cancer, and heart disease to name a few.

5) Your diet doesn't matter if you have lean PCOS.

False. Health isn't just about a healthy weight. Research shows that women with lean PCOS are at an increased risk of developing insulin resistance (if they don't already have it and if they don't take care of themselves). They, too, often fall victim to high testosterone levels, insulin spikes, infertility, and a slew of other symptoms that go along with this. If you have "lean" PCOS, be your best advocate and don't brush off the condition.