PCOS: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It’s So Often Misunderstood
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal patterns I see in practice—and also one of the most misunderstood.
If you’ve been told you have PCOS, you may have walked away feeling confused, overwhelmed, or even scared about your fertility. Many people are told what PCOS is, but not what it means for their body, their cycles, or their long-term health.
Let’s slow this down and bring some clarity.
What is PCOS, really?
PCOS is not a single disease—it’s a pattern. A collection of signs and symptoms that reflect how your body is responding to hormones, blood sugar, stress, and inflammation.
You do not need to have ovarian cysts to have PCOS.
And having cysts on your ovaries does not automatically mean you have PCOS.
PCOS is typically diagnosed when someone has two of the following:
Irregular or absent ovulation
Elevated androgens (like testosterone), either on labs or through symptoms
Polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound
That’s it. There’s a wide range of experiences that can fall under this umbrella.
Why PCOS looks different in different people
One of the biggest problems with how PCOS is discussed is that it’s often treated like a single condition with a single solution.
In reality, PCOS can look very different depending on the person.
Some people have:
Long, irregular cycles
Acne or hair growth
Difficulty ovulating
Others have:
Regular periods but poor egg quality
Blood sugar instability
Subtle hormonal imbalances that don’t show up clearly on labs
And some people are told they “barely have PCOS” while still struggling to conceive or feel well.
Your experience is valid—even if it doesn’t match someone else’s.
PCOS and fertility
Having PCOS does not mean you can’t get pregnant.
It can mean:
Ovulation may be inconsistent
Hormones may need support to work more smoothly together
Your body may need time and consistency to build momentum
Fertility with PCOS often improves when we focus on:
Supporting ovulation (not forcing it)
Improving blood sugar regulation
Reducing inflammation and stress signaling
Strengthening the body’s overall hormonal communication
This is where a holistic approach can be especially supportive.
How acupuncture fits in
From a Chinese medicine perspective, PCOS isn’t viewed as a single diagnosis—it’s understood through patterns like stagnation, deficiency, heat, or dampness, depending on the person.
Acupuncture works by:
Supporting communication between the brain and ovaries
Improving blood flow to the pelvis
Helping regulate cycles and ovulation over time
Supporting the nervous system, which plays a major role in hormone balance
Care is gradual and individualized. The goal isn’t to “fix” your body—it’s to help it remember how to work more smoothly.
A final word
If you’ve been told you have PCOS and felt dismissed, rushed, or reduced to a diagnosis—I want you to know this:
Your body isn’t broken.
Your fertility story isn’t over.
And you deserve care that looks at you, not just a label.
If you’re navigating PCOS and want support that honors your whole system—hormones, cycles, stress, and lived experience—I’d be honored to be part of that process.
Acupuncture offers a holistic and natural solution to supporting your fertility & reproductive health as well as pregnancy & postpartum support.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of acupuncture for yourself, schedule an appointment today.
Raku Acupuncture
(720) 230-3225 | micaela@rakuacu.com
Proudly serving Doylestown, Bucks County, PA. Located near Chalfont, New Britain, Solebury, Perkasie, Newtown, Yardley, New Hope, and Lambertville.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended for the purpose of providing medical advice. All information, content and material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment.
