02/18/2026
If you’ve ever been told you have PCOS, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not the only one confused by what that diagnosis really means. Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood.
Here’s what’s important to know: PCOS isn’t one single thing. It’s a spectrum of symptoms and hormonal patterns that can look quite different from one woman to the next.
What’s ​really ​happening with PCOS​...
At its core, PCOS involves an imbalance in how your body produces and responds to certain hormones, especially insulin and androgens (like testosterone). That imbalance can interfere with ovulation, leading to irregular cycles or even missed periods. When ovulation doesn’t happen regularly, eggs don’t mature and release as they should. Instead, they stay in the o***y, which can create that “polycystic” (meaning many follicles) appearance on an ultrasound.
But that’s not the whole story. Insulin resistance—when your cells stop responding properly to insulin—is a major player for many women with PCOS. This can drive higher blood sugar, make it harder to use carbs efficiently for fuel, and increase fat storage around the abdomen. Over time, this hormonal-metabolic loop can affect body composition, energy levels, and even how your body responds to training.
​Read the full article here >>>
Learn how PCOS affects active women—and when it’s really low energy availability. Plus, smart fueling, training, and recovery tips from Dr. Stacy Sims.
