PCOS Part 2: How We Diagnose It + Why Weight Won’t Budge

This is a re‑air of Part 2 in my 3‑part PCOS series.In this episode, I walk you through how we actually confirm a PCOS diagnosis — and why so many women with PCOS struggle with stubborn, belly‑centered weight gain.I briefly recap common symptoms like irregular or missing periods, acne, unwanted facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, weight gain, and difficulty getting pregnant. I explain how irregular bleeding happens because you’re not ovulating, and how higher testosterone levels drive many of the skin and hair changes.Then I break down how we diagnose PCOS, including:Hormone blood workTransvaginal ultrasound showing multiple small follicle cystsKey labs to rule out other causes (thyroid, adrenal issues, prolactin levels, and pituitary hormones like FSH and LH)A big focus of this episode is insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia — the vicious cycle that increases hunger, promotes fat storage, and raises long‑term risks like diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol. I explain why weight loss can feel so frustrating with PCOS and what’s actually happening in your body.In the next episode, I’ll cover treatment options and fertility support.You can write to us at [email protected] follow us on Instagram @gynoinfo