Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Have you been diagnosed with PCOS and told to “just go on the pill” or “lose weight”?
If so, you’re not alone.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women, yet many feel they are given limited answers and long-term prescriptions without deeper investigation. Many women present with irregular periods, hirsutism -excessive facial hair, or fertility problems.
Dr Ayiesha Malik is a UK medical doctor who combines conventional medicine, functional medicine, homeopathy and mind-body healing to support women with PCOS in a personalised and root-cause way.
This guide explains:
What PCOS really is
Why it develops
The role of insulin resistance
Gut health, toxins and chronic inflammation
Natural support strategies
Mind-body themes in PCOS
When medication is appropriate
What Is PCOS?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal condition that may involve:
Irregular or absent periods
Ovarian cysts on ultrasound
Acne
Excess facial or body hair
Thinning scalp hair
Weight gain (especially around the abdomen)
Fertility difficulties
Despite the name, PCOS is not simply a problem of ovarian cysts. It is primarily a metabolic and hormonal imbalance.
ow Is PCOS Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) isn’t based on just one blood test or scan. It’s a clinical diagnosis, meaning doctors look at a combination of symptoms, blood tests, and sometimes ultrasound findings.
Most doctors use what are called the Rotterdam Criteria.
The Rotterdam Criteria (Most Widely Used)
To be diagnosed with PCOS, you must have 2 out of the following 3 features — after other causes have been ruled out:
1️⃣ Irregular or Absent Ovulation
This may show up as:
Irregular periods (long cycles over 35 days)
Fewer than 8 periods per year
No periods at all
Difficulty conceiving
Irregular ovulation is one of the most common signs. It can be a particularly worrying time when women are having issues conceiving. But the good news, I do believe there are plenty of ways to heal.
Why Does PCOS Develop?
Functional medicine looks at the deeper drivers behind PCOS, including:
1. Insulin Resistance
Up to 70% of women with PCOS have some degree of insulin resistance — even if they are not overweight.
When insulin is elevated:
The ovaries produce more testosterone
Ovulation becomes irregular
Periods become unpredictable
Addressing insulin resistance is often the key to improving PCOS symptoms. Insulin resistance usually means our bodies are struggling with the amount of sugar or carbohydrate we are eating. Insulin resistance is a marker of poor metabolic health and inflammation in the body. PCOS increases the chances of becoming diabetic.
2. Chronic Inflammation
Low-grade inflammation can disrupt hormone signalling and worsen insulin resistance.
Sources may include:
Poor diet
Gut imbalances
Chronic infections
Environmental toxins
Stress
3. Gut Health & The Microbiome
The gut microbiome influences:
Oestrogen metabolism
Inflammation
Blood sugar balance
Nutrient absorption
Imbalances may worsen hormonal disruption.
Supporting gut health can improve skin, energy, mood and cycles.
There is more awareness about our gut health, which can be negatively affected by diet, courses of antibiotics and constipation.
4. Environmental Toxins
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (such as BPA, phthalates and pesticides) can interfere with hormone balance.
Reducing toxic load through:
Cleaner personal care products
Filtered water
Whole foods
Liver support
may reduce hormonal stress on the body.
Try and avoid drinking from plastic water bottles and coffee cups with plastic lids. Pay particular attention to hot foods and drinks in plastic which leech BPA more than cold food and beverages.
Mind-Body Themes in PCOS
Hormones are highly sensitive to stress.
Chronic stress increases cortisol, which:
Worsens insulin resistance
Disrupts ovulation
Promotes abdominal weight gain
Consider any stress you have faced in your childhood or life. We often don’t realise how this catches up and affects our physical health in years to come, even if we feel we are ok.
Emotionally, many women with PCOS experience:
Frustration
Body image distress
Anxiety about fertility
Feeling “not feminine enough”
It can be difficult to lose weight and there may be stress about not being able to conceive.
Mind-body healing is an important part of restoring balance and is often overlooked.
Support may include:
Breathwork
Meditation
Trauma-informed therapy
Nervous system regulation
Improving sleep
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Homeopathy works on both mind and body.
Hormonal healing requires emotional safety and stress regulation.
Nutrition for PCOS
1. Stabilise Blood Sugar
Eat regular balanced meals
Include protein with every meal
Avoid refined sugars and ultra-processed foods
2. Increase Fibre
Fibre improves insulin sensitivity and supports hormone detoxification.
Helpful foods include:
Leafy greens
Lentils
Oats
Flaxseed
Brussels sprouts
3. Include Healthy Fats
Olive oil
Avocado
Nuts and seeds
Oily fish
These reduce inflammation and support hormone production.
4. Moderate Coffee
For some women, moderate coffee may support metabolism.
For others, especially those with high stress or anxiety, it may worsen symptoms. Personalisation is key.
Movement & Exercise
Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and ovulation frequency.
Recommended:
Brisk walking
Strength training (builds insulin sensitivity)
Yoga for stress reduction
Gentle cycle-synced movement
Over-exercising, however, can worsen cortisol imbalance.
Balance matters.
Top 3 Homeopathic Remedies for PCOS Support
Homeopathy is individualised, but commonly considered remedies include:
Sepia
Irregular periods
Irritability and emotional exhaustion
Hormonal acne
Pulsatilla
Delayed or irregular cycles
Mood sensitivity
Symptoms that shift or vary
Lachesis
Intense PMS
Irritability before periods
Symptoms worse before menstruation
Homeopathy supports the body’s regulatory balance and is used alongside medical care where appropriate.
When Medication Is Needed
Conventional treatments may include:
The combined oral contraceptive pill
Metformin for insulin resistance
Anti-androgen medications
Fertility support if trying to conceive
Medication is sometimes appropriate and helpful. Functional medicine can work alongside it to improve long-term metabolic health. In many cases diet, supplements and herbs can be used and reduce the need for medication.
A Balanced & Integrated Approach
Dr Ayiesha Malik integrates:
Medical diagnostics
Functional medicine
Nutritional therapy
Homeopathy
Mind-body healing
Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual — not just the diagnosis.
The aim is to:
Improve cycle regularity
Reduce acne and hair symptoms
Support fertility
Enhance metabolic health
Improve emotional wellbeing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PCOS be cured naturally?
PCOS is a chronic condition, but symptoms can often be significantly improved with lifestyle and metabolic support.
Is PCOS only about weight?
No. Many women with PCOS are not overweight. Insulin resistance can occur regardless of body size.
Can stress make PCOS worse?
Yes. Chronic stress worsens hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance.
Does gut health matter in PCOS?
Yes. The microbiome influences inflammation and hormone metabolism.
Book a Consultation
If you are looking for personalised, root-cause PCOS support in the UK, Dr Ayiesha Malik offers an integrated approach combining medical assessment with functional medicine and mind-body healing.
Visit www.drayieshamalik.com to learn more or book a consultation.
You deserve more than symptom management.
You deserve a comprehensive, compassionate approach to hormone health.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational an entertainment purposes only. It explains functional and natural approaches to healing. Please see your doctor or book an appointment wit Dr Ayiesha Malik before embarking on any changes to your health and lifestyle.