What is PCOS? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Dr. Seeman’s Approach
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common conditions affecting women today. Yet so many are left in the dark about what it really is and how to manage it. Too often women are told to “just go on birth control” or “lose some weight” without ever being given the full picture. The truth is, PCOS is not only about reproductive health. It’s a metabolic problem at its core, and that means nutrition and lifestyle are central to managing it.
This guide explains what PCOS is, how it affects women, what the standard treatments look like, and why Dr. Jaime Seeman emphasizes insulin resistance as the root cause—and how to correct it.
What is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Despite the name, it isn’t really about ovarian “cysts.” It’s a syndrome, meaning a group of symptoms that tend to appear together. PCOS affects 5 to 18 percent of women of reproductive age worldwide, making it one of the most common hormonal conditions.
The main features include:
Irregular or absent periods
High levels of androgens (male hormones)
Multiple small follicles on the ovaries (sometimes seen on ultrasound)
How Does PCOS Affect Women?
PCOS impacts more than fertility. It’s a full-body condition with effects on hormones, metabolism, and long-term health.
Common reproductive and hormonal symptoms:
Irregular or absent cycles
Difficulty getting pregnant
Acne, excess facial or body hair
Thinning hair on the scalp
Metabolic and systemic effects:
Insulin resistance and higher insulin levels
Weight gain, especially around the waist
Fatty liver, high cholesterol, high blood pressure
Increased risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Emotional and mental health effects:
Higher rates of anxiety and depression
Body image challenges due to acne, hair changes, or weight struggles
What is the Typical Treatment for PCOS?
Traditional medicine often focuses on symptom management rather than root causes. Typical treatments include:
Birth control pills to regulate cycles and reduce androgen symptoms
Metformin to improve insulin sensitivity
Spironolactone or other anti-androgens for excess hair or acne
Ovulation-inducing medications like letrozole or clomiphene for women trying to conceive
These can help, but they don’t fix the underlying metabolic dysfunction. That’s why lifestyle changes are always recommended as the foundation of treatment.
What Causes PCOS According to Dr. Seeman?
Dr. Jaime Seeman, an obstetrician-gynecologist who also has PCOS herself, explains that the real driver of PCOS is insulin resistance. High insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, which leads to irregular ovulation, acne, hair changes, and infertility.
Her key message: PCOS is not a problem of the ovaries, it’s a problem of metabolism.
This is why so many women struggle to get better even on medication. Unless you address insulin resistance, you’re only treating surface symptoms.
Can PCOS Be Corrected?
While there’s no “quick cure,” Dr. Seeman and many other metabolic experts emphasize that PCOS symptoms improve dramatically when you focus on insulin control.
Steps that make the biggest difference:
Lowering sugar and refined carbohydrates
Eating a nutrient-dense diet with adequate protein and healthy fats
Strength training and regular movement to improve insulin sensitivity
Getting quality sleep and managing stress, both of which impact hormones
Achieving modest, sustainable weight loss if needed
Women who follow these steps often see cycles become more regular, fertility improve, acne clear up, and energy return.
What Foods Should Women with PCOS Avoid?
Because insulin resistance is central, the foods to limit are those that spike blood sugar the most:
Sugary drinks and sweets
Bread, pasta, rice, and other refined carbs
Processed snack foods
Highly processed plant oils
Instead, focus on:
Animal proteins like eggs, chicken, beef, and fish
Low-carb vegetables like leafy greens, zucchini, cucumbers
Healthy fats like olive oil, butter, avocado
Whole-food carbohydrates in small amounts, such as berries
Final Takeaway
PCOS is one of the most common but misunderstood health problems women face. While standard treatments like birth control or metformin may help symptoms, they don’t correct the root cause. Dr. Jaime Seeman’s approach highlights the connection between insulin resistance and PCOS. By making changes to diet and lifestyle, especially lowering sugar and refined carbs, many women find real relief and long-term improvement.
If you’ve been struggling with PCOS, know that you are not broken. With the right information and choices, you can take control of your health and your future.
Disclaimer: The content shared here is for informational and educational purposes only and should never be taken as medical advice.
In writing this blog post, my goal is to distill research findings into a clear, approachable format that encourages critical thinking and empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
