Happy September! September is PCOS Awareness Month, so we’ve decided to go beyond the razor to help spread awareness and support the cause.
We wanted to pass the mic over to our community so that you can share your stories, experiences, and even any questions you have about PCOS. That's why we chatted with Morgane, Founder of wellness and supplement brand Guud Woman, who is an advocate for PCOS awareness.
Jess: Introduce yourself and tell us about your brand, Guud Woman!
Morgane: My name is Morgane, and I’m from Belgium! First of all, I am passionate about the menstrual cycle- I even wrote two books about it. That's why I founded Guud Woman. At Guud Woman, we’re here to provide you with the knowledge, expert support, and supplements you need to take control of your hormonal health and support your menstrual well-being.
One of the reasons why I started this company is because I have PCOS. That moment was actually the start of my discovery journey about my body, hormones and cycle. I also realized I was not the only one, so we started by educating people about the menstrual cycle so that you have the tools to take their health into their own hands.
Jess: For those who’ve never heard of PCOS, can you define PCOS in your own words?
Morgane: PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It’s a hormonal disorder. It is like your ovaries trying to do their job, but getting stuck halfway. Imagine your ovaries as a garden where eggs (like seeds) are supposed to grow and mature each month. But with PCOS, the eggs don’t mature enough to be released, so ovulation doesn’t happen. And no ovulation means no menstruation. That is why you can normally detect small cysts on the ovaries through an internal ultrasound.
PCOS can cause irregular or missing periods, and because your body also produces higher levels of male-type hormones called androgens, you might experience other symptoms like acne, unwanted hair growth in places you’d rather not have it, (I get them on my chin!) weight gain, and fertility issues.
When you have PCOS, it's normally for life. But the good news is that you can manage your symptoms by making lifestyle changes.
Jess: I've heard that fertility issues are the biggest struggle women with PCOS have, and it’s a lot more common than we realize. I think it's what, one in ten women have PCOS?
Morgane: Yes, that 's true. We say one in ten women have PCOS, but I believe that that number is higher because a lot of women are undiagnosed. People who are taking hormonal contraception are sometimes not aware that they have PCOS because those artificial hormones are masking your symptoms, since they regulate your menstrual cycle. It's only when you stop taking, for example, hormonal birth control, that you see that you have irregular cycles and then you realize you have PCOS.
Jess: What are the most common misconceptions about PCOS?
Morgane: The biggest misconception about PCOS is that it only affects people who are overweight. The truth is, you can have PCOS at any weight— whether you're underweight, normal weight, or overweight. Another misconception is that PCOS is something you can "cure." When you have PCOS you have it for the rest of your life. But the good news is that by making lifestyle changes you can manage your symptoms.
Jess: If there’s no cure, what does treatment look like for PCOS?
Morgane: While I’m not a doctor and this isn’t medical advice, I can share that managing PCOS symptoms often involves lifestyle changes. There is a significant link between insulin resistance and PCOS, so adjusting your nutrition can make a big difference. For example, I used to skip breakfast or have something really sweet, but now I opt for something like eggs or avocado toast in the morning to help stabilize my blood sugar levels.
Additionally, there are medications available that can help stimulate ovulation if that's needed as part of your treatment plan, but I recommend talking to your doctor.
Also stress has a huge impact on your menstrual health overall, even if you don't have a hormonal disorder such as PCOS! Stress is a big factor on your holistic health. So keep it fun, it’s a journey so don’t be too strict for yourself.
Jess: Have you seen an increase in awareness for PCOS in the last 5 years?
Morgane: Absolutely! And I am happy there is more awareness. Increased awareness is crucial because the sooner you know, the sooner you can start managing it effectively.
When I was diagnosed in 2016, I didn't get a lot of answers from the medical world. They were like, “Come back the day you want kids.” But what about people who just want to have a natural cycle? That's a problem we have as women- we get a lot of attention when we are trying to conceive or when we are thinking about having a family. So it’s important to find someone who takes your problem as seriously as you do.
Jess: Anything else you'd like to share?
Morgane: I know that many people with PCOS worry about whether they’ll be able to conceive naturally, and I want to reassure you that it is possible! Of course, it requires some discipline and time to get to know your body. For example, tracking my cycle through basal body temperature and using an app like Natural Cycles really helped me. Additionally, making lifestyle changes and incorporating the right supplements have been instrumental in supporting my menstrual health and fertility.
A big thank you Morgane for sharing her insight and experiences! You can shop her brand, Guud Woman here.
In honor of PCOS Awareness Month, this September Leaf Shave will be donating $5 from every Dermaplaner Super Bundle to PCOSAA, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading awareness about PCOS. Learn more about PCOSAA here.
