Beyond the Breakout: Understand Pcos (Skin & Weight Changes)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women and people assigned female at birth yet it’s still widely misunderstood.
If you’ve ever been told to “just lose weight” or “try a new cleanser,” you’re not alone.
PCOS impacts so much more than reproductive health, it shows up in our skin, weight, energy, and mental wellbeing. And when it comes to treatment, we deserve care that sees the whole picture.
In this blog, I want to unpack how PCOS affects your skin and body, why conventional advice often misses the mark, and how I support clients holistically through both skin treatments and weight consultations.
What is PCOS, really?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal condition that affects about 1 in 10 women in Australia. It's typically associated with irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and elevated androgens (male hormones like testosterone), but the reality is more complex.
Many with PCOS also experience:
Insulin resistance
Chronic inflammation
Cortisol imbalances
Mood changes or fatigue
Every case of PCOS looks a little different. This is why cookie-cutter approaches just don’t work.
PCOS and Skin: More Than Just “Hormonal Acne”
Skin is one of the first places PCOS shows up and one of the most emotionally difficult. I often see clients who feel frustrated, confused, or like their skin is “working against them.”
But it’s not. It’s communicating.
Here’s what PCOS-related skin concerns often include:
Cystic breakouts, often along the jawline, chin or cheeks
Oily or congested skin
Post-inflammatory pigmentation or slow healing from breakouts
Dry, reactive skin due to barrier disruption
Hirsutism (unwanted facial/body hair) or hair thinning on the scalp
And yes, many of these issues are linked to androgens, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Let’s Talk About Weight and PCOS
Weight gain, or an inability to lose weight, is one of the most emotionally charged aspects of PCOS. And it’s one I approach with clinical insight and compassion.
The truth is: PCOS-related weight changes are not about laziness or lack of discipline. They’re often driven by metabolic, hormonal and nervous system imbalances that traditional advice doesn’t address.
Common contributors include:
Insulin resistance, which leads to fat storage and blood sugar crashes
Elevated androgens, which encourage abdominal fat
Cortisol (stress hormone) dysregulation, which impacts hunger, cravings and belly fat
Low energy or fatigue, which makes consistent movement difficult
It’s exhausting, especially when you're doing “everything right.”
My Approach to Weight Support
Through 1:1 weight consultations, I focus on:
Balancing insulin and blood sugar through realistic nutrition
Nervous system support, because chronic stress affects metabolism
Anti-inflammatory lifestyle shifts that fit your real life
Understanding your cycle and how it influences energy and hunger
Working with your body, not fighting against it
This isn’t a 6-week shred. It’s long-term care, built around your hormones, your story, and your goals.
You Deserve Support That Sees All of You
PCOS doesn’t need a quick fix, it needs holistic support that honours your skin, body and emotional wellbeing. Whether you're dealing with breakouts that won’t go away, pigmentation that feels permanent, or weight that feels stuck, I want you to know:
You’re not broken
You don’t need to “fix” yourself
You just need a care plan that actually understands PCOS
If you’re ready for a clinical, kind, and personalised approach to PCOS skin or weight, I’d love to work with you.