What Actually Causes PCOS?

Let’s bust the myth that PCOS is “just a hormone problem” or “just genetic.” It's way more nuanced than that… and understanding the root causes is key to healing.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) isn’t one condition with one cause; it’s a spectrum, and the root causes can differ from woman to woman. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works.

Here’s what we know about the major root drivers of PCOS:

1. Insulin Resistance

Over 70% of women with PCOS have some level of insulin resistance. When your cells stop responding well to insulin, your body produces more and that can trigger excess androgen (testosterone) production from the ovaries, leading to irregular cycles, acne, and hair growth. (This is the typical form of PCOS everyone talks about!)

2. Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation can increase androgen levels and disrupt ovulation. It’s also tied to gut issues, poor diet, stress, and environmental exposures. Many women with PCOS have elevated markers of inflammation (even if their labs look “normal”).

3. Hormonal Feedback Loops

Elevated LH, low or irregular FSH, and higher androgens can create a feedback loop that disrupts ovulation. This hormonal miscommunication is common in PCOS and worsened by stress, sleep issues, and blood sugar imbalance.

4. Genetics + Epigenetics

Yes, PCOS can run in families but “genes load the gun, and the environment pulls the trigger.” Your lifestyle, stress load, nutrition, and detox pathways matter more than most people realize.

Functional medicine looks at PCOS as a multifactorial condition not a label, but a message. One that says: “Something is off in your metabolism, inflammation, or hormone rhythm.”

And that’s something we can work with. PCOS isn’t your fault, and it’s not a life sentence but it is a signal. When you get to the root, everything changes.

Curious what your root cause might be?

I offer lab testing and personalized plans that go beyond the diagnosis.

Book a free consultation to learn more!