Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS): Understanding Symptoms, Diagnosis Gaps, and Advocacy with Megan Stewart
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is often misunderstood, misnamed, and missed for years,even when symptoms begin early in life. So much so that it recently even had a rebrand and is now more appropriately called now be called Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). In this episode, we are still referring to it as PCOS, despite this new more appropriate name.
I am speaking with Megan Stewart, founder and executive director of the PCOS Awareness Association, about what PCOS actually is, why diagnosis is often delayed, and how symptoms can look completely different from person to person. We also explore the emotional, metabolic, and systemic nature of the condition, and why self-advocacy plays such an important role in care.
Megan and I chat about:
- Why PCOS is more accurately an endocrine and metabolic condition, not just an ovarian issue
- The wide range of symptoms, including hair changes, acne, mood shifts, and insulin resistance
- Why PCOS often goes undiagnosed for years and is frequently dismissed as “normal puberty”
- How PCOS can impact fertility, mental health, and long-term metabolic health
- The role of insulin resistance and how it connects to broader systemic symptoms
- Why no two PCOS presentations look the same
- The importance of asking for specific lab tests and understanding your own results
- How lifestyle approaches like nutrition, movement, and stress support can be highly individual
- Why self-advocacy and education are critical in closing the diagnostic gap
- The value of community support and resources for individuals and families navigating PCOS
Megan Stewart is the Founder and Executive Director of PCOS Awareness Association, one of the leading organizations dedicated to education, advocacy, and support for people with PCOS. She works to close the diagnosis gap, improve healthcare equity, and empower individuals to understand and advocate for their own bodies. Through community programs and nationwide initiatives, Megan champions compassionate, evidence-based PCOS care.
Episode Links
Follow PCOS Awareness Association on Instagram
Visit pcosaa.org
Learn more about PCOS at pcoscon.org
Come say hi to me on Instagram
Free Journal: Release Mama, Let Go of Overwhelm, Exhaustion and Depletion in Motherhood
Free Motherhood Manifestation: Your Vibrant Life Manifestation
Books to Thrive in Motherhood: Dive into The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama, and Mama Let It Go to overcome burnout and become a healthy, energized mom.
Picky Eating Guide: Learn about common but lesser-known reasons kids are picky eaters and practical strategies to help children enjoy healthy foods.
Resources I Am Loving
Ananda Elixirs – Delicious functional mushroom wellness elixirs. Get 20% off
Fertility & Beyond – Natural solutions for your fertility struggles
Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children’s wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for moms, guidance on picky eating and parenting, and strategies to support your family’s natural kids’ health, so you can feel healthy, strong, and vital in motherhood while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness.
I would never recommend anything I don’t regularly use myself or trust completely. Some of the links are affiliate links, and others are special discount codes. Either way, all of these are products and resources I genuinely love and recommend.
