If you live with PCOS, stress isn’t just “all in your head.” It can show up in your skin, your cycle, your weight, and your energy.
Cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, is often at the centre of it all. For women with PCOS, cortisol can stir up symptoms from missed periods to breakouts and fatigue.
This PCOS Awareness Month, we’re unpacking how cortisol plays into it all and sharing easy, science-backed tips to support hormonal balance.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It is linked to higher levels of androgens (male hormones), insulin resistance, and irregular ovulation.
Common symptoms may include:
- Heavy, long, unpredictable or absent periods
- Infertility
- Acne or oily skin
- Excess hair on the face or body
- Male-pattern baldness or hair thinning
- Weight gain, especially around the belly
At its core, PCOS is about hormone imbalance, and stress could make that imbalance worse.
How common is PCOS?
PCOS is actually one of the leading causes of infertility worldwide. Recent studies show that up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed.
Beyond fertility, PCOS is also linked to a higher risk of developing other long-term health conditions, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining)
PCOS also takes a toll on mental health...
Symptoms such as infertility, obesity, and unwanted hair growth can lead to social stigma, which may impact relationships, family life, and community involvement.
What is Cortisol?
Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Its main role is to help your body respond to stress. In small, short-term doses, cortisol is incredibly useful. It:
- Raises blood sugar so your muscles and brain have fuel
- Increases alertness and focus
- Suppresses non-essential functions (like digestion and reproduction) so the body can prioritise survival
But when you are under constant stress, cortisol doesn’t follow this healthy curve. Instead, it stays elevated or becomes dysregulated, potentially leading to:
The Role of Cortisol in PCOS
Women with PCOS are particularly sensitive to cortisol’s effects. Here’s why:
- Insulin resistance: Cortisol raises blood sugar levels by encouraging glucose release, worsening insulin resistance in PCOS.
- Hormonal signalling: Cortisol disrupts communication between the brain and ovaries, interfering with ovulation and cycle regularity.
- Androgen production: Chronic stress may indirectly increase androgens, worsening acne or excess hair growth.
- Inflammation: Elevated cortisol contributes to systemic inflammation.
How Stress and Cortisol Affect PCOS Symptoms
When stress is constant, cortisol remains high, and this can amplify PCOS symptoms.
For example:
- Period irregularity: Cortisol disrupts reproductive hormone signalling.
- Weight management struggles: High cortisol promotes visceral fat storage.
- Worsening skin concerns: Stress hormones increase oil production, triggering breakouts.
- Mood and energy dips: Dysregulated cortisol leaves you tired yet restless.
Top Tips for Lowering Cortisol Levels
The good news is that you can support healthy cortisol levels with small daily habits:
- Prioritise quality sleep (7–9 hours most nights)
- Choose gentle exercise like yoga, walking, or Pilates
- Practise stress-relief techniques like breathwork, journaling, or meditation
- Keep blood sugar stable with fibre-rich meals (healthy gut = healthy mind)
- Get sunlight exposure daily to reset circadian rhythm
Inositol’s Role in Supporting PCOS Management
One nutrient that has been widely researched in PCOS is myo-inositol.
Often grouped with the B-vitamin family, inositols can help cells respond to hormones like insulin and FSH. This is especially relevant for PCOS, where insulin resistance and irregular ovulation are common.
Research suggests myo-inositol may help:
- Improve insulin sensitivity
- Support ovarian function
- Promote cycle regularity
- Balance hormones
- Support mood and energy
Novomins Inositol+ Gummies 🍓
If you are looking for a tasty and science-backed way to support your cycle, meet Novomins Inositol+ Gummies.
Expertly formulated with:
- Myo-Inositol for reproductive health and metabolic function
- Methylated Folate to optimise nutrient absorption, inflammation, and mood
- Chromium Picolinate to support normal blood sugar
- Zinc for metabolism, skin, and hormones
- Vitamin D3 for immune and muscle function
- B6 & B12 to help reduce tiredness
- High in Fibre to support blood sugar, anti-inflammatory response, and mood
Novomins Inositol+ Gummies offer a simple, science-backed alternative to support hormone balance, steady energy, and everyday wellbeing.
TL;DR: Stress, Cortisol & PCOS
- PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility – yet many remain undiagnosed.
- Symptoms include irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, weight gain, and fertility struggles.
- Cortisol is useful short-term, but when chronically high it can disrupt sleep, raise blood sugar, promote fat storage, and worsen mood.
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In women with PCOS, high cortisol can:
- Increase insulin resistance
- Disrupt ovulation and cycles
- Raise androgens (worsening acne & hair growth)
- Fuel fatigue, cravings, and mood dips
- Lower cortisol naturally with: quality sleep, gentle exercise, mindfulness, fibre-rich meals, and sunlight.
- Myo-inositol is one of the most researched nutrients for PCOS, supporting insulin, ovulation, cycles, hormones, and mood.
- Novomins Inositol+ Gummies combine inositol with folate, zinc, chromium, vitamin D, B6, B12, and fibre – a tasty, science-backed way to support hormonal balance and wellbeing.
