Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
A weight-neutral, eating-disorder-informed approach
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common and often misunderstood condition. Many people with PCOS feel frustrated, blamed, or overwhelmed by advice that focuses almost exclusively on weight loss — even when those approaches haven’t been helpful or sustainable.
My approach to PCOS recognises that health, hormone regulation, and wellbeing are not determined by body size, and that repeated dieting can often make both physical symptoms and mental wellbeing worse.
PCOS and health — what we know
PCOS is a complex condition that can involve:
Hormonal differences
Changes in ovulation and menstrual cycles
Insulin resistance for some people
Symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, hair changes, fatigue, and fertility concerns
Research shows that PCOS is influenced by a range of factors, including genetics, hormones, metabolism, stress, sleep, and overall health — not simply body weight or willpower.
In my experience, weight-centred advice often oversimplifies PCOS and can lead to cycles of restriction, weight cycling, and increased psychological distress, without reliably improving long-term health outcomes.
Common PCOS-related concerns I support
I work with people experiencing:
Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
Insulin resistance or concerns about blood glucose
Fatigue and low energy
Acne or hair-related concerns
Fertility-related nutrition support
Disordered eating or long histories of dieting in the context of PCOS
Many people with PCOS come to see me feeling as though their body has let them down. A key part of my work is helping shift that narrative — away from blame and towards understanding, away from fixing to supporting the body.
A non-diet approach to PCOS care
Because restrictive diets and weight-loss-focused plans can:
Increase food preoccupation and anxiety
Worsen disordered eating patterns
Undermine metabolic health over time
Erode trust in the body
I provide PCOS support without prescribing weight loss or restrictive diets.
Instead, PCOS-related nutrition care in my practice focuses on:
Regular, adequate nourishment
Supporting metabolic health through consistent eating
Gentle attention to carbohydrate balance without elimination
Supporting energy levels, mood, and cycle health
Working with your body rather than against it
Any strategies we consider are individualised, flexible, and responsive to your lived experience, rather than based on rigid diet rules or ideals.
PCOS, dieting and eating-disorder risk
People with PCOS are at higher risk of disordered eating and eating disorders, often due to:
Early and repeated dieting advice
Body shame linked to PCOS symptoms
Pressure to control weight as a proxy for health
For this reason, all PCOS-related work in my practice is eating-disorder-informed and prioritises:
Psychological safety
Reducing food fear and guilt
Avoiding unnecessary restriction
Supporting a sustainable relationship with food
If you have a history of disordered eating or feel anxious around food, this will always guide the pace and direction of our work together.
How we work together
PCOS-related nutrition support may include:
A thorough assessment of eating patterns, symptoms, energy levels, and cycle history
Education about PCOS that reduces blame and confusion
Nutrition strategies to support metabolic and hormonal health without dieting
Support for regular eating and blood-glucose stability
Collaboration with your GP, endocrinologist, or other health professionals where appropriate
The focus is always on supporting health and wellbeing — not changing body size.
Is this the right fit?
This approach to PCOS may suit you if:
You want support without being told to lose weight
You are tired of dieting or restrictive PCOS plans
You want evidence-based, compassionate care
You value nourishment, flexibility, and sustainability
It may not be the right fit if you are seeking:
Weight-loss-centred PCOS programs
Highly restrictive eating plans
Rigid rules or elimination-based approaches
PCOS can be challenging to live with — but you are not failing your body. In my practice, PCOS care is grounded in respect, nourishment, and long-term wellbeing, rather than weight control.
PCOS support is offered within my broader Services, alongside weight-neutral care for eating concerns, gut health, and chronic conditions.
