Helping you navigate diagnosis, emerging science, and natural support if you think you might have PCOS

If you’re reading this because you think you might have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), you’re not alone — PCOS affects around 8–13% of people assigned female at birth in their reproductive years, and many remain undiagnosed for years. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how PCOS is diagnosed, new developments (like Anti-Müllerian Hormone), why researchers are questioning the name “PCOS,” and how naturopathy, diet, and nutrients can support your journey — with a focus on me- Elyse the Naturopath, a Naturopath in Sydney who provides personalised guidance to women in this area.

Understanding PCOS & the Rotterdam Criteria

PCOS is a complex hormonal condition — not just about “cysts” on your ovaries. PCOS is usually diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria (the most widely accepted criteria internationally), which means you meet at least 2 of the following 3 features:

1. Irregular or absent periods, indicating infrequent or lack of ovulation.
2. Hyperandrogenism, either seen on blood tests (high testosterone) or clinically (acne, unwanted hair growth, scalp hair thinning).
3. Polycystic ovarian morphology, seen on ultrasound as increased small follicles (“polycystic” appearance).

This means you don’t need cysts on ultrasound to have PCOS — missing periods and higher androgens alone can be enough if other causes are excluded.

AMH: A New Option in Diagnosis

In recent international guidelines, Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) — a hormone made by ovarian follicles — is gaining attention as a possible alternative marker for the polycystic ovarian morphology component of PCOS because it strongly correlates with follicle counts. (ASRM)

This doesn’t mean AMH alone is a diagnostic test — guidelines still emphasise that AMH should be used as part of an overall diagnostic approach, not by itself, and that it shouldn’t replace a full clinical evaluation (ASRM). But in practice it can reduce the need for invasive or costly ultrasound imaging and help with early identification when symptoms suggest PCOS (PMC). AMH typically costs $92 on a blood test, whereas an ultrasound can cost up to $500.

The Movement to Change the Name “PCOS”

Many doctors, researchers, and people living with PCOS argue that the name Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is misleading and doesn’t reflect the full spectrum of the condition — especially the metabolic, hormonal, and psychological aspects that many experience (RACGP).

A global survey found that about 86% of people with PCOS and 76% of health professionals support renaming the condition to “Metabolic Reproductive Syndrome“, which better reflect its endocrine and metabolic nature, reduce stigma and confusion, and ultimately improve diagnosis and care (CRE WHiRL).

This conversation highlights a key point: PCOS isn’t just a gynaecological condition — it’s a multi-system hormonal health condition, which is exactly where naturopathic care can offer meaningful, individualised support (CRE WHiRL).

Naturopathy: A Supportive Partner in Your PCOS Journey

A naturopathic approach doesn’t replace medical diagnosis or management, but it complements conventional care by focusing on personalised root-cause support — especially if you don’t want to take Metformin or the oral contraceptive pill to manage your symptoms. Working with an experienced naturopath can help you navigate PCOS with functional testing, tailored nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and targeted nutrients that treat the drivers which are unique to each person.

Book online with me here.

Here’s How Naturopathy Can Help

• Nutrition & Diet for PCOS – diet is a cornerstone of PCOS management. The goals are often to support insulin sensitivity, hormonal balance, and healthy weight regulation, which can ease many PCOS symptoms.
• Nutrients & Supplements are frequently used in therapeutic support for PCOS — to work on supporting your body to regulate, heal and return to a healthy menstrual cycle.
• Lifestyle & Stress – chronic stress can disrupt hormones and worsen PCOS symptoms. Naturopathic treatment usually works to promote a healthy stress response, and regulate the negative feedback loop between your brain, ovaries and adrenal glands.

Integrating Naturopathy With Medical Care in Sydney

If you’re thinking “I might have PCOS”, here are practical next steps:

1. See a GP or gynaecologist for clinical assessment, blood tests and imaging as needed.
2. Ask about AMH testing as part of your diagnostic workup — especially if ultrasound is difficult to access. (ASRM)
3. Work with a qualified naturopath in Sydney who understands PCOS and can coordinate diet, lifestyle, and nutritional support alongside your medical care — especially if symptoms like irregular cycles, acne, hair changes, or insulin resistance are present. Book online with me here.

References (APA)

Christ, J. P. (2023). Current Guidelines for Diagnosing PCOS. MDPI Diagnostics. (MDPI)
Dietitians Australia. (2025). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). (Dietitians Australia)
International Evidence-Based Guideline for PCOS (2023). Recommendations on AMH and Diagnosis. (ASRM)
Monash University research. (2025). PCOS name change movement and survey results. (CRE WHiRL)
PCOS clinical overview. (2025). Fertility North – Rotterdam Criteria & AMH. (Fertility North)
Traditional naturopathic support. (2025). GuidedByTradition PCOS naturopathic insights. (Guided by Tradition)