‘Beautiful chaos’ is how most people would describe parenting teens: the rollercoaster of emotions, grappling with finding their identity and, of course, the challenge of new and exciting (and sometimes scary) bodily changes.
When it comes to daughters, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) adds a whole new layer to parenting, especially during an already intense and emotional phase of life. This hormonal disorder impacts her physically, emotionally and socially, which means it often becomes a family journey.
PCOS is a condition that affects how a girl’s ovaries work because of a hormonal imbalance. It’s more common than many people think: about 1 in 10 women has it; however, it can show up differently for everyone.
For mums, understanding it in simple terms can make it easier to support your teen.
What PCOS looks (and feels) like
At its core, PCOS means her body has more of certain hormones, like androgens (often called ‘male hormones’, but everyone has them). These hormones can throw off the natural rhythm of her cycle, affecting things like periods, which may be irregular, very heavy or sometimes not come at all. Her ovaries may not release eggs consistently, which can contribute to irregular periods. Fluid-filled cysts are a normal part of the fertility; the challenge is they do not pop and release the egg. These cysts can become very large and painful and can result in hospital visits.
Sound a bit confusing? That’s understandable; PCOS has been significantly underdiagnosed, and even today, many girls and women live with symptoms for years before receiving a proper diagnosis.
Thankfully, you don’t need to be a trained medical professional to help your daughter identify if she may have PCOS – there are symptoms that you both will be able to see. For example, you’ll notice physical symptoms like acne with persistent breakouts, especially along the jawline or back, even with good skincare. Extra hair growth on areas like her face, chest or back (often referred to as hirsutism) is also common, as is thinning of the hair on the scalp. Gaining weight, especially around the belly, can also happen even if she’s active and eats well.
“PCOS isn’t life-threatening, but it can impact her life if left unmanaged,” says Karen Bester, part of the team at Lamelle which focuses on supporting hormonal health. “Beyond the physical symptoms, it’s connected to an increased risk of diabetes or heart problems later in life, fertility challenges and emotional struggles like anxiety and depression.”
All of the mentioned signs and symptoms are very all normal signs of being a female adolescent. It is the combination of acne that won’t go away, with irregular menstruation and cysts, which is the challenge.
“What I would ask mums to look out for is if their daughters are not menstruating regularly every month after six to 12 months after starting her period. Or if they are very late to menstruate. They need to see a gynae. If they have severe acne (not just the odd pimple). Especially if they are happening together with menstrual irregularities or if the acne is untreatable, they should also seek help from a gynae,” says Bester.
Can it be treated?
While there’s no ‘cure’, there are a lot of ways to manage PCOS and help your teen daughter feel better. These include supporting her in eating balanced meals that are lower in sugar and include more whole foods. Staying active can also help reduce symptoms and boost her confidence.
“While birth control pills are often prescribed to help regulate periods and ease symptoms like acne or hair growth (in unwanted places), parents may prefer to look at more natural and less invasive options first,” adds Bester.
To explore these alternatives, it’s essential to consult a doctor or gynae who can create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your daughter’s needs. Over-the-counter products like Ovaria can be part of this approach, offering support beyond just medication.
For instance, Ovaria provides online resources like PCOS-friendly recipes through My PCOS Kitchen, an FAQ section, podcasts and blogs to help families better understand and manage the condition. These tools can empower both you and your daughter to make informed decisions and feel supported throughout the journey.
Show up for her
Mostly, your teen just needs you to be her cheerleader. She may feel like her body is working against her, but your reassurance can help her focus on what makes her unique and strong.
Celebrate her wins, be patient during hard days and remind her that PCOS doesn’t define her, but that it’s just one part of a bigger story.