PCOS Isn’t Just About Getting Pregnant—It’s a Chronic Disease

When you first get diagnosed with PCOS, the focus is often on one thing: fertility.

And yes, PCOS is one of the most common causes of ovulatory infertility. In other words, infertility associated with difficulty ovulating. But here’s the truth most clinics won’t tell you: PCOS is a lifelong, chronic condition that goes far beyond getting pregnant.

And that’s not a reason to feel defeated. In fact, it’s a reason to feel empowered.

Because when you understand PCOS as a metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory condition that requires ongoing support—not a “one and done” approach—you can finally take steps that will actually improve your whole health for life.

Why It Matters Beyond Fertility

Women with PCOS are at increased risk for:

✨ Gestational Diabetes (GDM): If and when you get pregnant, PCOS increases your risk for developing gestational diabetes, which can impact your health and your baby’s health. Managing insulin resistance before pregnancy can lower this risk.Knowing your risk before pregnancy can also help us take proactive tests including early screening to detect, diagnose and manage the risks. 

✨ Cardiometabolic Health: PCOS is linked with higher rates of insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, increasing your long-term risk for Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease if left unmanaged. Knowing this now, can ultimately help you create routine check-ins with your doctor, make exercise and nutrition a more impactful choice and so much more.

✨ Hormonal Imbalances and Inflammation: These drive many of the symptoms you feel now—like fatigue, cravings, irregular cycles, and acne—and contribute to your long-term health risks.

But here’s the good news: PCOS can be managed. You can feel better, protect your future health, and improve your fertility when (and if) you decide to grow your family.

Why Ongoing Care Matters

So many women get diagnosed, are handed birth control, and sent on their way. Or they only get care when trying to conceive.

But PCOS requires long-term, proactive, personalized care. That’s why at NMD Wellness of Scottsdale, we focus on:

✅ Comprehensive lab testing and monitoring
✅ Sustainable lifestyle medicine (nutrition, exercise, stress management)
✅ Hormonal and metabolic support tailored to your goals
✅ Accountability and guidance to adjust your care as life changes

Because your PCOS journey doesn’t end when your period comes back or you get pregnant.

And you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Three Lab Tests to Advocate For:

Here are three labs you should consider asking for annually (or more frequently if you are working on active goals):

1️⃣ Fasting Insulin and Glucose: To assess insulin resistance early and intervene before it progresses to prediabetes or diabetes.
2️⃣ Lipid Panel (with particle size if possible): To understand your cardiovascular risk profile.
3️⃣ Comprehensive Hormone Panel (including DHEA-S, Total and Free Testosterone, LH, FSH, and SHBG): To monitor androgen excess and hormonal imbalances over time.

Key Takeaways

💡 PCOS is a chronic, lifelong condition, not just a fertility concern.
💡 It can increase your risk for gestational diabetes and heart disease—but with the right care, you can reduce these risks.
💡 Ongoing, personalized care helps you feel better now and protect your long-term health.
💡 Advocate for labs that help you track your progress and identify issues early.

At NMD Wellness of Scottsdale, we specialize in evidence-based PCOS care that blends the best of conventional and natural medicine, tailored to your unique needs, season of life, and goals.

Whether you’re trying to conceive, navigating postpartum, or wanting to protect your health for the future, we’re here to help you take confident, empowered steps toward your best health.

Ready to work together on your PCOS journey? Book a Meet-and-Greet Consultation to see if our approach is the right fit for you.