PCOS is an endocrine disorder associated with hormonal and cardiometabolic complications. It has become highly prevalent in Western countries, in Australia affecting up to 26% of women. While half of all PCOS patients present with insulin resistance and obesity, all patients share a primary defect in androgen production. The majority of PCOS patients tend to remain undiagnosed until later in life, with treatment only sought when reduced fertility is experienced. Working with a PCOS Naturopath can help address the wide-ranging consequences of PCOS, which extend far beyond elevated androgen levels, hirsutism, male pattern baldness and hair thinning, acne, infertility and growth of cysts. It has also been linked with conditions such as metabolic syndrome and certain cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, elevated blood pressure and dyslipidaemia. Unfortunately, insulin resistance can cause low-grade inflammation and increase cortisol levels. This can contribute to an overactive stress response and the symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are often increased in patients with PCOS.