In Israel 2026, a 17-year-old girl with excess weight still hears the same message: "Eat less," "Move more," "Take control of yourself." Only for thousands of young women, this is not the problem. It’s a syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in the world, affecting about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Yet many are only diagnosed after years of struggling with weight, severe acne, irregular periods, and above all, a persistent sense of failure toward their own bodies.
What exactly is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which a woman’s body creates an imbalance in hormones responsible for the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and weight. In simple terms: The body gets "confused" and the ovaries do not operate at their normal rhythm. In women with the syndrome, the ovaries produce too many male hormones (like testosterone), which causes the eggs not to mature properly. Instead of regular ovulation, many small eggs form that do not release, creating the polycystic appearance seen on an ultrasound.
But it’s not just an ovarian problem. Polycystic ovaries often cause insulin resistance. This is a condition in which the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels. The result: High insulin levels, accelerated fat storage, constant hunger, and real difficulty losing weight. This is not a lack of willpower or weak character. It’s biology.
And when it comes to teenage girls and young women, the cost is not only physical but also mental. They internalize that something is wrong with them.
That their body does not look like Instagram, that they fail again and again at diets, that somehow they are to blame for the situation they are in. Self-image erodes, stress rises, and the syndrome itself only worsens. This creates a dangerous cycle: Hormonal imbalance leading to weight gain, self-image damage, stress, and symptom worsening. And that’s before we even discuss the long-term medical consequences: Type 2 diabetes, fertility problems, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety, and even heart disease at a young age.
Fortunately, there is also good news: Early diagnosis and proper treatment can completely change the picture.
A System Out of Balance
In recent years, understanding has grown that polycystic ovary syndrome is not just a gynecological issue, but a complex condition requiring an integrative approach. Combining a conventional doctor who performs diagnosis, blood tests, ultrasound, and medical follow-up with a naturopath or professional in nutrition and lifestyle allows treatment at the root of the problem: Balancing blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation, improving metabolism, and restoring hormonal balance.
For many, even a moderate weight loss of just 5 to 10 percent can regulate the cycle, improve ovulation, reduce acne, and increase energy levels. But equally important: It restores a sense of control over the body.
And this may be the most important message of all.
A young woman who feels her body is working against her does not need another extreme diet plan or another hurtful comment from her surroundings. She needs listening, medical diagnosis, and tailored guidance. Because this is not a battle of character.
It is treatment of a whole hormonal system that has gone out of balance and can be put back on track.
What’s Important to Do
So what can girls do right now? First of all, stop blaming themselves. If there is rapid weight gain, irregular periods, acne, or extreme fatigue – it is a medical sign that requires examination, not another diet.
1. Request a proper diagnosis
Consult a gynecologist or family doctor and request an investigation for polycystic ovaries: Hormonal blood tests, sugar and insulin tests, and sometimes also an ultrasound. Diagnosis is the first step to regaining control.
2. Don’t rely only on pills
Pills can regulate the cycle, but they do not always treat the root of the problem – the metabolic and hormonal imbalance. It is important to demand a broader perspective.
3. Seek integrative treatment
Combining a conventional doctor with a naturopath or dietitian familiar with PCOS allows creating a plan tailored to the body’s mechanism: Nutrition that balances sugar, appropriate physical activity, supplements if needed, and stress management.
4. Eat to balance, not to punish
For women with polycystic ovaries, nutrition that stabilizes blood sugar levels (less sugar and simple carbs, more protein, good fats, and fiber) is more important than counting calories.
5. Move wisely
Strength training, walking, and moderate activity help insulin sensitivity far more than intense cardio workouts that stress the body.
6. Maintain mental health
Stress, poor body image, and bad sleep worsen the syndrome. Emotional support, mindfulness, or simply less self-blame are part of the treatment.
Dr. Yevgeny Mushkovich, endocrinologist, and Muriel Stolirov, naturopath N.D, Cl.H, are experts in treating metabolic disorders at the MEDBALANCE Center for Metabolic Disorders.