PCOS Awareness Month: A Guide to Your Doctor’s Visit

October 03, 2023By Victoria Pierce

Updated Jan 6, 2026

Ever suspect that something is going on with your hormones? Maybe you’ve stopped your hormonal birth control and you’re noticing cystic acne, painful periods, and a few extra chin hairs that you swear weren’t there a few months ago.

Maybe you’ve been trying to get pregnant, but you’ve noticed that your periods seem really far apart, or too close together, leaving you unsure when (or if!) you’re actually ovulating. Maybe you’re noticing you’ve gained weight or are experiencing frequent headaches, or increased thirst and hunger. These can all be signs of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome — aka PCOS — a hormone disorder that can rear its ugly head with a variety of symptoms and can be associated with fertility challenges for some people.

Quick disclaimer — while we did a bunch of research for this guide from credible sources, we aren’t doctors. It’s important to get your medical advice from a medical professional, so we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate what to do before and during your doctor’s visit to get the most out of your time (and hopefully ease some of the anxiety that comes with your appointment!).

What Is PCOS?

Before you schedule your appointment, it’s good to know a bit of background on what PCOS is and where it comes from. PCOS gets its name from the appearance of small follicles that may be seen on the ovaries during imaging. PCOS is associated with hormonal imbalances that can affect ovulation and fertility, though experiences and symptoms vary widely.

Oftentimes, there is also an excess amount of a hormone called androgen that can cause extra facial and body hair, acne, and even male-patterned baldness. The exact cause of PCOS isn’t fully understood, but healthcare providers believe genetics and hormonal factors may play a role.

If you relate to some of these symptoms of PCOS and you’re starting to worry, take a deep breath. Fertility issues due to PCOS are common, but if becoming pregnant is your concern, there are solutions you can try with the help of your doctor.

Hormonal acne, hirsutism, insulin resistance, and pain may be managed with guidance from a healthcare provider. About 1 in 10 women have this diagnosis, meaning you are far from alone in these experiences. Taking time to raise awareness of PCOS and its impact can also help others feel less isolated.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Before you fall deep in the rabbit hole of research, we’ve created this simple guide to help you navigate your initial appointment with a gynecologist or primary care physician. While the Internet is rife with suggestions for managing your health, it’s important to see a doctor to receive a proper diagnosis and medical advice. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Bring a List of Symptoms

Show up to your appointment with a list of all your symptoms and for how long you’ve been experiencing them. Having a pre-written list of your symptoms will ensure you don’t forget anything. Try keeping a list in your phone and add to it as you learn more about PCOS.

2. Track Your Menstrual Cycle

Be ready to discuss details of your menstrual cycle. Factors such as how many days are between your periods can give your doctors vital information when it comes to a diagnosis. Make sure you also discuss how long your periods last, how heavy they are, and the level of discomfort you’re experiencing. Irregular ovulation can also affect the release of an egg, which is an important detail to share with your doctor.

3. Note Medications and Supplements

Be sure to note any and all medications and supplements that you take and how often. For this step, it could help to write down or print out a list to give to your doctor. Information like dosages will be easier to communicate through a list than relaying everything verbally. And don’t skip this step, especially with supplements! It’s super important to include them because certain supplements can affect your hormone levels, and other supplements can help relieve your symptoms. This is a crucial starting point for your doctor to be able to help you.

4. Share Other Health Factors

Tell your doctor about any other health conditions, medical info, recent life changes, or stressors that you’re experiencing. All of these factors could play a role in symptoms like irregular periods, and you want to make sure that your doctor can see the whole picture even in a short appointment. Addressing these factors early may help support long-term health.

After Your Appointment

If you forget a question or don’t get to everything in your first appointment, that’s okay. Many doctors provide an online patient portal where you can reach out with minor questions or details that you forgot to mention. You may also need to schedule a follow-up appointment after your doctor learns more about you. If your first doctor’s appointment is with a gynecologist or a PCP, it’s possible that you could be referred to an endocrinologist or a reproductive endocrinologist. They specialize in hormone-related disorders and may provide an extra level of insight.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

You’ll need to make sure you’re asking the right questions to get the most out of your visit. This helpful list from Mayo Clinic can act as a guide to questions you may want to ask:

What tests do you recommend?
How does PCOS affect my chances of getting pregnant?
Are there any medications that might help improve my symptoms or chance of getting pregnant?
What lifestyle changes can improve symptoms?
How will PCOS affect my health in the long term?
I have other medical conditions. How can I best manage them together?

Common Tests Your Doctor Might Order

Your doctor may recommend various tests to better understand your hormone levels and overall health. Knowing these ahead of time can make the process feel less daunting:

Blood tests to measure hormones like androgens, insulin, and glucose levels
Ultrasound to check for ovarian cysts or irregularities
Cholesterol and triglyceride screening, since PCOS can impact metabolic health
Thyroid or prolactin tests to rule out other conditions that may mimic PCOS symptoms

You don’t need to study these tests in advance, but being familiar with them can help you feel more prepared for what your doctor might recommend.

Taking the first step can be intimidating, but teaming up with a good doctor can be the key to understanding if you have PCOS and where to start with treatment. Being your own best advocate and showing up prepared is an act of self-love — one that you deserve. Too often, we can feel discouraged by a daunting healthcare system or by making time to prioritize our health. This PCOS Awareness Month, take this guide as an opportunity to invest in your wellbeing and see a professional if you think you could be part of the 1 in 10 that has PCOS.

Support for Hormone Balance

We developed our Hormone Balance Supplements to support overall hormone health as part of a balanced lifestyle. Formulated with a 40:1 Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro Inositol ratio, these supplements are designed to complement daily routines focused on cycle awareness and wellness.

Finding Support Beyond Your Appointment

Taking steps to understand PCOS and preparing for your doctor’s visit is an important part of advocating for your health. But support does not stop once you leave the clinic. Building routines that support your cycle can make a significant difference in how you feel day-to-day.

At Rael, we’ve created period supplements designed to help support hormone balance and overall cycle health. If PMS is one of your biggest struggles, our PMS supplement are designed to support comfort during your cycle. Explore Rael’s collection to find gentle, effective options that fit into your daily routine and help you feel more in sync with your body.

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