The Hidden Challenge of PCOS: Managing Gut Health

Key Takeaways

• Among Mira users with PCOS, the vast majority (94%) face problems with their gut health. 
• Respondents reported experiencing ‘more’ gut health problems during their luteal phase and menstrual period – although 25.7% reported no clear pattern of symptoms. 
• Among individuals with an IBS diagnosis and IBS symptoms, over half reported being gaslit or misdiagnosed by a doctor. 
• Over half of respondents (57%) reported their gut health symptoms affect their productivity, with 40% admitting they’ve had to take days off of work due to PCOS-related problems (including problems with gut health). 

The Endocrine Society estimates that 7-10% of women of childbearing age have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a hormone disorder that interferes with ovarian functioning.

We already know that hormones and gut health are inextricably linked. In fact, the latest gut health research shows that women with PCOS have a distinct gut microbiome – one that is characterized by bacterial imbalance (dysbiosis) and low diversity of gut bacteria. 

Our bodies need the right balance of gut bacteria to function properly, and unfortunately, it’s common for individuals with PCOS to experience uncomfortable symptoms due to their unique gut microbiomes.

So in honor of PCOS Awareness Month, we partnered with Tiny Health on a survey to better understand the gut health of our Mira users with PCOS. 366 individuals were surveyed. The results provide insight into how gut health affects the day-to-day life of individuals with PCOS. 

PCOS and Gut Health: Common Symptoms & Patterns

Among the surveyed Mira users with PCOS, the vast majority (94%) reported facing problems with gut health. When asked about the severity of their symptoms, 69% reported experiencing symptoms of ‘medium’ and ‘strong’ severity – with 42% reporting they have to take medication to manage their symptoms. 

In terms of frequency of symptoms, 63.7% reported experiencing gut health symptoms more than once per week. Bloating was the most common symptom, affecting 72.1% of respondents. Other reported symptoms include:

• Diarrhea (45.6%)
• Excessive gas (44%) 
• Constipation (38.3%)
• Abdominal cramping (35.2%) 
• Acid reflux or heartburn (31.1%)

In terms of symptom patterns over the course of the menstrual cycle, respondents reported experiencing ‘more’ gut health problems during the luteal phase (22.1%) and period (13.1%). 

• Period – (13.1%)
• Follicular Phase – (0.8%)
• Ovulation – (2.5%)
• Luteal Phase – (22.1%)
• Premenstrual days (a few days before menstruation) – 9.8%

While some respondents did notice a pattern, 25.7% reported not noticing a clear pattern of symptoms and 13.7% reported experiencing gut issues throughout their entire cycle. 

Navigating PCOS Alongside IBS

PCOS and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) often go hand in hand. Among the respondents, over one-third (36.4%) either already had an IBS diagnosis or regularly experience the most common symptoms of IBS – such as constipation, diarrhea, chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Of this IBS group, an overwhelming majority (80%) reported experiencing IBS symptoms of medium and strong severity. 

Despite experiencing severe symptoms, over half of respondents within the IBS group reported being gaslit or misdiagnosed by a doctor. 

44.4% of respondents were advised to make lifestyle changes without a proper diagnosis of IBS, 41.5% reported their complaints were ignored by their doctor, and 31.1% reported not being provided effective treatment. 

These stories are all too familiar, with previous Mira research revealing that around 72% of millennial women feel dismissed by their doctors. 

Living and Working With PCOS

PCOS can have a profound impact on our mental health and the way we see ourselves. In this survey, 1 in 3 respondents reported feeling embarrassed to share their symptoms with friends and family, preferring to keep their symptoms private. 

50% admitted to being dissatisfied with their body image, with over half (60%) reporting that they feel less attractive due to their gut health issues and PCOS. 

The top reported mental health challenges of PCOS were fatigue (58.6%), anxiety (50.6%), and mood swings (50%). 

When it comes to their professional life, over half of respondents (57%) reported their gut health symptoms affect their productivity. 40% also reported having to take days off due to PCOS problems, including problems with gut health.   

Managing PCOS: How Mira Can Help

At Mira, we are committed to helping individuals with PCOS navigate their hormone health. Here’s a quick overview of all the different ways we can help. 

• Overcoming Infertility. Individuals with PCOS have unique hormone patterns, which can make tracking ovulation a challenge. Thanks to the Mira Monitor, individuals with PCOS can now test and track their hormones at home – empowering them to pinpoint ovulation based on their numeric hormone curves. In fact, 56% of Mira users with PCOS got pregnant within their first year of tracking with Mira. Intrigued? Check out our PCOS success stories here. 

• Learning More About Your Body. Take a deep dive into your overall hormone health with Mira’s Panorama Fertility Lab Test. This single, at-home lab test provides insight into five different hormones that affect ovulation, cycle regularity, and your ability to get pregnant. 

• Balancing Hormones. Mira’s own PCOS Supplements were developed by our in-house fertility specialists. Formulated with the ideal ratio of Myo & D-Chiro Inositol, these supplements can help restore menstrual cycle regularity, balance hormones, mitigate PCOS symptoms, and support conception. 

• Getting Answers. Mira’s Hormone Health Clinic is a safe place to ask questions and receive practical advice about all things fertility, hormone health, planning a pregnancy, and of course – PCOS. No matter what your hormone health goals are, our experienced coaches can help you develop a personalized action plan that works for you! 

Methodology

To create this study, Mira and Tiny Health surveyed 366 Mira users with PCOS. Participants were asked a range of questions about their experience with gut health and PCOS, such as: 

• Which PCOS symptoms do you experience?
• How often do you experience gut health problems?
• From 1 to 10, how severe are your IBS symptoms?
• Evaluate the severity of the gut health problems you experience from 1-10
• Does your gut health affect your productivity at work?
• Do digestive issues affect your social life and/or daily activities?
• Do you feel comfortable discussing your gut health issues with your friends and family?