PCOS affects about one in ten women of reproductive age and often shows up in mothers, daughters, and even granddaughters.
If you’ve ever wondered why polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) seems to run in families, you’re not alone. PCOS affects about one in ten women of reproductive age and often shows up in mothers, daughters, and even granddaughters. Until now, although a genetic component was theorized, the “why” behind this family connection has been a mystery. But in this year’s Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, researchers shared something ground-breaking: embryos from women with PCOS actually carry a special kind of “memory” that might explain why the condition is passed down.
What is “epigenetic memory”?
Thanks to high school biology, you’re probably familiar with genetics, such as your DNA, the fixed code you inherit from your parents that makes you, you. Epigenetics works like the “switches” that turn certain genes on or off, depending on the environment, lifestyle, or other factors.
The new research found that embryos from women with PCOS carry distinctive epigenetic markers, or little “tags,” on their DNA that can change how certain genes behave. These tags seem to play a role in metabolism, hormone balance, and cell development. In other words, the building blocks of PCOS may already be present before a baby is even born.
Where the “memory” aspect comes into play in this case is that the egg that created you was actually formed in your grandmother’s body (wild, I know). This means that the environmental factors that turned “on” the PCOS marker in her cells also passed that marker along to your mother’s eggs as they developed in the womb and so on.
What could this mean for the future of PCOS treatment?
Earlier diagnosis: Doctors may one day be able to test for epigenetic markers to spot PCOS risk earlier, maybe even before symptoms appear.
Epigenetics is malleable: By creating an environment that turns “off” this gene expression through diet and lifestyle, we may eventually be able to reduce or even prevent PCOS in future generations.
It’s important to note that this research is still in its early stages; however, the fact that scientists can detect these PCOS-related epigenetic patterns is incredibly hopeful. It suggests that PCOS isn’t set in stone. While your genes might set the stage, there may be ways to change the performance.
What you can do now
While we wait for more science to unfold, there are already ways to work with your epigenetics every day by creating an environment that supports healthy hormone balance.
Nutrition
PCOS has been strongly linked with insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar, and when our bodies stop responding well to this, it causes major problems in the body. Eating regular, balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fibre helps regulate blood sugar and allows your cells to become more sensitive to insulin. Eliminate processed food, refined sugars, and alcohol, as these are highly inflammatory and make it harder for your body to filter toxins and regulate hormones.
Movement
Regular exercise supports hormone balance and improves insulin sensitivity. Even just going for a short 10-minute walk after eating reduces the glycemic load of your meal to balance blood sugar better.
Stress and sleep
Both directly affect epigenetic markers, meaning your daily habits really do matter. Your circadian rhythm is crucial to your body’s hormone regulation, so get on a regular sleep schedule, getting 7–9 hours a night, and stick to it (even on weekends). Chronic stress and the influence of cortisol (the stress hormone) have a massive impact on the body’s regulation of other hormones such as estrogen, insulin, and testosterone.
Supplement support
Specific nutrients can make a big difference when it comes to PCOS. Zinc, vitamin D, folate, inositol, and vitamin B12 all play a role in supporting regular cycles, fertility, healthy blood sugar, and even lowering elevated testosterone levels. PCOSense® is an excellent combination that provides the ratio of myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositol that has been clinically shown to have complementary effects on both metabolic and ovarian function among women with PCOS. This formula also aids in the management of healthy glucose metabolism and in reducing insulin resistance. As everyone’s needs are unique, it’s best to consult your health care practitioner about the supplements that may be most helpful for you.
These lifestyle steps don’t erase PCOS, but they do influence how your genes “play out” in real life, showing just how powerful epigenetics can be.
