Confused by PCOS Advice on Social Media? Here’s How to Tell What’s Worth Following
- Lisa Smith Nutritionist
- Jul 20
- 4 min read
You’ve seen the reels:
“Fix your PCOS in 30 days!”
“Just take these 3 supplements!”
“Seed cycle your way to better hormones!”
It’s everywhere, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and it all sounds so convincing. You’re bombarded with advice from influencers claiming to “heal” PCOS naturally, often based on personal stories, not science.
If you’ve ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or like you’re doing it all wrong, it’s not you. It’s the noise. And it can make managing PCOS feel more complicated than it needs to be.
In this blog, I’ll take you through:
The difference between evidence-based and anecdotal PCOS advice
How to spot red flags on social media
Why trying to follow everything can backfire on your hormones
What to focus on instead, especially if you’ve just come off the pill
Why Popular PCOS Advice Isn’t Always the Best Advice
It’s tempting to follow someone who looks the part and says they “fixed” their hormones through diet or supplements. But here’s the truth, what worked for them might not work for you.
PCOS isn’t one condition. It’s a syndrome, with multiple drivers like inflammation, insulin resistance, hormone imbalance, nutrient depletion, and gut issues. What you need depends on your unique picture.
Yet a lot of social media content:
Oversimplifies complex hormonal issues
Focuses on fast fixes or supplement stacks
Ignores the nuance of post-pill PCOS, fertility, or long-term weight concerns
Comes from people with no formal qualifications in nutrition or women’s health
Red Flags to Watch For in PCOS Content Online
Not sure if the advice is worth following? These are common warning signs:
🚩 “Cure your PCOS in 30 days!”
🚩 “These 3 foods are ruining your hormones”
🚩 Mega supplement lists without personalisation
🚩 Fear-based language (e.g. “never eat gluten or dairy again”)
🚩 No references or mention of the root cause
These kinds of claims might feel motivating at first, but they often lead to confusion, restrictive habits, or feeling like a failure if it doesn’t work for you.
Why Trying Everything at Once Can Backfire
Many of my clients come to me after trying everything they’ve seen online, from berberine to keto to hormone tests ordered without context. They’re exhausted, still not ovulating, and often feeling worse than when they started.
Here’s why that happens:
You’re doing the right things, but in the wrong order
You’re skipping foundations and jumping to advanced protocols
You’re trying to copy someone else’s plan without knowing what your body needs
This approach creates overwhelm, burnout, and often worsens inflammation or hormone symptoms, the very things we’re trying to reduce.
What to Look for Instead: Reliable, Evidence-Based Support
You don’t need to follow 100 accounts or try every PCOS hack. What you need is a clear, calm approach that works with your hormones — not against them.
When looking for trustworthy advice, look for:
Registered practitioners (like BANT or HCPC)
Science-based content (not just personal stories)
Individualised strategies, not one-size-fits-all
Emphasis on foundations like blood sugar, inflammation, nutrient repletion, digestion, and cycle tracking
Clear boundaries, no promises to “treat” or “cure”
What Your Hormones Actually Need
Whether you’ve just come off the pill, are trying to lose weight, or want to restore your cycle, the best results come from a clear plan with:
It’s not flashy, but it works. Slowly, steadily, and sustainably. This is the exact structure I use inside my 12-Week PCOS Hormone Shift Method, with weekly guides to help you build a routine that fits your life — not social media.
You Deserve More Than a Viral Hack
If you’ve tried following popular advice and still feel stuck, there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re not lazy, unmotivated, or broken, you’ve just been overloaded by noise that wasn’t designed for your body.
You don’t need to do it all.
You need to do what works, for you.
Ready for a clearer path forward?
Just off the pill? Download your Free PCOS Hormone Health Snapshot to get a personalised starting point. Or explore my 12-Week PCOS Programme, where I guide you through real, root-cause support for hormone balance — no hype, no fluff, just what works.
Hi I'm Lisa, BANT registered nutritionist, specialising in hormonal health and weight loss for women struggling with PCOS. I provide online nutrition advice and personalised nutrition programmes for women across Manchester, the UK and Europe.
If you’re looking for professional, evidence-based support for PCOS from a qualified nutritionist, get in touch today to learn how I can help you achieve your health goals.
Updated in July 2025 to reflect new PCOS research and nutrition strategies.
DISCLAIMER: The content on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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