PCOS Symptoms Worsen in Winter: Doctors Explain Why and How to Manage

• PCOS symptoms like heavier periods, sugar cravings, skin flare-ups, and fatigue often intensify in winter due to metabolic and endocrine changes.
• Reduced sunlight in winter leads to lower vitamin D levels, impacting ovulation and insulin sensitivity, which are crucial for PCOS management.
• Decreased physical activity during colder months can worsen insulin resistance, leading to increased androgen production and symptoms like acne and weight gain.
• Winter eating habits, often involving comfort foods high in refined carbs, cause glucose spikes that aggravate metabolic disturbances in PCOS.
• Experts recommend consistent daily movement, balanced low-glycemic meals, structured sleep, morning sunlight, and vitamin D supplementation to manage winter PCOS flare-ups.

Why It Matters: PCOS symptoms worsen in winter due to biological factors like reduced sunlight, inactivity, and dietary changes.