The Exploitation of Women with PCOS by Influencers Selling Unfounded Remedies

Social media influencers are capitalizing on the struggles faced by women with PCOS, offering expensive and unverified remedies that lack scientific backing. Experts warn of the dangers posed by misleading information, urging women to seek medically sound advice and treatment.

In recent years, the rise of social media influencers has transformed how health information spreads, particularly regarding polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder affecting approximately one in ten women. Amidst a recognized deficiency in effective medical treatments, these influencers have taken advantage of the situation, presenting themselves as experts and selling unproven tests and supposedly miraculous supplements.

One such influencer, Kourtney Simmang, claims to treat the “root cause” of PCOS despite prevailing medical ambiguity surrounding its origins. Sophie, a long-time sufferer of PCOS, sought Kourtney's guidance after enduring years of debilitating symptoms such as painful periods, depression, and weight gain. She followed Kourtney's expensive health protocol—costing around $3,600 (£2,800)—in hopes of alleviating her suffering. However, after nearly a year, Sophie found no improvement and left the program with diminished trust in her ability to manage her condition.

Critics, including Dr. Jen Gunter, a gynaecologist and women’s health educator, stress that many influencers lack the qualifications necessary to offer medical advice. The absence of conclusive evidence for the claims made—ranging from dietary supplements to extreme dietary adjustments for PCOS—further complicates matters. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 70% of women with PCOS globally remain undiagnosed, often leaving them vulnerable to misinformation in the absence of credible medical solutions.

Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram host numerous videos tagged with “PCOS,” but recent evaluations indicate that nearly half of them perpetuated false or misleading claims. Posts promoting restricted diets and supplements often lack scientific evidence, reinforcing dangerous notions about treatment. For instance, influencers assert that diet alone can "cure" PCOS or that common medications like birth control worsen symptoms, which is misleading at best.

Among the prominent figures within this sphere is Tallene Hacatoryan, a registered dietician with millions of followers. She markets a range of supplements while encouraging her audience to avoid pharmaceutical solutions. However, many women report negative experiences stemming from following influencer advice, often leading to feelings of failure and self-blame regarding their attempts to manage their symptoms.

Dr. Gunter emphasizes the risks of embracing influencer-led health regimens, noting that such practices could exacerbate eating disorders among vulnerable women who already grapple with body image issues tied to their PCOS. This online trend creates a concerning dynamic wherein women often prioritize influencer recommendations over medical counsel, delaying necessary interventions and aggravating their health conditions.

As the public continues to grapple with the realities of PCOS, advocates like Medlyn, a medical student in Nigeria, are stepping up to shift the narrative surrounding the syndrome. She encourages women to seek legitimate medical advice instead of succumbing to harmful influencer narratives that can reinforce stigma and misinformation. Sasha Ottey of the PCOS Challenge outlines that, despite perceived challenges, women with PCOS can lead fulfilling reproductive lives, often succeeding with appropriate medical support.

In the ongoing battle against health misinformation, it remains crucial for women suffering from PCOS to pursue validated treatment options with licensed healthcare professionals rather than relying on influencers who may prioritize profit over patients’ well-being.