Influencers Misleading Women with PCOS into Buying False Treatments

Thu Sep 18 2025 18:23:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The rise of unqualified influencers on social media is leading women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to invest in ineffective and harmful products.

The dangerous trend of influencers marketing dubious treatments for PCOS has become increasingly prominent, particularly among women seeking relief from this condition. Women like Sophie, who endured years of pain and frustration, turned to influencers like Kourtney Simmang on platforms like Instagram in hopes of finding solutions when traditional medical routes failed them. Despite paying substantial sums for unproven tests and supplements, many have left these programs disillusioned and with worsening symptoms. Dr. Jen Gunter, a specialist in women's health, has voiced strong opposition to influencers who pose as experts without qualifications. The proliferation of misleading claims about PCOS on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram has only added to the distress experienced by women suffering from this common hormonal disorder.

While up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed, social media offering false promises provides a troubling alternative for those in need. Influencers offer expensive “health protocols” and advocate for unfounded dietary regimens, preying on vulnerable audiences who are already struggling with the stigma and emotional challenges associated with the condition. In contrast to the misinformation espoused by influencers, real medical research points out that there is no known cure for PCOS, and effective medical treatments do exist. Experts warn of potential consequences like eating disorders arising from reliance on influencer advice, making a clarion call for better education and support for women navigating PCOS.

Despite the harmful influence of these online personalities, women like Medlyn in Nigeria are actively promoting awareness and acceptance of PCOS through medical consultation rather than fallacies. Advocates encourage women to challenge stigma and seek evidence-based treatment options, reinforcing that help is still available within medical systems. Women such as Sophie are still seeking remedies that will genuinely alleviate their symptoms, searching for healthcare providers who can offer informed support and safe treatment strategies. It’s crucial for the medical community and patients alike to counteract the misinformation spread through social media and empower women to prioritize their health responsibly.