Understanding PCOS in Australia

If you’ve ever felt brushed off after being told your irregular periods or acne are “just hormonal,” you’re not alone. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects around 1 in 10 women in Australia, yet so many are left without clear answers or a personalised plan.

As a PCOS dietitian who also lives with this condition, I see firsthand how frustrating it can be — the years of trial and error, misdiagnosis, and confusion about what to eat or which treatment to try.

The good news? When you understand how PCOS is diagnosed and treated here in Australia — and how nutrition fits in — you can start feeling more in control of your body again.

How PCOS Is Diagnosed in Australia

In Australia, PCOS is diagnosed using what’s called the Rotterdam Criteria. That means you need to meet at least two of these three:

Irregular or absent ovulation (cycles longer than 35 days, or missing periods).
Signs of high androgens (like acne, excess hair growth, or elevated blood tests).
Polycystic appearance on ultrasound (multiple small follicles on one or both ovaries).

Your GP is usually the first step — they may order blood tests and an ultrasound, or refer you to an endocrinologist or gynaecologist for further assessment.

The reality of delayed diagnosis

Even though PCOS is so common, it’s still underdiagnosed.

Studies suggest up to 70% of women worldwide with PCOS don’t know they have it.
In Australia, research shows many women wait over two years and see three or more health professionals before receiving a diagnosis.
Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, PCOS appears to be even more common, as high as 1 in 5 in some studies.

If you’ve felt dismissed or stuck in the “wait and see” stage, please know — it’s not in your head. Early diagnosis matters, and it’s your right to ask for further investigation if symptoms persist.

Is PCOS Treatment Expensive in Australia?

This is a question I am frequently asked. The truth? It depends on your situation — but there are definitely ways to make care more affordable.

What to expect

A typical journey might include GP visits, blood work, an ultrasound, and possibly consultations with an endocrinologist, gynaecologist, or dietitian.

Specialist consults can range from $200 to $400+ for an initial visit.
Allied health sessions (like dietitians or psychologists) may range $80–$300, depending on rebates and location.
Supplements, medications, and fertility treatments are extra.

The overall cost adds up, but there are Medicare rebates and private health extras that can make a huge difference — more on that below.

Is PCOS Treatment Covered by Medicare or Insurance?

Yes — at least in part!

Under Medicare

You can ask your GP for a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM) (previously called an EPC plan). This allows you to claim rebates for up to 5 allied health visits per year, including dietitian sessions.

If you’re working with me for a dietitian consult, you can absolutely use these rebates for your nutrition consultations.

If you need to see a specialist, Medicare also covers part of that consultation cost, depending on your referral and the doctor’s billing structure.

Private Health Insurance

Many “Extras” policies include dietitian cover. Check your annual limits and rebate amounts — some clients get $50–80 back per visit or a certain percentage back.

Fertility-related treatments like IVF are partially subsidised through Medicare, though there are usually some out-of-pocket costs.

If you’re unsure what applies to you, I can help you navigate it during your initial session — I do this with many of my clients.

Should You Take Inositol for PCOS?

You’ve probably seen inositol all over TikTok or in supplement aisles — and yes, there’s real science behind it.

Inositol (especially myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol) is a naturally occurring compound that helps your body respond to insulin better and supports healthy ovulation. It’s been widely studied in PCOS and shown to improve cycle regularity, reduce androgen levels, and enhance fertility outcomes.

But here’s the nuance:

It’s not a magic fix or a replacement for lifestyle changes.
It works best alongside balanced nutrition, consistent meals, and stress management.
Quality and dosage matter — always check the form (ideally a 40:1 myo-to-D-chiro ratio).

I often recommend inositol to clients with insulin-resistant PCOS, but we always individualise the plan. Not everyone needs the same approach — and that’s where professional guidance helps.

If you’d like to explore whether inositol is right for you, we can discuss this in your first consultation.

The Best Nutrition for PCOS (Australian Dietitian’s Perspective)

When it comes to PCOS, food is one of the most powerful tools you have.

Here’s what I teach my clients:

1. Focus on insulin balance

Insulin resistance is common in PCOS, even if you’re not overweight. That means your body struggles to process carbs effectively.

Pair carbs with protein and healthy fats (e.g. oats with yoghurt and nuts).
Choose low-GI carbs like sweet potato, lentils, or grainy bread.
Don’t skip meals — balanced, regular eating keeps blood sugar steady.

2. Eat more fibre and colour

Fibre helps reduce insulin spikes and supports gut health — both key for hormone balance.

Dietitian’s tip:
Aim for at least 5 serves of vegetables a day, with at least 3 colours on your plate — that’s roughly 2 cups of salad + 1½ cups of cooked veggies daily. Plus one to two pieces of fruit.

One serve of vegetables = about 75 g cooked / 1 cup raw / ½ cup cooked veg.

Cooked vegetables (½ cup = 1 serve)

½ cup cooked broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage
½ cup cooked carrots, peas or corn
½ cup cooked spinach, kale or silverbeet
½ cup cooked pumpkin or sweet potato
½ cup stir-fried mixed vegetables
½ medium potato or ½ small kumara

Raw vegetables (1 cup = 1 serve)

1 cup leafy greens (lettuce, rocket, baby spinach)
1 cup chopped cucumber, tomato, celery, or capsicum
1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix (without dressing)
1 small salad bowl (about the size of your two hands cupped together)

Other common combos

½ cup baked beans or lentil stew (legumes count as either veg or protein)
1 small bowl of vegetable soup (around 1 cup)
½ cup cooked mushrooms or zucchini
½ cup cooked eggplant, beetroot or green beans

3. Choose anti-inflammatory foods

Include omega-3s (salmon, chia, walnuts), olive oil, and plenty of plant foods. Reduce ultra-processed, fried, or sugary foods that can trigger inflammation. PCOS is a syndrome that can be caused by many reasons, and inflammation can be one of them. You can find out more about your root causes through our PCOS Type Quiz.

4. Nourish, don’t restrict

You don’t need a “PCOS diet” or 1,200 calories a day. Sustainable habits and adequate nourishment work far better long-term. My approach is always non-restrictive, practical, and hormone-supportive.

You will be surprised if I tell you that you need to eat a lot more than what you are currently eating. However, this is 80% of the time in our consultation that people are usually undereating and missing a lot of food groups and micronutrients.

You will hear me saying no to calorie counting, the keto diet and intermittent fasting as well.

Can PCOS Be Cured?

The short answer: no, but it can be managed so well that symptoms almost disappear.

PCOS is a lifelong hormonal and metabolic condition — but your symptoms and risks are completely modifiable through lifestyle, nutrition, and targeted support. Many of my clients find that within a few months of consistent work, they experience:

Regular cycles again
Clearer skin and less unwanted hair
Improved energy and mood
Easier weight management
Improved fertility markers

The goal is not perfection — it’s progress and empowerment.

My Advice to Australian Women with PCOS

If you’ve been told “just lose weight” or “take the pill and come back later,” please know that PCOS care can be so much more holistic than that.

You deserve a plan that looks at your hormones, metabolism, mental health, and lifestyle — not just your symptoms.

That’s exactly what we do together in my clinic:

I review your blood tests and symptom history in detail.
We create a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan that fits your real life (not a cookie-cutter diet).
If helpful, we integrate supplements like inositol, magnesium, or vitamin D — evidence-based only.
We track your cycles, symptoms, and progress together.

Final Thoughts

PCOS doesn’t define you — but understanding it can transform how you feel in your body. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your journey, the right support can help you balance your hormones naturally and feel like yourself again.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to support you.
👉 Book an initial consultation (virtual) to start your personalised PCOS plan.

PCOS in Australia: What Every Woman Should Know