Influencers Selling Fake Cures for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Social media influencers are exploiting the absence of effective medical solutions for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by promoting unproven cures and treatments. One such influencer, Kourtney Simmang, has gained attention for selling unverified tests, supplements, and coaching packages to women suffering from PCOS. Despite Simmang's claims of targeting the "root cause" of PCOS, researchers have not identified a single cause for the condition, which affects 1 in 10 women globally.

The Struggles of Women with PCOS

For Sophie, a woman struggling with PCOS symptoms such as painful periods, weight gain, fatigue, and depression, medical help seemed out of reach. After a diagnosis and frustration with traditional treatments, she turned to Kourtney Simmang's offerings on Instagram. Sophie spent $3,600 on a health protocol that included tests, supplements, and diet plans. However, after nearly a year, her symptoms didn't improve, and she found herself feeling worse about her relationship with food and her body.

Exploitation of Vulnerability

While Simmang has not responded to requests for comment, Dr. Jen Gunter, a gynaecologist, criticized influencers like her for selling medical services without proper qualifications. Many influencers claim to be "nutritionists" or "hormone coaches," but their certifications are often acquired through online courses that can be completed in just a few weeks.

Dr. Gunter and other medical professionals warn that such influencers exploit the lack of clear, effective treatments for PCOS, making false promises that prey on vulnerable women.

False Claims on Social Media

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have been rife with misleading content. A study by that half of the top PCOS-related videos on these platforms spread false information.

Some of the most dangerous and unfounded claims include:

• PCOS can be cured with dietary supplements
• A low-carb, high-fat keto diet cures PCOS
• Birth control pills cause or worsen PCOS
• Mainstream medication only suppresses PCOS, but doesn't address the root cause

However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Studies have shown that birth control pills can help alleviate symptoms for many women, and keto diets may actually worsen symptoms. There is currently no cure or known root cause for PCOS.

The Impact of False Information

With up to 70% of women with PCOS undiagnosed worldwide, it's easy for misleading claims to gain traction. As Dr. Gunter noted, "Whenever there's a gap in medicine, predators take advantage." Influencers with millions of followers contribute to the spread of this harmful misinformation, often prioritizing profit over women's health.

While platforms like TikTok and Meta claim to regulate harmful health misinformation, the reality is that PCOS-related falsehoods continue to proliferate. TikTok has pledged to remove content that could cause significant harm, but experts argue that more needs to be done to prevent exploitation of women with chronic conditions like PCOS.

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic hormonal condition that affects 8-13% of women worldwide. Common symptoms include:

• Painful, irregular periods
• Excessive hair growth
• Weight gain

PCOS is also a leading cause of infertility, though most women with the condition can conceive with appropriate treatment. Despite the availability of medical treatments, the absence of a single cure has left many women searching for alternative solutions, making them vulnerable to unscrupulous influencers.