Does Pregnancy “Cure” Hormonal Disorders Like PCOS or Endometriosis?
If you grew up with irregular periods, painful cramps, or a diagnosis like PCOS or endometriosis, you’ve probably heard some version of:
“Just get pregnant, it will fix your hormones.”
“Once you have a baby, your period problems will go away.”
It sounds comforting… but it’s not what the science shows. In this blog post, we will unpack where this myth comes from, what actually happens to hormonal conditions during pregnancy, and why it’s important not to treat pregnancy as “medicine”.
Quick note: This article is for information only and doesn’t replace medical advice. Always discuss your own situation with your physician or hormonal specialist.
A quick recap: What are PCOS and Endometriosis?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is one of the most common endocrine (hormonal) conditions affecting reproductive-aged people. Its presentation varies, but often includes irregular or absent ovulation (irregular periods), elevated androgens (male-type hormones), and metabolic features such as insulin resistance. The most recent international guideline on PCOS underscores that its consequences span well beyond fertility, including metabolic and cardiovascular health [1,2].
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, for example on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, or bladder. These ectopic tissues respond to hormones, bleed cyclically, cause inflammation, and often lead to chronic pain, scarring, and fertility issues. There is currently no cure for endometriosis: treatments focus on symptom management, lesion control, fertility support, or surgery when appropriate [3].
Where does the “pregnancy cures you” myth come from?
Historically, some clinicians and individuals observed that during pregnancy:
Menstruation stops, which may temporarily eliminate cyclical symptoms or bleeding from endometriotic lesions.
Hormonal shifts (e.g. high progesterone) may influence symptoms.
With breastfeeding and delayed return of periods, symptoms might remain milder for a time.
Over time, these observations morphed into simplified advice such as:
“Just have a baby, you won’t have endometriosis anymore.”
Likewise for PCOS, some women report changes after pregnancy, perhaps more regular cycles or shifting symptoms, and families often recount stories like pregnancy “resetting” hormones. But when researchers actually looked at the data, the story was much more nuanced.
PCOS & Pregnancy: What Does Science Say?
PCOS is a chronic condition; it does not disappear after pregnancy: The 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS Guideline) emphasizes that PCOS is not just about irregular periods or fertility, it has metabolic, psychological, and long-term health components too [1]. Even if pregnancy goes well, and even if after birth you notice some menstrual changes, the underlying predisposition for metabolic issues (insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk, etc.) remains. The guideline recommends long-term monitoring and management of metabolic health [1].
For women with PCOS, pregnancy may change symptoms, but that’s not the same as a cure: For some women, physiological changes during and after pregnancy might coincide with improvements in cycle regularity or symptom perception. But that does not mean PCOS has gone away. The condition’s root causes such as hormonal imbalance and metabolic tendencies remain. Moreover, pregnancy in people with PCOS carries its own risks (for both mother and baby), and managing PCOS properly remains crucial even when fertility goals are met [1,2].
Bottom line for PCOS: pregnancy can be possible and healthy (often with appropriate care), but it is not a treatment or cure for the condition itself.
Endometriosis & Pregnancy: What Does Science Say?
There is no robust evidence that pregnancy cures endometriosis: A comprehensive review published in 2018 called “The Effect of Pregnancy on Endometriosis—Facts or Fiction?” analysed all available studies on endometriotic lesions during and after pregnancy. The authors concluded that the behavior of endometriotic lesions during pregnancy is highly variable, ranging from shrinkage to no change to, in some cases, increased growth [3]. They found most studies were small (case reports or small series), with very different lesion types (ovarian cysts vs deep lesions), and inconsistent follow-up; only a few looked at actual symptoms like pain, and those showed mixed results [3]. Thus: there is no high-quality evidence that pregnancy reliably reduces endometriosis lesions, eliminates them, or provides a long-term remission [3,4].
Some may experience temporary symptom relief, but symptoms often return because menstruation stops during pregnancy, and hormonal milieu changes (e.g. high progesterone), some women may notice reduced pain or less bleeding. Combined with breastfeeding (which delays return of cycles), this may feel like a “remission.” That said, once menstruation resumes, or hormonal cycles return, many women report recurrence of symptoms. The 2018 review explicitly cautions that pregnancy should not be recommended as a “treatment strategy” for endometriosis [3]. In addition, people with endometriosis may still face obstetric or perinatal complications; A 2024 study noted that endometriosis can impact both conception and pregnancy outcomes [5].
Bottom line for endometriosis: pregnancy may offer temporary symptom relief for some, but it does not treat the disease itself. Pregnancy should never be framed as a “cure.”
Why the “just get pregnant” message is problematic?
Telling women, especially young women, that pregnancy will “fix” their hormonal or gynecological condition can lead to several harms:
Delay proper diagnosis and treatment: PCOS and endometriosis are often under-diagnosed, and this myth can make people wait to “see what happens” rather than seek care.
Place undue pressure on fertility choices: Not everyone wants children, or is ready for them, and no one should feel forced to have kids for the sake of their health.
Ignore long-term health risks: For PCOS especially, metabolic and cardiovascular risks remain for life; for endometriosis, chronic pain and inflammatory risks can continue regardless of childbearing.
Provide false hopes: Temporary relief during pregnancy may lead to disappointment if, postpartum, symptoms return or complications arise.
What does evidence-based care mean, instead?
For PCOS: As per the 2023 PCOS Guideline, optimal care typically includes:
Lifestyle support (balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, healthy sleep, stress management) to improve metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, energy, mood.
Medical therapy when indicated, for example to manage menstrual irregularities, protect the endometrium, support fertility, or manage metabolic risks.
Regular long-term monitoring (blood sugar, lipids, blood pressure, psychological wellness), not only when pregnancy is desired but across life stages.
Shared decision-making between patient and healthcare provider, aligned with personal values, goals, and resources [1,2,6]
For Endometriosis: Evidence-based management options include:
Symptom-targeted treatments (e.g. pain management, hormonal therapy) rather than relying on pregnancy as “treatment.”
Surgical intervention when appropriate, for example, laparoscopic removal of lesions, especially for deep or severe disease.
Fertility-support strategies if conception is desired (timed intercourse, ovulation induction, assisted reproduction, as needed).
Ongoing care, follow-up, mental health support, and individually tailored plans, because endometriosis behaves differently in each person [3,4,5,7].
Pregnancy can absolutely be part of someone’s story, but it should be their choice, not their treatment plan.
How to respond when someone says, “Just get pregnant, you’ll be fine”
You don’t owe anyone a detailed explanation, but if you do feel like educating a bit, you could say something like:
“Actually, PCOS and endometriosis are chronic conditions. Pregnancy may change symptoms for a while, but it doesn’t cure them.”
“International guidelines now reject pregnancy as a treatment for endometriosis; for PCOS, pregnancy doesn’t eliminate long-term metabolic risks.”
“My health plan is about long-term wellness, not just having a baby.”
And if it’s too much to explain? A simple:
“I’m following an evidence-based plan with my doctor that’s right for me.” is always valid.
Take-Home Messages
Pregnancy does not cure hormonal disorders.
Some people may feel better during or after pregnancy, but symptoms often return, and the underlying condition (and its risks) remain.
According to current evidence and expert guidance, pregnancy should not be recommended as a treatment for PCOS or endometriosis.
What you deserve, and what your body deserves is: proper diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, long-term care, and respectful, informed choice.
At Ayla Wellness, we believe your body is not a project to be “fixed” by pregnancy. It’s yours, at every stage of life, whether or not you choose to become a parent.
References
Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JS, Dokras A, Moran LJ, Piltonen TT, et al. Recommendations from the 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;108(10):2447–2469. PubMed
Monash University on behalf of the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Women’s Health in Reproductive Life. International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. 2023. Monash University
Leeners B, Damaso F, Ochsenbein-Kölble N, Farquhar C. The effect of pregnancy on endometriosis — facts or fiction? Hum Reprod Update. 2018;24(3):290–304.Oxford Academic
Leeners B, Farquhar C. Benefits of pregnancy on endometriosis: can we dispel the myths? Fertil Steril. 2019;112(2):226–227.Oxford Academic
Tsikouras P, Menas N, et al. The Impact of Endometriosis on Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2024; [Internet].PubMed
Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JS, Dokras A, Moran LJ, Piltonen TT, et al. Summary of Recommendations: International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 2023. Monash Univ. 2023.Endocrine Society
Endometriosis-UK. Endometriosis, fertility and pregnancy. 2025. [Internet]. Endometriosis UK
