Podcast by Brussels IVF & UZ Brussel brings PCOS into the open (in Dutch)
PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women, yet also one of the most misunderstood. It can present in many different ways: from irregular periods and fertility issues to weight gain, acne or excess hair growth. Despite this, PCOS is still surrounded by taboo, and many women wait a long time before receiving a clear diagnosis. With the podcast Laat je niet cysten, UZ Brussels aims to share reliable information and relatable stories about PCOS.
In the podcast, doctors and researchers share their scientific knowledge and practical insights, while women living with PCOS also have their say. The result is a nuanced picture of a complex condition that can affect life in many different ways.
Professor Michel De Vos, fertility specialist at Brussels IVF: “About one in ten women of reproductive age has PCOS, yet the majority still receive a late or incorrect diagnosis, or none at all. With the PCOS clinic, we want to change that: inform women properly, prevent complications, and at the same time offer them real prospects for a healthy pregnancy.”
Professor Ellen Anckaert, clinical biologist at UZ Brussels and head of the VUB Follicle Biology Lab:
“A correct diagnosis of PCOS requires high-quality blood tests that are accurately interpreted. What really strikes me is that many women live with symptoms for years without anyone putting the pieces together. With precise laboratory analyses and greater awareness among healthcare professionals, we can break that pattern.”
Linde Mostinckx, specialist midwife and coordinator of the PCOS clinic:
“At the PCOS clinic, we look beyond the medical aspects of the condition alone. We bring gynaecologists, endocrinologists, dermatologists and dietitians together around the patient. This multidisciplinary approach not only leads to better treatment, but also gives women greater recognition and support in their day-to-day lives.”
The episodes cover a wide range of topics
- How do you recognise PCOS and what happens in your body?
- Diagnosing PCOS
- PCOS and your menstrual cycle
- PCOS and fertility: the wish to have children and treatment options
- Living with PCOS: impact on weight, skin and self-image
- Psychological and social consequences
- Experiences of women living with PCOS
A podcast without taboos
As with previous podcast series from Brussels IVF, Laat je niet cysten aims to offer information that is both scientifically sound and accessible. The mix of expert knowledge and personal testimonies creates recognition, inspiration and clear, reliable context.
