Managing PCOS Naturally: From Diagnosis to Motherhood – My Personal Journey
Managing PCOS: My Journey from Diagnosis to Motherhood
When I was first diagnosed with PCOS at 18, it felt like my world was turned upside down. I remember the shock and confusion, wondering what this meant for my future, especially when it came to starting a family. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can feel like a lot to take in—it affects your hormones, your periods, your weight, and even your skin. But here's the good news: it's possible to manage PCOS effectively, and in my case, I was even able to overcome it and achieve my dream of becoming a mom.
If you're dealing with PCOS, I want to share my personal journey with you—what worked for me, what didn’t, and how I found balance and healing through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. I hope my story gives you some ideas to try and, most importantly, some hope.
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Overcoming pcos
Diet: The Key to Balancing Hormones
The first big change I made was with my diet. PCOS makes you more sensitive to blood sugar spikes, which can mess with your hormones and contribute to those stubborn symptoms like weight gain, acne, and irregular periods. So, I had to rethink how I was eating—specifically, cutting out foods that were making things worse.
Ditching the Processed Foods: I cut out fast carbs and processed foods completely. That meant no more chips, cookies, or anything loaded with sugar. These foods can spike your blood sugar, leading to insulin resistance, which is a big issue for many women with PCOS. Over time, I found that once I eliminated these foods from my diet, I didn’t even miss them. Cravings do go away, and after a few months, you might find yourself not even wanting those unhealthy snacks.
Healthy Fats and Protein: I focused on eating more whole foods, especially healthy fats and proteins. Healthy fats—like those from avocados, nuts, and olive oil—are crucial for hormone balance. I also prioritized animal-based proteins, but if you’re plant-based, you can find plenty of good plant-based protein options too. It’s about finding what works best for your body.
Moderating Fruit Intake: While fruits are natural, they can still cause blood sugar spikes. I found that some fruits worked better for me than others, so I had to learn how my body responded to different types of fruit. This is something you can experiment with on your own—pay attention to how you feel after eating different fruits and adjust accordingly.
Exercise: Finding What Works for PCOS
Exercise has always been a big part of my life, but I had to adjust my routine once I realized that certain types of workouts were actually making my PCOS symptoms worse.
Avoiding High-Intensity Workouts: Initially, I was all about high-intensity interval training (HIIT). But for someone with PCOS, this kind of exercise can raise cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which is the opposite of what you want. Elevated cortisol can contribute to weight gain, especially around the midsection, and worsen other PCOS symptoms.
Low-Impact and Strength Training: I switched to more low-impact exercises like Pilates and weight training. Weight training, in particular, is fantastic for improving body composition and boosting metabolism without spiking cortisol. Pilates, especially on a reformer, has been another game-changer—it’s a gentle yet effective way to strengthen and tone without overloading your system.
Consistency Over Intensity: The key with exercise is consistency, not intensity. Finding a routine that you can stick with long-term is much more important than pushing yourself to the limit in every workout.
Supplements: Supporting Your Body Naturally
Supplements played a role in my journey too, but it's important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. Here's what I found helpful:
Omega-3: Omega-3 supplements helped with inflammation, which is a common issue with PCOS. Inflammation can worsen hormone imbalances, so keeping it in check is key.
Magnesium: Magnesium is excellent for reducing stress and promoting better sleep—both crucial for managing PCOS symptoms. Since stress plays such a big role in PCOS, anything that helps you relax and sleep better is worth considering.
Vitamin D: Depending on where you live, you might need a Vitamin D supplement, especially if you don’t get a lot of sun. Vitamin D is essential for hormone regulation and overall health, and I found it particularly helpful when I was in places with less sunshine.
Hair and Nail Supplements: Lastly, I took a supplement specifically for hair and nails from a brand called SGAR. It helped improve the quality of my skin, hair, and nails, which can all take a hit with PCOS.
Always consult with a naturopath or healthcare provider before starting any supplements, and make sure to get regular blood work done to monitor your levels and see what your body really needs.
Managing Stress: The Invisible Trigger
Stress management is absolutely critical when it comes to managing PCOS. High cortisol levels can wreak havoc on your hormones, so finding ways to de-stress is a non-negotiable part of healing.
Meditation and Affirmations: I started incorporating meditation into my daily routine—just five minutes in the morning can make a huge difference. I also used affirmations to keep myself grounded and focused. Before I got pregnant, I would write affirmations like, "I am carrying a healthy baby" and "I am a healthy mother." These positive thoughts helped me stay calm and focused on my goals, even when I wasn’t sure if they would ever come true.
Limiting Social Media: Social media can be a big source of stress, especially with all the comparison it encourages. I started using an app called Opal to limit my time on social media, and it helped me stay more present and focused on what truly matters. If scrolling is stressing you out or making you feel worse about yourself, consider taking a break or setting limits.
Journaling: Keeping a journal was another game-changer. I tracked how I felt, what I ate, and how my body responded to different foods and exercises. Over time, this helped me see patterns and figure out what worked best for me. Journaling can also be a great way to track your progress and remind yourself of how far you’ve come.
The Importance of Patience and Self-Love
One of the hardest parts of dealing with PCOS is that progress can be slow. It’s easy to get frustrated when you don’t see immediate results, but healing takes time. Set big goals, but take small steps. Celebrate every victory, no matter how small, and be kind to yourself along the way.
And remember, every woman’s journey with PCOS is different. What worked for me might not work exactly the same way for you, and that’s okay. It’s all about finding what makes you feel your best and sticking with it.
If you need personalized guidance on managing your PCOS, I’d love to help. Book a call with me, and let’s work together to create a plan that’s tailored to your unique needs and goals. You don’t have to go through this alone—there is hope, and you can feel better.
