My PCOS Journey
In November 2019, I was diagnosed with PCOS. A hormonal imbalance that affects 1 in 10 women and a leading cause of infertility.
PCOS has many different symptoms and it can differ from person to person, this can include polycystic ovaries, irregular/missed periods, excessive hair growth or loss, insulin resistance, hormonal acne, anxiety/depression, weight gain.
The first major symptom I had noticed was that I gained 25 lbs in 2 months. I thought this had to do with stress and a recent side effect from anti-depressants, even though I was eating 80/20 paleo and working out 5-6 days. I had later made the conscious decision (under my doctors supervision) to wean off of my anti-depressants. I assumed that my weight would also stabilize but it didn’t.
In 2015 at 18 years old, when my cystic acne was it’s peak (and when I thought making a duck face was cool…). This was right before I was put on birth control to balance my hormones.
Thinking I had an underlying condition for my weight gain; a thyroid or hormonal issue, I made an overdue appointment with my doctor. He suggested an ultrasound along with blood work. Thyroid levels came back normal but during the ultrasound, we found my ovaries to be polycystic; enlarged with many fluid filled sacs (known as follicles, similar to cysts). I remember seeing them on the ultrasound and feeling an immediate sense of dread.
Things started to make sense. I grew up with awful hormonal cystic acne and excessive hair growth that I was so embarrassed about. When I was 18, my cystic acne got so bad that I was put on birth control which regulated my hormones (hello regular periods) and my acne cleared up quickly.
At my highest weight in 2019, after gaining 25 lbs in a couple months vs. my “stable” weight prior
As for the weight gain, I’m close to reaching my goal weight of where I once was. What ultimately helped was intermittent fasting and balancing out my high intensity workouts with lower impact workouts like yoga and pilates. Along with following my paleo lifestyle, I’ve incorporated more plant based meals and make sure majority of my meals are at least gluten and dairy free. Look out for a more detailed post about my PCOS weight loss journey soon.
Inositol is a great natural supplement that I was recommended by my doctor instead of receiving a prescription for Metformin.
There’s no cure for PCOS, along with symptoms, women with PCOS are at an increased rate for type 2 diabetes and ovarian cancer. My doctor suggested on top of taking the pill, to try metformin (helps with insulin resistance and weight gain). I declined it for right now as I didn’t want more medication. Instead, he suggested to continue eating clean and working out regularly, along with incorporating grape seed oil and inositol into my diet. More recently, I have started incorporating an inositol supplement into my diet, however it’s too early to tell if it’s helped. These supplements come in a powder or capsule form and can be purchased from Amazon!
As for the infertility and many added complications during pregnancy, I am extremely thankful that we live in a time where science can help women with issues like this. I am not too worried right now and know when the time comes things will work themselves out!
DISCLAIMER: I’m not a doctor and this is in no way medical advice. This is simply my experience and what has worked for me.
Please always discuss with your doctor before trying any new supplements or dietary changes.