Experiences with PCOS? Cyster Support

[Vanessa]

Just reaching out here to see if anyone else is dealing with PCOS. I see a lot more women online talking about it, but I'm curious about how you are dealing with it and what has your journey been like? I am going to a second doctor tomorrow to hopefully get some real help. I've done some research on ways to drastically reduce symptoms from the root problem, I just hope my doctor takes this as seriously as I do.

I haven't felt like myself at all. I'm gaining weight rapidly; almost 40 pounds in the span of months. My acne and facial hair is bad, I'm anxious and moody, tired and foggy minded, and my periods are uncontrollable. I'm in my early 20s, and I'm scared about having fertility problems in the future. I just want to feel like me again.

Hoping I'm not alone; any and all advice/support would be amazing ❤️

[Martina_Pezzino]

Hi Vanessa! I'm so sorry you're struggling with this. You are definitely not alone! I work with women to balance their hormones naturally, and many are going through exactly what you are. It can be SO frustrating and discouraging! 

It sounds like you are doing an amazing job advocating for yourself and seeking out a health team that align with your values. That's a huge first step!

Your body has a amazing capacity to heal, especially if you continue advocating for yourself the way you are. Don't lose confidence in the wisdom of your body ❤️

I offer lots of hormone-balancing advice that you might find helpful on my Instagram and website. There are lots of diet and lifestyle foundational things that I'm sure you came across in your research, like supporting balanced blood sugar and liver detox. You could also look into Inositol and CoQ10 as supplements for PCOS, both are often very helpful.

You should also check out pcosdiva- she has a lot of great info! 

Let us know how it goes with your new doctor, and please reach out if you have any questions! 

[Vanessa]

@Martina_Pezzino thank you so much for these resources, I'll be sure to check out your IG and website! I think the hardest part of this journey (also I'm really just beginning) has been advocating for myself. Trying to get a doctor to really understand me has been hard, but being honest with myself has been hard too. I've had to convince myself that I'm not crazy and that all these symptoms mean something. I'll be sure to give updates and I really appreciate you reaching out

[Sarah_E]

Oh honey I’m so sorry: sending a ton of love. I know a lot of women who deal with this and hope you find the support you need. This is what we built AthletaWell for, right?! I don’t personally have PCOS, but I’m always here to give love and listen.

SO Cyster is kind of the cutest play on words ever 

[Dani_P]

@Vanessa thank you so much for sharing and bringing up this topic. I was told I might have PCOS after I had a really hard time getting a cycle back after going off birth control for a year and a half, but it was never really confirmed if the diagnosis was accurate or not. Either way, I experienced some of what you're going through with skin breakouts, weight fluctuation and anxiety and it was a really hard period to work through. I'm so sorry you're going through what you're going through right now.

One thing that completely changed the course of health journey and relationship to my body during that time was working with an Ayurvedic practitioner alongside the hormone doctor I was consulting with. I really enjoyed looking at what I was experiencing from both an allopathic and holistic approach and gained some tools from each that I have stuck with for a long time and have supported my body and health. Happy to share the information of the Ayurvedic practitioner I worked with if you're interested!

Hope you find the support you're seeking during on this journey and definitely feel free to reach out if there's any way I can support you. You are definitely not alone ❤️  

[heyheyrei]

Hi Vanessa, I'm so sorry to hear that you haven't felt like yourself at all. It's PCOS Awareness month so you'll likely see a lot of resources around. I work in fertility and reproductive health (and work in community) so if I can help in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out. 

[FITWITHWENDY]

Hi Vanessa!

You are not alone, but know that there is a lot you can do to help your symptoms 🙂

Specifically intermittent fasting, daily power walks, swimming, and paleo / Mediterranean diet with minimal starch. Focusing on protein, veg, healthy fats, and fruits like blueberries.  Healthy small portions of whole grains like brown rice or oats in moderation are a good source of fiber.

Avoiding white flour/sugar/refined carbs/simple carbs is super helpful. 

check out this website on dairy:

https://www.pcosdietsupport.com/diet-tips/pcos-diet-dairy/ 

I’ve suffered with a reproductive disease called endometriosis for over 26 years of my life (Since age 10), and I am almost 38 now. Exercise and healthy eating is what helped me most and I am a big fan of intermittent fasting. In 2020 I decided to have a hysterectomy which was a great decision for me. No more period, no more pain! Listen to your body and put a lot of effort into nutrition and moving your body aerobically as much as possible (swimming and long walks). Even if you feel tired from your symptoms, exercise will actually give you more energy. So you will find the more you move, the more energy you have. You can heal! Stay positive!

Check me out on IG for motivation and inspiration @FITWITHWENDY 

 -Wendy 

[Cuyar16]

Hey! I’m so sorry to hear you are struggling. I wasn’t diagnosed until my early 30s, but it explained so much of what I’d experienced since my teen years…so I definitely know where you’re coming from. For me, some diet changes did help (this doesn’t work for everyone, but cutting dairy and gluten helped me personally with the hormone balance). And in terms of future fertility: just sending some love and hope. Although we needed a bit of help through some medication and IUI, I gave birth to a healthy and happy baby boy in my late 30s…and I know several other women with PCOS who have also had children. Best wishes!

[Heather_C]

My go-to resource for PCOS information and support when I have clients with PCOS is Julie Duffy Dillon! She shares non-diet resources via IG @foodpeacedietitian.  My understandings, through Julie's work, is that you don't need to cut out any foods unless there is an allergy! But she does provide a lot of helpful evidence-based recommendations for supplements, healthcare advocacy, etc. 🙂 I also learn a lot from the IG @pcosbodyliberation . I hope that helps!!