My PCOS Journey: From Frustration to Freedom

If you had told teenage me that one day I would have regular, predictable cycles and two healthy pregnancies without intervention, I would have laughed (and maybe cried a little). Because back then, my reality was wildly unpredictable periods, painful cystic acne, and doctors throwing around words like “infertility” and “birth control” as my only options. I was told I had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and that my body was just "hormonal and out of balance."

Fast forward to my twenties, when I took a deep dive into holistic health, functional medicine, and the intricate dance between food, metabolism, and hormones. What I discovered changed everything. I regulated my cycles through nutrition alone, healed my ovarian health, and went on to conceive and carry two healthy babies with no medical intervention. And now, I want to share what I’ve learned so that you, too, can feel empowered in your body. Because PCOS isn’t just about ovaries—it’s about your whole system working in harmony.

Understanding PCOS: It's More Than Just Your Ovaries

PCOS is often treated like it’s just a reproductive issue, but let’s set the record straight: PCOS is a metabolic and hormonal condition that impacts your entire body—your insulin response, your liver function, your stress hormones, and yes, your ovaries.

PCOS can look different for each person, but common symptoms include: ✔ Irregular or absent periods
✔ Weight fluctuations (especially around the midsection)
✔ Acne and excess hair growth
✔ Fatigue and blood sugar crashes
✔ Difficulty conceiving

Insulin Resistance: The Root Cause for Many with PCOS

One of the biggest drivers of PCOS symptoms is insulin resistance—a condition where your body’s cells stop responding effectively to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels and increased insulin production. This excess insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones) like testosterone, which can cause acne, hair growth, and irregular ovulation.

How to Support Insulin Sensitivity:

• Balance your blood sugar by prioritizing protein, fiber, and healthy fats at every meal.

• Reduce refined carbs and sugar, which cause insulin spikes and crashes.

• Get moving—strength training and walking after meals improve insulin response.

Dairy, Ovarian Health, and Inflammation

I know, I know—cheese is delicious. But here’s the thing: for many women with PCOS, dairy is a hidden trigger for inflammation and hormone imbalance. Conventional dairy products can increase insulin levels and contain IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor), which can overstimulate the ovaries and contribute to cyst formation.

Consider this:

• Try eliminating dairy for 30 days and monitor your symptoms.

• Opt for grass-fed, organic dairy if you do consume it.

• Focus on calcium-rich alternatives like leafy greens, tahini, and sardines.

Liver Detox & Hormone Balance

Your liver is responsible for processing and eliminating excess hormones, but when it's overburdened by environmental toxins, processed foods, and stress, estrogen and testosterone can recirculate in your body, making PCOS symptoms worse.

How to Support Liver Detoxification:

• Eat cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale) to support hormone metabolism.

• Stay hydrated to help flush out toxins.

• Reduce alcohol and synthetic hormone exposure (plastics, conventional beauty products).

Stress, Cortisol, and the PCOS Connection

PCOS is not just about what you eat—it’s also about how you feel. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can worsen insulin resistance, slow metabolism, and contribute to cycle irregularities. If you’re stuck in fight-or-flight mode all the time, your body doesn’t feel safe enough to ovulate regularly.

Ways to Reduce Stress for Hormonal Balance:

• Prioritize sleep (7-9 hours is ideal for hormone regulation).

• Practice mindfulness—breathwork, gentle yoga, or meditation.

• Say no to over-exercising—long bouts of cardio can increase cortisol. Instead, opt for strength training and walking.

A Functional Approach to PCOS Healing

Healing from PCOS is not about a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about understanding your unique body, supporting your metabolism, and working with your hormones—not against them.

For me, healing meant: ✔ Balancing my blood sugar with whole foods
✔ Eliminating dairy (which massively improved my skin and cycles)
✔ Supporting my liver through food, hydration, and targeted supplements
✔ Managing stress and prioritizing nervous system regulation

And it led me to the kind of hormonal balance I never thought possible. No more guessing when (or if) my period would show up. No more debilitating PMS. Just deep trust in my body’s wisdom.

Final Thoughts: You Are Not Broken

If you’ve been told that PCOS is something you just have to "manage" with medication forever, I want you to know that your body is not broken. It is always working to find balance—it just needs the right support.

PCOS is complex, but healing is absolutely possible. Your hormones are not the enemy. When you start nourishing instead of punishing your body, incredible things happen.

So tell me—what’s one small step you can take today toward balancing your hormones naturally? Let’s start there. 💛