For years, I felt trapped in a body I didn’t understand. Month after month, I waited for my period — but it never came. I blamed stress, hormones, maybe even my diet. Deep down, I knew something wasn’t right, but finding answers was harder than I expected.
The Frustration Of Not Knowing
I went from doctor to doctor, explaining my symptoms — irregular cycles, stubborn weight, breakouts, mood changes — only to be told things like “It’s just stress,” or “Try losing some weight.”
It was frustrating and disheartening. I knew my body, and I knew something was off.
After countless appointments and lab tests that led nowhere, I finally saw a reproductive endocrinologist, a specialist who focuses on hormone-related conditions and fertility. That appointment changed everything.
The Diagnosis: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
When I heard the words “You have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,” it was both a relief and a shock. Finally, there was a name for what I was experiencing. But with that diagnosis came a flood of emotions — fear, confusion, and uncertainty about my future.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a common hormonal disorder that affects up to 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It’s caused by a hormonal imbalance — usually involving higher levels of androgens (male hormones) and insulin resistance, which can disrupt ovulation and other body processes.
Common symptoms include:
- Irregular or missing periods
- Difficulty losing weight
- Acne and oily skin
- Excess hair growth (especially on the face or body)
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Fatigue or mood swings
- Fertility challenges
For me, it explained so much — the missing cycles, the stubborn weight, the fatigue, and even my breakouts.
Adapting To The News And Understanding My Body
Learning I had PCOS wasn’t easy. It meant accepting that my body worked differently, and that I’d have to support it differently too. I had to mourn the idea of “normal” and redefine what healthy looked like for me.
At first, I felt defeated — especially when I learned that PCOS can make weight loss more difficult and impact fertility. But I quickly realized that while PCOS can’t be “cured,” it can be managed with the right lifestyle, nutrition, and mindset.
Listening To My Body Changed Everything
Once I stopped fighting my body and started listening to it, things began to change. I learned to pay attention to how food, movement, stress, and sleep affected my symptoms.
Here’s what helped me most:
- Balancing Blood Sugar: I focused on protein, fiber, and healthy fats to prevent insulin spikes — which helped with cravings and energy.
- Gentle Movement: Instead of pushing myself too hard, I embraced walking, strength training, and Pilates. Over-exercising can actually increase cortisol (stress hormone) and make symptoms worse.
- Prioritizing Rest: PCOS and stress don’t mix well. Quality sleep and relaxation became non-negotiable.
- Cycle Tracking: Even though my cycle wasn’t regular, tracking symptoms helped me recognize hormonal patterns and triggers.
- Mindset Shifts: I stopped seeing my body as broken and started seeing it as my partner in healing.
Listening to my body helped me nourish it the way it needed — not how I thought it “should” be.
Living With PCOS, Not Against It
Today, I live with PCOS in balance. Some days are harder than others, but I’ve found peace in progress over perfection. I focus on hormone health, skincare that supports my body from the outside in, and movement that makes me feel empowered.
PCOS may be part of my story, but it doesn’t define me. It’s taught me patience, self-compassion, and the importance of tuning in instead of checking out.
If you’re living with PCOS, please know: you’re not alone. Your body isn’t your enemy — it’s your guide. When you learn to listen, you’ll discover what it needs to feel supported, nourished, and loved.