I Got My Life Back! Used Diet to Manage PCOS

Until I was 30, I suffered from varying degrees and combinations of symptoms such as irregular or absent periods (absent up to 9 months), depression/anxiety, chronic irritable bowel and sinus headaches, shakiness and adrenaline-rush symptoms which often caused weeks of insomnia, balding, and mild hirsutism.

I saw a number of gynecologists over the years, but none seemed concerned about my weird cycles as long as I didn't want to get pregnant (I am childfree by choice and had NO interest in pregnancy).

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Also, I am a very small and slender, so there was no weight gain to tip off any doctor I visited.

Plus, I've found most ob/gyns don't know much about the insulin-resistance element of the disorder so they didn't associate my lack of periods and ovary pain with any of my other symptoms.

I was on the pill for about 6 years in my early 20s, but stopped because it destroyed my sex drive.

My symptoms and depression were so bad by my late 20s that I became desperate. I demanded a complete hormone screening and an ultrasound since I thought I was in premature menopause.

It Took Years to Get a PCOS Diagnosis

GYN diagnosed me with PCOS (FINALLY...all those wasted years!) but just wanted me to go on the pill. I went on it for about 1 year and did a bunch of research in the meantime.

I learned that ALL my symptoms were connected and began eating like a diabetic, taking 800mg of Vitex/day, and using progesterone cream during the second half of my cycle.

Also use Rogaine for the hair loss, which had been quite severe.

It's almost 2 years since I went off the pill. I have regular periods every month, much of my hair re-grew, my digestive problems and sinus problems are gone, my mental state is fantastic, my blood sugar swings are almost completely controlled, and I have more energy than since my early 20s.

I feel SO lucky to have been diagnosed; it's like having a new life!

The sad thing is how many people out there have this disorder and go years with no information, or incomplete information, as to how to deal with it. I have sent MANY women I've met in to have their hormones screened for this disorder.

All I can say is, diet is absolutely CRUCIAL for managing PCOS. Please make that the foundation of your treatment. It IS possible to make a new life for yourself!

- Tracy B