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Here’s my game plan for healing naturally after I found out I have PCOS. It involves changing my diet, exercise, skincare and supplements plus seeing a functional doctor.

After Zach and I got married in June, we decided it was time to cross our T’s and dot our I’s in terms of having children. We’re definitely not quite ready to have children but if you follow along with both of us you know he has a hereditary heart condition that can be passed down to our children. In an effort to get all the information to make the best decision when we are ready we decided to visit an IVF clinic to learn more.

I went into that apt thinking the only shock I’d get was sticker shock with how much IVF would cost. But after a few tests and a chat with the doctor, I left that office completely confused and deflated. That day I was officially diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).

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What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal disorder in women. The exact cause is still unknown, so it’s just known as a “hormonal problem” at the moment. However, genetics and environmental factors play a huge role in the development of PCOS.PCOS is the number one leading cause of infertility and is said to affect 1 in 10 women (10 million women in the world).

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods (or none at all), fertility problems (because of irregular ovulation), excessive hair growth (hirsutism), weight gain, bloating, fatigue, mood disorders (anxiety), headaches, thinning hair and acne. The other symptom is a chain of pearl like cysts on the ovaries.

The actual name of PCOS is interesting because it’s a disease that’s named after one of its symptoms. Not every woman with PCOS has cysts—we all just have a “hormonal problem.”

What hormones are involved in PCOS?

The three major hormones involved in PCOS are Androgens, Insulin and Progesterone. Insulin allows the body to absorb glucose (blood sugar) into the cells. In PCOS, the body isn’t as responsive to insulin as normal people, resulting in higher blood glucose levels, which then triggers the body to make more insulin. Excess insulin causes weight gain and causes the body to make more androgens.

My hormonal history:

To understand the full picture of how I landed in this place, I need to go back about ten years, when I was put on hormonal birth control (HBC). The OBGYN put me on it to help with irregular cycles and severe anxiety. Foreshadowing? I think so.

I was in high school at the time and was just happy my body was back to normal so I didn’t give it much thought for the 10+ years I was on it.  Then last spring I started to feel very overwhelmed and stressed. I was gaining weight, had serious anxiety and was plain tired. I went to my OBGYN and I remember sobbing in her office saying something wasn’t right. I just knew it deep down. I told her I think I have a hormonal disorder and she told me it wasn’t possible because I was on birth control.

She talked me down, took some blood and told me I was just stressed and I needed to be less stressed. Sobs turned to anger and I left that office determined to know what was wrong with my body.

I started listening to podcasts about women’s hormonal health and ultimately made the decision to go off hormonal birth control last summer (2017). I figured if there was something wrong with my hormones, the HBC was just masking the symptoms, it wasn’t actually fixing the imbalance that was occurring in my body.

About 5 months after I stopped birth control, I noticed the same symptoms from 10 years ago were starting to surface. It was right in the middle of wedding planning so I kind of swept the symptoms under the rug until after our wedding when we went to the IVF clinic.

You have to fill out a full profile of your symptoms and issues before your apt. Once we saw the doctor, we were reviewing my information and the doctor goes, “oh, you have PCOS.”

I should note, my oldest sister was diagnosed with PCOS about 15 years ago. I had that on my chart so I thought he was confused and was reading where I had written about that. I responded and said, “no, actually my sister has it.” He replied and told me that by looking at all my symptoms it was clear I had it too. We did an ultrasound as part of the apt and he confirmed that I do indeed have PCOS.

My PCOS symptoms:

  • My cycles are typically around 70 days when the average cycles is supposed to be 28 days. Essentially I skip every 2 cycles.
  • Since I went off birth control in August 2017 I’ve gained about 12 pounds. This is probably the most frustrating and defeating symptom of all because I have been cleaner than I ever have in my life, yet I continue to gain.
  • Anxiety has come and gone, but it’s been pretty steadily there for over a year.
  • Fatigue is definitely there. I was blaming my tiredness on wedding planning, running a blog and having a full time job, which obviously is a lot, but now I know it was more than that. I did blood work at the apt and found out my thyroid is inactive too, which causes fatigue.
  • Acne is a new thing for me and I typically get it around my mouth, especially at random times during the month.
  • Headaches are definitely an annoying symptom and they come and go as well.

cake batter keto fudge

I’m happy I know I have PCOS, but I’m also so angry I have it.

I would be lying if I didn’t say that I’m just plain angry that I have PCOS. When they confirmed I had PCOS so many thoughts filled my head.

This isn’t fair.
I eat so healthy.
I work out 5 days a week.
I know I have some stress, but I can manage it.
Will I gain weight forever?
Will I ever be able to have kids naturally?
Why is this happening to me?

Then I left the office and started comparing myself to everyone around me. Every thin girl I saw I’d think:

must be nice she doesn’t have PCOS
if I didn’t have PCOS, I’d be skinnier than her
it’s not fair my friends can eat whatever they want and they’re still smaller than me

I’m not proud of these thoughts, but they were the real thoughts that went go through my head. They’re the result of a giant hurdle I don’t want to face and some of the biggest adversity I’ve come against recently.

It’s a weird feeling thinking you’re doing everything right, yet your body does the exact opposite. I felt like my body was failing me. Like somehow I was cheating and wasn’t doing things right. I remember telling family and friends “I have no business gaining weight with how well I take care of my body.” But here I was on the scale, and yet again the number went up. And I was breaking out and exhausted and just nothing made sense.

So, when I was finally diagnosed with PCOS, I also felt relief. Because I had answers. Because I wasn’t going crazy. There was a reason for feeling the way I did. And now that I know what it is, I can make a clear game plan to start the healing process.

Is there a cure for PCOS?

There isn’t a cure for PCOS, which is why the IVF doctor tried to put my back on HBC and two different kinds of meds. I have to admit, the pill to magically help me lose weight was really tempting, but I knew all the medication was just going to mask more symptoms.

I follow enough women on social media (Lee from America, Simply Real Health, Root and Revel), to know that it’s possible to put PCOS symptoms in remission naturally, so that’s what I decided.

I’ve decided I’m not going to be a victim of PCOS and I won’t be defined by this. I’m done feeling sorry for myself. Because I know PCOS is often caused by lifestyle choices, I know I can heal my body with the RIGHT lifestyle choices. And that is so empowering.

So now I’m taking my real food, self-care and healing to the next level.

What I’m doing to heal PCOS naturally:

I first want to say it’s my goal here to do all of these things out of self-love, not out of bitterness. I want to make these changes and decisions because I love my body and want to take care of it, even if it might not be what is normal.

  • I’m doing my best to balance my blood sugar because glucose carries hormones and is a major factor in PCOS.
  • Continue to cut out dairy and gluten
  • I’m surrounded by encouraging people, especially my husband. He committed to following a healing PCOS protocol with me. I’m so grateful for that!
  • I spent time and money researching and listening to “how to balance hormones” podcasts and books. Surrounding myself with positivity and hope has been huge. Also with people who are going through the same thing.
  • I cut out dairy and gluten to help heal my gut and reduce inflammation.
  • I gave up caffeine and started switching to matcha, because caffeine can have adverse effects on PCOSers
  • I stopped working out so hard so many days a week and I’m going to try yoga more to reduce physical stress
  • I made a major career change (more to come on that?)
  • I upped my vitamin game (would you want to see a post on all the vitamins I take?)
  • I’ve got an apt to go see a functional medicine doctor and I’m going to be working with a health coach for expert advice
  • I’m focusing on adding more veggies and healthy fat into my diet
  • I want to start journaling and meditating again (working on this one!)
  • I want to start acupuncture
  • I cut out soy
  • I added nourishing superfoods to my diet like collagen, Glutamine, spirulina and matcha
  • I read the book “Women Code”
  • I’m slowly switching all my makeup and household products to toxin-free. Our skin is the largest organ in our body, and it absorbs everything we put on it. Toxins are major endocrine (horsmones) disruptors.

This is a super long list, and at times feels overwhelming. But I mostly feel empowered because I have control of how I take care of my body and whether or not the decisions I make ultimate serve me or make it worse.

I’m choosing to take control of how I feel, love my body more than ever and heal PCOS naturally.

And hopefully use my story and what I’m learning to help the 10 million other women in the world who suffer from PCOS too.

I plan on sharing more about my PCOS journey, what’s working and what’s not here, so if you ever have a question let me know! And if you have PCOS too, know that I feel you, that you aren’t alone and that together, we can heal our sweet bodies❤️

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27 Comments

  1. Grace says:

    Thank you for not only posting your story, but recipes that you have tried. I’ve been having a hard time coming up with things to do with the veggies and doing the same things over and over gets tiring as you know. I was officially diagnosed when I was 22, it has been affecting me since I was 18. I am now 25 going on 26 this year.

    1. Molly Thompson says:

      You’re welcome, Grace!! I know the feeling!

  2. Chandana says:

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  3. Shelby says:

    I’m so glad I found your blog. I just found out I have PCOS yesterday. I’m 27, and my husband and I have been trying to conceive for over a year. I’m trying to learn from anything I can get my hands on – diet, supplements, books – and I stumbled onto your post about 50 PCOS recipes on Pinterest. They look so delicious. I had planned enchiladas for a dinner later this week and I just need to add black beans to follow your recipe for Healthy Chicken Enchiladas. I’m excited to learn more about learning to live with this through your emails.

  4. Amber says:

    I’ve been feeling defeated since being diagnosed with PCOS. I know I will need a lifestyle change and this blog has been so motivating for me to get started with that. Thank you so much for your recipes, and advice! Like you said, I’m angry but grateful that I can take control of my life and hopefully start the reversal of PCOS.

  5. santhathi says:

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  6. Jazabel L says:

    I’m 17 and after countless doctors appointments, bloodwork and ultrasounds (which have come back clear) it looks like my doctor is going to diagnose me with PCOS and borderline insulin resistance at my next appointment. The current plan is to see a dietician and try out the pill to regulate my cycle. Are there any tips or advice you wish you knew when you were in high school suffering the symptoms. I’ve found it especially hard being surrounded by people who are so thin and eat so I healthy and complain about their bodies when I try so hard to keep mine healthy and it seems like nothing is working. My last cycle went for 110 days and they are becoming further and further apart, my ultrasounds came back clear of cysts so it’s so interesting to my how bodies can display things in different ways. I’m loving researching PCOS and discovering more answers and information about my body. 🙂

  7. Kimberley Stevenson says:

    My friend Alexis Pickens went to college with you and recommended I read your blog when I got my diagnosis. I hadn’t had a period in over two years while on HBC, and my doctor wanted me to go off it to make sure I could still have a cycle. In six weeks, I was menstruating again, but I’d also gained 20 pounds and was so exhausted I could hardly get out of bed. I’ve always been overweight, but my blood sugars and liver enzymes had always been good. Now, that’s not the case. I’m very grateful to be back on HBC for the time being, but I will be reading your blog while I work with my Dietician and doctors to send these symptoms into remission

    1. Molly Thompson says:

      Thank you for sharing that! I’m so glad you found me! I totally get the weight gain and feeling tired. Has anyone done a full thyroid panel on you? Take a look at some of my posts, especially the one about getting pregnant. Although you may not be ready yet, all of the tips I share are great for balancing hormones in general and could be really helpful. The most important things are going to be managing stress, eating whole foods, reducing inflammation and eating balanced meals with protein and fat 3 times a day. Next most important would be moving your body and taking supplements. Three books you should read: The Period Repair Manual, Body Love and Beyond the Pill. They are game changers! Hope that helps!

  8. Sandi says:

    Thank you for sharing your story.
    I take progesterone and thyroid medicine and would love to know how to take natural supplements instead of meditation. If you have any suggestions on where to start, please let me know.
    Stay strong!
    Stay amazing!
    ?Sandi

    1. Tish carranco says:

      I just found out I had PCOS a couple months ago. My obgyn said it was common a lot of women get it and nothing to stress over. I got off my IUD and I had a mirena crash and way more affected by PCOS than I thought. I’m going to have to change my whole lifestyle and it’s scary .
      I have really high anxiety to the point I have tremors . Stomach issues for months. Sleep apnea , Really bad frequent headaches.
      I’m hoping this helps I’ve been so emotional about all of these changes , sometimes it’s overwhelming I don’t know where to start.

      1. Desiree says:

        Hi
        I know you posted this comment over a year ago. This is where I am right now in life. I am so overwhelmed I don’t know where to start. I am angry,scared beyond words & I feel so lost. I don’t know if you have any tips or advice that could help me!? I’d really appreciate it. Thank you. I hope you are doing much better now.

        1. Molly Thompson says:

          Hey Desiree! I know the feeling well. Please take a look at all of my PCOS tips and resources. https://whatmollymade.com/category/pcos/pcos-tips/

          I share a lot on Instagram so please follow me there too @what_mollymade.

          I’m working on a PCOS planner that will make everything so much less overwhelming so please stay tuned! I’d love to help.

  9. Bri-yanna Bathurst says:

    Thank you so much for sharing your story and letting other women know we are not alone! I’m sure we have all felt many of the same feelings and emotions as you shared, especially feeling crazy when doctors keep trying to shove birth control down our throats as the “solution”. I have recently been rocked with the same diagnosis and your story brought me to tears, in bringing forth my own feelings and confirming my rationale on going against doctors recommendations. Thank you for being an advocate for natural, self healing.

    1. Molly Thompson says:

      This comment means to much to me. I’m so glad you’re here and you found me. Thanks for taking the time to share. Good luck with your healing and know I’m always a comment or message away!

  10. Madeleine says:

    I have PCOS too!! I was diagnosed at 19. My periods and acne were absurd but it was my idea of normal so I never thought anything of it. I switched from my pediatrician to a GP that year and she told me to visit the OBGYN. It took almost two years to find the right HBC. My skin was so much better I just became content with it until last year I gave up gluten and WOW what a difference it makes!

    I know I should give up dairy but it’s such a staple of diet. I eat very little meat and I’m allergic to nuts so dairy is an easy source of protein for me (greek yogurt and cheese <3 ). Of course I avoid soy as well.

    I don't know when my Dr will make me stop taking pills but I'm dreading that day. Fortunately, I'm young and single so it won't be for a while

  11. Kathrine says:

    Molly–I just stumbled on your blog and want to send you some encouraging words. I was diagnosed with PCOS my freshmen year of college. I didn’t really start to make changes to heal until years later, though I had been eating gf/df/sf for 4 years before my diagnosis. I read Woman Code (it’s awesome!!!!!) and started to remove chemicals from my home and beauty products (skin, hair, etc). I worked out less (retired from being a professional athlete), and listened to my body more. After about a decade of sporadic periods (maybe 1 a year), I finally decided it was time to change. I now get my cycle every 28 days, I love cycle-syncing my food, I’m so much less cranky and anxiety-prone, and I love myself better. I’m sorry you’re having to go through this, but know that you CAN! I took my time in making small changes, and now it is simply a part of my life-style and doesn’t feel like work any longer. You are on a journey and surrounded by a great support system. You got this!

    1. Molly Leonard says:

      Hi Katherine! Wow thank you so much!! That is SO encouraging! I’m making all the same changes to my lifestyle, so I can’t wait to see what happens! xo Molly

  12. Amy says:

    What a beautiful post! I wish you the very best. My daughter that is 21 is struggling from SIBO, and she is having the some of the same symptoms as you. It is really hard to eat healthy with so many sugary foods every where, but we have gotten so many recipes from you that help her. Thank you and we wish you the very best. You are amazing!!!

    1. Molly Leonard says:

      Hi Amy!! Wow, that means so much! Thank you for sharing. I wish her the best on her healing journey! I’m so glad to hear my recipes are helping. That is the best news ever❤️

  13. Crystal says:

    I do not have PCOS but I do have Hasimoto’s Thyroiditis. It took over three years to regulate my hypothyroidism. I highly recommend the Plant Paradox book and especially Gundry’s Plant Paradox cookbook. The diet really helped me feel human again. I was 15 lbs overweight and eating a very clean diet. I followed Gundry’s advice, minus the supplements and I’m finally doing well. Best of luck!

    1. Molly Leonard says:

      Hi Crystal! Wow thank you so much! Someone else actually recommended this book to me. I think I’m going to buy it today! Great to hear you’re doing well:)

  14. GWonder says:

    Your story is somewhat similar to mine. My issues began around the age of 15 with irregular (non existing or excessive periods) then I began lactating blood (not milk) at 16 and it completely baffled the doctors, every last one of them. Before my 17th birthday they told me that I couldn’t have children (oddly that was my goal in life, don’t laugh Lol)! I was on the pill because of the clusters of cysts that would pop and leave me curled up in a fetal position because of the amount of pain. At the age of 20 I moved from New York to San Francisco and visited an endocrinologist (God rest his soul), he was my Angel! He took every test possible and made me have an MRI, that’s when they found the culprit to all that was ailing me (well almost all). I had a growth on my Pituitary gland which triggered my elevated prolactin levels that told my body I was already pregnant. He turned me into his little guinea pig and gave me a drug for Parkinson’s disease. Long story short, I’m 44 with 4 children (3 with me and one watching over his brothers and sister 21,19,16 and would be 13 he passed away 11 years ago). Each one of them were our miracle babies. I’m still on birth control even though my tubes are tied to control the pain from rupturing cysts but otherwise kinda okay. My recommendation is to find yourself a endocrinologist near you, mine was a godsend. If you’re ever in San Francisco area, UCSF has one of the top endocrine departments. Sending lots of prayers/good vibes your way, 50% of the cure is a good attitude and you have it in spades! ❤️

    1. Molly Leonard says:

      Wow!! Thank you so much for sharing! What an inspiring story! I’m so glad you figured it out and were able to have all your sweet babies. Thanks so much for the advice!

    2. Jodi Coplea says:

      GWonder, We need to connect! My daughter in law is in the early stages of identifying elevated prolactin levels and a possible growth on her pituitary gland! It’s absolutely incredible how I stumbled upon this post today when I was simply looking up a basic recipe that led me here. Thank you for sharing and giving me hope.

  15. Kristin says:

    Kinda ironic that you have PCOS…I was told actually by my oncologist that I had symptoms of PCOS. Something I’ve alcty thought for a while. I suffer from acne no matter how many times I was my face, I have horrible anxiety and no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t loose weight. Let me know how your body cleanse and plan goes????

    1. Molly Leonard says:

      Hey Kristin! I have a feeling you do too:) It runs in our family I think! I’ll keep you posted!