I Had PCOS…

I had PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Had, as in, past tense. Several doctors assured me that it was incurable, chronic, and that I could manage symptoms with drugs but that I’d never be without it.

However, after living with PCOS for over a decade, I’ve been cured of it for several years.

How do I know I am cured? Because there is no symptoms or clinical testing that a new doctor can use to determine that I have ever had PCOS. Even my most recent primary care admitted (despite me ignoring his advice to continue taking metformin) that he could no longer diagnose me with PCOS.

I’m a healthy weight. I ovulate. I have clear skin. I no longer have acanthosis nigricans. My menstrual cycles are spot on regular at 28 or 29 days, and healthy. My cramps are diminished as well. My blood work is textbook.

But ten years ago none of that was true. I was infertile. I was in a constant battle to stay a healthy weight. I had hormonal acne badly. My periods were totally inconsistent and horrendous. My hormones were in improper ratios. I had dark skin patches on my neck and under my breasts (acanthosis nigricans).

I was in a battle with my body. A battle I was told I couldn’t win. But I won, and I don’t think it was a fluke.

I quit all hormonal treatment. No birth control to manage my cycles, no metformin. I learned about herbal supplements such as milk thistle. I began tracking my macros and lowering my carbs to between 150-200 grams a day. I switched to eating a high protein diet. I started weight lifting.

In a little over 6 months I’ll be 40 years old. And I’m my own woman, no longer in a battle with my body. I eat as clean as I can. I live as clean as I can. I avoid processed foods, seed oils, I eat a well balanced diet at maintenance or in a slight deficit (depending on my goal), and I celebrate my God given womanhood in the gym by being as strong of a beast as I can be.

I became an expert at the big things before I zeroed in on the details. I believe in walking, sunlight, lots of water and at least 8 hours of sleep. I believe in red meat and fish and eggs and yogurt.

And at the end of it all, I have room for chocolate and fun.

I live in a body I can celebrate. I live in a body I’m at peace with. And I live in a body that defies what the establishment medical industry told me was true.

I had PCOS. But now, I have freedom!