Hormone regulation for PCOS – three tips that made a difference

Throughout much of my life, I’ve grappled with the challenges of PCOS. The array of experiences that women undergo with this condition – from acne, excruciating cramps, excess body hair, weight fluctuations, and more – can be truly overwhelming. Personally, I battled with highly irregular periods, often encountering agonizing cramps. It took time, research, and trial and error to discover that while PCOS might lack a definitive “cure,” there are numerous ways to gently mitigate its impact and regain a sense of balance and control.

While birth control is always a wonderful option, I wanted to attempt a holistic approach first. I spent a lot of time figuring out how to balance my hormones and get my periods back in control. After many years, I finally have regular, pain-free (relatively) periods! I’ve compiled a short list of tips that seemed to make the biggest positive changes on my hormonal journey.

Disclaimer: These are the things that worked for ME. Everybody is different and these tips might not be applicable to everyone.

Caffeine on an empty stomach:

You might have come across this advice before, but I can personally vouch for its effectiveness. Refraining from consuming coffee on an empty stomach prevents a sudden cortisol surge that can be particularly challenging for those with PCOS. I noticed a significant reduction in my daily anxiety levels, and over time, my periods even began to shorten. If this change seems difficult and drastic, try switching coffee with other milder forms of caffeine.

Physical Activity:

Physical exercise doesn’t mean taking a strenuous Pilates class every day (unless that’s an activity you genuinely enjoy). In my case, I started by incorporating brisk walks into my daily routine. I started walking halfway home before hopping on the bus or taking a walk to social gatherings instead of relying on an Uber. Even a quick 30-minute treadmill walk is more effective than doing nothing.

Nourish Your Body with Fruits:

As a devoted snacker, I’ve always favored smaller meals over large ones. However, my snacking habit often leaned towards sugary and unhealthy options, not only burdening my body but also straining my budget. I saw a huge change when I began substituting these impulsive snacks with a variety of fruits. The results were quick with my snacking and grocery bill reducing significantly.

I hope that some of these tips were helpful and that you learned something new. I’m excited to share more about this journey and talk about all the positive changes I’ve made.