Thriving with PCOS – Not Just Surviving

Here’s the truth nobody tells you when you get diagnosed with PCOS: it’s not just about symptoms and lab results. It’s about how you feel in your skin every single day. And, while PCOS can be frustrating, exhausting, and confusing – it doesn’t get to write your whole story. You do.

This blog post is based on my personal experience and research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Thriving

There are many things you can do to improve your PCOS.

Exercise – Activities that include aerobic exercise (walking, biking, dance), resistance training (weights, body weigh exercises, Pilates), and gentle movement (yoga, stretching) can help improve your insulin sensitivity and PCOS symptoms.
Sleep – Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. This helps regulate your hormones, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being.
Stress Management – Chronic stress can worsen PCOS symptoms and disrupt hormone balance. Try meditation, deep breathing, and yoga. Engage in hobbies or activities that you enjoy.
Quit Smoking – Smoking has been found to worsen androgen levels and metabolic levels in women with PCOS.
Avoid Endocrine Disrupters – These are forever chemicals that can disrupt your hormones and make your PCOS symptoms worse. Avoid microwaving plastic containers, instead choose glass containers. Reduce the use of canned foods. Check for recycle codes 3 or 7, as these may have BPAs.
Acupuncture – Evidence has been found that acupuncture can regulate hormones, promote ovulation, and ease insulin resistance.

Self -Acceptance and Self-Confidence

Learn about your body and what PCOS means for you. No two experiences are the same, and personalized knowledge can reduce fear and confusion.

Celebrate progress, not perfection. Every small step – like getting better sleep, eating more mindfully, or finding a supportive healthcare provider – counts.

Practice self-compassion: Talk to yourself the way you’d talk to a close friend who’s struggling.
Challenge negative self-talk: Replace “my body is broken” with “my body is communicating with me.”
Prioritize mental wellness: Therapy, journaling, mindfulness, or meditation can help manage anxiety and improve emotional resilience.
Redefine beauty and success: Confidence grows when you focus on what your body can do, not just how it looks.

Where I Am

If you have read this blog series, I have been sharing bits about my PCOS journey. Am I cured? No. Am I thriving? Yes.

I have found an amazing family doctor who looks at things holistically, and understands that “losing weight” isn’t the answer. I meet with a great nutritionist every two weeks, where we work on my nutrition and making sure I get all the healthy nutrients my body needs. Every two weeks, I meet with my therapist where we work on my negative self-talk and self-confidence issues.

My doctor has me on a medication that helps with the androgen load in my body, which has helped my facial hair growth. I do shave every morning, but with makeup, I can hide the shadow I might have later in the day. One of the supplements I take daily is Myo-Inositol, which helps relieve many of my symptoms.

As for my hair, it is a constant battle. I am very thin on top and nothing I have tried has brought my hair back. At work and for special occasions, I wear a topper (also called a wiglet.) It clips in and covers the top and the front where I am balding. Other times, I just wear a cloth headband that is wide enough to cover my thin spots. No one can tell. For now, this is working. I hope eventually I will find the right combination to get my hair back.

My weight is a constant battle. I do all the “right” things, but the weight is stubborn and doesn’t come off. Its frustrating, but like my doctor says, you can be healthy and overweight. Its more important to be healthy, not fit into a certain size. As I get older, I tend to agree. But, its still frustrating. Recently, I was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, so I am having to learn to navigate that too.

Your Story

PCOS may be part of your story, but it doesn’t get to be the headline. With the right support, some trial-and-error, and a whole lot of self-compassion, it is possible to thrive. Remember – you’re not broken, you’re not alone, and you’re stronger than you realize. If this series has resonated with you, share it with someone who might need a little encouragement, too.