How I Naturally Balanced My Hormones & Got My Period Back with PCOS
My PCOS Journey: From Diagnosis to Finding Balance
For years, I kept pregnancy tests the way most people keep tampons. My period was so irregular that I never knew when (or if) it would show up. What started as a "no big deal" quickly turned into a stressful, confusing journey—one that so many women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) can relate to.
If you're struggling with PCOS or suspect you might have it, know that you're not alone. This is my journey—from pre-diagnosis to finally getting my period back—and everything I’ve learned along the way.
Early Signs: Irregular Periods & Dismissive Doctors
I got my first period at 16 years old, and from the very start, it was irregular. Sometimes, I’d skip a month, then two, then three. Before college, I started birth control, hoping it would regulate things, but it only made my cycles even more unpredictable.
By the time I was in my 20s, I was going months at a time—sometimes up to 10 months—without a period. Doctors brushed it off, telling me the pill can cause cycle suppression, but something just didn’t feel right.
I switched birth control pills. Still, nothing changed. And still, no doctor took my concerns seriously.
Finally Getting Answers: The PCOS Diagnosis
Years later, after moving to California, I saw yet another doctor. This time, things were different.
The very first thing she asked me was:
✅ How long do you go without a period?
✅ Are you losing hair?
✅ Do you struggle with weight gain or loss?
✅ Do you have facial hair growth or male-pattern hair issues?
Within five minutes, she did an ultrasound and confirmed:
🩺 "You have PCOS."
I was relieved to finally have an answer, but my next question was: Can I still get pregnant?
Her response? Yes, but it may be more difficult. That was the moment I realized I needed to take control of my health.
Taking My Health Into My Own Hands
After my diagnosis, I had another blood test. Surprisingly, my hormones came back normal, yet the only solution doctors offered was… you guessed it—another birth control pill. That was my breaking point.
I decided to get off birth control completely and start doing my own research.
I learned that PCOS is not one-size-fits-all—there are actually four different types:
Insulin-Resistant PCOS (most common)
Post-Pill PCOS
Inflammatory PCOS
Adrenal PCOS
Each one requires a different approach to treatment, and I realized that healing PCOS isn’t about finding one magic solution—it’s about trial and error.
What Helped Me Balance My Hormones & Get My Period Back
Over the next year, I tested different foods, supplements, and lifestyle changes to see what worked for me. Here’s what actually made a difference:
1. Higher Healthy Fats
I started eating more healthy fats, like:
🥑 Avocados
🥚 Eggs
🌰 Nuts & Seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin seeds)
To be honest, I couldn’t get on board with flaxseeds or chia seeds because of the texture, but I found other ways to incorporate healthy fats.
2. Supplements That Helped
Not all supplements work for everyone, but these were helpful for me:
Ashwagandha & Maca Root – Helped with stress & mood regulation
Inositol – Supports blood sugar balance & helps with ovulation
Vitamin B6 & E – Helped with energy & hormone balance
I found some of these through brands like Health by Habit and Amazon, but always do your own research before starting new supplements.
3. Tracking Ovulation & Symptoms
Once my period finally returned, I realized that having a period doesn’t always mean you’re ovulating.
I used the Flo App to track my cycle and paired it with Modern Fertility Ovulation Tests to confirm if and when I was ovulating. It took another 6-12 months to fully understand my cycle.
Lessons Learned & Final Thoughts
Healing from PCOS is not linear. There was no single solution, no overnight fix. What helped me most was focusing less on how my body looked and more on how it felt.
To anyone dealing with PCOS, irregular cycles, or hormonal imbalances—know that you’re not alone. Your journey is unique, and healing takes time.
💬 Have you found anything that helped with your PCOS symptoms? If you have any questions, I’d love to help. 💛
