You Just Got Diagnosed…Now What?

Disclaimer: Pcostivity supports real, sustainable change and does not advocate for quick fixes. We do not endorse the use of western medicine, vitamins, or over-the-counter supplements, except in extreme life-or-death circumstances. The insights shared here are based on personal experience and are not medical advice. Please consult a qualified health professional for guidance if you’re interested in any of the above.

 

 

Being diagnosed with PCOS can feel overwhelming. I remember the flood of emotions relief at having an answer, confusion about what it meant, and frustration about what to do next. Like many others, I made some mistakes early on, chasing “solutions” that only left me feeling more disconnected from my body. But through trial, error, and self-discovery, I found practices that truly helped me understand my body and work with it, not against it.

 

What I Did Wrong

 

When I was first diagnosed, I wanted a quick fix. I tried everything that promised fast results:

• Diet Culture Traps: I jumped into extreme diets, thinking cutting out entire food groups or barely eating would “reset” my body. Instead, I ended up exhausted and frustrated.

I admit it I was a full-on victim of the vegan and organic warriors club, but the capitalistic version. My kitchen was stocked with Just Egg, Beyond products, frozen fruits, and pre-packaged “vegan” meals. I even started shopping at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Mom’s Organic Market, feeling like a rich suburban housewife living her best “healthy vegan” life. But then it hit me… nothing about this was truly vegan.

All these products were processed in factories, packed with unclear ingredients and loaded with preservatives. That’s not vegan that’s capitalism dressed up as health.

 

• Supplements and Pills: I spent money on over-the-counter supplements, blindly trusting they would “balance my hormones.” They didn’t, and I was left with no real understanding of what my body needed.

My jump into supplements started after watching a popular PCOS podcaster. All she kept pushing was Ovasitol inositol powder. It was everywhere, and it was hyped up as the ultimate “fix-it-all” for PCOS. The idea was simple: take it, and boom you’re fixed.

I wish you guys could see my Amazon orders from 2021. When I say I had it all in my cart, I mean I had it all! I tried everything, and honestly, it made my body worse. Everything isn’t for everybody, but I was desperate and willing to try anything.

 

• Ignoring My Body’s Signals: I pushed through fatigue and ignored stress, believing that if I just kept going, my body would fall in line. It didn’t.

Was stress, Bell’s palsy, and even a stroke not enough to say, “Hey girl, you might want to sit down”? Was the constant cycle of weight loss and weight gain not a sign? Were the mood swings not screaming that something was off in my body? We need to start listening to our bodies more before we end up pushing ourselves to the brink.

 

• Relying on Western Medicine: While I initially turned to western medicine for answers, I quickly realized that the solutions offered—like birth control or metformin—were temporary Band-Aids that didn’t address the root cause of my symptoms.

I tried them both, and no, they didn’t help. Birth control only made my mood swings worse, and I was passing serious blood clots like, what was even happening? As for metformin, I’m not even sure how I ended up with it I wasn’t diabetic. But hey, in true western medicine fashion: “Try this; it might help.”

 

These approaches left me feeling more lost than ever. It wasn’t until I shifted my mindset and started exploring natural, holistic ways to heal that I began to feel like myself again.

 

What I Recommend Instead

 

Through my journey, I’ve learned that understanding PCOS requires patience, self-compassion, and a focus on reconnecting with your body. Here’s what I encourage:

1. Learn to Listen to Your Body

Start by observing your symptoms, energy levels, and emotions. Keep a journal of how you feel after eating certain foods, during your cycle, or in response to stress. This will help you notice patterns and understand what your body is trying to tell you.

2. Focus on Whole Foods

Shift your diet to include fresh, nutrient-dense foods. Avoid processed foods and prioritize meals made from scratch. For me, eating from the earth—fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and quality proteins—transformed how I felt.

3. Incorporate Herbal Remedies

Herbal teas and remedies can support your body’s natural healing processes. I leaned into herbal traditions, like drinking bush tea, which helped regulate my hormones and reduce inflammation. Explore herbs like spearmint, nettle, and dandelion root, but always research or consult an herbalist for guidance.

4. Manage Stress Intentionally

Stress can wreak havoc on PCOS symptoms. Find ways to relax and ground yourself, whether through meditation, yoga, or simply taking walks in nature. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

5. Get Sunlight and Move Your Body

Spending time outdoors and getting gentle movement can improve hormonal balance. I found that consistent sunshine and low-impact activities like walking or stretching worked wonders.

6. Educate Yourself

PCOS is deeply individual, and no one knows your body better than you. Read, research, and ask questions so you can make empowered decisions about your health.

7. Be Patient

Real change takes time. There’s no quick fix, and that’s okay. PCOS is a journey, not a race, and every step you take toward balance is progress worth celebrating.

 

Being diagnosed with PCOS is the beginning of a new chapter, not the end of your story. While the journey can feel overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to deepen your connection with your body and learn what it truly needs.

 

The most important thing I’ve learned is this: healing is possible, but it starts with understanding and trusting yourself. Don’t rush the process. Real, lasting change takes time, and with patience and care, you can thrive beyond your diagnosis.

 

What’s been most helpful for you in navigating your diagnosis? Let’s support each other in this journey share your insights in the comments!