If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you have PCOS and you are currently seeking or undergoing treatment for that diagnosis. Welcome, I’m glad you found The FLO Living Hormone Center! I am certain you’ve read up about PCOS and are well in the depths of self-education. Perhaps you’ve seen a doctor already, or you will soon. In this post I want to outline some lesser known facts about PCOS, as well as put some misconceptions to rest. Having worked with thousands of women over almost 2 decades, I’m aware that what a woman does not know about her diagnosis can definitely limit her ability to get the results she wants.
I know what results a woman with PCOS wants, because I used to be that woman. Before I put my PCOS into remission, I wanted my weight to be stable like you do, and I wanted my period back, I wanted my skin to clear, I wanted to know I would be able to get pregnant when I was ready, and overall I really wanted to feel happy, just like you do. I remember what it was like to want that so badly. I also remember what it felt like to be frustrated by the options I was presented with.
It’s totally understandable that we often say yes, and quickly, to the medications offered. Sometimes it’s the only option presented to get you further toward these goals. Sometimes the sheer number of goals is so overwhelming, it seems like only a medication is going to help.
As a woman who, after much consideration, turned down those medications, and who, now sees no sign of PCOS in my yearly blood tests, year-in-year-out, I have been where you are and I am now where you want to be. Seeing both sides, I hope I can bring you some clarity and insight to help you move forward.
How did I put my PCOS in remission? I developed a natural, evidence-based, science-backed, hormone supportive protocol. At first, sure, it wasn’t as easy as popping a pill, but it did feel really good to take control, immediately. I learned the skill of working with food and lifestyle changes, and pretty soon my protocol became second nature to me, an integrated part of my life that takes little effort or forethought to just happen. And the bonus is it requires that I practice a lot of self-care and self-nourishment. My default setting is – how can I take really good care of myself? As opposed to, how can I just settle for whatever nourishment I can get.
So, take a minute, read on, and consider the right path for you to reach those goals.
5 facts you need to know about your PCOS
- Metformin doesn’t work for everyone – this medication is commonly offered to women with PCOS regardless of the fact that it’s only been researched as a treatment for one specific type of PCOS (the insulin-resistant kind). It’s also offered to women prior to proper diagnosis of PCOS, who haven’t undergone both the blood test and ultrasound to confirm. This is because it’s considered something of a silver bullet in the mainstream medical field and it’s certainly easy, simple, and quick to prescribe. Some women are led to believe it’s some kind of weight loss wonder drug, and it’s not. It might, at first, feel like a relief to know there exists a medication for PCOS, however I suggest you dig deeper before taking this route. Metformin comes with side effects, from digestive distress to some scary long term issues like cognitive impairment. As with most silver bullet medications, Metformin doesn’t usually come with many guidelines, but it should – if you decide to take it, it needs to be short term prescription and you need to be making diet and lifestyle changes simultaneously for real change to happen inside and out.
The pill isn’t a good treatment – the pill is not a medical treatment. It can manage some symptoms, but it’s actually only a band-aid solution that ignores the root cause. This mean when you come off the synthetic hormones, symptoms will return and potentially be worsened by the triggered hormonal imbalance from taking it and suppressing your own hormone production for any period of time. The pill comes with a load of side effects, too, both short term and long term. So not only is it not addressing your health issue, it’s adding in some more to the mix. .
- There are different types of PCOSspectrum in mind. Some women might have one, two, or all three at any time.
You can get pregnant naturally – at 22 I was told Iand not be able to conceive naturally, because of my PCOS diagnosis. I was shocked and extremely upset that my choices were limited at that age. Yet, at 37 I was able to conceive naturally, and after trying just a few months! I now have a child. And I am no fluke, I have helped thousands of women put their PCOS into remission and conceive naturally when ready. You can start ovulating again by feeding your body the right fuel, at the right time, to build hormones and calm your internal ecosystem. You won’t need to rely on IVF just because you have PCOS.
- You can put your PCOS into remission – PCOS is not a permanent situation, you don’t have to forever be taking pills and managing symptoms, you can move forward and feel good. It doesn’t have to lead to worse problems down the line like heightened risk of cancer or diabetes. One of the most empowering facts I think you need to know if that you can change your health status! You. Not a pill or a doctor, but you. You have that power and capability. Start with the Monthly FLO program, this will set you up to see very rapid results of the kind you so want – weight loss, clearer skin, mood stabilization. It’s a natural protocol designed by a woman with PCOS, for women with PCOS. You can experience your own transformation! I didn’t do anything to put my PCOS in remission that you are not equally able to do starting today.
Always remember, that once you have the right information about how your body really works, you can start making health choices that finally start to work for you! You can do this – the science of your body is on your side!
To your FLO,
Alisa
We believe that no woman should suffer simply because she has a period.
And we also know that it’s not always possible to get access to functional and holistic healthcare solutions — sometimes they’re too far away and most of the time they are way too expensive.
That’s why we offer phone and Skype consultation sessions with our FLO coaches.
All of our expert FLO coaches have been trained by Alisa on top of being certified health coaches and licensed acupuncturists. And they are all qualified to help you find the right next step for you in getting out of hormonal chaos and into your FLO. Work with a FLO Coach and find your customized plan to solve your period symptoms.
Are there any PCOS counsellor in Victoria, British Columbia you can refer me to? It is for my daughter who is struggling with all the symptoms you mention. She quit metformin and the pill. I have suggested some supplements but it is complicated to do with all the different schedules (with food, no food, 1/2/3 times per day, etc). All I can see for now is that she needs to do more physical activities… hormones are so finicky. They can drive you mad, so to speak.