Navigating PCOS and Fertility: A Journey to Motherhood

A Beacon of Hope: PCOS and Fertility

I have decided to share my journey of PCOS and fertility as an attempt to offer a ray of hope amidst the overwhelming darkness of infertility fears that often accompany such a diagnosis. I count myself fortunate that our journey to conception happened relatively quickly, but I recognise that every individual’s path is unique and fraught with its own challenges. It’s important to remember that there are so many things that can affect fertility, and diet and lifestyle are just a couple of pieces of the puzzle. My heart goes out to those who are navigating the uncertain terrain of infertility, and I hope my story serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity amidst the uncertainty.

My Disordered Eating and PCOS Story

Did you know that one of the consequences of eating disorder behaviours is that individuals are at risk for developing hormonal disorders including PCOS? And that those with PCOS are 4- 6 times more likely to have an eating disorder? I found this out the hard way.

Where it all began

In 2017, at the adventurous age of 25, I traded bustling city life in the UK for a thrilling new chapter in Zambia.  Swapping a high paced London chef job for for an isolated safari camp along the mighty Zambezi River. Living “off the grid” in a remote location meant limited access to supermarkets and takeaways – a stark contrast to my usual routine. The unexpected consequence? Unintentional weight loss in the first few months.

The compliments on my weight loss poured in. However, as the praise intensified, so did my desire to achieve further weight loss through extreme dieting practices. The rising popularity of intermittent fasting, touted for its purported health benefits, provided a convenient justification for my restrictive eating habits. After a while I found myself slipping back into old patterns of disordered eating that had plagued my teenage years and early twenties.

 After reaching my lowest weight in years, alarming symptoms began to emerge. Cystic acne, irregular periods, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), debilitating fatigue, and persistent inflammation became constant companions, overshadowing any sense of well-being.

Upon returning to the UK, the challenges only intensified as I navigated the tumultuous waters of post-breakup life and the relentless pace of the London dating scene. Balancing irregular chef hours with extensive travel further exacerbated my struggles with disordered eating and excessive exercising.

Despite my relentless efforts to adhere to an extremely restrictive diet and rigorous exercise regimen my symptoms worsened. In addition to the previous symptoms I started to experience rapid weight gain—a paradoxical outcome that left me bewildered and frustrated. (I was cycling 24km a day to and from work, training for a half marathon and eating one meal a day at this stage and still putting on weight).

The Dreaded PCOS Diagnosis

Eventually, I reached a breaking point and decided to seek professional help. After undergoing multiple tests, I received the definitive diagnosis of PCOS. I vividly recall the ultrasound technician’s words confirming the presence of PCOS, leaving me to await the doctor’s call. As I sat on the bus, en route to meet my new boyfriend (now husband) and friends at the pub, I couldn’t resist the urge to Google “what is PCOS.” The search results painted a daunting picture, littered with phrases like “infertility,” “reduced fertility,” and “difficulty getting pregnant.” According to scientific research 70 to 80% of women diagnosed with PCOS may struggle with infertility. As someone who had always envisioned motherhood, these words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I found myself sobbing (on the bus) in desperation, attempting to compose myself before facing my friends at the pub. – Honestly, I’m sobbing again writing this just thinking about that poor young girl and all the other people who may be going through the same experience.

The impact of a PCOS diagnosis with very little support

Reflecting on that vulnerable moment, I’m reminded of the profound impact a PCOS diagnosis can have, particularly when delivered without adequate support or information. Despite the emotional turmoil, I persevered and sought further guidance from a doctor. However, not much was explained about the condition and the options presented to me—going on the pill or losing weight—felt inadequate, especially considering my history of disordered eating. I was very much against the pill at this stage of my life having been fear mongered by online “health” influences. Without much medical guidance and determined to explore alternative paths to managing my condition, I steered clear of conventional treatments and embarked on a journey to find a more holistic approach to my health.

If you want to find out what PCOS is click here!

Navigating Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes

 I delved into the depths of Google and Instagram in search of PCOS nutrition guidance, eager to absorb any information that could offer relief. Unfortunately, in my haste, I neglected to scrutinise the qualifications and credibility of those providing the advice. Consequently, I found myself ensnared by a multitude of misinformed influencers advocating for drastic dietary measures. I obediently adhered to their mandates, convinced that eliminating gluten, dairy, sugar, white carbs, processed foods, and even seed oils (to name a few) would somehow alleviate my symptoms.

Driven by desperation, I embarked on a relentless pursuit of solutions, trying every suggested diet and supplement regimen in a desperate bid for relief. I invested copious amounts of money in various skincare products, weight loss programs and expensive supplements clinging to the hope that they held the key to managing my PCOS. Yet, despite my fervent efforts, my symptoms only intensified.

I was also STARVING, and the stringent restriction was bringing back my old binge eating habits. Despite all this my PCOS symptoms were not improving; in fact, they were worsening. Every time I indulged in something from the restricted list, I felt like I was letting my body down. I berated myself for failing to adhere to a diet that was supposed to benefit my health.

A glimmer of light

Hitting rock bottom as my PCOS symptoms spiralled out of control, my binge eating resurfaced, and my mental health plummeted. I vividly recall breaking down on the phone with my parents, unable to contain my tears and feeling like a complete and utter failure, unable to stick to a diet even if it was for my “health”. Eventually, I was persuaded to try the contraceptive pill, as prescribed by the doctor. While I understand that the pill isn’t suitable for everyone due to various reasons, it proved to be a lifeline for me in this instance. Almost overnight, my PCOS symptoms subsided, although it took some trial and error to find the right pill for my body. It’s important to note that the pill doesn’t cure PCOS, but for me, it acted as a temporary solution, providing relief while I worked towards finding the right balance with my diet and lifestyle.

Discovering Balance and Healing

Moving forward, after realising that none of the trendy influencer remedies were effective for me, I serendipitously stumbled upon an actual qualified PCOS nutritionist on Instagram. Though I regret not recalling their name, their insights were transformative, debunking prevalent PCOS nutrition myths. Concurrently, I embarked on an MSc in Clinical Nutrition, honing my ability to discern evidence-based facts and dispel the fake information unqualified influencers were putting out there.

Transitioning towards balance was a gradual process for me. I didn’t overhaul my habits overnight, but rather adopted changes gradually. I reintroduced breakfast into my routine after YEARS of skipping it, prioritised regular meals, and learned to manage my blood sugar without resorting to drastic dietary restrictions. Recognising the detrimental effects of excessive exercise on my hormonal balance, I took a year-long hiatus from any intensive exercise to allow my body to recalibrate. Upon resuming physical activity, I shifted my focus to strength training with shorter cardio sessions, fostering the healthiest relationship with exercise I’ve ever had.

Moreover, I simplified my supplement intake, prioritising evidence-backed options. Among these, three key supplements proved invaluable for managing my PCOS: Inositol, Omega-3, and Vitamin D. These gradual adjustments, guided by evidence-based practices and professional insight, proved instrumental in finding equilibrium amidst my PCOS journey.

Preparing for Fertility

Preparing my body for fertility became a priority as my PCOS symptoms gradually subsided. After nearly four years together, my partner and I began considering marriage and starting a family.

With this in mind, I made the decision to discontinue the contraceptive pill a year before we planned to conceive. I was aware that the pill (as helpful as it was) often masks irregular period symptoms, so I wanted to gauge my true hormonal balance. Before discontinuing the pill, I started taking a multivitamin to replenish any potential nutrient depletion caused by the contraceptive.

Fortunately, transitioning off the pill was smooth sailing for me. None of my PCOS symptoms resurfaced, and my hormones appeared to be in sync. However, my attempt to undergo PCOS evaluation through the NHS before our trying to conceive journey started was met with frustration. Despite my proactive approach, they declined to conduct tests without evident symptoms or only after a year of unsuccessful conception attempts despite me being previously diagnosed and told to come back when I wanted to conceive.

Determined not to wait unnecessarily, I sought a private consultation with an OBGYN in Cape Town during the week of my wedding. (Sadly, this option is often expensive and inaccessible to many, which highlights systemic inequalities.) The thorough evaluation, which encompassed detailed ultrasound scans and comprehensive tests, brought about a revelation. I no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PCOS. This revelation not only brought immense relief but also validated the lifestyle changes I had implemented (as well as the advice I give my PCOS clients).

Lifestyle Changes for PCOS

Many of the lifestyle changes that benefit PCOS also promote fertility. Effectively, managing PCOS involves nurturing your reproductive system back to health.

To officially start my fertility journey I continued with the nutrition and lifestyle habits outlined above, while placing a heightened focus on fertility-enhancing foods like nuts, folate-rich vegetables, and occasional fish.

Here are the specific lifestyle tweaks I made:

• Ensuring I ate breakfast within an hour of waking up, with the exception of occasional Sunday brunches.

• Avoiding drinking coffee on an empty stomach.

• Maintaining regular eating intervals, typically every three hours.

• Prioritising blood sugar balance through food pairing, such as pairing chocolate with nuts to mitigate sugar absorption.

• Introducing a prenatal vitamin 3 months before we wanted to start our conception journey into my supplement routine. Alongside the inositol, omega-3, and vitamin D, which I was already taking for my PCOS (They are beneficial for both PCOS and fertility).

• Sustaining my balanced exercise routine.

While these changes may seem minor, their cumulative impact on health and fertility can be significant. It’s essential to approach these adjustments with flexibility and self-compassion, understanding that perfection isn’t the goal. If one day you have a coffee before breakfast that’s ok, if you decide to have the odd snack that is pure sugar with no protein or fats that’s fine too, what matters is what we do the majority of the time.

If you would like to know more about fertility nutrition click here!

Getting pregnant

Navigating through the vast sea of information about PCOS online can be overwhelming, especially when the first thing that pops up is often about infertility. This reality hit me even harder working within the fertility industry, witnessing first-hand the struggles of couples yearning to conceive. Perhaps because of my professional background, and years of reading about PCOS and infertility, I found myself bracing for a lengthy journey towards parenthood, preparing for what I assumed would be a prolonged wait.

New Year’s Eve 2023. Dean and I were on a weekend getaway, enjoying a lunch break. I’d been feeling a little off all day – a vague unease and sore boobs. Classic me, though (queen of self-doubt!), I convinced myself it wasn’t pregnant even though a part of me knew I was.  In the middle of telling a random story about supermarket workers getting cheap Christmas dinners, I burst into tears!  That’s when the suspicion hit – something was definitely different. We decided to grab an early pregnancy test, even though it felt a bit early even for that.  Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much.  But there it was – the faintest little blue line, a whisper of a miracle.  Even with the “no false positives” knowledge, apprehension lingered. So, the next morning, we did what any couple in disbelief would do: another test. And another. Three in total, just to be sure.  After three months of trying, after years of bracing ourselves for a long journey, there we were – pregnant! A whirlwind of emotions swirled – shock, joy, a touch of fear. But one thing was clear: we were having a baby!

Being pregnant

Now, as I sit here, penning down these words, I am 16 weeks pregnant with our precious little girl. Though the journey has been marked by moments of uncertainty and anxiety, particularly during the delicate first trimester where every twinge and sensation seemed magnified by fear of the unknown, there is an undeniable sense of anticipation and joy coursing through my veins. With each passing day, the anticipation of welcoming our precious daughter into the world grows stronger, filling our hearts with immeasurable love and excitement.

Become a women’s health nutritionist in amongst all of this.

Amidst the whirlwind of personal challenges and triumphs, I embarked on a journey to become a women’s health nutritionist. It was during this time, amidst my own battles with disordered eating, PCOS and fertility issues, that I felt a profound calling towards women’s health. I vividly recall the sense of loss, vulnerability, and confusion that engulfed me during my darkest moments. It was a period I wouldn’t wish upon anyone, and it fuelled my determination to help others navigate their own health journeys with greater ease and clarity.

Driven by the desire to spare others from the pain and confusion I endured, I committed myself to becoming a beacon of support reliable information and guidance in the realm of women’s health. My personal experiences served as a powerful catalyst, propelling me towards a path dedicated to empowering women to reclaim control over their health and well-being.

I derive immense joy from witnessing my clients embark on their healing journeys, emerging from the fog of confusion with newfound clarity and vitality. It is a privilege to be able to offer evidence-based advice and support within the PCOS community, amidst the cacophony of misinformation and uncertainty. With every client I guide towards healing and empowerment, my passion for this work only deepens, reinforcing my unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the realm of women’s health.

The importance of starting your fertility prepping early

Amidst the joy of our seemingly swift journey to conception, it’s vital to recognise the years of groundwork preceding this milestone. In essence, while our journey may have appeared swift, it was built on years of dedication to addressing and nurturing my body, hormones, and fertility cycle. As we eagerly await the arrival of our precious daughter, I’m reminded of the transformative power of perseverance and the importance of finding balance in life.

Understanding the importance of prepping your body for fertility is crucial, and it’s never too early to start. Your menstrual cycle is not just about menstruation; it’s a valuable indicator of your overall health and fertility potential.

Your Menstrual cycle

Each month, your menstrual cycle provides essential insights into various aspects of your reproductive health, including hormonal balance, ovulation, and overall fertility. By tracking your menstrual cycle and paying attention to changes in its length, regularity, and symptoms, you can gather valuable information about your reproductive health.

For example, irregularities in your menstrual cycle, such as missed periods, unusually heavy or light bleeding, or irregular ovulation, can signal underlying health issues that may affect fertility. Similarly, tracking changes in cervical mucus consistency, basal body temperature, and other fertility signs can help you identify your fertile window and optimize your chances of conception.

Moreover, your menstrual cycle reflects broader aspects of your health, such as hormonal imbalances, stress levels, nutritional status, and lifestyle factors. By observing patterns in your cycle and addressing any irregularities or imbalances proactively, you can support your reproductive health and enhance your fertility potential.

In essence, viewing your menstrual cycle as more than just a monthly inconvenience empowers you to take proactive steps towards optimizing your fertility and overall well-being. By tuning into your body’s natural rhythms and responding to its cues, you can lay the foundation for a healthy and vibrant reproductive journey. Remember, the journey to conception begins long before pregnancy, and investing in your reproductive health today can yield benefits for years to come.

Looking for more evidence-based guidance on PCOS and fertility? Book a session with me to find out more.