Living with PCOS: My Journey to Balance and Empowerment
Have you ever felt like your body is sending you mixed signals — like your hormones are in a tug-of-war and you're caught in the middle? That was me, not too long ago. I remember feeling frustrated, confused, and at times a little helpless. That’s when I discovered I had PCOS — polycystic ovary syndrome. And if you’re here reading this, maybe you're going through something similar.
PCOS is one of those conditions that affects so many women (up to 1 in 5!) but still feels strangely under the radar. It can show up as irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, acne that overstays its welcome, and for some, challenges with fertility. Beyond the visible symptoms, it messes with your insulin levels, can make weight management feel impossible, and even increases the risk of long-term issues like diabetes and heart disease.
But here’s the thing — PCOS doesn’t define you. And you’re not stuck with it running your life. What helped me most was understanding that simple, grounded lifestyle changes can make a world of difference.
It’s Not Just About Symptoms — It’s About Healing
used to chase quick fixes — diets, supplements, anything to make the symptoms disappear. But what I really needed was a deeper shift. PCOS is, at its core, a hormonal imbalance, and our hormones respond powerfully to how we care for our bodies. Everything began to change when I stopped trying to fix myself and started focusing on nourishing myself. Exercise became less about burning calories and more about moving in ways that felt good. I let go of perfection and leaned into consistency. Even just 20 minutes a day — a walk outside or a strength-based Pilates session at home — made a difference. (By the way, I’m obsessed with the app FORM. If you want to try it, use my code LOUISA20.) It’s through this gentler, more intuitive approach that I’ve started to feel truly connected to my body, and in tune with what it needs.
Let’s Talk About Food (And Why It’s Complicated)
Food can be incredibly healing, but when you have PCOS, figuring out what to eat can feel totally overwhelming. I’ve tried it all: plant-based, low-calorie, low-fat diets... and here’s what I’ve learned — there’s no one-size-fits-all.
The real shift came when I started tuning in to my body. Learning what gave me energy, what caused crashes, and how certain foods influenced my hormones changed everything.
Here are a few things that helped me — and might help you too:
Prioritizing high-quality protein with every meal
Including healthy fats to keep blood sugar stable
Swapping high-intensity workouts for lower intensity movement like Lagree, Reformer Pilates, and strength training
Learning to stand up for myself and my beliefs — because stress and boundaries matter too (I talk more about that in my latest article: How to Make People Respect You)
If you’re navigating PCOS, start with curiosity, not criticism — your body is always communicating with you.
Beyond the Body — Mindset Matters
One thing that often gets overlooked with PCOS is how deeply it can affect your self-esteem. The mood swings, body image struggles, and the sense of isolation — it’s all so real. What helped me most wasn’t just diet or exercise. It was self-compassion.
Slowing down. Journaling. Speaking to myself with kindness. And building a circle of women who truly understood what I was going through. I often wished I had a coach back then — someone who had walked the same path. Thank you, Mom, for being there for me. And I guess that’s why I’m so passionate about helping other women now.
Managing PCOS isn’t just about what you eat or how you move. It’s about how you live — your stress (hello, cortisol!), sleep, emotional wellbeing, and learning when to let go of control.
Where You Start Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
If you're feeling overwhelmed, breathe. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start small — maybe by drinking more water, moving your body for 10 minutes a day, or swapping out processed snacks for whole foods. Tiny steps create momentum. And when your goal is healing instead of fixing, the whole process becomes more joyful. PCOS may be a part of your story, but it’s not the whole story. You have so much power — to feel better, to take charge, to create balance from the inside out.
If you’re navigating PCOS and want support with your health, mindset, or confidence, you don’t have to do it alone. Book a free call with me. I would love to support you with all that I can.
