[Note: I keep this article up to date!]

PCOS – my journey

I have Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which is an endocrine disorder and affects millions of girls and women even though they might not even know it. The stats say that one in every ten women of childbearing years has this hormonal disorder, yet it’s rarely talked about. Many doctors don’t know much about it. While it does affect the ovaries, it may not present that way in some women. The truth is, our hormones play a HUGE role in everything we do. That is how the endocrine system works. So if you have hormonal issues and you know it’s not PCOS, this information is still helpful for you!

In 1997 when I was 16, I looked like any other normal teenage girl (this is my prom dress)

Unknown to me and to millions of Americans, 1997 was the year that GMO foods were introduced to our food supply and unlabeled. Like other teenagers, I ate things like microwave pizza, hot pockets, ect. Something was triggered and in a matter of 3 months I had gained 65 pounds and no doctor could understand why. Aside from those occasional treats, I was a generally healthy eater.

In addition to the weight gain came extremely painful and unpredictable periods, excess hair growth, and acne. Doctors told me to go on a diet, but nothing worked and I had no name for what was going on.

This is me when I was 21 at a friends wedding.

After I was married and my husband and I weren’t able to conceive (5 years of infertility!), we were referred to an in-vitro specialist on Oahu and I was given a name to what I had – PCOS. I was so thankful to have a name for it. When I got back to Maui I dove head first into everything I could find on the subject – there wasn’t much out there in 2005. Soy was a big trigger and I eliminated it from my diet along with stopping the use of all plastic cups and containers. The in-vitro worked and I had my daughter in 2006.

Over the years, I have kept up with anything and everything PCOS related to try to conquer it. After eliminating all processed foods, the weight started to come off slowly, the acne started to go away, and I felt healthier and had two more babies on my own without medical intervention.

With all the GMO information coming out, I have figured out the last piece of the puzzle. The GMO laden, processed foods introduced into my diet in 1997 triggered my PCOS. It wasn’t that I was eating horribly (some doctors accused me of eating candy bars all day!), it was a lack of information. After eliminating the processed foods, grain-fed meats, and regular soy from my diet, I am the healthiest version of my adult self I have ever been. Despite reports from big companies that there is no difference between GMO and non-GMO products, I can tell you from experience that there is a huge difference in the body. My own body was a science experiment and if I can help one woman or one teenage girl figure out what’s going on, then it’s all worth it.

It’s also really important to note that supplementation is vital. Our soil content isn’t what it used to be. Even food labeled organic can contain herbicides and test positive for heavy metals in our soil.

Here are my tips to overcome PCOS and balance your hormones

• Eliminate plastic cups and containers that touch any food or liquid you consume
• Avoid GMO products. Buy organic whenever possible.
• Eat only grass fed meats and wild caught fish/seafood *it’s more expensive, but your health is worth it. (I happen to be pescatarian)
• Eat only grass fed butters and healthy fats like avocados and coconut oil (do not cook with olive oil – raw only) – do not buy canola, vegetable, or corn oils – they are dangerous to your body
• Don’t forget that your skin is your biggest organ. All the chemical-ridden cosmetics and skin care are going right into your blood stream.
• Remember that processed foods contain GMO ingredients and that diets that advocate for high protein/fat tend to have more hormones in the food.
• Sugars – try to avoid as much as you can. This is a tough one! I use Stevia or black strap molasses in my coffee and in moderation. Refined sugars are inflammatory triggers.
• Carbs – Ok you ready? Some carbs are your friend. Notice I said SOME (ie: not a plate full). You’re going to be surprised that white rice is better for you than brown. “Whole grains” are a no-no. Corn is also not digestible as are wheat flours that aren’t fermented. REAL sourdough bread is digestible. Whole grain anything (bread, pasta, ancient grains, are a NO because they are super inflammatory to our body).
• Certain foods trigger inflammation with their skin and seeds. 
• It’s important to recognize that while this disorder appears in females, men are starting to be affected by all the estrogens in GMO foods resulting in larger bellies, breasts, and love handles.
• *gasp* I do not use a microwave. Period.

There are a variety of PCOS books on Amazon. There’s also a helpful 2 minute self-assessment quiz here.

• If you need help, ask! You can always email me mariah@mariahmilan.wpenginepowered.com and I will share everything I’ve done with you!

If you need help with products that I highly recommend:

PCOS Support Triange

Hydrolized Collagen with Apple Cider Vinegar

Grass-Fed Collagen Protein

Love, Happiness, and HEALTH everyone!

 

The below images are current – a whopping 89 pounds from where I was. Note that the pounds are not even important. The leanness and muscle mass kept with fat loss is key.

This post is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure. I am not a doctor.