🧫💉Testing, Testing 1,2,3 - My PCOS Story💉🧫

Here we are again! 👋🏼

This story started the first week of December…

I’ve really struggled over the past year with weight gain, acne, bloating, and acid reflux. No matter what I did, it felt like a constant battle — lose a pound, put two back on. I’ve always been self-conscious about my weight, especially after losing seven stone a few years ago, but lately it felt like things were spiraling completely out of control. I knew what I should do to lose weight — eating salads, doing intense boxing sessions, swimming for hours — yet nothing worked. I would step on the scales and see no results.

Back in November 2019, I went to the doctor because of my acid reflux. I was taking medication after every meal. The doctor’s advice? “You need to lose weight. You’ve put on a lot in the past year.” I left determined, training every day, sometimes 10 hours in the gym — swimming, running, cycling — but it only left me exhausted and feeling worse. My body was under constant stress, and I even wondered if I should stop eating entirely. I’ve always struggled with extremes — bingeing, not eating, fainting — a cycle that has been hard to break.

After months of bloating and worsening acne, I returned to the doctor. Blood tests were ordered — six in total — and the news finally came at the start of December 2020: PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

Hearing those words scared me. After over a year of unexplained symptoms, I finally had a name for what was happening — yet the doctor’s words didn’t give me much hope: “It’s not life-threatening, but you’ll have it for life.” And when I asked about treatment, metformin was suggested. I had done my research and decided against it, as long-term use can affect the liver and kidneys — and my liver already had issues. I instead focused on vitamins, supplements, and natural ways to manage my symptoms.

PCOS explained so much. It wasn’t laziness or lack of effort — the constant fatigue, weight gain, acid reflux, and bloating all made sense. I’ve been boxing for years and always had energy for “one more round,” but lately, even getting out of bed to catch the train was exhausting. I had to take a break because my body physically couldn’t handle daily intense workouts, especially with old injuries from sparring in 2018 and ongoing recovery.

There are four types of PCOS:

• Insulin-resistant PCOS

• Inflammatory PCOS

• Hidden-cause PCOS

• Pill-induced PCOS

I have symptoms from several types, so I don’t fit neatly into one category. Since my diagnosis, I’ve immersed myself in research — books, social media accounts, leaflets, tips from other sufferers. One page I follow is run by a PCOS dietitian and nutritionist. Her advice includes going gluten- and dairy-free and swapping high-intensity workouts for slow, weighted exercises to avoid stressing the body, which can make weight loss impossible.

I implemented these changes immediately. Within two weeks of going gluten- and dairy-free, my acid reflux disappeared, my bloating improved, and my face “deflated” (my cheeks had been so swollen I could barely see). My energy levels are rising, and I feel motivated to do more. Sleep is still an issue, but the doctor is investigating possible sleep apnea — that’s a story for another day.

I’ve also invested in PCOS-friendly recipe books, a guide to managing PCOS naturally without birth control or metformin, and joined Facebook groups for support and tips. It’s been challenging to give up cheese and bread, but the results make it completely worth it. Even a small slip — like a hidden bit of gluten at dinner — leads to extreme bloating, so the effort is necessary.

I’m excited for the new year: to learn more about my condition, share my experiences, help others through my blog, and explore new things I love. I’m determined to lose weight, improve my health, and manage my symptoms with vitamins, supplements, and lifestyle changes.

New year, new me!

Thank you so much for reading and for all the love and support you’ve given me. Keep an eye out for my next blog — I can’t wait to share the journey with you!

Lots of love,

Chloe x

Chloe x