Healthier Diet Worked for Me, Pills Did Not

by Ana
(Australia)

I was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 21 (1994) after years of wondering why I had excess body and facial hair, oily skin and irregular periods.

The first Dr. prescribed the pill and an androgen drug which I took for 7 months. The drugs made me depressed and when I asked the Dr. how long I would need to continue, his reply was "I have patients who have been on the drugs for 10 years and are happy with the results". I said WHAT! My instinct told something was not right and I immediately went off the drugs. My periods never returned for a year and I gained 15 kilos. This made me even more depressed.

I then went for a second opinion and the second Dr. was even worse than the first. After listening to my story he prescribed a different type of drug and my response was "aren't you listening to me, I do not want to take drugs". He so coldly told me that if I did not take the drugs my condition would get worse, MUCH WORSE. I stormed out of the surgery angry with the medical profession and decided to do my own research.

My periods came back a couple of months after visiting the second Dr. in 1995. I then went on a healthy high-fibre diet (cereals, beans, salads, meat, fish). I walked and exercised 4 times a week. I reduced my food intake and sugary foods. I cut out chicken as it is injected with male hormones. I especially cut out CAFFEINE and sugary drinks. I have read CAFFEINE is not good for woman with PCOS and I do believe that.

Guess what? I lost 15 kilos in 3 months, my hair improved, my skin improved. I felt healthier.

Unfortunately my hirsutism did not go away but the hair growth did reduce, is thinner and is now manageable. I found that laser treatment is successful in treating facial hair problems.

I am in my early 30s now and I am 5 months pregnant after only a year of trying without any medical intervention or drugs. That is quite good considering it takes some couples years and I am in my 30s.

So ladies, don't give up. I was originally diagnosed with a mild to severe form of PCOS. My testosterone levels were higher than the average male (that's right MALE).

I TRULY BELIEVE that PCOS can be cured or managed with a healthy diet, exercise and NO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. I am a living example.

I am looking forward to having more children.