PCOS: Life After Two Pregnancies

In my original blog post from four years ago… wow, I can't believe it's been four years… I discuss my lifelong journey with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which began with a diagnosis at the young age of 14. I explore the various symptoms and treatments I endured, including managing clinical acne, abnormal hair growth, and hormonal imbalances that resulted in the prescription of multiple medications. I go on to detail the emotional and physical challenges I faced as I transitioned off this medicine in hopes of starting a family and the struggles I had with infertility. However, through a functional lifestyle change focused on gut health management, I not only reversed my PCOS but also embraced a journey of self-education and realization, resulting in the pregnancy of my son and marking a significant triumph over my PCOS challenges.

Even though I had never felt healthier in my life after adopting a functional approach to managing my PCOS, I found it difficult to maintain this lifestyle once I became a mother. Prior to having children, I could focus solely on myself. I used to attend hot yoga classes three times a week, prepare well-balanced meals in advance, and got more than enough sleep. Now that I had another human to nourish, revive and protect, I struggled with putting my oxygen mask on first. After exclusively pumping breast milk for about four months and feeling myself slipping into a dark place, I decided to consult my OBGYN and resume taking all my former medications. With the postpartum hormonal changes compounded with my PCOS, it was a nightmare. I just wanted to feel like myself again, and I was confident that the medication would help me achieve that.

The moment I felt like I was starting to see the light again was around 8 months postpartum. If you didn’t know, when taking prescription medications to aid in hormonal balancing, you need to wait a full three months which is a full ovulation cycle for you to start noticing and feeling the effects. I knew this at the time, so I was patient and let the medicine do its job while I cared for my very active baby boy. Fast forward two years, we were ready to start trying to have another baby so then began the journey of getting off some of my medications again. I prepared myself this time around and started taking the supplements I needed to aid in my body's transition off of birth control. Most importantly, I did not put pressure on myself this time. I tracked my cycle, took my vitamins, and I was kind and patient with my body. The next thing I knew, I had a positive pregnancy test after only three months of being off birth control. This is your reminder that sometimes you just need to take a deep breath and be kind to yourself. I know it is easier said than done, but the moment you start more positive self-talk and trusting in the plan for your life, good things will come when you least expect it.

Today, I strive to find a balance between taking the necessary medication for my body and incorporating functional supplements to manage my PCOS. I am still navigating the challenge of making healthy food choices, especially with tempting snacks like goldfish around. [Anecdote: I once had a personal trainer to help me lose the baby weight with my second... thank you PCOS. I mentioned the goldfish crackers to her, and she pointed out the inconsistency of giving them to my son if they weren't suitable for me. This moment triggered massive mom guilt, although her intention was to promote a healthier lifestyle, which is quite literally, her job.] Consequently, I prioritize offering unprocessed snacks and promoting a fruit-centric diet in our family. Thankfully, my son often chooses apple slices over the tempting & toasty Cheez-It cracker, showing that healthy choices can prevail.

Through personal experience, extensive research, and consultations with my doctors, my perspective on modern medication has evolved. I believe that individuals are placed on this earth by God to assist one another. Whether it involves developing new medications to treat illnesses or conducting thorough research on the healing properties of food, there is space for both approaches to coexist. This topic can be polarizing for some, as it raises the question of whether to align with modern medicine or prioritize what is most beneficial for one's body. I have come to comprehend both viewpoints. It is crucial to have an understanding of how the body functions and how to address issues at their core to heal from within. Nevertheless, I recognize that if one lacks the resources to invest time, effort, and particularly finances, medications can serve as a means to restore health. It is acceptable for perspectives to evolve, enabling individuals to make decisions that serve their best interests at any given moment.

One of the main reasons I started The Modern Trad blog is because of this particular viewpoint of mine. By utilizing our research on successful practices from the past, we contribute to the progress of this modern world. [In other words, fusing the concepts or eastern & western medicine.] I do want to include how thankful I am to God to have had two healthy pregnancies and babies. I understand that others are not as fortunate and still struggle daily, whether it is with infertility or simply the daily frustrations that come with having PCOS. I hope you can find comfort and healing in this perspective and go on to lead a full life!

XO,

Ashley