What was your journey to a PCOS diagnosis like?

I was diagnosed with PCOS at 16. My periods stopped for 3 years when I was 13 and I always struggled with weight – I was always the biggest of my friends even though I trained hard and ate well! The GPs were very unhelpful and dismissive, always leaving me more confused with no actual advice or help on what to do.

I was told by numerous people that I would never have kids, which is trauma I still carry today. The whole process is backwards and popping girls on birth control is truly the worst thing that has happened to female society. Well, that's what I believe anyway.

What symptoms of PCOS do you experience?

• Irregular periods
• Thinning hair or hair loss from the head
• Weight gain
• Acne
• No periods at all

Which PCOS symptom would you say has had the biggest impact on your quality of life?

Weight gain. 

What has helped the most in managing your PCOS symptoms?

Low GI carbs, high protein, gentle movement, anti-inflammatory diet and removing things like gluten which causes chronic inflammation, from your diet.

Is there anything you wish you knew sooner about PCOS?

That is a marathon not a sprint, there are no magic pills or quick fixes and I wish I had gone to a coach or nutritionist who had actually been through it to help me!

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone who thinks they might have PCOS or has just recently been diagnosed with PCOS?

You are not alone! Reach out to someone who is helping who has personally been through it because that really helps. Don't be so hard on yourself and trust the process. 

What do you wish people knew about PCOS in general?

I wish more people knew about the daily mental struggles, comparing yourself to others, always having to work that extra bit hard, not being able to eat as much as someone else. Knowing that, I wish people could learn to be a bit more kind and listen, offer support when someone with PCOS is having a wobbly day and realise hormones really are powerful!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I know how hard it can be to manage PCOS, and that's why I became a PCOS nutritionist and coach. You can find me over at @itsapcosparty on Instagram. I'd love to help any ladies who want any 1 to 1 coaching from a nutritionist who has been through it, so - let's chat!