Dear Robin: “I have not been diagnosed with PCOS but after my daughter was born 3 years ago I gained 90 pounds and am obese. The only sign of PCOS I have is irregular menstrual periods this past year . Should I be showing other signs of PCOS or could this be weight-related?” ~ Brittany
Dear Brittany:Â Weight gain, especially this much, and irregular menstrual cycles are hallmark signs of PCOS. The root cause, however, is something that you have yet to discover.
Having a baby is a big deal for your body. Some women become hypothyroid after pregnancy and childbirth due to too much stress on the body. Adrenal dysfunction (energy), not enough nutrients or the right types of foods for you, and even not enough rest/sleep can all add to what you’re experiencing.
A woman’s menstrual cycle is really a vital sign of health. We’re so lucky in that way.
If it’s normal (healthy) then your body is much healthier than if it’s not normal. If it’s not normal you need to figure out what’s going on and fix it. (Don’t confuse “normal” with “common”. What’s “common” is usually not healthy. What’s “normal” is healthy in every way.)
I’m not sure what you mean when you say that your cycle is “irregular”, so you can start here and see where you fit in. You’ll also learn about the “hormone deal-breakers” here.
Consider running a complete blood panel so you can see what’s going on – but you’ll need to compare your numbers to “optimal” reference ranges so you know where you need to be to get healthy.
I also suggest doing a DUTCH test so you can see what you’re hormones are doing and make the necessary adjustments to your diet and lifestyle.
Additionally, begin to slowly change your diet by adding in 2 cups of vegetables per meal. Use sautés, scrambles, shakes, soups, stews and stir fry to get more in. This will give you more fiber, vitamins and minerals and will crowd out foods that aren’t serving you. Be sure to get enough healthy clean protein in at each meal (think the size of the palm of your hand and the same thickness) as this helps with cravings, moods and sleep. Healthy proteins are foods like wild caught fish, 100% grass fed meats, cage free organic eggs, etc.
Also, keep a journal of what you eat and how you’re feeling. This one thing has been scientifically proven to help you lose weight. I’ve given you a few places to begin, but even making one small change at a time will have a big impact. Keep me posted, OK Brittany? ~ Robin
Wondering if the symptoms you are suffering with could be PCOS?
If you’re not sure, click here to take the PCOS test
Next Steps
- Take the PCOS Quiz!  Get your score and assess your hormone health risks.
- Join our Facebook Sisterhood Group Pose your questions to this group of like-minded women. Get the answers to your questions and the support you need.
- Checkout the Hormone Reset. Guided Practices to eliminate anxiety, lose weight and boost energy.
We are committed to helping women reverse their symptoms of hormone imbalance – a major cause of excess weight gain, adult acne, unwanted facial hair, depression, anxiety, and heartbreaking female infertility.
©Insulite Health empowers women with hormone imbalance to transform their lives through a process of healing with the Natural Hormone Solution  –a complete solution for helping women reverse the symptoms hormone imbalance..