For the Girl Who Know's She's Worth More Than PCOS

Cameron's PCOS Story by Cameron Kelly

Cameron has been struggling with painful periods ever since she was 16. Now, with the help of NaPro technology and a dedicated dietician, she’s discovered way to manage her insulin-resistant PCOS for a healthier + happier cycle.

I started noticing the irregularities with my cycle at 16 years old. I would go several months without really having a period, and then when they did come, the cramps would be painful – enough that one day, I begged to stay home from school. 

By 17, I had done enough research that I had a pretty good idea of what I was suffering with – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Researching PCOS specialists lead me to NaPro Technology (Natural Procreative Technology), and from there to a clinic not far from me in Houston. I set up a new patient appointment, and after multiple blood draws, tests and ultrasounds, I was officially diagnosed at 18 with insulin-resistant Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. 

At least I had an answer, but a diagnosis just became a long journey of frustration and disappointment. Why was I gaining weight in high school and college when I was super active? The confusion that came with attempting to learn about my hormones sat like a cloud over my head.

As I adapted to college, I continued seeing my NaPro specialist and learned more about what affected my body the most. Stress from college classes would decrease good sleep and encourage water retention and bloating, and low movement contributed to a rise in insulin resistance. With insulin resistance, the body’s cells do not respond normally to insulin, and glucose builds in the bloodstream instead of being converted to energy.

“It’s not always easy, and I completely sympathize that sometimes it feels totally unfair. I’m so grateful to say that you and I aren’t alone in living with this diagnosis, though, and that health and healing is out there and available for us.”

During my senior year of college and continuing into graduate school, I discovered that my body responded quite well to long walks (2-3 miles a day), in addition to a few supplements and a prescribed medication. I lost 25 pounds and kept it off until I entered the corporate workforce after graduation, where stress, unhappiness and a sedentary working culture increased my weight gain until I was 35 pounds back above my graduation weight. 

Last year, I decided to leave that job, and, knowing my health would only decrease without flexibility, I took a remote marketing position that allows me to walk during the day. I was also able to hire a dietician through my new insurance. Working with my dietician, I started really paying attention to the foods that I ate and how they affected my insulin resistance. 

Cameron's Tips for PCOS:

• Prioritizing protein through lean meats like turkey, chicken, fish and lean red meats. For breakfast, I like skyr yogurts with no additives and cottage cheese. Protein is the first thing on the plate that I eat, as it helps regulate blood sugar. 

• Choosing complex, fiber-rich carbohydrates instead of simple carbs. Instead of going for French fries fried in seed oils, I opt for a sweet potato with butter (good fat), black beans and legumes, vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots and peas, whole grains and whole wheats, including quinoa, and fruits like apples, bananas and berries (especially good at breakfast). 

• Choosing healthy fats. I stick only to coconut, olive and avocado oil when cooking at home. Most of my meats are seared in butter (grass-fed whole cream and salt as the only ingredients), and I enjoy avocados and nuts like walnuts. 

• Avoiding added sugar – I’ll admit, this is a hard one for me. I generally like something cold and sweet after a meal – but since starting this food journey, I’ve found that my tastes have changed. Ice cream doesn’t sound as good to me as, for example, a frozen cherry with a drizzle of dark chocolate. Start noting labels that list sugar as a first or second ingredient. Natural sugars from fruits are okay, but try to avoid a lot of added sugar. 

• Minding hunger and fullness cues. Do I eat when I’m hungry? If I skip eating at a normal time, then, when my body says it’s ready for food, I end up overeating later. Do I take time to smell my food before I take a bite, and chew it thoroughly, swallowing it before I take another bite? Do I feel guilty for not finishing my food? Why? Do I note when I’m just eating a snack out of habit, or because I’m bored?

• Finally, I usually abide by the 80-20 rule when I am out with friends. I typically choose something that is balanced with protein, carbs, and fat, but I also don’t skip out on a fruity drink with them if that’s what I would like. I just make sure I eat something protein-heavy before I go out to better balance my blood sugar.