PCOS, Insulin Resistance, and Weight Loss

Last summer (2008), I was vaguely diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). After six months of blood work and doctor visits to an OBGYN, an MD, and an Endocrinologist, I had nearly given up hope of discovering what was truly wrong with me.

Let’s go back to September of the previous year (2007), in which I had finally decided to kick birth control pills to the curb. I was sick of having to depend on synthetic hormones to have hormonal balance, so I quit taking them cold turkey. Within sixty days, I had put on almost 20 pounds without changing my diet or exercise routine. By Christmas that year, I maxed out at over 25 pounds and found myself sitting on my bedroom floor, crying, because I didn’t fit into any of my clothes, and I was running late for Christmas Eve dinner at my mother’s house.

What was happening to me? I’ve always been conscious of my eating habits with a few splurges here or there, and I was exercising almost seven days a week; all the while I was putting on more and more weight.

Hence, I began my journey of discovering what truly caused the weight gain and how to fix it (fast!). After my endocrinologist reviewed my elevated testosterone levels and learned that I was experiencing an absent menstrual cycle (since going off of the birth control pills), he shook his head in confusion and muttered the words “polycystic ovarian syndrome?”. He never officially cared to diagnose me; he told me I was in my normal weight range for my height and told me to go home.

I later learned that most doctors know very little about PCOS. That’s probably why most doctors thought I had hypothyroid or pre-menopause; I’m 25! Although the symptoms of PCOS overlap with that of other disorders- acne, obesity, unexplained weight gain, insulin resistance, infertility, abnormal hair growth, irregular or absent menses – doctors prescribe one thing only : birth control pills.Metformin is also sometimes prescribed to control the insulin resistance.

Needless to say, I was frustrated, overwhelmed, and out of answers. I had no one to turn to. No one understood what I was going through!

Then something wonderful happened. My mother and I decided to research PCOS for ourselves, and we found an interesting company on the web that specifically catered to women with PCOS and insulin resistance.

I decided to give the supplements a shot for the recommended six month plan. I figured if they didn’t work, I was no worse off than my current state, and the package was completely refundable!

Within six weeks, without changing my diet (I already had a healthy diet) and exercising less often, I dropped ten pounds. It was right in time for my wedding reception; the only bad thing was my dress – it was too big on me! By my honeymoon in November (one month later), I had dropped another five pounds. I decided that since the weight was coming off with ease, I should start weight training to start getting some muscle definition. By February 2009, I had hit my starting weight and lost a total of 25 pounds! Most of my symptoms were completely gone, and I was experiencing a regular menstrual cycle.

To this day, I am in shape and feel amazing. I have also become a certified personal trainer so that I can help other women with their weight loss issues! I am passionate about life and helping others, and I am no longer afraid of my condition.

I will list below a typical day of my meal plan for any woman who has PCOS/insulin issues and doesn’t know how or what to eat to gain energy and lose weight. I feel as though I understand PCOS and insulin resistance, and I currently enjoy helping Insulite Labs with the material they distribute to clients and also in coaching potential clients. I love being able to inform women that there are people who can help, who understand the condition, and that there are other options to birth control pills and Metformin.

Typical Day of Meals

Meal 1 (breakfast) – 1 egg, 2-3 whites; 1/2 cup Old Fashioned Oats with 1/2 cup both strawberries and blueberries (organic if possible), 1 TBS slivered almonds and 1/4 cup Almond Milk

Meal 2 (lunch – 3-4 hours later) – 1/2 container plain Greek yogurt w/ 2 packets Stevia; 1 cup cherries; 1 slice Oatmeal Ezekiel bread

Meal 3 (in b/t lunch and dinner – 3 hours later) – 1 can tuna mixed w/ 2 TBS mustard; 1 slice Ezekiel bread or 1/2 brown rice; lots of green beans, peppers, or broccoli

Meal 4 (dinner) – 4-5 oz. Organic chicken or Wild-caught fish w/ 1/2 c brown rice and 1/4 can organic black or pinto beans; LOTS of Veggies!! Either green beans, asparagus, or green beans

After dinner snack (if I’m hungry) – small apple w/2 TBS organic Almond butter

Note: This may seem like a lot of food to some, or as if I don’t eat often enough to others. I used to eat at least 5-6 meals a day, but it would cause my blood sugar to spike (which creates nasty bouts of PMS like symptoms!). I recommend to women with insulin issues to eat every 3-4 hours and watch the carb intake (make sure it’s whole grains – complex carbohydrates – you’re eating, and watch the portion size.


For more information on taking control over PCOS, go to www.katiehumphrey.com and get your FREE report and audio! “Permission to Eat Freely: 4 Steps to Lasting Weight Loss (while eating dessert)!” ($27 value)