PCOS Transitions

Today's post is going to be a short one, and I actually changed which topic I was going to write about. I was going to treat everyone to a look at our landscaping and garden plans and what we accomplished this year, but tonight's episode of The New Girl was too timely to ignore. The two main girls of the show were concerned about fertility, as 30 year olds without partners. It's an issue that hits close to home for me right now, though I'm 27 and have been happily married for four years.

In early October I was told that my hormone levels are consistent with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It's not a disease, it's not quite a formal diagnosis (though I have no reason to doubt it), and while it does increase my risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, I don't have any of those conditions. Honestly, I'm otherwise a fairly healthy individual from what my bloodwork showed, but the PCOS news wasn't especially welcome to someone who's looking to start a family in the next few years.

I wasn't going to talk openly about this, as it's a fairly personal issue. But then I realized that very few people talk openly about conception, at least with their friends. There are lots of forums and support groups (and I found one locally that's just starting up), but that feels impersonal and like I have something to hide. I don't have anything to hide, and I lean towards talking about these things openly because who knows when the same thing might happen to my friends, or their friends. I also think that all the mystique we wrap around the topic of conception is unnecessary and not helping anyone, but that's perhaps a topic for another time.

Why share this on domestiCaited? Because the longterm "treatment" is all about lifestyle changes. I could take fertility drugs that would help regulate ovulation, but I've opted not to do that for now, choosing a more natural course for these first few months. When I could easily lose 15 pounds and still be healthy, it seems like a better place to start than putting anything else into my body. In advance of having a kid, I'm supposed to maintain a diet that's effectively what a diabetic would eat (which is ultimately the way we should eat anyway). After children I theoretically wouldn't have to be so strict, but right now it's all about regulating hormone levels and not letting excess simple carbohydrates further any insulin resistance I've already got.

So, expect to see some PCOS-friendly recipes popping up in the next few months, and how I transition to eating 5 small meals a day instead of 3 larger ones, a recommendation I've found in multiple places. There should also be information about exercise plans, as that's one of the more important steps for me to take. I'm hoping to take adult ballet classes again, as it's been 12 years since I danced and I miss it. I'll also be looking to bike to work once spring returns, and I'm considering how to put some exercise equipment into the basement.

Next week, I'll start into the discussion of our new yard. We've made some progress over the last five months, but we've got ambitious plans for the next few years! I promise to include lots of pictures.