The Real Talk About PCOS and Weight

Navigating Weight Management with PCOS: Come Along on My Journey

If you’re reading this, you probably know the PCOS struggle is real—and when it comes to weight management, it can feel like the odds are stacked against us. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects our hormones, metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and more. So when people say, “Just eat healthy and work out,” it’s like… if only it were that simple, right?

I’m not here to preach a perfect solution, because I’m just starting this journey myself. This article isn’t a “here’s what worked for me” kind of story (yet!)—it’s a “here’s what I’m learning, here’s what I’m trying, and let’s figure this out together” kind of moment. If you’ve got PCOS and feel like your body is working against you, you’re not alone. Let’s navigate this together, step by step.

Why Is Weight Management So Hard with PCOS?

PCOS messes with more than just our periods. Here’s what I’ve learned so far about why managing weight feels different for us:

• Insulin Resistance: This is super common in PCOS. It means our bodies don’t use insulin properly, leading to higher blood sugar and more fat storage—especially around the belly area.

• High Androgens: These "male hormones" are higher in many of us with PCOS and can contribute to increased body fat, acne, and that frustrating hair loss/hair growth combo.

• Slower Metabolism: Some of us naturally burn fewer calories at rest, which means traditional diets might not have the same effect.

Understanding this has been so validating. It’s not about laziness or lack of willpower—it’s about biology. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.

Starting Where I’m At: Small Steps Toward Balance

I used to think I had to change everything all at once to see results. Now, I’m giving myself permission to start small. Here’s what I’ve been exploring lately:

1. Getting Curious About My Food Choices

I’ve been learning about the benefits of a low-glycemic diet—foods that don’t spike my blood sugar. Think berries instead of bananas, quinoa instead of white rice, and lots of healthy fats. It’s not about restriction; it’s about stability.

Am I perfect at it? Nope. But I’m starting to notice how certain meals make me feel more energized or sluggish, and that awareness alone is a win.

2. Understanding My Cravings

PCOS and blood sugar crashes are a match made in chaos. I’m working on tuning in to my cravings without judgment. Is it hunger? Stress? Hormonal shifts? Sometimes it’s all three. And that’s okay.

3. Looking into Inositol and Supplements

I keep hearing about inositol (especially myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol) as helpful for insulin resistance and regulating cycles. I haven’t committed yet, but it’s on my research list. Magnesium, zinc, and omega-3s are also getting my attention.

Moving My Body (With Kindness!)

I used to overexercise thinking more = better, but with PCOS, that can backfire and spike cortisol (our stress hormone). Right now, I’m focusing on joyful movement:

• Walking after meals

• Light strength training

• Stretching or yoga when I feel tense

It’s not about burning calories—it’s about supporting my body.

Tracking Progress Without Obsessing

This part is tricky. I don’t want to become number-obsessed, but I do want to celebrate small wins. So instead of fixating on the scale, I’m keeping track of:

• My energy levels

• How my clothes feel

• Whether my mood and skin are improving

• And yep, hair health too (because PCOS affects that too!)

And if you’re also navigating PCOS-related hair thinning or loss, I invite you to check out the hair oil I created out of necessity: Paulina’s Organics Hair Oil. I built it for me—but also for you, because hair confidence is a real thing. 

What I’m Still Learning About PCOS and Weight

This isn’t a checklist or a how-to. It’s an open journal of sorts. Here’s what I’m still figuring out:

• How to find the right balance between discipline and grace

• Which foods work best with my body

• How to support my mental health when progress feels slow

• What long-term sustainable habits actually feel good

There’s no magic plan—but there is magic in the process of getting to know my body.

Community Over Perfection

Let’s be real: PCOS is frustrating, confusing, and exhausting. But it also connects us. So instead of pretending I have it all figured out, I want to build a space where we can be honest about the ups and downs.

If you’re looking for a supportive, relatable, and honest conversation around PCOS and weight, I’m right here beside you. No pressure. No shame. Just trying.

Resources I’m Exploring (and You Might Want To, Too)

• Low-GI Food Swaps: Easy switches to stabilize blood sugar

• Cycle Tracking Apps: To notice patterns between mood, cravings, and energy

• Functional Medicine Blogs: For holistic perspectives on PCOS

• PCOS Nutritionists on Social Media: Their tips are gold!

I’ll be sharing more of what I discover as I go.

If Hair Loss is Part of Your PCOS Journey…

It was a huge part of mine. One of the first signs of PCOS that hit me hard was hair shedding. That’s actually what led me to create Paulina’s Organics Hair Oil—because I couldn’t find anything simple, clean, and effective that I could trust.

You can check it out here: Paulina’s Organics Hair Oil. It’s packed with jojoba, rosemary, castor, and other scalp-loving ingredients, and it’s part of how I’m nurturing myself through this.

We’re in This Together

PCOS weight management isn’t linear. There are good days, hard days, and “why-is-this-my-life” days. But if you’re reading this, you’re already showing up for yourself.

So here’s to learning, unlearning, trying, failing, getting back up, and supporting one another. I’ll keep you posted on what I find that works—and I’d love to hear from you too.

Together, we’re not just managing—we’re thriving (one step at a time).

Let’s keep going. 💛