Give a problem a name and suddenly it becomes that much more manageable.For many women, more than you might realize, an official polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis can bring clarity to the source of many uncomfortable and confusing symptoms. The diagnosis is, however, also the cause a lot of new confusion and stress about what it means, what to do about it and where to get the right support.

Women’s health expert, Nicole Granato specializes in treating PCOS by natural and holistic means — the same way she successfully healed her own PCOS diagnosis. She knows first-hand that a PCOS diagnosis can be shocking and overwhelming, and understands the temptation to jump at the first thing you are told to do. She also understands the importance of taking a few steps back and thinking about what is actually best for you.

Is never too late to begin the natural process to help your body heal. And even if you opt for a traditional medicinal route, there are holistic options that support that choice too. Whichever way you chose to handle your healing journey, here are three things to ask after diagnosed with PCOS…

As women, self-awareness is crucial when it comes to our health and well-being. Listening to the messages our bodies send us and honoring our instincts can, quite literally, save us. When something feels off in our body, most likely something is off.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very commonly diagnosed disorder that makes women feel at a loss, out of control and in pain. How can we catch a disorder like PCOS before it gets out of control? How can we listen to our bodies more carefully when we feel an imbalance and practice preventative medicine as a way of life?

I’ve worked with women all over the world, and the one thing so many of us have in common is our desire to feel good. Yet it’s the lack of confidence in our bodies to do what it does best, and naturally, that makes me want to raise awareness about the way we can heal ourselves. We do have the ability to heal from PCOS and hormonal disorders. So what does this take? Commitment. We need to commit to working with our own body from the inside out, discovering what it needs and allowing it the time to heal. Here are a few things to keep in mind when being diagnosed with PCOS and questions to ask yourself…

What If You Have A PCOS Diagnosis With No Cysts?
I do not believe a woman should be diagnosed with PCOS without signs of cysts. I believe that qualifies as a hormonal imbalance. However, thousands of women are diagnosed with PCOS without having an ultrasound of their ovaries or do have an ultrasound and cysts are not present. I suggest asking your doctor for an ultrasound regardless. During this process it is important to actually see your cysts, know what is going on in your body and ask questions to clarify confusion. Never take the first answers as the only answer.

What If You Are Told Birth Control Is The Only Option?
Birth control is one option, yes — but there’s also the option to heal naturally. These are personal decisions that only you can make. However, it is important to know all of your options before making taking action. I believe birth control is a temporary fix for a much bigger issue that will only develop with time. If becoming pregnant is in the future for you, or if you simply don’t like how you feel on birth control, you may want to try a natural route. Learn about some techniques I used with myself and with my clients here.

Inevitably there will be a time to stop taking birth control and the symptoms that have been masked will become apparent again. And you’ll need to manage them all over again. Why not take care of issues sooner rather than later? The work I do for women provides them with a natural way to combat PCOS and hormonal imbalances. It typically takes three to six months to regain balance. But if birth control is your preferred method there is plenty you can do to additionally support your body with natural herbs and holistic methods.

What’s The First Thing To Address After Diagnosis?

One of the most important things I discuss with my clients is how important food consistency is. With so many options and different diets out there, it can be hard to know what is right for you. I don’t believe in dieting as a long-term lifestyle, what I do believe in is eating a balanced and adaptive diet that consists of mostly plant-based fats, light animal protein, complex carbohydrates, whole grains and essential omegas. I suggest eating a light breakfast to help your body gently break its fast, followed by a large lunch and a medium-to-light dinner. Being consistent in your diet is absolutely key to helping your body heal. You need one to two months of consistent eating and food choices to really make it a habit and start seeing benefits.

Supplementation can be helpful too (be sure to check with your doctor before starting anything new). Most of us are nutrient deficient. Our hormones are constantly changing throughout the month and our bodies require an increase of different nutrients throughout this process. There are some staple vitamins and minerals that are important to use in your daily wellness ritual, and I absolutely love the following: evening primrose oil, he shou wu, reishi and zinc.

Ultimately, healing is a personal journey. There is no wrong decision if you feel and know it is the right one for you. Through my work I am honored to be able to give women another option at healing and a new way not just to heal but empower women to take control of their bodies, to ask questions, to stand by their feelings when something doesn’t feel right and to feel confident in saying no and finding a new direction. There are answers and solutions out there — keep searching, keep asking and keep fighting for balance.

The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. 
All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.