Sounds more like a scientific study than a blog post, doesn’t it? Let me go ahead and tell you though, this is all about my personal experience. And I stress the word personal.
You may want to start with Part 1, in which I share my experiences with birth control and our decision to start trying to conceive our second child.
When that post left off, I was excited to finally be off birth control and ready to start tracking my cycles. Ah, the type of fun girls get to have.
I was extremely frustrated when I went almost 2 months with no period. My cycle was somewhere around 50-something days. I chalked it up to adjusting getting off birth control and decided to stick it out.
However, the next cycle was similar- incredibly long. I got so frustrated. Not this AGAIN, I remember thinking. I started researching and came to believe I wasn’t even ovulating. I wanted to know if this was true or not, so I invested in a Clear Blue Easy Fertility Monitor. I figured I could use it for both naturally avoiding pregnancy (which it is NOT approved for) and for getting pregnant when we were ready.
Unlike regular ovulation predictor kits, the monitor detects two hormones — estrogen and LH surge, which basically tells you a few days prior to ovulation that it’s coming soon and also tells you when you get your LH surge, which is a sign that your egg has or is about to be released.
I was excited to start using it. However, it’s not approved for cycles over 42 days. Because of this, my fist month was a wash. My second time using it, it didn’t detect any surge in any of my hormones. Again, I was so frustrated.
Around this time, I stopped running and switched to hot yoga. I’ve heard that some women’s body’s are particularly sensitive to running stress and I was ready to try anything.
The third try using the machine, my cycle was long — about 40 days — but it did detect ovulation. I saw that as a great sign!
Now, I was ready to try and regulate and shorten my cycles.
Natural PCOS Treatments
I continued to consult doctor Google and read somewhere that gluten-sensitivity is a common unseen reason for fertility issues.
I’ll be honest. I don’t remember where I read it and if it was a reliable source or not, but I was willing to try anything for a month.
[Tweet “Have you been diagnosed with PCOS or irregular menstrual cycles? These natural treatment methods may be worth doing if you’re trying to conceive.”]
Along with considering a gluten-free diet, I knew I wanted to focus more closely on regulating my blood sugars. It’s no secret I have issues with blood sugar. I already eat in a way to control them, by combining food groups at each meal, limiting sweets and processed carbs and exercising regularly. However, evidently my hormones are still pretty sensitive to carbs. Insulin resistance is a closely tied to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Over the course of my adult life, one doctor has told me I definitely have PCOS, another doctor has told me I absolutely don’t and a third doctor has told me I have PCOS-tendencies.
I was ready to get this under control. I figured I’d do everything I’ve heard may work for one month and see if I could tell a difference. If I couldn’t, I would go talk with my doctor about the next steps.
Here was my one-month dietary game plan to combat my PCOS:
- I went gluten-free entirely.
- I also cut-out all processed carbs, whether they contained gluten or not (quinoa pasta, Udi’s gluten free bread, etc).
- I limited fruit.
- I ate a whole-foods diet consisting of mostly vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats like nuts and avocado, some dairy, beans and gluten-free whole grains (quinoa).
- I avoided beer (made with wheat).
I won’t lie, it was a tough month. I’m not used to feeling restricted with food and I did that month. However, I stuck to my dietary changes and kept doing low-impact exercises. And what do you know, the monitor detected ovulation at 14 days in and I had a perfect 28 day cycle.
I was surprised, excited and in awe. However, I also was extremely fed up with feeling restricted with my diet. I decided I’d try it again, but loosen up just a little bit.
I allowed gluten-free processed foods back in, which meant I had the occasional gluten-free bread slice, quinoa pasta and gluten-free crust.
Following the new, modified plan, I felt more sane and still hopeful. However, by 18 days in to the cycle, the monitor still hadn’t detected ovulation. I was over it. I called my doctor and went in.
I talked with him about my experience and he agreed it sounded like I had some PCOS tendencies. He suggested putting me on metformin, which is a diabetes drug that helps regulate insulin. He said he had no doubt it would help me regulate things quickly. I considered it, but really wasn’t ready for medication yet. We weren’t desperate to get pregnant; I just wanted answers. I told him I’d give it a couple more months on my own, then return to talk about options.
At that appointment, I asked if he could tell if I had ovulated yet. I was curious as to how accurate the monitor was. Being that I have an awesome doctor, he gave me an ultrasound that showed I had not ovulated yet, but probably would in the next week.
I went home hopeful and stuck to my stricter eating habits.
6 days later, my monitor switched to peak fertility (detected ovulation). 13 days after that, I got a faint + sign on a home pregnancy test and the journey began…
Parita @ myinnershakti says
This is a really interesting post, B. I was on the pill for ~13 years (ages 12-25) because my cycles were so irregular, painful and heavy (sorry TMI). Unfortunately, my cycles are still not completely regular. And now that I’m starting to think about kids in the next 1-2 years, I have this fear that things won’t work out because my body is still so out of whack. I’ve been bringing it up with my OBGYN for a few years now and he doesn’t think I have anything to worry about, but we’ll see. I’m definitely going to look more into this whole gluten thing though. Thanks!
Marjorie says
This is a very interesting post. I was on the pill for many years before I had my son, and I have not gotten back on it (he is 14 months). When I stopped breastfeeding, I got my cycle back, but they were much longer (like 40-45 days). Eventually things have gone back to normal-ish.
I have heard a doctor somewhere (Dr. Google, perhaps?) say that fertility can be a marker for other health problems. So you are smart to investigate and figure things out!
You are also right about everybody being different. I am not in the medical profession, but I totally geek out at all of the advances that are being made. I look forward to a time when each patient will be treated more individually, and less on statistical norms. And all the genome stuff that is being discovered – so cool and really fascinating.
Kelli D. says
I completely agree with this post! I had crazy cycles coming off the pill and it took forever to regulate prior to having my first. With a first trimester miscarriage in there it took a year and 4 months to conceive my son. After he was born I found out I had a gluten and dairy intolerance and gave them both up. My cycles were like clockwork after that and I got pregnant with our second on the first try! Congrats to you! I gald you found something that worked.
What are you plans now that you are pregnant in regards to eating gluten products? Are they back in the mix, gluten free, or just limited?
Brittany Dixon says
That’s amazing that giving up dairy and gluten gave you such quick results! I find it fascinating the way the body reacts to things that we may not even realize. How did you find out you had an intolerance?
As soon as I became pregnant, I went back to eating gluten. It felt very restrictive to me to go without it and I felt the stress it caused me outweighed the benefit. However, I stay mindful of it still and naturally don’t eat a lot of bread. It was important to me to enjoy Friday night pizza and a half a bagel in the morning without added stress. That being said, I largely try to eat whole, plant-based food that are naturally gluten free most of the time.
Kelli D. says
Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner but I found out about my intolerance through a chiropractor who practices Applied Kinesiology. To be honest I’m not even sure I totally believe “the science” behind it but I can 100% say once I stopped eating gluten and dairy I felt a million times better.
I do know that my mom said I was dairy intolerant as an infant and my son was extremely dairy intolerant… so much that exposure solely from breast milk damaged his intestines so badly that he wasn’t absorbing nutrients and dropped from the 60th % in weight to the 2nd % by 6 months. When I stopped eating dairy he gained weight immediately! It was incredible. So basically… I am not surprised that I would still exhibit a dairy and even gluten intolerance with that experience and knowledge.
Yes it can be stressful eliminating those foods but for me the physical effects outweigh the stress of meal planning and feeling deprived. To be honest if you stick to it for a while you start to not even miss the foods. I never thought I’d be able to give up cheese but don’t really miss it all that much. I will admit I miss pizza and food like ravioli and lasagna!
I am glad you found something that works bets for you and that you still feel good and not deprived with small indulgences here and there! 🙂
Erica says
Hmm I may pick up that monitor to start trying to track my non-existent cycles. Even though I don’t get regular periods, I may still be ovulating, and I’d love to know (1) if I am and (2) if I can try to use that as a set point to try and get my cycles back on track. I’ve eliminated most gluten from my diet but I think I need to take the plunge and go 100% GF.
Did you start running again? That’s another thing I think I may have to cut way back on :/
Brittany Dixon says
I did start running again. In fact, my doctor told me that I never needed to quit and that it wasn’t affecting me. Of course, my ‘running’ is usually 3-4 miles TOPS and at a very slow pace. I originally cut it out because I was willing to try anything, but I’m not convinced it made a difference. Every body is so unique!
Danica @ It's Progression says
First I just want to say Thank You for sharing this with us!
And well, you know a bit about my situation…I still haven’t had any sign of a cycle even beginning, so I’m fairly certain that I’m not ovulating AT ALL at this point 🙁 It’s so frustrating because I love to exercise, but I’m realizing that I may need to cut back on it for a while to see if that helps. I haven’t heard about the link between gluten and pcos (or related conditions) before though so I’ll do a little more research on that…I think the hardest part in all of this is not knowing if the changes I’m making are actually helping or not – it’s hard to keep going with them when I don’t have a deadline in sight, you know?
Mary says
Have you read Taking Charge of Your Fertility? I have several friends who have given it rave reviews and gotten pregnant after reading it.
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
Thank you so much for sharing this! I too have made some huge dietary and lifestyle changes, but still no cycle. I am wondering about cutting back on my grains and fruit… something to look into!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
I am so excited you are writing on this topic! I’ve cut out running, eat a no grain, no dairy, no processed foods diet, and have yet to get preggers. Last month was my first month with a menstrual cycle so we’ll see what happens from here! Thank you so much for sharing!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
Oh and just curious how much that monitor costs? I might need to go pick one up…
Brittany Dixon says
Unfortunately they are pretty expensive. It’s about $200. It was worth it to me to have the ability to closely monitor what was going on, but it was a hard pill to swallow.
Natalie says
I used the fertility monitor to track my fertility while breast feeding and I couldn’t believe how expensive the test sticks were. They are > $1 a stick… So at least $10 a month in test sticks for one trying to conceive.
Lauren S says
I’ve been off birth control for over 3 years and trying to conceive for almost a year now. i have pretty clockwork cycles. i also read that gluten sensitivity can lead to infertility and have considered going gluten free for a few months to see if it makes a difference. I would like to avoid jumping into medication but am starting to get impatient.
Kelli H says
Thanks for sharing. Not to sound mean about your doctor, but I always find it funny that MD’s are always ready to prescribe drugs for something you don’t have because it’s side effect is to help something else. I had terrible headaches in my early twenties and all the MD’s I went to wanted to put me on anti-depressants, blood thinning medications, etc…it kind of ruined my trust with doctors. Luckily I was able to help myself with my diet (which they never brought up, of course). I’m happy it wasn’t too long of a battle for you though!
JenRD says
Kelli–Metformin is actually commonly used (and is FDA approved) to treat PCOS because there is a component called insulin resistance, which is also found in Type 2 Diabetes, and Metformin helps to treat.
Kelli H says
Thanks for the info, but it still doesn’t change my opinion or experiences.
Dominique @ That's What Domi Said says
I’m with you, Kelli!
When I was 16, I went to both my GP and an endocrinologist to address PCOS-type symptoms, and they immediately put me on Metformin (as well as multiple rounds of antibiotics for acne) and instructed me to go on a low-fat low-cal diet in order to lose weight (I was 5’3″, 135 pounds, and a size 4-6).
Needless to say, the whole experience was ineffective and made me very proactive about always doing my own research and trying holistic/lifestyle treatment rather than immediate seeking an Rx from a doctor.
jade says
With #1, my story was a lot like yours, coming off the pill, my first cycle was 8 weeks, then 7, then 6, then I finally purchased an ovulator tracker and we did finally get pregnant. With trying for #2, my cycles have been absolutely regular (but I didn’t go back on the pill due to the first time around it seemingly took forever) but we have yet to get pregnant. This last cycle though, I did purchase the ovulator tracker (not the type you did but the one that just checks LH) this month I did have a surge so we will see in a few weeks if we are successful.
Fertility is frustrating! Which of course then the doctors say “Don’t stress” as that can also hamper things too!
Laura says
So grateful to you for sharing this with us! It’s so helpful!
Nicole H. says
While I understand that you were very frustrated during the process to conceive, I hope you know how lucky you are. There are people who spend YEARS (myself being one of them) trying to get pregnant and have their Dr. tell them they suffer from unexplained infertility. I spent two years and had every procedure around (including acupuncture, IUI, drugs, etc.) to get pregnant. Month after month of heart break when it didn’t happen. Then when IVF was my next step, I took a month off doing anything before starting treatment. Bam – got pregnant. At any rate, you extremely LUCKY.
Brittany Dixon says
I hear your frustration and hope that you saw I never claimed to be battling with infertility or anything of the sort. I do feel incredibly fortunate that we were naturally able to conceive not once, but twice, without medical intervention. I know how rare that is and I certainly count it in my blessings.
However, I did experience frustration and hoped that by sharing my journey (albeit short in comparison to many others’ experiences) that I could share what seemed to have work for me in hopes that it might help others.
Most importantly, I believe women opening up about conception not always being magical and easy is important. By taking away stigmas and not comparing one person’s struggle to another will help everyone feel more comfortable in being honest about the struggles (whether small or great) of fertility.
Brittany Dixon says
PS- I also meant to offer you a congratulations on your pregnancy! That’s wonderful news!
Jen says
Hi Brittany! First of all, congratulations on your wonderful news! So exciting to hear. As a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, and also someone who has struggled with infertility in the past, this post hits home for me. I do have one question regarding something you wrote, however. You wrote, “The gluten-sensitivity goes hand-in-hand with regulating blood sugars.” I was wondering if you know where you found that information? My professional knowledge is that there is no connection. What many people commonly misunderstand for a correlation is the fact that Celiac Disease (a complete gluten intolerance) is often found in people diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (insulin-dependent from the get-go). This is most likely because both diseases are autoimmune. However, I do not believe that in people with PCOS (insulin resistance), or Type 2 Diabetes, gluten has an effect on regulating blood sugars; rather, it is the total carbohydrate, and how it is distributed that has the effect. As you mentioned, your practice of eating frequent, balanced meals and choosing whole foods are great tips to regulate blood sugar.
Anyway, this is not meant to be a criticism, simply just wondering where you found the information.
Jen
Brittany Dixon says
Great observation, and in fact, I might go back and re-word that sentence because I see it came off not how I meant it to. I don’t know that gluten-sensitivity and blood sugars go hand in hand and was incorrect with stating that. What I meant to say was that along with trying a gluten-free diet (which I read somewhere would help), I know PCOS is strongly tied with insulin resistance, so I wanted to try both going gluten-free and focusing harder on balancing my blood sugars.
Thanks for pointing that out and I will go back to re-word it!
John J. says
As a Dad, TMI! Just kidding. Another information loaded post. Your openness, personable style, and knowledge help so many people, along with your fellow bloggers and commentators.
Karla says
Thank you for sharing this! My husband and I have been trying to conceive for 2 years and I am losing hope. I wonder if this may help. I currently eat a lot of carbs and sugar. Would you be willing to share some sample meal plans that follow these suggestions and perhaps some of your favorite recipes and gf products? That would be so helpful!
Ali says
Thank you for sharing this with us. I really believe that gluten and other food sensitivities contribute to a whole host of health problems. I have a sensitivity to wheat, eggs and dairy that sometimes I’m good about obeying and not so good other times. It doesn’t do anything drastic to me but I have inflammation issues and my back starts hurting, I’m tired and just in general don’t feel as good as I do when avoiding those foods. I see it all the time in my acupuncture practice as well. I’m glad that you avoided the medication at that point and made some dietary changes!
Katie says
Wow. Do you have a post where you talk about your blood sugar issues? I really struggle with that too and it’s so hard! I have to really watch my diet but it still gets frustrating sometimes and I’ve never talked to anyone also experiencing it.
Susan says
I don’t believe you’ve mentioned this before but I was wondering if you ever had issues with your skin (acne) or more hair? As a medical professional there are minimum criteria to be diagnosed with PCOS which mean you need to have 2 of the following 3 symptoms: irregular ovulation, signs of excess androgens (acne or excess hair), cysts seen on the ovaries. Blood test measuring your hormone levels can also be used and should show elevated testosterone and LH but I don’t remember reading if you had one of those done, either.
Brittany Dixon says
Like I mentioned, I’m not sure if I have it because I’ve been told I absolutely do, absolutely don’t and that I have PCOS tendencies all by 3 different doctors. I’ve been told my irregular cycles and insulin resistance issues are what classifies me as PCOS, but like I said, this is what doctors have told me. I am not a doc, so I just go by what they say. I’ve been eating to control my blood sugars for so long that I credit that with helping to regulate my weight, but I’ve never had any issues with hair growth, thank goodness! I can’t imagine that would be fun to deal with.
Ashley says
I’m so happy you’re sharing this! I was diagnosed with PCOS about 3 months before my wedding, and was told by 3 doctors I’d never get pregnant (without drugs/intervention, and even then it’d be hard). I did a strict Paleo-ish diet, moderate exercise, herbs, and acupuncture, and within 6 months I was having regularly-ish cycles and conceived within 18 months. Considering I gave myself 3 years to conceive before getting frustrated and looking at other routes, I felt/do feel extremely blessed. We just decided last week to work on baby #2, so this was a nice reminder to step away from the bagel and go eat some carrots. 🙂
Dominique @ That's What Domi Said says
This is great stuff, thank you Brittany! I was treated for PCOS in my late teens (Metformin, birth control, and a low-fat/low-cal diet), but nothing seemed to help. Off all the meds/BC now, and my cycles are semi-regular but very long (think 35-45 days between periods). I’ve been trying to figure out the role that diet plays in all this. I’m gluten-free right now due to IBS issues, but hoping this may help with PCOS symptoms.
I’d love to see more posts about pregnancy nutrition and blood-sugar control issues, too! 🙂
Lindsey says
I found out I have pcos tendencies last head after a miscarriage at 10.5 weeks. After that I went five months without a period. I started a paleo diet and was prescribed metformin. A month later I got my period back and the next month I was pregnant. I stayed on the metformin the first 13 weeks to maintain my pregnancy. I had never heard of pcos before my diagnosis and since I am slender I didn’t think I had it but turns out slender people can have pcos too!
Gagan says
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this “personal” stuff. Helps to know others’ stories and experiences that we can relate to!
Emily says
Hi Brittany,
First of all I love this post because it reminds me that PCOS is such a common problem for women and that we’re not alone. I am unlucky enough to have the excess facial hair as a symptom and in high school and parts of uni it naturally makes you a victim of bullying and taunts. I hope when I am ready to start a family that I won’t have to spend years trying, and even if you don’t have PCOS completely it’s good to know that some people are able to conceive quickly and without miscarrying.
Thanks <3
Natalie says
Just came across your blog toda. Loving catching up on all your entries. As a note on this topic, I read The Woman Code and totally changed how I was dealing with my menstrual issues. I highly recommend the book!
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erin says
I’m so glad I found this post in your archives. I had to go on metformin to get pregnant, and while it worked like a charm I’m very interested to find out about the dietary changes that could have an impact.
Shaina says
I just found this from your Paleo post and I can’t believe how similar my experience was to yours!
We’ve been trying to conceive baby #2 for about 2 1/2 years with no luck. About 6 months ago, my doctor diagnosed me with PCOS. She offered Metformin, but I declined because I also have some IBD issues that were in the process of being diagnosed and wanted to tackle one thing at a time.
Anyways, in October & November I started eating gluten free because we are trying to rule out Celiac Disease and my next cycle after starting the GF diet I finally got pregnant! I’m so excited. I truly believe that is what made the difference because nothing else has changed and we’ve been trying for so long.
Mak says
I feel so relieved that I’m not alone here. I’ve had irregular periods since I’ve given birth to my son since 2014. Finally when I decided in Jan.2016 that I was ready to have an other child, I was unable to conceive afterm trYing for a few months…I tracked my periods…and ovulation cycles. Turned out I was not ovulating. Talked to my Dr., she recommended trying the ‘whole 30,’
Finally, for once my period came after 31 days, not 15 days, not 40 or 46 day. Now I just have to test to see if I’m ovulating!