Disclaimer: This story reflects my personal experience with PCOS and wellbeing. Every body is unique, and what worked for me might not work for everyone. This is not medical advice but an invitation to explore your own journey through awareness and curiosity.
I never thought a diagnosis would lead me to rediscover what it means to feel whole.
I still remember it so clearly. Every time I got my period, if I even did, the pain was unbearable. Eventually, I went to get it checked, and that’s when the doctors diagnosed me with PCOS.
At first, I didn’t really understand what that meant. I just knew my body felt off - irregular cycles, painful cramps, acne, and more hair than I cared to admit. I even joke with my friends that I could grow a beard. What confused me most wasn’t the diagnosis itself, it was the way it was presented. Every doctor I saw said the same thing: “Go on birth control and lose weight.” That was it. No explanation, no conversation about why this was happening or how to heal from it.
It felt scary, frustrating, and honestly isolating. I didn’t feel seen. I felt like a problem that needed to be managed, not a person who needed to be understood.
The Struggle
Living with PCOS wasn’t just a physical struggle, it took a real emotional toll. I constantly felt like my body was working against me. Losing weight felt impossible, and I became obsessed with my body image and food. The more I tried to control it, the more disconnected I felt from myself.
Birth control was always presented as the easy fix, but deep down I knew it wasn’t solving anything. It felt like I was just putting a plaster on something that needed deeper healing.
The Turning Point
One day, I just got tired. Tired of hearing “lose weight.” Tired of the irregular cycles. Tired of waking up bloated, tired, and confused. So, I decided to start reading, researching, and learning. The more I learned, the more I realised I had been doing it all wrong.
Healing PCOS isn’t about suppressing symptoms; it’s about understanding the root cause. I started to heal from within, focusing on stress, nutrition, movement, and even my relationships. Slowly, I began rebuilding my life, not through restriction, but through awareness.
And let me tell you, I try not to drink coffee on an empty stomach anymore. I move my body daily, even if it’s just a walk. I incorporated strength training because, as the saying goes, “more muscle, more life.” It’s true - more muscle means better metabolism, more energy, and more freedom. I drink at least a litre of water when I’m flying, I prioritise sleep like it’s sacred, and alcohol is now something I enjoy only occasionally.
I’ve learned that wellness isn’t something you achieve; it’s something you live. It’s a lifelong journey that keeps unfolding as you learn more about yourself.
The Healing
Healing didn’t happen overnight. It took almost two years of unlearning, rebuilding, and listening. But when it started happening, it was beautiful.
My periods became regular, my mood shifted, I laughed more. I used to be constantly angry and on edge, but now I feel calm, present, and genuinely happy. I stopped chasing numbers on a scale and started asking, “What makes me feel good?”
My morning routine became my anchor. I wake up, go for a walk, eat something high in fibre and protein, and then have my coffee. I’ve learned to focus less on perfection and more on presence.
The Reflection
If I could speak to my 16-year-old self, I would simply say, it will be okay.
Healing isn’t linear, and sometimes it’s messy. But it’s also one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever experience. To anyone struggling, be curious. Read, learn, ask questions, and give yourself grace. You’re trying your best, and that’s enough.
This journey taught me that wellbeing isn’t just about the body, it’s about alignment.
Physical: move and care for your body.
Emotional: listen to your needs.
Intellectual: keep learning and asking why.
Spiritual: live with purpose.
That, to me, is what true balance feels like. It’s not about doing more, but about living in alignment with yourself. And that’s exactly what Kayani stands for - a reminder that healing begins the moment you decide to live with intention.