PCOS, Pregnancy, and Keto

I started my keto journey in March of 2016. I was 12 months postpartum and simply looking to lose the baby weight. My sister had amazing results with keto, and I was intrigued. She explained to me that this way of life was about more than weight loss. She had a clearer mind, more energy, better sleep, and a better mood. I was very skeptical at first, but I decided to give it a chance.

I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which includes insulin resistance. Pre-diabetes is also a symptom of PCOS. My father battled diabetes for years, and I knew that diabetes was in my future if I wasn’t careful. Finding a natural way to combat the potential doom of diabetes was life-changing. PCOS also causes infertility. I struggled to get pregnant with my first child and required heavy doses of medications to address it. This was a major struggle.

I lost 15 pounds in my first week on keto. It was all water weight and inflammation from a poor diet. I was always bloated in my stomach and embarrassed. Many people told me I “looked pregnant.” Those comments are very damaging for someone constantly battling infertility.

I continued to lose weight, but it was more than the pounds. I no longer had the “carb crash” after I ate. I wasn’t hungry an hour after dinner. I wasn’t irritable and exhausted after eating. I had a clear mind and felt refreshed, energized, and happy!

Fast forward to January 2017. Fertility drugs had failed me once again. I was seeing a reproductive endocrinologist, and we started a new regimen. I would take a month off from the medications and try again the following month. My doctor was also very happy to learn I adopted a ketogenic lifestyle. She agreed that it was one of the best methods when battling insulin resistance with PCOS.

That month, I buckled down and went into “hardcore keto mode.” I then achieved my lowest weight since my teenage years! I focused on healing my body and mind. I struggled with the seasonal affective disorder (winter blues), and keto was my saving grace. I was about to call my doctor to schedule an appointment for my next attempt at fertility treatment. I took a pregnancy test on a whim. POSITIVE! I couldn’t believe it!

My keto baby was born in October 2017. I was also diagnosed with gestational diabetes and continued the ketogenic lifestyle throughout my entire pregnancy. Fast forward to today. I am newly pregnant with my second keto baby! Naturally and without fertility drugs! Once again, keto came to the rescue. It was a huge surprise and a major shock! Keto is magic! I cannot thank the keto community enough for being such a great support system. My life has been changed for the better because of this community’s dedication to recipes, advice, websites, cookbooks, and support groups. The keto family is so amazing and supportive. I’m so grateful this lifestyle was introduced to me over three years ago, and I’ll “keto on” for the rest of my life!