When my doctor told me I was destined to struggle with nonexistent periods, weight gain, infertility, chronic fatigue, facial hair, and a host of long-term health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, I thought, “There has to be another way.”

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a common hormonal disorder affecting around 10% of women, though it’s believed to be underdiagnosed in many cases. For me, PCOS manifested in frustrating and visible symptoms like stubborn weight gain, acne, and unwanted facial hair. But PCOS also took a toll on my mental health in the form of anxiety, depression, and debilitating fatigue. Nothing I did seemed to fix it, leaving me feeling powerless and hopeless.

When I was finally diagnosed with PCOS (which took far longer than it should have—something that’s all too common with hormonal conditions), I was told that I would likely never conceive a child naturally. Even with IVF, my chances were slim. At the time, I was engaged to my husband, and although it was a relief to finally have a name for the array of symptoms I was struggling with, I wasn’t offered any hope.

But something in me refused to accept this grim reality. I decided to take matters into my own hands. The rest, as they say, is history.

Discovering the Power of Functional Nutrition and Medicine

I enrolled at the Nutritional Therapy Alliance and became a nutritional therapist. It was during this training that I learned something crucial: You can have a perfect diet and still struggle with gut and hormonal issues. This realization led me to explore the work of Restorative Wellness Solutions. I immersed myself in their four comprehensive training programs, which taught me how to use an array of functional tests—including the GI Map, food sensitivity testing, hormone and adrenal panels, and toxicity assessments.

In 2023, I became a teacher at Restorative Wellness Solutions, where I have the privilege of educating doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and other health professionals about lab testing and how to create targeted nutrition and supplement protocols. Every day, I engage with the latest research, which helps keep my skills sharp while ensuring I remain up-to-date in the ever-evolving world of functional medicine.

A Life-Changing Discovery

As I was learning and applying these healing methods, something incredible happened. Just one month after starting my gut healing protocol, based on my GI Map and MRT food sensitivity test results, I got my period back—for the first time in over 10 years. And the best part? It stayed. It came back month after month, something I thought was impossible. This was nothing short of a miracle.

I delved further into hormone testing and learned that my estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH levels were all low, while my testosterone levels were high—another hallmark of PCOS. Using the tools and protocols I had learned, I was able to balance my hormones, and my husband and I conceived our daughter naturally.

My PCOS Is in Remission

Ten years after my diagnosis, my PCOS is in remission. This journey was long and often difficult, but it’s a testament to the power of functional medicine and nutrition. I now share my story with you because I want you to understand why I’m so passionate about functional nutrition and functional medicine. More importantly, I want to share with you the hope that was once denied to me.

Why My Story is All Too Common

Unfortunately, my story isn’t unique. Every day in my practice, I work with individuals who suffer from symptoms similar to what I once experienced: severe diarrhea, chronic UTIs, amenorrhea (missing or irregular periods), infertility, debilitating mood swings before menstruation, brain fog during perimenopause, hair loss, and erectile dysfunction, to name just a few.

These symptoms are real, they are debilitating, and they are scary. Yet, most people are left without the proper tools or guidance to resolve them. Many are prescribed the birth control pill, but for me and so many like me, this only worsened my symptoms.

There Is Another Way: Hormonal Health and Gut Healing

What most people don’t realize is that there is another way—a much more effective way to heal and balance your hormones. There is an overwhelming body of research supporting the connection between gut health, nutrition, blood sugar regulation, stress management, and targeted supplements. Bioidentical hormones may also play a role for some individuals. Unfortunately, these tools are rarely made available to those who need them most.

Why I Do What I Do

When people ask me why I do what I do, I always come back to this: Each of us is too special to feel like crap. I know from personal experience just how hard it is to show up as the best version of yourself when your health is in turmoil.

I remember how difficult it was to feel like I was in the trenches with my health, and that experience drives me to provide unparalleled support, education, and transformation for every single client I work with. Whether you’re struggling with PCOS, hormonal imbalances, gut health, or other chronic health issues, know this: You don’t have to settle for feeling less than your best.

There is hope, and it’s never too late to start your healing journey. If you’re ready to regain control of your health and transform your life, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to Learn More About Functional Medicine for PCOS?

If you’re ready to explore the powerful connection between nutrition, gut health, and hormonal balance, let’s connect. With personalized support and guidance, you too can take charge of your health and find the relief you’ve been searching for. Contact me today to get started on your healing journey.