As a teenager, I spent two weeks in hospital to have two grapefruit sized cysts on both of my ovaries removed.
Then – after the 8 weeks of recovery during my year eleven school year, I was then diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), after having very irregular and at times absent periods.
At the time, this wasn’t a big deal…. The Doctor prescribed me ‘the contraceptive pill’ and I was told that this would help to keep my oestrogen levels high enough to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis down the track.
Towards the end of that same year, I found myself in the middle of a relentless eating disorder – weighing only 36 kg at a height of 170cm. It was horrendous for my family, taxing on all my friendships, I nearly almost didn’t finish my final year of school and I feel into a deep depression…… I was so lucky to have had the support of my beautiful family to get me through those years, and although I was able to put the weight back on – I battled through times of anxiety and depression for the next 10 years.
Fast forward to 15 years later, after being on the ‘the pill’, and even planning my months so that I would never use the ‘sugar pills’ to get my period…. I married the man of my dreams and we decided it was time to stop taking contraception so we could start a little family!!!!
I still remember the excitement of our first morning after the wedding of not taking ‘the pill’ and imagining what life would be like with a little bubba around…
Little did I know, we would go through 10 months of no periods, Gynaecology appointments, scans, acupuncture, 6 rounds of clomid to help my body ovulate (with mixed results), a day procedure (Ovarian drilling and a laparoscopy), hormone treatment and the looming ‘IVF’ which seemed to be coming closer with each month.
As someone who always had an interest in health, and an open mind to learning about other options rather than ‘traditional medicine’ – I sought the help of a fertility Naturopath; who I am so grateful for meeting. She was willing to ‘dig deeper’ to find the cause of all of the emotional and physical unbalance rather than just giving me medication…. I had many blood and urine tests and FINALLY found a few root causes of my troubles….
Yes – I had PCOS, but my body was giving me quiet indicators that it was stressed, inflamed and needed healing before I could carry a precious new born.
My Liver enzymes weren’t functioning, my blood glucose was high, my cholesterol high, underactive thyroid, high homocysteine levels, imbalanced reproductive hormones, I carried the MTHFR gene mutation……so something HAD to change.
Whilst I was prescribed a few amazing herbs and supplements, I also went on a quest to remove any source of inflammation on my body – and that meant through nutrition, self care, daily movement/fitness and also through the use of natural household & beauty products…….. which is where I started sharing this with you!!!
I’m a big believer in holistic health and wellbeing - in that if any part of your body is a little ‘off’, it can effect other areas!!!!
Now – when we finally get the blessing of welcoming a baby into our home, alongside my beautiful Step Son, I can rest assured knowing that our house is safe, healthy, and full of love.
I’d love to share what I’ve learnt, and healthy the lifestyle practices I’ve brought into my life – so you don’t have to go through the same lengthy, tear filled, confused and frustrating years of endocrine and body system imbalance.
Can’t wait to chat to you!!
Love Ash ###
