My Journey Through PCOS, Acne & Disordered Eating
I believe that everyone has their own unique health journey, and I am no different. Throughout my teens and early adulthood I have struggled with hormonal acne, disordered eating and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I found that in the healthcare setting, I was often unheard. I did not begin healing until I started seeing a Naturopathic Doctor that listened to my story. Now, in my practice, hearing patient stories is the key component to helping them heal.
Spinning In Circles
My health journey began in my early teens when I started experiencing hormonal acne. Looking back now, it was totally normal, but at the time it felt like the end of the world. Soon enough, I was placed on oral birth control, but that did not fully resolve my acne. So, I started taking spironolactone, which is commonly used to reduce acne caused by excess testosterone. My acne magically cleared, and it stayed clear until I decided that I no longer wanted to take birth control and spironolactone.
Not too long after, during my later high school years, I started experiencing overwhelming body dysmorphia. I strived for perfection, but felt utterly imperfect. These feelings resulted in a few years of restrictive eating patterns and over exercising, leading to intense hunger pains, dizziness and even occasional fainting. These experiences are what inspires me to help other teens and young adults, because I know it can get better.
It is very common for restrictive eating to quickly morph into an obsession with healthy eating, which is what I experienced in my college years. What started as a trial of vegetarianism turned into an obsession and a fear of eating the wrong thing. I believed that I was eating the “cleanest” diet imaginable, so of course I wanted to discontinue birth control and spironolactone to prove how healthy I was.
Within just a month, the acne returned with a vengeance. Except now, I had painful and inflamed acne all over my back, chest and face. Not only did it hurt physically, but it crushed my confidence. I felt disgusting, and I was so angry. I could not understand how this could happen to me, especially since I ate “perfectly”. I tried to get my hormones tested, but my primary care provider said it was useless. They suggested I go back on the medications. But I was stubborn and refused. I tried “treating myself” with supplements I read about online, but nothing seemed to help. Eventually I realized that I needed a professional, and it was the best decision I could have made.
Transforming & Emerging Like a Butterfly
It wasn’t until I started working with a Naturopathic Doctor that I felt heard. She took the time to understand my physical symptoms, as well as any emotional components that were contributing to my symptoms. Within just a few months of adjusting my diet and incorporating the correct herbal formulas and nutritional supplements I saw a drastic change in my hormonal acne. Slowly but surely, the acne I had once experienced on my back and chest began to resolve. The red, hot inflammation on my face dissipated and the breakouts lessened.
Eventually I had imaging done and was diagnosed with PCOS. This didn’t change any of our treatment approaches, but it gave me a sense of understanding. Finally, I had an answer. Finally, I knew why I had experienced these symptoms throughout my teens and early adulthood.
Now, I continue to work with a Naturopathic Doctor, but I no longer have a reliance on supplements or herbal medicines. I spent six months using various energetic medicines, like homeopathics and flower essences, to truly optimize my health, both physically and emotionally. It was the best decision I ever made. I now feel better than ever! Now that those old symptoms have resolved, I can easily treat any random digestive issues or bouts of anxiety that pop up. That is the beauty of root cause medicine. By identifying and treating the root of symptoms we can optimize our health, treating any new issues as they arise.
Deserving To Be Heard
I share my story with you because I want you to know that you are not alone. So many of us, even doctors, have faced similar health challenges. We’ve felt the pain, the heartache and the defeat. Not feeling your best often takes an emotional toll. Looking back on my journey, I wish I could give that girl and hug and tell her it is all going to be okay. This is why I love my job. I love being able to hear my patient’s story and genuinely tell them that it is all going to be okay. Together, we can start healing, so that they can start feeling better.
About the Author
Dr. Hannah is a naturopathic doctor providing whole body adjunctive healthcare to patients in Maine and Massachusetts. She believes every patient has their own unique health journey, which influences her personalized treatment approach. She has a passion for helping women, mothers and families heal and thrive, all while uncovering the root cause of whatever ails them. Her goal is to empower and guide her patients on the path towards healing the mind, body and soul through natural methods of healing. Dr. Hannah sees patients locally in Portland, Maine. Through telehealth, she is happy to serve the people of Lewiston, Ellsworth, Belfast, Bangor, and all the towns in between! She now sees Massachusetts patients through telehealth as well!
Disclaimer
The information provided on or through this website is for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not a substitution for proper and personalized medical diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or trusted healthcare provider before making an adjustments or changes to your healthcare regimen. Natural medicine is not inherently harmless, and therefore it is important to speak with your healthcare providers for personalized medical advice.