PCOS, Hormone Health & Cycle Blog

Many women I speak to feel as if they’re constantly “firefighting” symptoms of PCOS . The stalled weight loss, sugar crashes, skin concerns, cycle changes, or exhaustion that seems to appear out of nowhere. But what often sits underneath these daily struggles is something bigger happening metabolically. One of the most important long-term considerations for women with PCOS is the increased likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome. It sounds like a complicated medical term,

PCOS Nutrition Support After Coming Off the Pill Support hormone balance naturally after stopping the pill. Manage cycle irregularities, cravings, and energy changes. Stabilise blood sugar and reduce inflammation through diet. Focus on protein, fibre-rich vegetables, and balanced meals. Track symptoms and cycles to guide personalised nutrition. Support weight management, fertility, and overall wellbeing. If you’ve recently stopped the pill, or are planning to, and have PCOS,

PCOS‑Friendly Meals: Key Points Support hormone balance with every meal. Stabilise blood sugar and reduce cravings. Include protein, healthy fats, and fibre. Easy, practical meal ideas for weight management. Evidence-based, sustainable recipes for PCOS wellbeing. Feeling overwhelmed when planning meals with PCOS? Here are some simple, nutrient-dense meals to help you balance blood sugar, manage weight and support hormone health. Why Meal Planning Matters for PCOS Blood sugar

Eating the Right Amount for PCOS – Key Points Portion sizes vary by activity, weight, and cycle phase. Focus on balanced meals: protein, fibre, healthy fats. Watch hunger, energy, and blood sugar cues. Avoid restrictive dieting; aim for sustainable portions. Track meals and symptoms to personalise nutrition. Welcome to Ask Lisa, a monthly Q&A series where I answer real questions from women navigating PCOS in everyday life. These are the kinds of questions that come up in cons

PCOS Snack Ideas – Key Points Choose snacks with protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Balance blood sugar to reduce cravings and energy dips. Plan snacks to support weight management and hormone health. Include simple, easy-to-prepare options for busy days. Track cravings and energy to find what works best for you. Why snacking matters for PCOS If you have PCOS, you’ve probably noticed that skipping meals or reaching for a quick sugary snack can leave you feeling tired, irritabl

Protein for PCOS – Key Points Around 30g of protein per meal helps stabilise blood sugar. Supports muscle maintenance, metabolism, and weight management. Reduces cravings and keeps energy levels steady throughout the day. Supports hormone balance, including insulin and reproductive hormones. Practical portion sizes make meals more satisfying and nourishing. Many women with PCOS are told to “eat more protein,” but vague advice like that isn’t enough. When your meals consistent

Methylation and PCOS – Key Points Methylation is a cellular process that helps regulate hormone balance. Supports fertility by influencing reproductive hormone function. Plays a role in detoxification, energy production, and mood regulation. Can impact long-term health, including inflammation and metabolic function. Nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted support can help optimise methylation for women with PCOS. When you’re dealing with PCOS, it’s easy to focus only on visible sy

DUTCH Cycle Mapping Test – Key Points The DUTCH test tracks hormones and metabolites throughout the menstrual cycle. Helps identify imbalances in oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol. Guides personalised nutrition and lifestyle strategies for women with PCOS. Supports cycle regularity, hormone balance, fertility, and symptom management. Provides actionable insights for long-term health and energy optimisation. For women with PCOS, hormones can feel confusing, w

CGM and PCOS – Key Points Continuous glucose monitors track blood sugar levels throughout the day. Helps identify patterns related to meals, activity, and stress. Supports management of insulin resistance common in PCOS. Guides personalised nutrition and lifestyle adjustments. Can improve energy, cravings, weight management, and long-term metabolic health. Why blood sugar balance matters for PCOS If you’re living with PCOS, you’ve probably heard the term insulin resistance mo

Fibre and PCOS – Key Points Adequate fibre helps stabilise blood sugar and reduce insulin spikes. Supports healthy digestion, gut microbiome, and hormone balance. Can aid weight management by increasing satiety and controlling cravings. Focus on a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Balancing fibre intake with protein and healthy fats is key for PCOS wellbeing. Fibre has always been important for good health, but recently a new trend called “fibremaxing”

Protein at Breakfast for PCOS – Key Points 30g of protein at breakfast helps stabilise blood sugar levels. Supports appetite control and reduces mid-morning cravings. Helps maintain muscle mass and supports metabolism for weight management. Supports hormone balance, including insulin and reproductive hormones. Practical and satisfying way to start the day for PCOS wellbeing. If you’re a busy woman juggling life and the ongoing frustration of PCOS hormonal symptoms or stubborn

PCOS Lunch Ideas – Key Points Focus on high-protein meals to stabilise blood sugar. Include fibre-rich vegetables and healthy fats for hormone support. Simple, practical lunches suitable for busy schedules. Helps manage cravings, energy dips, and weight for PCOS. Supports overall hormone balance and long-term wellbeing. Why Lunch Matters When You Have PCOS Lunch is often the most overlooked meal of the day. Many of my clients with PCOS either grab a quick meal deal, rely on a

Weight Loss and PCOS – Key Points Losing just 5% of body weight can improve insulin sensitivity. Supports hormone balance and helps regulate menstrual cycles. Can enhance fertility and ovulation in women with PCOS. Helps reduce inflammation and improve energy levels. Even small, sustainable changes can have meaningful health benefits. Why a Small Shift Matters More Than You Think If you’ve ever been told to “just lose weight” to manage your PCOS symptoms, you’ll know how unh

PCOS and Pregnancy Planning – Key Points Nutrition and lifestyle choices can support hormone balance and ovulation. Focus on stabilising blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and maintaining a healthy weight. Balanced meals with protein, fibre, and healthy fats support fertility. Tracking cycles and symptoms helps identify patterns and optimise timing. Evidence-based strategies can improve chances of conception and overall reproductive health. Thinking About Pregnancy with PCOS

Why Eating Out Feels So Complicated with PCOS If you’ve ever felt anxious or stuck trying to make the “right” food choice at a restaurant, you’re in the right place. Eating out with PCOS can feel like a minefield - especially when you’re trying to manage blood sugar, cravings,  weight or inflammation . Many of the women I work with want to eat out occasionally without undoing progress, feeling bloated for days, or spiralling into guilt. The good news is, you don’t need to sti

Gut health and PCOS are closely linked, but are fermented foods always the answer? If you’ve been trying to manage PCOS through nutrition, chances are you’ve come across advice to “heal your gut” or “eat more fermented foods.” From kefir to kimchi, they’re everywhere, and often sold as the fix for everything from bloating to brain fog. But when it comes to PCOS, things are rarely that simple. Gut health absolutely matters in PCOS. The state of your microbiome, the trillions

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Does this sound familiar? You’ve had a long day. You’re tired , irritable, and craving something sweet or salty. You know you’re not...

PCOS and Metabolism: Why It's Not Just About Willpower If you have PCOS and feel like your metabolism is stuck in slow motion, you're in...