PCOS, Hormone Health & Cycle Blog

If you’ve recently stopped the pill, or are planning to, and have PCOS, you might be wondering what happens next. Many women expect their periods and hormones to go back to normal, but that’s often not the case. Instead, you might be dealing with stubborn weight gain , irregular (or missing) cycles, skin breakouts , or mood swings. It can feel frustrating, especially when you’re trying to get back in tune with your body or thinking about preparing your body for pregnancy . He

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 instability worsens hormonal imbalances common in PCOS, like elevated insulin and testosterone, which often results in stubborn weight gain. By choosing meals that combine protein, healthy fats, fibre and wholefoods, you can: Stabilise energy levels Reduce cravin

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 consultations, coaching calls and even voice note check-ins. They’re often the questions that don’t always have simple answers, because PCOS symptoms show up differently for each of us. My aim here is to break things down clearly, explain what might be going on beneath the surface, and offer practical steps you c

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, irritable, and craving more sugar a few hours later. That’s because insulin which is the hormone that helps move glucose into your cells, often doesn’t work as efficiently in PCOS. This can cause bigger blood sugar swings, leading to fatigue, cravings, and difficulty managing weight. Choosing balanced snacks that combine

Many women with PCOS are told to “eat more protein,” but vague advice like that isn’t enough. When your meals consistently deliver ~20–30g of protein, studies show it supports your body to manage: Better blood sugar stability (less post-meal dip) Fewer cravings later in the day Greater satiety (meaning you feel fuller for longer) Support for lean muscle maintenance or growth Modulation of hormones tied to insulin, leptin and appetite Over time, these benefits make sustainable

When you’re dealing with PCOS, it’s easy to focus only on visible symptoms like irregular cycles, acne , weight changes, or difficulties conceiving. But behind the scenes, there’s a cellular process called DNA methylation that influences everything from how your body manages hormones, to how your brain makes neurotransmitters, to whether your ovaries release an egg each month. Methylation is one of the body’s “control switches.” It doesn’t change your DNA code, but it does de

For women with PCOS, hormones can feel confusing, with irregular cycles, and uncertain fertility. Traditional blood tests often provide a snapshot that doesn’t capture the bigger picture, which is where the DUTCH Cycle Mapping test comes in. In this post, I’ll explain what it is, how I use it with my clients, who it’s for, and the insights it can provide, helping you understand your hormones so you can take practical, personalised steps toward cycle balance, improved fertilit

Why blood sugar balance matters for PCOS If you’re living with PCOS, you’ve probably heard the term insulin resistance more than once. Around 70–80% of women with PCOS have some degree of insulin resistance, even if blood sugar or HbA1c results are within the “normal” range. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas. Its job is to help move glucose from your bloodstream into your cells for energy. When cells become less responsive to insulin, your body compensates by produci

Fibre has always been important for good health, but recently a new trend called “fibremaxing” has taken over social media. Instead of...

If you’re a busy woman juggling life and the ongoing frustration of PCOS hormonal symptoms or stubborn weight gain , breakfast is probably the last thing you’re thinking about. Maybe you skip it, grab toast in the car, or reach for something “healthy” like fruit and yoghurt, only to find yourself starving, foggy-headed, or craving sugar by mid-morning. But here’s the thing I see time and time again in my nutrition clinic: starting the day with enough protein, around 20-30 gra

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...

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...

Thinking About Pregnancy with PCOS If you’ve recently come off the pill or are starting to think about trying for a baby, you might be wondering what PCOS means for your fertility. Many women are told to “just lose weight ” or “come back when you’re ready to start IVF” but there’s so much more you can do to prepare your body and rebalance hormones first. This guide is for you if you’re not quite ready for fertility treatment but want to take proactive steps now. Whether your

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...

Gut health and PCOS are closely linked, but are fermented foods always the answer? If you’ve been trying to manage PCOS through...

The Hidden Risks of Quick-Fix Weight Loss with PCOS If you have PCOS and feel like your body just won’t respond to the usual weight loss ...

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...

If you have PCOS and feel stuck eating the same meals over and over again, you're in the right place. Many of the women I work with are...