During my 20’s and early 30’s I bounced from one doctor to another in search of relief of my PCOS symptoms namely hypoglycemia and fatigue. After filling my body with the birth control pills, synthetic hormones and pharmaceutical drugs, I felt worse than I started. There had to be another way to look and feel good again.
Almost five years ago, I visited Dr. Laura Riley, a naturopath doctor who helped me regulate my insulin through dietary changes (which I have shared and will continue to share in my posts) and introduced me to the Insulite PCOS System. It only took a few weeks for my hypoglycemia to disappear and my energy levels to soar. It felt as if a whole new world was opening up for me. I hadn’t felt so good in years. It was then that I made a conscious decision to avoid conventional means of controlling PCOS and vowed to keep seeking alternative health solutions.
If you have looked into controlling your PCOS via natural means then you probably know that saw palmetto lowers androgens, vitex can help with your cycle and fenugreek can control insulin. The great thing about the Insulite PCOS System is that it already contains all these herbs plus many more that are beneficial to PCOS suff
erers.
May 2008, I had been using the Insulite PCOS System combined with a mostly gluten/wheat free, low sugar and dairy free diet for about 4 months. One morning I was shocked to find out that I was expecting- without any fertility treatments! And to top it off I wasn’t trying to get pregnant. My husband and I have two healthy boys which were conceived with the help of fertility treatments. I think that my body was in such a healthy state that at age 36 I became pregnant! We now have a wonderful addition to our family, 7 month old Lila Jane.
If you are trying to get pregnant, or have PCOS and just want to feel better, I strongly suggest following the Insulite PCOS System. If you have any questions about Insulite please feel free to post a comment. I’ll be sure to respond.
THE PCOS DIVA 
I’m enjoying your website which I just ran across today. I have PCOS also. Do you have any info on success with treating hairloss due to PCOS.?
Thanks, Cheryl
By: Cheryl Forrest on December 7, 2009
at 4:48 pm
Thanks Cheryl. Hair loss is tricky. Rosemary tea hair rinse and apple cider vinegar diluted with water as a hair rinse has helped my hair loss in the past. I had my third baby last January and loss so much hair post-partum that I actually had to wear a hairpiece for a while. Which by the way was not as bad as I expected. It was extremely natural looking and I actually got many compliments. I have been using Biotin Forte and Silicon drops which both have helped. I also use Rogaine for Men (the generic version from Walmart only costs $18 for a 3-month supply). The women’s version isn’t strong enough. I also found a great shampoo line from KMS called “Add Volume”. I use the shampoo, conditioner, mouse and root boost. I also recently got a cute short hair cut and my hair looks much thicker now.
By: Amy Medling on December 7, 2009
at 5:01 pm
Thank you for taking the time on this site. I know that finding the time with 3 children can’t be easy. Still I hope you continue to find a few minutes in your day to post here. This has been the most helpful site I have come across since being diagnosed this past September. My dr. prescribed Metformin and I’ve lost some weight but, I’ve been so confused about diet and what foods to eat.
btw: I’ve read plenty of reviews on the Insulite. are you still taking that? Would you still recommend the program?
By: Shamir on December 30, 2009
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Shamir-
Thanks for the nice comments. I also remember how confusing it was when I was first diagnosed 10 years ago. I have been researching and trying new products over those years. Diet, exercise, and vitamins have been the key for to controlling symptoms. I started this blog, because I felt I had nobody to talk to when I was first diagnosed, so I wanted to help others with what I have learned.
I do have to state that I have had a working relationship with Insulite. I have written articles for them and they do give me product to use for free. I should also state that this blog is my own, and Insulite has no influence on the articles. That being said, Insulite contains many herbs, minerals and vitamins that are beneficial for PCOS and insulin resistance. You could purchase them separately but it is nice to have them all in one product. I do still use Insulite but took a hiatus over the last 6 weeks. I do notice a difference in my energy levels and blood sugar control.
Please feel free to ask more questions. Also if there is a particular topic you would like covered please just send a comment.
-Amy
By: Amy Medling on December 31, 2009
at 12:20 pm
Hi amy
I have pcos for past 3 yrs,conceived my 1st baby without any treatment, but finding it really hard to conceive now,i just have ordered insulite pcos system and came across your article on web, does this product really hep you to regulate your periods and most imp ovulate. Also this product has saw palmetto which they say is not good if you are trying to get pregnant so i was wondering how much time did you take these pill before you got pregnant.And did really these pill help you get pregnant.
Anu
By: anu on January 15, 2010
at 12:51 pm
Hi Anu-
I also had trouble conceiving my second but I wasn’t taking care of myself at that time. I did conceive with monitored clomid cycles. You may want to consult with a reputable reproductive endocrinologist as they can help you with clomid if you decide to go that route.
However, my third pregancy was a complete surprise. I credit the pregnancy to Insulite, (I was taking these while I was pregnant for a while because I didn’t know I was pregnant until about 10 weeks). My baby, now almost a year old, is perfectly healthy, thank God. I personally don’t think the saw palmetto was a problem, however I did not start Insulite again until I was finished nursing. It has helped regulate my periods.
I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dr. Nancy Dunne’s book, THe Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Fertilty You can find the review on my blog. I was following her diet when I got pregnant and was also excercising every day. Basically I was following most of the things that I have blogged about here.
By: Amy Medling on January 15, 2010
at 2:41 pm
I have really enjoyed reading your blog!! Thank you for all of the great info.
By: Melissa A Leech on January 20, 2010
at 2:28 pm
Hi Amy, I’m so glad I found your site! I’ve also been dealing with PCOS for the last 10 or so years and it is so nice to read about others out there with similar frustrations, problems, etc. My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant, with no success – yet. I was reading your reviews about the Insulite system, which I also mentioned it to my acupuncturist, who noted that all the supplements look legit. Do you have additional info? From the start of the program until you got pregnant – did that only take 4 months? Was the program used jointly with that diet from Dr. Nancy Dunne’s book? Any additional info you can share would be great! Thanks in advance!
By: Gracie on March 10, 2010
at 2:04 am
Hi Gracie-
Thanks for the comment. Curious what type of an impact acupuncture has made on your PCOS? I have heard great things about it. I had been taking Insulite for about two years to just control my PCOS symptoms. It was when I added the diet from Dr. Dunne’s book that really made the difference. I’ll be honest with you, I have since ceased to take Insulite but am continuing with a whole foods diet. I am at a point where I can control my PCOS exclusively with diet and exercise. If you want more info about my diet and exercise program please read my blog. Feel free to ask any additional questions.
-Amy
By: Amy Medling on March 24, 2010
at 8:26 am
I just want you to know what an inspiration your blog has become to me in the matter of one day. I am 24 and suffer from PCOS. While I was diagnosed about a year and a half ago, it has recently been something that I felt had consumed me more than I should allow it to in a negative way. As I stumbled across your blog today, I felt encouraged and uplifted! Thank you and God bless!!
By: Taylor on May 23, 2010
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Taylor-
I am so glad that you have found my blog helpful. I have been so busy lately and haven’t made the time to add more content. You have inspired me to find the time because I really love helping other PCOS women realize that a diagnosis is really just a catalyst to changing your health for the better!
-Amyu
By: Amy on June 1, 2010
at 8:16 pm
Dear Amy,
I am happy to have discovered your website. I would be even happier, if u could please advice me and share more info about hair loss. I have PCOS. Noticed hair loss 6 months ago after losing about 10kg in a short time (”detoxing”-not eating) and a huge stress – split from my 2 years boyfriend. I have started taking Metformin a week ago, and eating healthy, limitin carbs. I am around 11kg overweight. I take Evening primrose oil, and other vitamins and minerals, and really want to stop this hair loss. Will I have to go on antiandrogens, or BCP? I would like to do it naturally. Do u think high levels of stress/anxiety/emotional trauma have made the hormonal imbalance worse? Any help would be much appreciated. God bless u. XX
By: Katherina on October 4, 2010
at 11:42 am
Katherina-
I am planning an upcoming article on hair loss, but quickly this is what I have found works for me, Minoxidil 5%, Nizoral Shampoo everyday, Fish oil, Biotin, eliminate gluten from diet, saw palmetto and possibly spironolactone to reduce androgens if the former are not enough. Stress and diet (the detox you did) is a contributor to hairloss. The good news is that it will come back. Read my posts about eating clean, stress reduction and exercise and implement into your lifestyle.
-Amy
By: Amy on October 5, 2010
at 7:03 am
Hi. Came across your site. I have had PCOS for years and have done everything to regulate my cycle. I had to use IUI to conceive my twins and they are almost 3. I have only had my period twice since they were born on my own.
I tried Acupuncture, chinese herbs through Randind Lewis, aryuveda meds, insulite and diet. It is about balancing.
I wanted to ask you what your found the most success with? Also, when you talk about hairloss, how much are you talking? I shed some but I have always been worried about thinning, not sure when I should be “really” worried.
Any advice for overall health and preventing hair loss and keeping skin clear?
Thanks
Stephanie
By: stephanie on October 19, 2010
at 12:04 am
Hi Stephanie-
Thanks for your comment. I have found eating a clean, no processed food, whole food diet and regular exercise including weight training to be the most effective way to ease my PCOS symptoms. I have found natural progesterone cream and acupuncture has helped regulate my cycles. I loss hair for a year after my last baby was born. She is now 21 months. I shampoo with Nizoral daily, am taking saw palmetto and spironolactone as well as using a 5% minoxodil solution for hairloss. I finally have been able to slow down my hairloss and have a lot of new hair growing. I haven’t had a lot of problems with clear skin as long as I eat the diet I mentioned above.
-Amy
By: Amy on November 6, 2010
at 1:34 pm
Hi Amy. I was wondering how much hair u lost that u consider it to be a problem? I shed stands here and there but not clumps. I don’t know when I should consider it a problem enough to take further action like the minoxil stuff? What was your point u realized u should?
Thanks
Stephanie
By: Stephanie on November 6, 2010
at 2:05 pm
PCOS hair loss is diffuse. It is androgenic alopecia – caused by excess androgens or testosterone. It won’t come out in clumps. It is normal to lose 50-100 strands a day. I seemed to be easily losing 100 strands a day. I noticed hair in the shower, on the bathroom counter and floor, on my clothes. I noticed my hairline getting wider. That is when I took action. The Nioxin reduces DHT. Minoxidil encorages hair growth and saw palmetto and spironolactone decreases the androgens. Let me know if that helps!
By: Amy on November 6, 2010
at 4:21 pm
Dear Amy, I am 30 and was diagnosed with PCOS two years ago. My husband and I have been ttc with no success. I’ve seen two different doctors, tried metformin, clomid and acupuncture. I hated the side effects of metformin (I was always tired and just felt sick). I personally love acupuncture-it calmed my nerves. I’ve gained 60lbs in three years and I’ve tried diets and exercise and I just can’t seem to loose the weight. I struggle with staying focused and dedicated to any plan because I’m wanting to see instant results. I’ve read about Insulite and I’m thinking about ordering it. If you could offer any advice I would greatly appreciate. Thanks, Tabitha
By: Tabitha on November 4, 2010
at 7:57 pm
Hi Tabitha-
Insulite is a good product, however I no longer take it – it is very expensive. I did get pregnant this last time while on Insulite. Insulite is basically lots of vitamins minerals and herbs that are helpful to PCOS. Vitex (which is a main component of Insulite) may probably be helpful for you to take because of its progesterone like effects. I also love accupuncture and my cycles have become very regular by going to accupuncture and using natural progesterone cream. I just read a study yesterday that Maitake Mushroom Extract has helped women ovulate that have not ovulated with clomid- checkout my pcosdiva facebook page for the link. But probably the easiest thing you can do right now is to eliminate gluten from your diet for a while and see what happens. I am working on a new blog article about PCOS and gluten intolerance. Eliminating gluten can really help with fertility. Also get a copy of Nancy Dunne’s book The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertility. There is a ton of helpful info if you have PCOS and want to get pregnant.
By: Amy on November 6, 2010
at 1:28 pm
is that the best drug to orffer because i have pcos and it making me feel horrible i would like to make this thing reverse for good
By: lorain on January 24, 2011
at 5:02 pm
There is no “cure” for PCOS. The best thing you can do is to change your lifestyle – eat clean, whole foods, exercise, reduce stress and you may want to take some supplements. There is no magic pill. However, the Insulite System contains all of the herbs, minerals and vitamins that are most beneficial to alleviating PCOS symptoms and balancing blood sugar.
By: Amy on January 24, 2011
at 9:19 pm
While taking Insulite are you able to take it with other prescriptions that you are prescribed by your doctor? For instance i’m taking provera to make my cycle start. Then i take femara and follistim shots. I feel like im getting no where with this. It seems to be every month i have a over abundant of cysts in my ovaries that wont go away so we cant proceed with IUI. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
By: Tanya Little Owl on February 8, 2011
at 2:42 pm
Tanya-
Please give Insulite labs a call – they have doctors on staff to answer your specific questions as I don’t have the answer. Have you tried clomid? I had luck with 2nd child on clomid and monitored cycles. My third was a surprise. I was eating a whole foods diet, taking insulite and exercising. I wan’t on any fertility drugs at that time. How is your diet? Best of luck.
-Amy
By: Amy on February 9, 2011
at 11:39 am
Dear Amy,
i read some articles that soy bean have adverse effect on the fertility in women with PCOS. Do you have any info about it.
God bless you and Thanks!
-SP
By: SP on April 5, 2011
at 6:46 am
I don’t use soy on a regular basis. I think that it potentially can mess with our delicate hormone balance. I need to compile my info to write a blog post soon.
By: Amy on April 16, 2011
at 8:25 pm
dear amy,
i just came across your blog today and already i am inspired!
i am 20 years old and was diagnosed with PCOS about 4 years ago. i pretty much have al the symptoms of PCOS and they are getting worse by the day 😦 recently i got a personnal trainer and with her help i was able to lose 12 pounds ( im about 140 pounds now and 5’3) i have about 10- 15 pounds to go. i dont have her anymore and i am having a very hard time with my weight loss. it seems that i just cant say no to food anymore lol. when i first started my dieting ( lifestyle change) i feel lie i had all this willpower but now it seems to have disappeared. when i lost the weight i expected to start getting my cycles back to normal but that did not happen. ( i used to get them every two months but since my weight loss they have been non-existent …. its been about 5 months) i also have a problem with hair on my body ( face, stomach…. its gross) and my hair is thinning… which is becoming very evident. i just dont know what to do. all the doctors i have seen are telling me to go on birth control but that is something i am uncomfortable with and would prefer not to use. i am kind of thining about using insulite… but i am scared. im scared to think what will happen when i get off of them and have all my symptoms come back full throttle!!! like gain all the weight back… or have hair grow worse… i dunno! lol i just need something that will work!!!
any info on any of this will be amazing!!!!!
thank you ,….. sorry its such a long comment haha
By: suzanne on June 9, 2011
at 4:49 pm
Hi Suzanne-
Please visit me on my new site – http://www.pcosdiva.com. You can also contact me directly at amy@pcosdiva.com. I think you could greatly benefit from my one-on-one health coaching.
-Amy
By: Amy on June 10, 2011
at 3:01 pm