I Didn’t Just “Manage” My Condition, I Beat It, and Wiped the Floor With It
It’s Friday, everyone! And that means another Primal Blueprint Real Life Story from a Mark’s Daily Apple reader. If you have your own success story and would like to share it with me and the Mark’s Daily Apple community please contact me here. I’ll continue to publish these each Friday as long as they keep coming in. Thank you for reading!
Dear Mark, Carrie, and Bees,
This letter is long overdue, but the recent article you posted on the Weekend Link Love made me want to share my experience with a Primal lifestyle and PCOS.
I was an active and skinny kid, generally healthy except for some seasonal allergies and a tendency to pick up every single cold that went through school. My family attributed it to a crowded public school, and I took all kinds of immune-supporting herbs that seemed to help for a while. Add to that, my diet was pretty awful: I subsisted on pasta, breads, and sugary stuff. Again, it didn’t strike my family as being too out of the ordinary. All the kids I knew ate that way, or worse. My diet and health were never connected and never any cause for concern.
By the time I was fifteen, it started to alarm my family and doctors that I hadn’t yet developed a regular menstrual cycle. I was also physically underdeveloped. I didn’t break 100 pounds until my sophomore year of high school and had no hips, breasts, or any markers of puberty. The only sign of any hormonal change was a wicked case of acne. A quick trip to the gynecologist with some blood work confirmed a hormone imbalance and a testosterone level three times the healthy range for a girl. Not good. Not good at all. I got put on the pill to straighten things out.
Instantly, I was having regular cycles. Within two months, all the missing “parts” exploded out and I looked normal for a girl my age. My acne cleared up. Finally! The drawback, however, was a scorching case of depression (I nearly failed out of school that year), a huge weight gain (something like thirty pounds) and constant migraines (several storms a week that disabled me for the rest of the day). Doctors fixed one set of problems with the pill, but brought on a slew of new ones, and my health was (sorry to swear, but I feel it’s the only effective word) a goddamned nightmare.
Doctor’s visits became the norm for the next several years. Dermatologists, gynos, internists, family practitioners, and everything in between couldn’t figure out what my problem was. Still, they had no problem giving me all sorts of drugs for weight control, acne, hormone balances, everything to treat just the outward symptoms with extra side effects. The only one that I felt did any good was migraine medication, which I depended on with my life. I never left the house without my wallet, keys, and drugs. My bag rattled with half a dozen meds. I lived with constant ailments, knowing that I felt awful that day and would feel just as awful tomorrow.
It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I started hearing about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. All the symptoms fit and I knew I had it. My mother and I sought out an endocrinologist specializing in PCOS. He recruited some more blood work and after a short interview, determined I did have PCOS. Then the magic combo came: the pill and metformin! I lost a decent amount of weight, my skin cleared up, everything seemed cool… for a while.
During college my health would turn on a dime. I’d be fine for a few months, and then everything would fall apart. For seemingly no reason, too, I never felt there was a correlation to activity, meds, diet, anything… I felt out of control. My body was self-destructing and there was nothing I could do about it. The doctors and drugs continued since I just kept getting sicker and sicker. The worst part hit after my junior year: huge stress plus a break from some of the meds brought on hair loss. SIGNIFICANT hair loss… I was 21 and GOING BALD. I could deal, mentally, with the stress and the bad skin and the weight but hair loss?? Aah! I knew I had to make changes, but… didn’t. Not for a few more months. What a bad idea. I sat things out until graduation, when I moved home.
With college stressors out of the way, I decided to take time off and focus on my health. I tried all the SAD ways and fad diets and heavy exercise (running, which wrecked up my hips with bursitis and isolation weight machines, which made me weird-looking and bulky). I managed to drop a lot of weight, 150 lbs to 120 lbs, and a decent amount of hair grew back (not all of it, just enough) but I felt awful. I was tired, weak, and still felt like I was “swollen”… I was thin but I looked odd. My face looked almost swollen and my body felt bloated and inflamed all the time. I couldn’t recognize myself in photos, it was so severe. Good ole skinny-fat.
Someone recommended the GI Index to me and it made a lot of sense… Insulin secretion was my big issue with PCOS, so a low-insulinogenic routine clicked. It was easier than other diets but still left me with a huge calorie deficit (cue sugar-binges). However, in the book I was reading, the author was joking about how we evolved on low-GI foods and if we could all eat like cavemen, we’d be in great shape, but “ha-ha, that’s so silly! We need grains and processed foods, it’s a modern world after all.”
This was the greatest possible thing anyone could ever have said to me. I remembered that a friend of mine had started something called “Primal” living. It wasn’t impossible to eat like a caveman! All my problems could potentially be over… people out there are doing this “caveman” thing!! A quick search online brought up Marks Daily Apple and I was smitten. The next week was devoted to reading all things Primal. I consulted nutrition journals to make sure everything was lining up right, and no article or resource pointed to grains = healthy, fat = unhealthy. I started eating Primal right away. Lots of healthy fats, proteins, fruits and veg… Relaxed exercise… It was a remarkably quick transition. There was a sudden surge of energy I hadn’t had for years. My skin cleared, weight fell off, and get this: NEW HAIR GREW. I literally cried with joy when I saw my new hairline filling in.
I’ve continued to see the same endocrinologist a few times a year, always with blood work. I decided to experiment. I finished up the pill and metformin prescriptions I had and, unlike other times I’d stopped taking pills, saw no onset of symptoms. I was healthy, alone, with just Primal Blueprint diet and exercise by the time I went to get blood drawn. The results two weeks later confirmed everything: all my numbers were in range. Mark, friends, this has NEVER happened. All the years I’d struggled with my health, tried different diets and exercise, went on and off a million different meds, my numbers had never been even CLOSE to good. And now, without drugs, they were perfect. Absolutely perfect. The doctor was stunned. He didn’t believe me when I said I stopped taking meds and was eating lots of fat. He advised I get back on meds and switch to a low-fat, low-protein diet, but… nah. I’m good. For the first time in my life, I’m good.
It’s been close to a year now that I’ve been living Primal. I’ve experimented with different foods, different intakes, and occasionally indulge with grains (sorry, sorry, I know they’re bad) always in way smaller amounts than I used to, with very little effect on my overall well-being. CrossFit introduced me to weightlifting, which I love and actually have a rack and 300 lb set in my home. Easy walks, jogs, and bike rides are the norm, and hiking has become such a pleasure now that I have the energy to keep up for long hauls. I’m awake during the day without the gross caffeine that used to be the norm, and I sleep well at night. My weight has settled to about 125 lbs with ~19% body fat. My skin is clear, my hair is better, and I can’t remember the last time I had a migraine. I have the mental acuity to get through difficult projects at work and at home, where before I’d get frustrated and punk out. I get regular monthly cycles. I actually grew half an inch (posture? growth? not sure, but it’s cool either way). My body and face lost that swollen appearance and sensation. I feel like I look the way I’m supposed to.
Mostly, Mark, it’s the freedom. I used to feel great one day, and awful the next. The dread of what might happen next, the uncertainty of my day-to-day health, put a grip of terror on my existence. Years of struggle with my health left me questioning my control. I believed doctors when they told me I’d be an infertile wreck by 30, diabetic by 40, and dead of heart disease by 50. It was a losing battle and I had to simply accept what was my fate… My wretched, disease-ridden fate. I was told PCOS was a disease I was born with and would never overcome. The best I could hope for was to “manage” my condition. I hate that word, “manage”. I didn’t just “manage” my condition, I beat it, and wiped the floor with it. I feel great today, and I’ll feel great tomorrow. Knowing what caused PCOS, and learning how to change those patterns, has completely changed my life. I don’t fear my body. I don’t fear tomorrow, or the coming years. There are no more limits. I am Primal. I am free.
Mark, you haven’t changed my life… You’ve made it possible. You shocked my ignorance of the human body and started a wonderful quest for health and knowledge that I’ll carry with me and share with others forever. I can’t thank you enough.
Sincerely,
Alison
UPDATE – 09/12
Hi!
Just wanted to share some good news, regarding my success story from a while ago (PCOS, I didn’t just beat my condition, wiped the floor with it). I recently revisited the sonogram doctor who initially diagnosed me with PCOS. Back in the beginning of this journey he had told us I have a fatty liver, and guess what? Four years after the first sonogram, no more fatty liver! There were 0 indications on the abdominal sonogram of FLD. The ovarian cysts are still there (grr) but this is a HUGE step, and my endocrinologist is super excited about the prognosis.
Many thanks again, all the best to you.
Alison
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Posted By: Mark Sisson
Great story Alison — thanks for sharing it. I can’t believe your doctor advised you to go back on meds and a low-fat diet after seeing the improved blood work.
Isn’t that malpractice?
I guess that particular doctor was on the list for a big bonus from the pharmaceutical Co. at the end of the year. All common sense flies out the window.
I think it’s more that they’re used to associating paleo/Primal with Atkins, and are used to the stories and studies that show that Atkins makes great changes in the short term but isn’t feasible (and might even be dangerous) for the long term.
There’s no way anyone has ever shown that, because they haven’t *studied* Atkins for the long term.
I am beyond tired of people who refuse to even check the Atkins books out of the library (if you have a halfway decent library system, I promise they are there) and read them for themselves. Because all Atkins really is, at the end of the day, is a template for someone to find out what their individual carb tolerance is. You can plug any foods into that template, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing. The company is even now trying to appeal to vegans because apparently vegans can do most of the phases. No need to get into what I think of that here (hint: it’s not flattering to the company). But you can DEFINITELY do Paleo/Primal and use an Atkins template and no, it’s NOT going to kill you.
Seriously. Atkins was a lot more sympathetic to the idea of Paleo or Primal eating, and even the WAPF folks, than the reverse and I’m tired of seeing it–learn more about what you’re criticizing before you criticize it. Was he absolutely right about everything? Heavens no. I’ve got three editions of his diet book and in at least one of them he says canola and soybean oils are acceptable sources of fat. But he was right enough to have helped one heck of a lot of people. He at least deserves credit for that.
Actually Adkins is what I call POLITICALLY CORRECT PRIMAL, cause if you READ his first book he states his reasoning for low carb was a belief that the modern obesity epidemic was due to mans’ genetics had not “evolutionized” as fast as our palate. His acceptance in later years of legumes & soy is the “politically correct” part!
Im not saying those stories and studies are RIGHT im just saying theyre used to hearing them.
yeah seriously… that’s one of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard
And the doctors… the doctors always want you to give up that silly fat and go back to taking lots of drugs and feeling like crap. Genius.
Not all doctors are pharmaceutical company puppets, nor are they all unwilling to go against conventional dietary guidelines. They are specialists, but not nutrition experts for the most part. Remember that lots of them are long out of med school and focused on recent advances only in their own field – and evidence based peer reviewed research on the efficacy of nutritional therapy isn’t always as clear as individual stories of success and health, like Allison’s (way to go Allison, by the way!)
Instead of this unhelpful ‘all doctors are idiots’ attitude, why not just try to give them the same consideration as you would anyone else who hasn’t been exposed to the information and stories of how eating primally can have health benefits.
No, I’m not a doctor
But I have several family members who are, and deal with doctors for my own medical condition regularly, and I have found them all open to listening to my opinions and willing to consider many things are that’s conventional medical practices, as they ultimately have my well being as their goal.
Oops -type – last paragraph “consider many things that aren’t conventional medical practices”
Hell yea they do! They want that copay and want to see you all the time. Making money!
WHAT A STORY!!
I’ve had some blood sugar issues crop back up again after a long dormancy, but after reading this I am so inspired to tighten up my diet (I’ve been putting it off).
Beat my condition and wiped the floor with it. Too awesome.
I am loving all of these stories. Congratulations to you Alison!
An ex-girlfriend of mine used to suffer through migraines and chronic headaches. Though her disorder proved to be a spinal/brain malformation that was corrected with surgery, I am curious if the reduction of inflammation that accompanies the Primal diet would have helped ease her pain at least.
Great story… amd well written…why no photos though? There doesn’t need to be huge changed in weight to spot that “glow of health.”
I would love to see a photo on all success stories. I understand some people might be uncomfortable but just a picture of their face smiling would be enough.
I totally agree – we don’t judge here at MDA! We just want to see a happy, post-CW face
What an inspiring story!
As I read this, I couldn’t help but think about my co-worker who also suffers from PCOS. I think I will send this link to her. Thanks for writing.
Loved your story…..brought tears of happiness to my eyes. Keep up the good work….you are an inspiration.
What a great story!!!! Thanks for posting I am about 200 pounds and have tried to get back on track ,you have given me encouragement.
This is the first week I have stayed with primal and I have been very depressed, that it is coming off VERY slow (I am 48)well slower than it used to .I am going to keep trying and wipe the floor with this thing!!!
Sherl, I was in the same boat. 40 yro, 205 lbs, and it was SLOW going. Once I added IF to the mix, 30 lbs gone in 4 months. Hang in there. I’m sure you’ll find the right combo that works for you.
What does IF stand for? Sorry if this is a silly question–I’m new to this! Thanks!
Intermittent Fasting (right?)
Kesha, fortunately there are good archives on this site… you can check by category or see all the posts in any give month. Good luck.
Thank you so much, guys!
Sherill, I know how you feel. I am 50 right now and started to eat low-carb at 46. My weight then was 198 lb. I am 5’6″. It it 163 lb now. May be it is difficult to believe for you now, but I think that slow speed of a weight loss is the blessing. My midsection doesn’t look like a deflated balloon, neck is tight and firm. Some people who lost too much too fast are having terrible bodies, especially ladies in boobs department.
During those 4 years I experienced even 2 years long plateau. Who cares?! Low-carb is the perfect diet for premenopausal time – will take care of awful moods, hot flashes, problem with energy, possible weight gain. You just have am extra reason to stick with the diet. Don’t be depressed. Besides IF (http://gettingstronger.org/2010/11/learning-to-fast/),try to be in ketosis most days of the week.
Love the stories. I have signed up for the free e book twice and haven’t gotten the confirmation link. Can you help? I checked my junk file.
I feel like the docs are getting a bit better, at least mine. Last suggesting I was given by my doc is too eat fat from healthy sources fish, avocado, nuts. Go heavy on veg. Stay away from sugar and anything processed. She still wants me to eat some whole grain, but I thought the message was much better.
Now if only she’d clue in that saturated and animal fats are healthy too.
Hey Alison, congratulations!
Those hormonal imbalances are a silent, unrecognized evil IMO, and so easy to put right when you know how. I know that feeling of never knowing how you will feel every morning and how it controls your life. Don’t you just feel like you have the key to the secret of life?
I wish all the women I know who are so obviously suffering would change the way they eat.
Congratulations again, my friend. I’m sure you feel like you have a whole new life to look forward to!
Wow! Inspiring story! Good for you to go out and find a solution even when the doctors are telling you otherwise! I’ve also had problems with my health for a long time. With the primal lifestyle I too may have finally stumbled on to a real solution!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Awesome story!! I so love the no migraines! I’m not brave enough to leave my house without migraine meds yet. I hope I can be as awesome as you!
I have it too
It’s inspiring to read! Hope for the same success…
That is so inspirational. I am still working through my health issues, but to hear such a radical transformation is very inspiring. Like you, I can’t imagine going back to my previous eating style. Congrats on getting the hair back. I have had some hair loss (I am female too) from low iron and thyroid issues, and I feel with you for the stigma you get from it. I can’t say that mine has improved much yet, but I am only 5 months in, so I’ll just give it some more time.
Such an inspiring story <3
This story made me cry. How inspirational!! And Mark, you should know how much good you are doing for the world with your website and blog and spreading the “Primal Word”
Almost all of these stories make me cry.
Great Job indeed! Live Free!!!
Awesome! The 2 best things that happened to me when I went primal was my skin cleared up and I stopped getting migraines. Hormone imbalances suck!
Agreed. I happy to say that that can happen to the guys with migraines too. I used to have them every few months, way more in the summer, and they were completely debilitating to the point where I would self medicate heavily (alcohol, ibuprofen) and then hide in the darkest place I could find with a pillow over my head. I never tried to get treatment for it and that’s probably good because I haven’t had a single one since I went primal (one year in two weeks). I’ve also seen my asthma disappear (bye bye advair) and my allergies dull to almost nothing. I never thought that would ever happen… I thought the extra weight might go (it has, back to my weight when I was 20) but I figured I was stuck with migraines, back pain, allergies to everything and asthma forever. Nope!
Easily one of the best success stories I’ve read in a long time.
Glad you found us.
Congratulations!!!
Excellent story.
I’ve cured the bipolar disorder through finding Primal.
I exclude dairy now and dropped alcohol too a little while back; the final keys. It’s given me the head space to review the rest of my life and I’m now working with Taoism, Buddhist psychology and yoga (in their original non-deity forms)to undo all the ‘mad’ years!
When you understand how the body actually works it all makes perfect sense.
This is such a fantastic resource here at MDA – thank you to everyone who makes it possible; let’s keep those ripples spreading.
Just increasing animal fat and coconut oil intake and cutting way back on carbs, especially grains, has helped me manage my depression a lot better. I am not all the way there yet, and part of the problem is I think I need to eat more than I’m currently eating. But I am totally night and day versus what I used to be. This works even better than antidepressants, at least for me.
I am moved to TEARS. Thank you for sharing and YEAY on new-found LIVING!
I’m glad I was able inspire you to share that magnificent and terrible story! PCOS is so miserable and embarrassing. I went all the way through two college degrees with it – didn’t have the time to learn about what was wrong with me till after college either. The world which had been a big huge struggle is just fun and entertaining, and it’s all because of Primal eating and living. I’m so happy for you and for all the girls who have and will conquer this!
Hey Peggy,
I would love to know what books you would reconmend for someone suffering from PCOS. Primal living has been a tremendous help yet I know there is more I should, can and will do to get it under control.
Alison,
Great story. Our stories almost mirror one another to a T. I am also PCOS and like you I went bald. Not exactly the easiest thing to explain to others about why you are bald and female. I’m slowly growing my hair back after losing a great deal of it 10 years ago. I’m definitely extremely proud of you and hopefully within a years time, I’ll have my own success story!
Good story.
This: “There are no more limits. I am Primal. I am free.”
would make a great t-shirt!
Totally a great tagline!
Agreed. I would definitely buy it.
Grok getting misty-eyed. Must be raining in cave.
Congrats on healing yourself, Alison!
Wonderful! This is so inspiring!!
Awesome inspirational story! Thank you so much for sharing. I’m new to the primal lifestyle (3 weeks!) so it’s great to hear about your attainment of this kind of success and good health. Cheers!
Why no photos?
A great story.
I was wondering, if anyone else has noticed that his hair came back? I have been getting a bald spot (at the back top of the head) the last 10 years and have the feeling the hair is thickening again, but wonder whether I am fooling myself. I am only primal since 7 month. It is encouraging to hear that new hair growth is at least possible for women.
Amazing story Allison and I too think it is “raining in my cave” Being blessed with a very loving and deep friendship with both Mark and Carrie I experience such a deep level of joy reading these stories. Thanks for sharing!!!
Posted on It has always been my ibeelf that good writing like this takes research and talent. It’s very apparent you have done your homework. Great job!
The reason women with PCOS are going bald is because the high testosterone levels that cause male pattern baldness are part of the hormonal imbalance. Other effects are male pattern hair growth- facial hair in particular – male pattern fat distribution more abdominal, less hips and thighs. As the hormones get properly reregulated in women recovering from PCOS, they get back their normal female characteristics and the male pattern diminishes.
Perhaps in men, the return to a normal hormonal balance might include proper amounts of the “female” hormones in relation to testosterone, that encourage more and thicker hair growth.