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Last year, I was diagnosed with PCOS. At first, I thought I was just going through a mid-20s puberty, but after endless doctor visits and second opinions, I was really suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
I thought I was just hit with a series of unfortunate events. I was gaining weight, experiencing acne like I did when I was younger, having irregular periods, and my hair was thinning. But, nope, not unlucky, it was PCOS.
PCOS is the imbalance in reproductive hormones. It can be caused by a slew of reasons, such as insulin resistance in the body or chronic inflammation. I suffer from the latter, which is directly related to poor diet choices and poor gut health. When this started to impact my mental well-being, I knew I had to take control.
I’m a natural skeptic, especially when it comes to health advice. The health culture on the internet preaches healthy diets and foods without ever experiencing the painful and draining symptoms of PCOS. And more often than not, the influencers curating these quote-on-quote beneficial health plans don’t deal with weight gain. So, when a friend of mine who also suffers from PCOS recommended Fay, a Registered Dietitian service that can specialize in PCOS, I first responded with hesitation.
In true skeptic nature, I did from sleuthing. Of those who have used Fay, 85% reached or maintained their target weight and 93% improved their relationship with food. These numbers seemed too good to be true. So, I figured I had to find out for myself — and I’m so glad I did.
Accessibility first and foremost
When I first got diagnosed with PCOS, my immediate concern was how this would affect my routine. I have a 9-to-5. I don’t have time to schedule an appointment with a dietitian during the week, so really only my nights and weekends are open.
Fay immediately overturned all my worries. Fay is completely accommodating to my busy schedule. They have a surplus of dietitians who can meet on nights and weekends. I’m able to text with my dietitian, which I use all the time.
Going to doctors’ offices is a drag, but luckily, the vast majority of Fay’s professionals offer virtual visits. I’m a homebody if you couldn’t tell.
Fay is hassle-free, easy access to care, which is a lifesaver when you have a condition that sometimes can’t wait for the next available appointment.
Covered by insurance (and affordable)
PCOS is not a cheap condition. From stocking up on menstrual products for my long periods to the endless healthcare, I didn’t want to add on another expense with Fay. Typically, seeing a nutritionist can rack up to $150 per session. It was a breath of fresh air when I saw Fay not only takes insurance, but can be totally free depending on your coverage.
For nutrition services to be covered by insurance, the professionals have to be a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), which all of Fay’s are. I didn’t want to dive in head first without knowing how much I would be spending, so I filled out the “Get your estimated price” form on their website. They had a quick response time letting me know that I would only spend $5 per session since my insurance is accepted (*Exhale*). I never thought I would find accessible care for my well-being, let alone affordable care.
Fay understands the scope of PCOS
The biggest thing I struggled with is how much PCOS has changed my life. I suffer from long, irregular periods, weight gain, and hormonal acne. A caveat of PCOS is the fact it looks different for everyone. So, I felt like my symptoms weren’t valid when I heard others diagnosed with PCOS have worse symptoms or symptoms different from me. I wasn’t confident Fay was understanding of all the varying needs of someone who deals with PCOS.
My weight gain left me with no choice, but to find a professional who could help me find a well-balanced diet while also providing me with preventative care for the complications that might arise from the inflammation that comes with PCOS. Fay understood this.
Fay has dieticians who specifically specialize in PCOS. I was directed to a professional who could help me with both the physical effects of the weight gain, as well as the mental. They graced me with a completely personalized nutrition plan that included exactly what I should be buying from the grocery store, what foods to avoid, and the portions I should be eating.
The diet was not merely to lose weight. It was a sustainable diet with beneficial foods, such as fiber-rich whole grains and non-starchy vegetables, that are helpful in keeping my blood sugar stable and maintaining balanced eating habits. Fay is completely personalized, making every symptom feel heard and valid.
1-on-1 care
For me, sometimes the relationship between a medical professional and a patient can be, for lack of a better word, robotic. It seems as if the doctor is just trying to get their work done and I’m just trying to get help — there is nothing personable about it. But, Fay completely changed this for me.
Upon my first virtual session with my dietician, I was met with a welcoming attitude and a comfortable environment. It was 1-on-1 care that felt like they truly cared about my condition. During my second visit, they brought up the little things I mentioned last time. I didn’t feel like just another number or patient. I wasn’t ashamed of my PCOS anymore and I felt like with my dietician’s personalized care, I finally had control over it.
Lifestyle changes for the better
I’ve been suffering from PCOS for a while. The mental aspect has really taken a toll on me. I’ve struggled with maintaining a healthy relationship with food due to my weight gain, I suffer from low self-esteem, and overall, I’m just exhausted. I thought making lifestyle changes to combat this would be a feat, but honestly, Fay made it easy.
After three sessions with my nutritionist, I lost 15 pounds. She helped me build a better relationship with food. I’ve developed a newfound confidence within myself, but also in the kitchen and ordering out. The foods on my plan lowered inflammation levels, so PCOS symptoms, such as acne, fatigue, and poor gut health were taken care of. My lifestyle has completely changed for the better with Fay.
Bottom line
PCOS is completely personal — it looks different for everyone. I was skeptical that I could find a dietician who could not only provide me with healthy eating habits but also understand the emotional toll PCOS can have on someone. Fay has completely redirected my beliefs.
Fay has granted me an uplifting, accommodating healthcare community that can provide me with diet plans that mitigate my symptoms. It’s easy, affordable, and personalized. There’s nothing more I could ask for.
