When My Period Disappeared: My PCOS Diagnosis and Health Journey

Women’s health can be complicated. Nuanced. Personal. And, at times, deeply confusing.

For a long time, I believed that if you were doing “everything right” — moving your body, eating well, managing stress — your health would simply fall into place. But the reality is more layered than that, especially when it comes to hormones, fertility, and conditions like PCOS.

Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This blog marks the beginning of a year-long series where I’ll be sharing what I’m learning, what I’m trying, and how I’m navigating this diagnosis in real time.

Before we go any further, an important note: I am not a medical professional. Nothing in this series is medical advice. I’m simply sharing my personal experience and the resources that are helping me ask better questions and advocate for my own health. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to you.

My Experience With My Cycle (Before PCOS Was on My Radar)

When I first got my period in middle school, it felt fairly typical. My cycle was regular. Sometimes heavy, yes — but never unpredictable. I never skipped periods, and there were no obvious red flags.

I was always athletic. I ran cross country throughout high school, trained year-round, and stayed active well into adulthood. Despite the volume of exercise, I never lost my period — something that’s often discussed among endurance athletes.

At the end of high school, I went on birth control and stayed on it for about eight years. Eventually, I made the decision to come off because I wanted to understand what my body’s “natural” cycle looked like without hormonal intervention.

Movement has always been part of my life. I love running, strength training, and challenging myself physically. In the summer of 2025, I completed my first ultra marathon — an experience that reinforced how capable and resilient my body can be.

At the time, nothing about my menstrual health felt alarming.

When Things Changed — And How I Got Diagnosed

In December of 2024, my period stopped being regular. By July of 2025, I had completely lost my period.

There were a few subtle signs that, in hindsight, may have been clues:

• Mild hairiness

• Changes in my cycle that didn’t align with my past patterns

When I went through lab testing, all of my results came back normal. Hormones? Normal. Bloodwork? Normal.

It wasn’t until a vaginal ultrasound that cysts were discovered on both ovaries — the final piece that led to a PCOS diagnosis.

This part of the journey was emotionally confusing. On paper, everything looked fine. Yet something clearly wasn’t working the way it once had.

What’s Next: How I’m Approaching This Series

This blog series isn’t about quick fixes or “PCOS hacks.” It’s about learning, experimenting thoughtfully, and staying curious about what supports my body.

Here’s what I’ll be sharing throughout the year:

Nutrition Experiments

• Mediterranean-inspired meals

• A focus on healthy fats

• Intentionally increasing caloric intake

• Exploring anti-inflammatory approaches

What I’m Listening To & Learning From

• Podcasts focused on women’s health, hormones, and fertility

• Books that dive deeper into metabolic health and hormonal balance

Resources & Inspiration

• Creators I follow for PCOS education

• Influencers I turn to for recipe inspiration

• Voices that emphasize sustainability, not restriction

Each week of 2026, I’ll publish one post — sometimes reflective, sometimes practical, sometimes simply sharing what worked (or didn’t) that week.

Why I’m Sharing This Publicly

If you’re reading this because you’ve lost your period, received a PCOS diagnosis, or feel disconnected from your body — you’re not alone.

My hope is that this series makes women feel less isolated, more informed, and more empowered to have conversations with their healthcare providers.

This is not a guidebook. It’s a lived experience, unfolding one week at a time.

If you’re in a similar season, I’m glad you’re here.

Next up: what PCOS actually is — and what I wish I had understood sooner.