In the fall of my senior year of high school, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It felt like I had been handed a problem with no clear solution. This diagnosis left me both confused and relieved; I finally had an explanation of where my symptoms of irregular cycles and hormonal acne had erupted from. Unfortunately, the mental toll of insecurity and self-doubt put me in a cycle of overwhelm.

To manage my symptoms, I was prescribed spironolactone, a medication that targeted my hormonal acne and, if present, excess hair growth caused by PCOS. For a while, these pills settled my hormones, and I was a free bird scarfing down anything I laid my eyes on, but this medication became a dependency, and if I missed a few days of my scheduled two pills, my hormones would go back into a wacky state. I wanted to find a better, healthier way to go about this hormonal madness. 

I scoured the internet for answers on diets, sleeping habits, and just a simple explanation of how I could’ve developed this syndrome. I was always met with conflicting advice and quick fixes that were neither affordable nor sustainable. I kept thinking, Why is this so hard? What’s wrong with my body? Why me? This frustration planted the first seed for my table. 

Throughout my journey, I realized that food can be more than fuel, if chosen wisely, it could be medicine. With consistent research, I learned how nutrition impacts hormones that can help manage PCOS symptoms. The more I read, the more I fell in love with the food on my plate. I began experimenting with how altering my favorite foods and making small changes could impact the way I felt. (Turns out, cauliflower really can do everything: pizza crust, rice, salad, etc.)

I also discovered that taking pictures of my food and sending them to friends or posting them on my Instagram became routine. My camera roll is 90% food photos at this point, and many of those pictures will be brought to this platform. Sharing those pictures with friends gave me so much joy whether they loved it or hated it, I still loved talking about food, so I thought, why not bring it to a bigger audience? My love for food grew into a passion to explore how what we eat correlates to how our bodies function. 

PCOS is often undiagnosed and misunderstood. Through conversations with friends, volunteers, and leaders of community gardens in my neighborhood, I realized how many women feel unsupported in managing their symptoms. This platform will be my area to amplify voices and share resources to advocate for change. Most importantly, raising awareness of how it disproportionately impacts Black women. Due to systemic biases in healthcare and a lack of targeted research, Black women are underdiagnosed. With earlier intervention, prolonged suffering, and untreated symptoms can be reduced. 

HerBalancedTable reflects my vision of balancing hormones, maintaining a healthy relationship with food, and the other challenges PCOS brings to the table. I want this to feel like a welcoming table where everyone has a seat. A source of hope and empowerment for those who have struggled with PCOS, new or for years, this is a place for you. Welcome and pull up a chair, and let’s navigate this journey as a community! Check out areas like the PCOS Diaries or Support & Solutions to amplify your voice and find other ways to get involved. 

“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.” — François de la Rochefoucauld