Day 8: Beyond the Scale – It’s About Hormone Balance

In the past, any “diet” I did was all about the scale. I’d obsess over losing X pounds and feel like a failure if I didn’t see quick results. But now, I’m learning that health is about so much more than weight. It’s really about hormone balance. So today, I’m reminding myself (and you, if you need to hear it) that this journey is not just a weight-loss sprint – it’s about healing my metabolism and hormones.

PCOS is, at its core, a hormonal disorder. Sure, many of us gain weight with PCOS, but the weight is a symptom of underlying imbalances (like insulin resistance, high androgens, low progesterone, etc.). If I only fixate on the number on the scale, I might miss the bigger picture of what’s improving. For example, in the last week my energy is more stable – that tells me my blood sugar (and thus insulin) is likely balancing out. My moods have been better, which could mean less hormonal swings. These are huge wins, even if the scale hasn’t budged much yet.

I know that as my insulin levels improve and I nourish my body, my hormones will gradually find a healthier equilibrium. That might show up as more regular periods, clearer skin, or better sleep. Those are the victories I’m really chasing, because they mean my body is getting healthier. Weight loss is just a nice side effect of treating the root causes.

This mindset shift is freeing. Instead of feeling deflated by a small weight drop, I’m celebrating the fact that I have more energy and fewer cravings. I’m learning to read my body’s “hormone signals” as much as I read the scale. Ultimately, a balanced, happy hormone system will lead to a happier me (and yes, a healthier weight in time). Keeping that in mind helps me stay patient and motivated – I’m in this for overall wellness, not a crash diet.