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Hello Reader How are you? Reply to this email and let me know! And while you are at it, let me know what you would like to learn more about when it comes to hormonal health. So many women living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are undiagnosed and to be honest, I am not even sure if the name change (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome - PMOS) alone will officially change that statistic. Raising awareness and speaking openly about PCOS/PMOS is one way to create greater awareness. However, even then, when it comes to the management of PCOS/PMOS, the NHS does very little to support women. They are often diagnosed and sent on their way. Women often turn to the "private" route and one of the most effective ways to balance the metabolic-reproductive pathway is working with a nutritionist (like myself). A healthy and well-balanced diet along with addressing lifestyle through a holistic approach can do wonders for women focusing on insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. The pill is not a solution, which is what many women are initially offered when they present themselves with the symptoms of PCOS/PMOS including heavy or irregular periods. But really, what women need is a path that supports them to repair their metabolic health. The Problem with the Pill-First Model For decades, the standard clinical protocol for anyone presenting with irregular or heavy cycles, stubborn weight gain, or adult acne has been to prescribe the contraceptive pill to manage the symptoms. I remember as a teenager being offered the pill to manage my heavy and painful periods. I declined and then learned about Ayurveda. Applied that knowledge and my monthly cycle truly became normal. But as an evidence-based nutrition practitioner and researcher, I have to ask: What is the pill actually accomplishing? And does it really help women to feel empowered over their own wellbeing? The pill forces a monthly cycle or stops the bleeding altogether, which can give the illusion of a regulated cycle. However, it does absolutely nothing to address the underlying insulin resistance that is driving the condition in the first place. In fact, some research shows that certain hormonal contraceptives can actually exacerbate insulin resistance and put further strain on your metabolic health. Here are some realities of PCOS/PMOS that truly show that a paradigm shift in understanding is happening
In Ayurveda, we have always known that reproduction is a reflection of overall systemic balance, as reproductive is the 7th dhatu or tissue formed meaning all the previous layers must be healthy for true reproductive wellbeing. If your internal environment is filled with Ama (metabolic impurities) due to a sluggish metabolism, your deepest hormonal tissues cannot be properly nourished. How Do You Want to Move Forward? Because this shift moves us from a generic "one-size-fits-all" pill to a highly individualised metabolic strategy, your path forward should be just as unique as your body. Everyone is different, and I want to make sure you have the exact level of support you need to step into true self-management. Here are two ways we can work together to rebuild your metabolic health: Option 1: The Completely Personalised Plan (1:1 Nutrition Consultation) If you are tired of trying to piece together generic advice from the internet and you want a bespoke, deep-dive strategy tailored entirely based on your individual health goals, challenges, and needs, I invite you to work with me privately. In my 1:1 nutrition consultations, we completely bypass the "one-size-fits-all" model. We work together, look at your specific needs and combine advanced nutritional therapy with personalised Ayurvedic protocols. We do not micromanage numbers or count calories; we map out a practical, empowering lifestyle strategy to repair your metabolism from the cells up. If you are ready to stop guessing and start a true metabolic reset, let's connect:
Option 2: The Weekly Collective Learning (Varsha’s Health Journal) If you want to keep building your health perspective and learning the science behind your body week by week, join the members-only inner circle. This month, we are continuing our deep dive into Mitochondrial Health and Hormonal Vitality, breaking down the exact cellular mechanisms that support metabolic healing. For £13/month, you get my exclusive clinical notes, research insights, and actionable weekly steps delivered directly to your inbox every Monday morning.
Remember, true healing takes time and is not a quick fix. Small, meaningful acts of daily self-care are what take us ahead in life! Health and Happiness, Varsha P.S. Through nutrition consultations, I also offer private functional health testing. From food allergies and intolerances, to comprehensive stool tests and hormonal profiles. If you would like to learn more about what tests are available and how they can support your healing journey, reply to this email and let's have a chat. |
Hello! Thank you for stopping by. My name is Varsha and I am the founder of Illuminated Health. I am a qualified nutritionist and ayurveda consultant who specialises in women's health, type 2 diabetes and digestive wellbeing. I love what I do so much that I am currently a PhD researcher in Food Innovation and Sustainable Nutrition. In my newsletters, I like to keep it real and practical. I love to share my knowledge and experience with all things related to holistic health. You will also hear about my student journey and my family. I love hearing from my readers, so please do say hi once you have subscribed! Wishing you health and happiness, Varsha
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Hello Reader How are you? If you are here in the UK, I hope you are enjoying the heat! The Californian in me absolutely loves the sunshine, but even for me, there are times when it feels too hot to read or write. Today, I am writing to you from a lovely coffee shop on my local high street. It is nice and refreshing in here, and thankfully, the AC (or "air con" as the Brits call it!) isn't on full blast, which is just perfect. As I sit here with my laptop, I wanted to share an update about my...