Why I'm Going the Natural Route

As some of you may know, I've been dealing with some hormone and women's health issues, and while I'm not going to dive into detail, I will share that I plan to get some tests done starting next week so I know exactly what I'm dealing with! The biggest way these issues are manifesting at this time is with hormonal, cystic acne. I know there are so much worse issues to deal with, but it's not been easy to suddenly have the worst skin of your life as you approach your late twenties! Despite eating the cleanest I've ever eaten, working out regularly, and taking good care of my skin [always!], my skin is clamoring to tell me that something is wrong. 

I've been reading the book Womancode by Alisa Vitti, and let me just tell you that it's completely changing the way I think about my health as a female! She not only educates you about how your endocrine system and hormones work (what most doctors don't have time to do), but she also gives you tools to heal them naturally. It's been incredibly eye-opening so far! If you've ever encountered a female issue of any type (hormones, fertility, thyroid, etc.) then I can't recommend this book enough! I've told so many people about it already.

Anyways, I'm making a lot of changes in my life right now (diet, skincare, home products, stress relief and more) and I will document many of those topics as I get a handle on everything and start to see positive changes. But to kick things off, I thought I would share why I'm going the natural route as much as possible... 

I want a real fix, not a quick fix.

I'm not going to lie, it's REALLY tempting to go on medication to relieve my acne. So so tempting. However, I know that wouldn't actually be fixing what's going on inside. If I'm having multiple symptoms of hormone imbalance now (even while on the pill), I know that those issues could affect my fertility down the road. We do not want to try for a baby yet, however, I would rather get everything in order now rather than waiting a few years when we're ready to start a family.

So, I'm choosing to go the natural route so that I have real healing, not the further masking of symptoms. I'm confident that I can get my body back on track through nutrition and other lifestyle changes, and though they'll take longer than a medication, I will have the peace and empowerment that I've healed my body naturally and for the long term.

I've been learning about the endocrine system and hormones.

And knowledge is power! I love learning how the body works. The more I learn, the more I want to learn. It's been fascinating to see how many things are linked to hormones! They really do power the body in many, many ways. I've learned that the vast majority of endocrine and hormonal issues can be healed and/or alleviated through your diet. There's definitely sacrifice, but I feel that my health is invaluable! 

Now that I'm learning all of the natural ways to get your body realigned, I can't not try them and dive right in. Every chemical we put on our skin or in our home is an "endocrine disrupter." Meaning a lot of the skincare I've been putting on my face since age 13 to treat my acne is actually being absorbed into my body and further disrupting my hormones. Crazy, right? So, it's time to do something different!

Notes: I am not a medical professional and it's critical to do your own research! Also, I fully respect modern medicine and 100% believe in it's power and overall awesomeness. I also respect you if you've chosen to go a different route with your hormonal care or skin issues! However, I grew up in a family where nutrition and naturopath/functional medicine were often our first route in prevention and care. Now as I've really grown into myself as an adult this has become important to me too.      

romper (still available here & here)  |  necklaces here & here  |  similar bag  |  similar sandals

I appreciate you reading this post and coming on this journey with me! I'm excited for my wellness journey and to document what I learn right here on this blog! Fashion is still so important to me and I love it so much, but I want to look and feel my best when I'm sharing it with you. You guys have also asked for more wellness content (which has become a huge passion of mine), so I promise it's coming!

If I can recommend anything at this point, it's to buy yourself a copy of Womancode! xx