Manjistha’s Case Study: Managing PCOS, Hypothyroidism, and Weight Gain Through a Holistic Nutrition Approach by Deepika Chalasani, Best Nutritionist in Hyderabad, India

CASE STUDY & SUCCESS STORIES

Name: Manjistha 

Age: 31 years 

Location: Boston, USA

Case Study: Manjistha, a 31-year-old software engineer, presented with persistent issues of weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, and chronic fatigue. She had been clinically diagnosed with PCOS and hypothyroidism and was on a daily medication of Levothyroxine 25 mcg and prenatal supplements. Despite medical management, she continued to experience irregular ovulation, bloating, low energy, and challenges in weight reduction. Her laboratory investigations revealed hormonal imbalance with elevated LH and low progesterone levels, consistent with PCOS, while thyroid values showed TSH within range (2.32 µIU/mL) under medication. Her glucose, lipid, liver, and renal markers were stable, indicating that her primary concern was hormonal dysregulation and metabolic sluggishness.

Her professional routine was predominantly sedentary. Extended working hours, prolonged screen time, skipped breakfasts, and frequent consumption of restaurant foods such as pizza, fried rice, and sabzi-roti combinations had led to disrupted metabolism and poor dietary rhythm. Her irregular eating pattern and stress-driven snacking habits contributed to further hormonal imbalance. Her key health goals were to achieve sustainable weight loss, restore menstrual regularity and ovulation, and follow a structured and easy-to-implement meal plan that complemented her demanding work life.

Approach by the best online nutritionist and dietician in Hyderabad, Telangana, India - Deepika Chalasani

Manjistha’s plan required a comprehensive and therapeutic nutrition approach that could address both her hormonal and metabolic challenges simultaneously. The goal was to restore insulin sensitivity, support thyroid and ovarian function, and create a sustainable eating structure that provided nourishment, stability, and long-term balance.

Her day began with 1–2 glasses of warm water to aid hydration, improve digestion, and gently activate metabolism. For individuals with hypothyroidism and PCOS, this simple ritual also supports liver detoxification and better absorption of thyroid medication.

Breakfast was designed to stabilize blood sugar and provide high-quality protein, fiber, and antioxidants to reduce inflammation. It included 100 g of low-sugar fruit such as papaya, pineapple, berries, or guava, combined with 5 soaked almonds and 1 Brazil nut for selenium and healthy fats. Alongside this, she had a protein shake made with Orgain or Ultra Meal (50 g powder in 230–250 ml water). This combination helped maintain energy levels, improve focus, and reduce cravings — essential for hormonal stability. On certain days, a mid-morning option such as buttermilk, yerba mate tea, or black coffee with a small portion of hung curd was added.

Lunch followed a balanced plate structure that promoted satiety, digestive ease, and consistent energy. Her meal typically included 200 g of sautéed or steamed vegetables cooked in 5 ml ghee, 150 g of cooked brown rice or quinoa, and a lean protein source such as 1 whole egg with 2 egg whites or 50 g paneer. She also included 100 g of hung curd or Greek yogurt to support gut microbiome diversity and calcium absorption. This structure — half vegetables, controlled carbohydrate portions, and palm-sized protein — provided steady glucose control, reduced inflammation, and supported fat loss.

The evening snack was intentionally added to prevent long gaps and stabilize mood and energy. Options included 2 dates with 10 g of mixed seeds, 1 dry fruit laddoo, whole dal chaat with 70 g cooked dal and vegetables, or a tofu-vegetable sandwich made with 2 slices of sourdough bread, 80 g tofu, and 10 g cheese. Occasionally, 20 g makhana or healthy green crackers with tea or coffee were included. These snacks were rich in protein, minerals, and healthy fats, helping prevent overeating at night and improving insulin sensitivity.

Dinner was lighter and designed to aid digestion and promote better sleep quality. Meals alternated between 200 ml vegetable soup with 150 g salad, 80 g tofu, and 130 g quinoa; or 2 millet rotis with 100 g vegetable curry, 80 g tofu, and 150 g salad. A lighter option of soup with tofu or salad on certain days helped digestion and maintained calorie balance. Millets were included 2–3 times per week to improve fiber intake and support sustained energy release. Heavy cereals and late dinners were avoided to minimize night-time glucose fluctuations.

The daily nutrient structure averaged approximately 1360 kcal, providing 61 g protein, 163 g carbohydrates, and 49 g healthy fats — an ideal composition for gradual fat loss and metabolic reset.

This plan was more than a diet; it was a carefully structured therapeutic framework. Each meal was timed and composed to restore hormonal rhythm, improve nutrient absorption, and reduce systemic inflammation. The protein ensured neurotransmitter balance and supported thyroid function, fiber-rich vegetables enhanced gut health, probiotics improved digestion, and the early dinner strengthened the body’s natural circadian rhythm.

Result: Over the course of her program, Manjistha demonstrated steady and measurable progress. Her weight reduced from 185.6 lbs to 176.4 lbs, reflecting a healthy and sustainable fat loss of nearly 9 pounds. More importantly, her menstrual cycle became more regular, indicating improved ovulation and hormonal balance. She reported reduced bloating, improved digestion, and higher energy through the day. Sleep quality improved significantly, contributing to greater mental clarity and emotional stability during work hours.

Follow-up reports also reflected positive internal changes. Her TSH remained stable at 2.32 µIU/mL with improved thyroid responsiveness and symptom relief, showing that her metabolism had become more efficient. Progesterone levels, which were initially low at 0.37 ng/mL, began to improve, indicating early signs of ovulatory recovery. LH levels, which had been elevated, showed a downward trend, reflecting improved hormonal regulation associated with PCOS correction.

Inflammatory and metabolic markers such as hs-CRP remained below 1 ng/mL, confirming reduced systemic inflammation. Lipid and glucose parameters continued to remain within the optimal range, highlighting that her nutrition plan supported cardiovascular and metabolic health.

These outcomes reflected not just external changes but deep internal healing. Her thyroid and PCOS symptoms began to normalize as her body adapted to a consistent metabolic rhythm. Through mindful eating, proper meal timing, and nutrient-dense choices, she successfully transitioned from erratic habits to a stable, health-supportive lifestyle.

Deepika Chalasani is a Clinical Nutritionist, Mind and Body Transformation Coach, and co-founder of Fit4Life India, an integrated nutrition and wellness organization for Indians that provides complete solutions, addressing health and wellness challenges of individuals by working on their overall well-being. Deepika, the best nutritionist in Hyderabad for weight loss and online dietician, can be contacted via email at deepika.chalasani@gmail.com or Mobile at +91 9381525943

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