My Story: From Struggling with PCOS to Helping Women Reclaim Their Health

Hello, I'm Silvanna—founder of Thrive Functional Nutrition, Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor (CFNC), and a woman who's walked the path I now help others navigate.

It Started with My Own Journey

When I was diagnosed with PCOS, I did everything my doctors told me to do. I followed their treatments, took the medications, and waited for things to improve. But nothing worked. Month after month, I felt dismissed, frustrated, and like my body was broken beyond repair—especially as my husband and I struggled to conceive.

Then I found Amy Medling of PCOS Diva, and everything changed.

Working with Amy personally, I learned how lifestyle interventions could support my body. I changed the way I ate, focused on nourishing myself differently, and three months later, I was pregnant.

That moment didn't just give me my child—it ignited a passion. I realized the incredible power of nutrition and lifestyle changes, and I became committed to learning more.

8+ Years in the PCOS Community

I spent over 8 years providing community support in Amy's closed Facebook group, answering questions and connecting with thousands of women navigating PCOS. With her encouragement, I pursued my Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition, deepening my knowledge in nutrition science.

When PCOS Diva was acquired in 2024, I knew it was time for my next chapter.

Finding My Calling in Functional Nutrition

I believe things happen for a reason, and I'm grateful for those 8 years of experience. When the acquisition happened, I took it as a sign—it was time to continue my training beyond my master's degree. Just as I had stumbled upon Amy Medling years before, I found Andrea Nakayama and enrolled in her CFNC post-graduate training program.

It was transformative in a way I hadn't expected. This wasn't just another course in anatomy and physiology—this training opened my eyes to an approach that resonated deeply with my soul. I was learning how to listen to all the clues: not just what shows up on bloodwork or in physical symptoms, but the story behind them. The significant life events, the patterns, the subtle shifts that conventional care overlooks.

This training was rooted in functional nutrition principles: that we are all bioindividual, that our histories matter, and that true wellness comes from digging deep to uncover root causes—not just managing symptoms. I learned to listen to each woman's unique story and create truly personalized approaches that support the entire body.

I knew I was being called to work with women in a deeper, more individualized way. Now, in my own practice, I'm witnessing firsthand the transformative power of this approach with my clients.

Why I Do This Work

I'm passionate about bridging the gap in healthcare where the human aspect of care is too often overlooked. Women are reduced to numbers on a lab report, told "all your labs are normal," despite feeling far from well.

This disconnect happens because conventional care focuses on diagnosing illness rather than investigating the subtle clues that point to root causes—the very clues that can change everything.

Through a functional nutrition lens, I work to uncover these clues. I dig deep into your life story, your significant life events, and the patterns your body is showing you. Because true, lasting wellness isn't about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions—it's about understanding your unique body, your history, and what will actually work for your life.

My Approach

I work with women navigating PCOS, autoimmune disorders, chronic health challenges, fertility journeys, and perimenopause/menopause. My approach is rooted in functional nutrition principles:

• We are all bioindividual—what works for someone else may not work for you

• True wellness comes from supporting your entire body, not just managing symptoms

• Sustainable change happens when we work with your body and your life, not against it

I believe in the body's remarkable ability to restore balance when given the right conditions and personalized care. My role is to listen to your unique story, understand your symptoms, and partner with you to address the underlying issues that have gone unresolved for far too long.

You deserve to feel heard. You deserve support that honors your whole story. And you deserve guidance that actually fits your body and your life.

Let's work together to rewrite your health story and pave the way to lasting wellness.

In wellness,
Silvanna, MS, CFNC