There is not much known about the relationship between polycystic ovarian syndrome and breastfeeding, despite the role the condition can play in fertility struggles. In today’s episode, Dr. Minni sheds light on her hypothesis about the link between breastfeeding and PCOS based on PubMed study findings. We also hear about why breastfeeding is important for both the baby and the mother, and how women who have fallen pregnant can ensure their hormones stay balanced. Finally, Dr. Minni offers some advice for working mothers who want to maintain a breastfeeding schedule. To hear this and more, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The growing body of evidence that shows the link between PCOS and pregnancy complications.
• Findings on the PubMed database about pre-eclamptic women who breastfed.
• The hypothesis that elevated DHEAS levels interferes with lactation.
• The importance of establishing breastfeeding early on to ensure it occurs long-term.
• A problem with current breastfeeding studies — They are epidemiologic, not interventional.
• After pregnancy, continue to monitor your insulin and DHEAS levels.
• Some of the benefits of breastfeeding.
• For working mothers, it can be hard to maintain a breastfeeding schedule, but it is possible.

Tweetables:

“Little is known about the polycystic ovarian syndrome and breastfeeding and in spite of the reduced fertility in this condition, most women become pregnant and give birth. It’s not recognized as a factor that would potentially influence breastfeeding ability.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:00:59]

“The ability to breastfeed depends on the endocrine stimulation, hormonal stimulation of the mammary glands preparing it for milk production and through a signal to initiate milk secretion after birth or in the post-partum period.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:02:20]

“So, the main thing is actually once you get pregnant, you have to realize that you have normalized or you have at least optimized some of your hormones that made it possible for you to get pregnant. So, after pregnancy, if you reap the positive attitude and you continue the attempt to keep on breastfeeding, that is more important.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:06:26]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Anchor Wellness Center

Dr. Minni Malhotra Email

PubMed

In today’s show, Dr. Minni addresses a listener who has recently experienced bloating by exploring a study on intestinal microbiota as well as diving into the five Rs of functional medicine. As Dr. Minni explains, the findings of the study show connections between gut health, insulin resistance, and PCOS, while also exploring the effects of natural foods for maintaining the right intestinal microbiota. This all fits into functional medicine’s approach to treatment, an approach used by Dr. Minni herself, and our host proceeds to expand what each of the five R's stand for and how they can play a role in restoring gut health.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The aim of today’s show: To answer a question about why a listener feels bloated.
• A study investigating the effects of natural products on insulin resistance and what this means for PCOS.
• The need for more clinical trials investigating how natural products can affect gut bacteria.
• What current studies focus on and how future ones could be more focused on metabolites.
• That metabolite could play a role in the prevention and management of insulin resistance.
• The role GI tract problems can play in many conditions that seem unrelated to gut health.
• The five Rs of functional medicine: Remove, replace, re-inoculate, repair, and rebalance.
• How the five Rs of functional medicine can dramatically improve symptoms of many conditions.
• ‘Removing’ things that negatively affect the environment of your gut health.
• ‘Replacing’ digestive secretions that are required for proper digestion.
• ‘Re-inoculate’ by helping the beneficial bacteria to flourish by ingesting probiotic foods.
• How probiotics and prebiotics work and where to find good sources for both.
• Helping the lining of your gastrointestinal tract ‘repair’ by itself by supplying key nutrients.
• ‘Rebalancing’ by paying attention to lifestyle choices like sleep, exercise, and stress.
• The need to see a doctor who will investigate the root of bloating, not just treat symptoms.
• Many different causes for bloating which would all require different treatment approaches.

Tweetables:

“Several natural products possess prebiotic effects, like fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, and have been shown to ameliorate PCOS by modulating the gut bacteria composition and abundance.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:02:34]

“The metabolism of natural products and the bioactive components by gut bacteria should be widely studied in future for prevention and management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:04:10]

“Fermented foods like yogurt, miso, and tempeh are good sources of probiotics.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:06:30]

“See a functional medicine specialist who can help you, can guide you, and use the 5R program.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:08:34]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Anchor Wellness Center

Dr. Minni Malhotra Email

'Exploration of the Relationship Between Gut Microbiota and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): a Review'

For many women who suffer from PCOS, bloating is a concern, and in today’s episode, Dr. Minni discusses this possible link. She unpacks some of the results from a study that looked at gut bacteria and polycystic ovarian syndrome. We learn that while PCOS may affect the digestive system, there are several other potential contributing factors like diet, stress, or an underlying illness. Dr. Minni walks us through functional medicine’s 5Rs: remove, replace, re-inoculate, repair, and rebalance, and how each of these steps can be used to treat digestive health problems. Remember, to manage any health issue, you have to treat the problem and not the symptoms, so find a health practitioner who understands this. Be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Key findings of a study on the relationship between gut bacteria, insulin resistance, and PCOS.
• How natural products with prebiotic effects ameliorate PCOS.
• Why the metabolism of natural products and the effects on gut bacteria should be more widely studied.
• Some underlying conditions a poorly functioning digestive system could be a symptom of.
• An overview of functional medicine’s 5R approach to chronic disease.
• The role of prebiotics and probiotics in a healthy digestive system.
• Find a functional medicine practitioner who will unearth the root of your bloating.

Tweetables:

“Clinical trials have further confirmed that several natural products are effective in preventing and treating polycystic ovarian syndrome with the regulation of gut bacteria as one of the main potential mechanisms.” — Dr. Malhotra [0:03:00]

“The metabolism of natural products and their bioactive components by gut bacteria should be widely studied in future for prevention and management of polycystic ovarian syndrome.” — Dr. Malhotra [0:09:19]

“I usually treat the gut first before I do anything else.” — Dr. Malhotra [0:08:41]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Minni Malhotra on LinkedIn

Dr. Minni Malhotra Email

Anchor Wellness Center

PubMed

For many women who suffer from PCOS, getting pregnant is a concern, but what happens to your PCOS after pregnancy? In today’s episode, Dr. Minni Malhotra discusses the link between pregnancy and PCOS and what could happen after birth. She sheds light on a LIPCOS study that sought to uncover the influence pregnancy has on PCOS. While the sample size was small, it highlighted the fact that women who had been pregnant had better hormonal balances after birth than those who had not had children. This is a positive sign, and women with PCOS who fall pregnant must be strategic about how they manage the condition post-birth. Dr. Minni shares some vital lifestyle changes necessary to keep PCOS in check, including diet alterations, stress management techniques, and detoxifying practices. Don’t miss out!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A look at the LIPCOS study investigating the link between PCOS and pregnancy and the key findings from it.
• Hear why PCOS will never go away completely after pregnancy.
• It all starts with lowering our insulin resistance if we want to get our PCOS under control.
• Why many women who suffer from PCOS have difficulty getting pregnant. 
• Some important lifestyle changes to make to manage your PCOS.

Tweetables:

“The impact of pregnancy and parenthood on the long-term cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome is still not known.” — Dr. Malhotra [0:00:59]

“Immediately after your pregnancy, if you start addressing all of these things in a systematic manner, you will have more success in keeping your PCOS under control.” — Dr. Malhotra [0:07:41]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Minni Malhotra on LinkedIn

Dr. Minni Malhotra Email

Anchor Wellness Center

PubMed

Do Pregnancy and Parenthood Affect the Course of PCO Syndrome? Initial Results from the LIPCOS Study

Today Dr. Minni Malhotra answers a question from Sue about why she is breaking out, starting with an explanation of the root cause of the problem. Due to the complications of elevated hormone levels, the sweat glands of women with PCOS can more easily become blocked, which causes acne and breakouts. That is why dermatological issues such as acne, in addition to hair loss and unwanted hair growth, are some of the most common side-effects of PCOS. But once insulin, cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels are adequately regulated, these symptoms should begin to improve, and the most holistic way of achieving this is by a healthy lifestyle and following an insulin-lowering meal plan. If you want to learn more about PCOS and breakouts, be sure to tune in! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• PCOS is typically characterized by elevated levels of androgen and insulin. 
• What PCOS patients can expect in terms of the side-effects of elevated hormone levels. 
• How the clinical definition of PCOS has changed over the years.
• Dermatological features such as hair loss and acne can be early indicators of PCOS.
• Learn how sweat glands can have a different impact on different parts of the body.  
• Keeping in mind that PCOS-related acne is different from acne vulgaris associated with adolescence. 
• Why blockage often occurs in the sweat glands of women with PCOS.    
• The hormones that need to be correctly balanced to adequately address the problem of endocrine imbalance. 
• The role of a healthy lifestyle and insulin-lowering food plan in managing the symptoms of PCOS. 
• Breakouts and acne can also be caused by food sensitivities and other problems in your gut.  

Tweetables:

“These dermatological features provide early clinical clues. So, when you are younger, these are the clues that can provide recognition to PCOS and treatment of this cutaneous condition and may improve your quality of life.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:02:32]

“Acne is one of the cutaneous or the skin conditions of PCOS but it is important to differentiate from acne vulgaris, which affects almost 80% of adolescents.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:03:27]

“Another key to this is gut health. Gut health is really important, so when you are breaking out, it could also be due to certain food sensitivities.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:09:02]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Anchor Wellness Center

Dr. Minni Malhotra Email

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormone disorder that can cause a range of symptoms, including hirsutism, which is excess facial and body hair, but it can also result in hair loss in some cases. Today, Dr. Minni Malhotra is answering this question from Katie: Why does polycystic ovarian syndrome cause hair loss? Dr. Malhotra goes through some of the causes of PCOS, recognized as the most common endocrine disorder in women of a reproductive age around the world, and addresses female pattern hair loss versus hair loss due to hyperandrogenism, which is the case for those with PCOS. She talks about symptoms, treatments, and coping mechanisms, and offers a range of things that you can do to lower androgens, decrease testosterone levels, and reduce insulin resistance, using the seven pillar approach. Tune in to find out more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Female pattern hair loss versus androgenetic alopecia – find out what type of hair loss it is.
• Some of the treatments for hair loss due to hyperandrogenism.
• Hair loss can cause psychological distress in women, because it is essential to socially accepted ides of femininity, beauty, and sexuality.
• Coping mechanisms that women adopt – compensation, concealment, and reassurance.
• Solutions to lower androgens, and reduce testosterone and insulin resistance are important.
• Diet helps manage high insulin levels – add foods rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants.
• The seven pillar approach: nutrition, fitness, stress management, detoxification, hormone optimization, immune health and gut health
• Managing stress is key, and introducing meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga can help.
• Having PCOS makes you more prone to developing diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Increased fiber in your diet will bind to testosterone and remove it from your system.
• Taking multivitamins, probiotics, vitamin D, chromium, and magnesium will help to improve insulin resistance.

Tweetables:

“Women’s hair is essential to femininity, beauty, and sexuality. Hair loss can be distressing for males, but it’s a social acceptance and understanding this phenomenon actually allows normal psychological function but, in contrast, female pattern hair loss is not expected and less understood by society, generating feelings of confusion, distress for women.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:03:03]

“If you are looking for a quick fix, then yes, sometimes prescriptions can give you a quick fix but, unless you correct your underlying hormonal imbalance, you’re not going to get the results that you desire.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:07:14]

“Yes, you could have a genetic predisposition to get polycystic ovarian syndrome, but you still have the ability to actually change your health, using the functional medicine approach.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:08:29]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

Androgen Excess and PCOS Society

Anchor Wellness Center

Dr. Minni Malhotra Email

In this episode, Dr. Malhotra explains why PCOS causes hair loss, giving listeners an explanation of how an excess of androgen—a male hormone—can result in this problem. While there may be other causes of hair loss, androgenic alopecia might present differently on the scalp with the hairline remaining intact. Dr. Malhotra advises on what normal hair loss looks like and provides haircare tips, from shampooing and drying to using accessories in a way that does not damage the hair. She also offers suggestions for conventional medical treatments while advocating for a functional medicine approach that deals with PCOS and its symptoms holistically. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Androgen excess is one of the leading causes of hair loss in women with PCOS. 
• The hormone changes caused by menopause and thyroid disease can also lead to hair loss.
• What androgenic hair loss typically looks like on the scalp. 
• The prevalence of androgenic alopecia in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. 
• Genetics factors and other disorders that could be the cause. 
• The normal range of daily hair loss and when a woman might start to notice it. 
• Haircare guidelines from Philip Kingsley’s Hair: An Owner’s Handbook. 
• Insights into the use and limitations of medical treatments for androgen and genetic alopecia. 
• The role that nutrition and lifestyle play in managing PCOS and the symptom of hair loss. 
• Suggestions for the kind of exercises that will help to reduce insulin resistance. 

Tweetables:

“The incidence of androgenic alopecia and polycystic ovarian syndrome is not clearly defined but several reports have shown a prevalence of about 40 to 70%.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:02:30]

“Medical management of hair loss is much more difficult because the drugs and the options are most successful in slowing the progression of androgenic alopecia but doesn’t actually reverse it.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:07:02]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Philip Kingsley 

Hair: An Owner’s Handbook

Anchor Wellness

Dr. Minni Malhotra Email  

Today Dr. Malhotra responds to a listener’s question about whether polycystic ovarian syndrome can cause cancer. Theoretically speaking, there might be a link between PCOS and certain types of cancer such as breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer, but much more research is needed to establish a conclusive relationship. The causes and side-effects of PCOS are diverse and complex, and it is not yet clear which factors can be linked to an increased risk for cancer. From a functional medicine perspective, however, there is a great deal that can be done to not only mitigate the symptoms of PCOS but also reduce the impact of long-term side effects and the risk of developing cancer. Tune in to learn more from Dr. Minni Malhotra! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• A list of the most common known long-term effects of PCOS. 
• The link between PCOS and breast and ovarian cancers remains inconclusive. 
• What studies are revealing about the relationship between PCOS and endometrial cancer. 
• Factors that increase the risk of endometrial cancer and their relation to PCOS. 
• Dr. Malhotra talks about women who might be a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. 
• The need for more research into the complexity of PCOS and its connection to cancer. 
• Functional medicine approaches to reducing anovulation and hormonal balance. 
• Learn about dietary interventions and intermittent fasting for reducing insulin resistance.
• How estrogen, progesterone, and androgen levels can be adjusted by the foods you eat.   

Tweetables:

“Polycystic ovarian syndrome increases the risk of some types of cancer. For instance, some research has shown that the risk of cancer of the endometrium, the inside lining of the uterus, may be higher in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome than it is for women without PCOS.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:01:26]

“When you reduce insulin resistance it can actually reduce anovulation. It can reduce your estrogen and it can boost your progesterone and it can also lower your testosterone.” —  Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:06:45]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Anchor Wellness

Dr. Minni Malhotra Email  

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that interferes with the female reproductive system, and naturally, women who suffer from the condition have concerns about being able to get pregnant. In today’s episode, Dr. Minni Malhotra addresses this common worry with some actionable advice on how to manage PCOS naturally and increase your chances of getting pregnant. The first, most important step is to check in with your mental health. Of course, not being able to fall pregnant is stressful, but the negative effects of stress put enormous strain on the body. We learn more about how meditation, breath-work, and counseling can help with stress management and reduction. We also hear about other lifestyle modifications that can help with PCOS, including dietary changes, the correct exercise regimen, and getting the right amount of sleep. If you’ve ever been worried about conceiving due to PCOS, this show will help quell your doubts. Be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How doubt causes fear, which is negative energy, and the toxic effects this has on the body.
• Why checking in with your mental health is the most important first step in getting pregnant.
• Hear more about some de-stressing techniques like meditation, breath-work, and counseling.
• The importance of finding a diet that works for your body and the benefits of intermittent fasting.
• How intense exercise can be detrimental to your health and opting for low-impact workouts instead.
• Being in a healthy weight range and having small, attainable goals to get there.
• Stay vigilant about Xenoestrogens and ways to detox naturally.
• The role that sleep plays in healing your body, relaxation, and overall well-being. 

Tweetables:

“When you doubt yourself, you actually put your mind or yourself in a fear mode. Your reptilian part of the brain actually puts you in the survival mechanism of staying in that fear and that fear is also a negative energy.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:02:01]

“Mental health should be over anything else because when you actually have transformed your inside, your outside also will transform.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:05:19]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

International evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome

Headspace

Calm

Anchor Wellness

Dr. Minni Malhotra Email  

In this episode, Dr. Minni Malhotra explains why elevated anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels cause infertility, getting into the biochemical processes that make pregnancy unlikely. AMH not only causes insulin resistance but it also prevents ovulation, which is why PCOS patients with high AMH often struggle with anovulation or oligoovulation. In traditional medicine, women with elevated AMH have been treated somewhat successfully with higher doses of medication, but if you are interested in a more natural alternative, Dr. Minni shares the seven-pillar approach of functional medicine that addresses the problem more holistically. Because, as we know, it is not only about what happens in your body – it has a lot to with your lifestyle and mental health as well. Tune in to learn more!  

Key Points From This Episode:

• How high levels of anti-müllerian hormone causes insulin resistance and prevents ovulation. 
• Learn more about AMH and where it comes from. 
• AMH can also be used to predict the likely outcome of assisted reproduction.  
• Why a high volume of follicles in the ovaries can be problematic for ovulation. 
• How high levels of AMH impact on the aromatase activity in the cells of the ovary. 
• Women with higher AMH levels require higher doses of medication to ovulate. 
• An overview of the seven-pillar functional medicine approach to lowering AMH. 
• Hear about the process of detoxification and hormone balancing. 
• Suggestions for lowering your stress, synchronizing your body, and healing your PCOS.  

Tweetables:

“When you have high anti-müllerian hormone levels, it reduces aromatase activity, so it causes insulin resistance and it also reduces the sensitivity of the follicles to FSH, which is very important for those follicles to develop into an ovum and have ovulation.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:01:12]

“When you have a large number of follicles and the follicle is in excess of what is normal and they increase this AMH or anti-müllerian hormone, and this in turn actually prevents ovulation in many ways.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:04:23]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Minni Malhotra on LinkedIn

Dr. Minni Malhotra Email  

Anchor Wellness Center