PCOS Diva Podcast

Gut health is central to many of our body’s critical functions such as hormone regulation and managing the immune system, as well as digestive and neurological systems. Dr. Meaghan Kirschling has had tremendous success in her practice using low-dose immunotherapy for treatment of certain symptoms of PCOS and much more. Listen in (or read the transcript) as we discuss:

- The connection between PCOS and autoimmune issues (such as Hashimoto’s)

- How immunotherapy works

- The differences between Low-Dose Immunotherapy (LDI), Low-Dose Allergen (LDA), & Low-Dose Naltrexone

- The connection between PCOS, endometriosis, yeast, and candida

- Gut Health and sugar cravings

Hair issues are near and dear to my heart. Whether it is losing hair on the head or growing it in unwanted places, it is a struggle that many of us face. Women with PCOS are 60% more likely to have mood related disorders. And I know for me, when I was struggling with hair loss, it really added to my sense of depression and isolation, and it exacerbated those emotional issues. So, I invited Dr. Michelle Jeffries back to give us some answers about why we experience hair loss and what we can do about it.

We discuss:

- Types of hair loss and the relationship to PCOS

- Hormone and nutrient deficiency testing

- Suggested supplements

- Alternative Treatments: Essential oils, Acupuncture, Laser, electrolysis, platelet rich plasma (PRP), Saw palmetto, Nutrafol

- Topical over the counter and prescriptions

- Hair transplants

Dr. Keesha Ewers understands the connection between childhood trauma PCOS. In her work, she helps women reverse autoimmune disease, heal their childhood trauma, and make friends with the women they see in the mirror. During our interview, she breaks down how to go processing childhood trauma in order to begin healing your chronic illness. Her five step approach helps patients move from batting themselves mentally and physically to finding peace and calm. Listen in (or read the transcript) she shares her process and a helpful tool to get through our most stressful moments.

One of my favorite things to do is directly answer PCOS Divas’ questions. Recently, I took a survey of what Divas would like to know, and I have answered the most commonly asked here, in this podcast. Listen in (or read the transcript) as we discuss topics such as the “ideal” PCOS diet, signs & symptoms no one talks about, chiropractic benefits, PCOS-friendly alcohol, supplement choices, and herbs to replace Clomid, to name just a few.

Has your doctor spoken with you about taking progesterone? Are you entering menopause and considering natural hormone replacement therapy? Dr. Anu Arasu specializes in treating a variety of hormonal imbalances with bioidentical hormones and a holistic, functional medicine approach. We discuss her approach to hormonal replacement therapy for women with PCOS and much more.

- Connection between inflammation, weight gain, and hormones

- Suggested tests to get to the root of your hormonal imbalance

- Provera vs. non-synthetic option

- The role of cortisol (especially in lean PCOS)

- When to sleep

If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, you may have been told, "It’s going to be very difficult for you to have children," or even, "You won't have children." Dr. Mark Trolice is here to tell you that is not necessarily true. Dr. Trolice is the Director of Fertility Care at the IVF Center in Winter Park, Florida, and is a double board-certified doctor in reproductive endocrinology and fertility as well as an OB/GYN. He spends a lot of time advocating for women with PCOS on a national level as well as helping them to conceive and have healthy pregnancies. On this podcast, we discuss fertility challenges for women with PCOS and how to overcome them. Listen in (or read the transcript) as we discuss:

- Causes of PCOS and criteria for PCOS diagnosis

- Why you have excess hair growth and when to consider electrolysis or laser hair removal

- Things to consider (other than PCOS) if you are having trouble conceiving

- What to do before you try to get pregnant

Letrozole vs. Clomid

- Pros and cons of ovarian drilling

- Special considerations for women with PCOS undergoing IVF

PCOS and acne go hand-in-hand. As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Michelle Jeffries is often the first doctor to pick up on the signs and symptoms of PCOS and start making the connection. Her integrative approach is a refreshing and effective method for treating acne and healing a patient’s mind, body, and spirit. In this podcast, she shares her practical advice for getting to the root of your acne (usually hormones, inflammation, stress, products, or sleep) and working with your body to calm it. Listen in (or read the transcript) as we discuss:

- the 3 foods to eliminate first

- products & supplements specifically for acne

- practices & supplements to reduce stress

- treatment for deep cystic acne (hidradenitis suppurativa)

- what to do about acne scarring

If you have PCOS and are estrogen dominant, you struggle with symptoms like acne, hair loss, hair growth, irregular cycles, irritability, storing fat around your hips and your thighs, thyroid nodules, estrogenic cancers, fibrocystic breasts, very sore or lumpy breasts, bloating, PMS, anovulation, mood swings, fibroids- the list goes on. Sound familiar?

Magdalena Wszelaki can help. She brings to life the idea of food as medicine and offers simple, real-world/real-food solutions to estrogen dominance and other hormonal imbalance issues. Estrogen imbalance plays a major role in PCOS, so this is a podcast episode not to be missed. Listen (or read the transcript below) as we discuss:

- The reason estrogen dominance is common in women with PCOS

- Symptoms and tests for measuring levels of estrogen (including DUTCH, estrogen metabolite, and saliva tests)

- Impact of alcohol on estrogen

- 3 simple things to do to clean up your gut microbiome & balance estrogen

- The rock star food for reducing estrogen and more

PCOS expert and integrative physician, Dr. Felice Gersh has published a brilliant new book called “PCOS S.O.S., A Gynecologist's Lifeline to Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones, and Happiness”. It is best described as a complete guide addressing the symptoms of PCOS and how women with the disorder can lead happy and healthier lives. Dr. Gersh is dedicated to educating women and health care providers about how to best discover and treat the underlying causes of PCOS. Listen in (or read the transcript) as we discuss her book and much more including:

- The family connection of PCOS

- Why PCOS is on the rise

- Impact of sleep, timed eating, fitness, and stress

- Importance of regulating light and the circadian rhythm

- How birth control changes a woman’s circadian rhythm

Sasha Ottey is at the forefront of PCOS advocacy. She and her non-profit organization, PCOS Challenge, lead the way in furthering the causes of research funding, patient and doctor education, and community awareness. If you are wondering what is happening in the world of PCOS and how to get involved in a large or small way, tune in as we discuss:

- PCOS Challenge’s mission and offerings

- The PCOS Diva/PCOS Challenge Confidence Grant and a new one coming soon

- Advocacy Day in Washington DC & how to be involved there or at home

- Opportunities to get involved and volunteer for PCOS Challenge

- Upcoming events in cities around the U.S. including PCOS -Awareness Weekend on September 20th in Orlando