Plant Fuelled Podcast

PCOS, Hormones & The Frustration Of Not Being Heard With Callum Weir & Rohini Bajekal


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Why PCOS Isn’t Just About “Fixing Your Hormones” (And What Actually Matters Instead)


So many of us are handed the same generic advice when it comes to PCOS, “just balance your hormones” or “go on the pill.” But what if the story is so much deeper than that?

In this episode, I sit down with Rohini, a registered associate nutritionist and one of the clearest voices in the space, to talk about what’s actually going on behind the scenes with PCOS, and why hormone health doesn’t look the same for every woman. This isn’t about “quick fixes.” It’s about real physiology, individual nuance, and understanding how your body is speaking to you.

We explore:

  • What we get wrong about PCOS (and why so many feel gaslit by their doctors)

  • Why “hormone balance” isn’t a real goal and what to focus on instead

  • How stress, nutrition, and nervous system health impact PCOS

  • How to advocate for yourself inside a healthcare system that often misses the mark

  • Why so many women are misdiagnosed — and how to navigate conflicting advice

  • Understanding your symptoms through the lens of function, not failure

  • The importance of cycle literacy for every stage of life

  • How diet culture confuses PCOS care — and what sustainable support actually looks like

  • Tips for getting the most from your GP appointment or specialist consult

  • How plant-based approaches can support (not replace) root-cause healing

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’ve been managing PCOS for years, this episode will help you feel seen, informed, and empowered to approach things differently.


About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder worldwide, affecting at least 1 in 10 women, non-binary and transgender people. It is the number one cause of infertility with symptoms including acne, excess weight gain, irregular periods and hair loss and higher risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and womb cancer. Alarmingly, 3 in 4 of those with PCOS remain undiagnosed because of the complex nature of the condition. 


*The information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only; it is not a substitute for medical advice or individualised care from a qualified health professional. 


Connect with Rohini

Get your copy of Living PCOS Free: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-PCOS-Free-hormonal-Polycystic/dp/1781612137

My website: www.rohinibajekal.com 

My Substack: Full of Beans https://rohinibajekal.substack.com/

Follow me on Instagram @rohinibajekal 

RCOG (2014):  Long-term consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome: https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/gtg_33.pdf

ESHRE: Partner Guideline: International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 2023. Copyright Monash University, Melbourne Australia 2023: https://www.ese-hormones.org/publications/directory/partner-guideline-international-evidence-based-guideline-for-the-assessment-and-management-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-2023/

NICE guidelines: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/

American College of Lifestyle Medicine: https://www.lifestylemedicine.org/Scientific-Evidence

Free factsheet on PCOS from Dr Nitu Bajekal: https://nitubajekal.com/pcos/

Free downloadable PCOS Factsheet from Plant-Based Health Professonals UK: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/PCOS-factsheet-210709.pdf


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#PCOS #HormoneHealth #WomensHealth #PlantBasedLiving #PeriodHealth #CycleAwareness #EmpoweredHealing

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Plant Fuelled PodcastBy Callum Weir