Ever wonder what your lab results are really telling you? In this episode of the PCOS 365 Podcast, we’re breaking down the basics—your Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)—so you can understand what your numbers mean, why they matter, and how they relate to PCOS.

We’ll cover:

What each part of the CBC measures, from red and white blood cells to hemoglobin and platelets, and why these numbers impact your energy, mood, and cycles.

How CMP markers like liver enzymes, kidney function, and electrolytes interact with your hormones and metabolic health.

Why tracking trends over time is more powerful than focusing on a single “normal” number.

Real-life examples of how lab data can help you advocate for yourself and guide natural support strategies.

If you’ve ever felt confused by lab reports or like your symptoms weren’t being heard, this episode will give you the knowledge and confidence to start connecting the dots.

Resources:

Grab my PCOS Lab Checklist here: essentiallyher.com/labchecklist

Join my email list for more science made simple: essentiallyher.com/email

Feeling dismissed by your doctor? You’re not alone. In this episode of The PCOS 365 Podcast, we dive into how to advocate for yourself in a way that actually works. Learn how to turn your experiences into actionable data, from tracking cycles and symptoms to using your PCOS Lab Checklist. I share real-life examples of how concrete numbers can make your doctor listen, tips for making appointments productive, and guidance on asking the right questions. We’ll also talk about bringing research into your visits and finding a provider who truly understands PCOS. This episode is all about giving you confidence, control, and a voice in your health journey.

Join the email list at essentiallyher.com/email for more practical tips, guides, and explanations about PCOS delivered straight to your inbox.

Get the PCOS Lab Checklist at www.essentiallyher.com/labchecklist

Make sure to watch your spam folder... it's a tricky one!

You’ve heard about all the amazing supplements that can support women with PCOS — from inositol and NAC to curcumin and CoQ10 — but how do you actually choose one that’s worth your money?

In this episode, Shawna breaks down how to find high-quality supplements that actually deliver results. You’ll learn what to look for on a label, why the form of each nutrient (like methylcobalamin vs. cyanocobalamin) matters, and how to spot red flags like fillers, fake “proprietary blends,” and misleading marketing.

It’s the science-based, no-fluff guide to supplement shopping that every woman with PCOS needs — so you can feel confident, informed, and empowered in your wellness journey.

✨ Want more guidance like this?

Join Shawna’s email list for supplement recommendations, hormone education, and natural health tips delivered straight to your inbox: essentiallyher.com/email

If you’ve ever gone down the PCOS supplement rabbit hole and ended up more confused than when you started — this episode’s for you.

Today we’re breaking down three science-backed supplements that actually live up to the hype: Berberine, NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine), and Selenium.

In this chat, Shawna — your favorite hormone coach and former lab scientist — explains what these nutrients do inside your body (in plain English), how they support insulin, inflammation, ovulation, and thyroid health, and when they might make sense to add to your PCOS support plan.

You’ll walk away feeling confident in what they are, how they work, and whether they might be a fit for you.

💌 Want more science-backed hormone support?

Get Shawna’s free weekly hormone email at essentiallyher.com/email

— where she shares tools, natural strategies, and deeper PCOS education right to your inbox.

Want the PCOS Lab checklist mentioned in the podcast? Grab your copy here: www.essentiallyher.com/labchecklist. Just make sure to watch your inbox, it has a tendency to make its way to the spam folder.

When it comes to supplements for PCOS, there’s a lot of hype out there—but curcumin and CoQ10 are two that actually have research to back them up. In this episode, we dig into what the science says and why these two nutrients can be powerful tools for managing symptoms naturally.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

How curcumin (from turmeric) reduces inflammation and supports hormone balance.

The role of CoQ10 in cellular energy, egg quality, and insulin sensitivity.

What studies show about their impact on PCOS symptoms.

Practical tips for choosing a quality supplement and working with your provider.

By the end, you’ll know whether curcumin or CoQ10 might be worth adding to your PCOS toolkit—and how to do it in a way that actually makes sense for your body.

If you’ve ever googled “best supplement for PCOS,” chances are you’ve seen inositol at the top of the list. But with so many options—myo-inositol, d-chiro-inositol, or blends promising the “perfect ratio”—it can feel overwhelming to know what’s legit and what’s just marketing.

In this episode, we’re breaking it all down together:

What inositol actually is (and why it’s not really a vitamin).

The difference between myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol.

Why research points to the 40:1 ratio for PCOS.

When inositol might be worth considering.

How to pick a quality supplement with confidence.

By the end, you’ll walk away with the science, the clarity, and the confidence to know whether inositol belongs in your PCOS toolkit.

If you don't know what the root cause behind your PCOS is, go back and listen to some of the first episodes, and grab the ultimate lab checklist to help you get all the answers (made be me-- a laboratory scientist).

https://www.essentiallyher.com/labchecklist

And check out my favorite PCOS supplement with inositol-- OVII-- https://ovii.com/ESSENTIALLYHER. Use promo code ESSENTIALLYHER at checkout for a discount!

What does it mean when your cycle is shorter than “normal”? For those of us with PCOS, a short cycle isn’t just about bleeding more often — it’s usually a sign that something is off with ovulation, progesterone, or the delicate balance of hormones driving the cycle.

In this episode of The PCOS 365 Podcast, we’re unpacking short cycles:

What actually counts as a “short” cycle

Why ovulation that happens too early or a weak luteal phase can cut things short

How insulin resistance, stress, and inflammation tie into the picture

What cycle tracking can tell us about whether ovulation is strong and stable

We’ll also cover practical ways to support your body naturally, plus when it’s time to ask for lab work or medical input.

Spotting between periods? Bleeding that shows up out of nowhere? If you’ve ever wondered whether it “counts” as a real period—or just felt confused about what your body is doing—you’re not alone.

In this episode of The PCOS 365 Podcast, we’re breaking down spotting and breakthrough bleeding in plain language. We’ll talk about what each one actually means, why they happen so often with PCOS, and how to tell if what you’re experiencing is a true period or your hormones throwing you a curveball.

You’ll also learn why charting your cycle is such a powerful tool, when it’s time to talk with your provider (and what labs to ask about), plus some practical tips for supporting healthy ovulation and hormone balance.

✨ Want step-by-step support in decoding your own cycle and creating a personalized plan? Join my Vital Cycle 365! Check it out at www.essentiallyher.com/coaching

✨ Looking for a science-backed supplement made just for women with PCOS? Check out Ovii at https://ovii.com/ESSENTIALLYHER and use promo code ESSENTIALLYHER at checkout!

Because your period isn’t random—it’s your body’s way of sending you messages. Let’s learn how to read them, together.

Ever feel like your cycle is “normal” on the calendar, but something just feels off? For many women with PCOS, ovulation doesn’t always happen on time—or sometimes not at all. In this episode, we break down why ovulation can be delayed, what that means for your hormones, and how to recognize the signs in your own cycle.

We dive into the science behind the brain-ovary conversation, explain how insulin, androgens, and stress can interfere, and share practical tips for supporting healthy ovulation. Learn how tracking cervical fluid, basal body temperature, and cycle length can reveal what’s really happening beneath the surface.

If you’ve ever wondered why your cycles feel unpredictable or why ovulation seems delayed, this episode is for you. Tune in and start decoding your cycle like a pro!

One of the most frustrating things about PCOS is when our periods just… vanish. We’ve all been there—staring at our apps, wondering if we should expect a bleed this month or if our cycle has just ghosted us again. In this episode, we’re diving into what’s really happening inside our bodies when cycles go missing with PCOS.

We’ll unpack why things like insulin resistance, high stress, thyroid shifts, and those tricky hormone imbalances can cause anovulation (cycles without ovulation) and lead to irregular or absent periods. I’ll share labs you can request from your doctor to help get clarity, as well as natural tools and lifestyle strategies that can support more regular cycles.

If you’re ready to understand your body better and start restoring rhythm to your cycle, this conversation is for us.

✨ Want deeper 1:1 support? My Vital Cycle 365 program was created for women with PCOS to uncover root causes, sync lifestyle choices with our cycles, and finally feel more in control of our hormones. Learn more at www.essentiallyher.com/coaching

💊 Looking for daily support? I personally take Ovii, a supplement made just for women with PCOS. You can try it too at www.ovii.com/essentiallyher and use code ESSENTIALLYHER at checkout for a discount!