The PCOS Repair Podcast

Welcome back to the PCOS Repair Podcast. This episode shares the story of Ava, a 28-year-old who has had amazing success navigating her journey with PCOS. Ava’s experience highlights common challenges and misconceptions surrounding PCOS, particularly concerning insulin levels and regular menstruation.

Ava’s PCOS Challenges

Ava, despite being proactive about her health, faced persistent health frustrations of irregular periods and a lack of ovulation. She had been managing her PCOS symptoms relatively well but as she reached her mid-20s her periods became quite irregular. When she came to me she was quite frustrated that her experiences and her lab results did not correlate. Her tests showed normal glucose and insulin levels, yet symptoms suggested an underlying insulin issue, leading to confusion and a search for answers.

Identifying Her Root Cause

After taking the PCOS assessment and understanding more about how insulin was affecting her hormones even though her labs were normal, Ava began her more tailored approach. 

This is an area of so much confusion and I can’t wait for you to listen to this episode to gain clarity on why labs don’t provide us with enough information sometimes when dealing with PCOS. 

Ava’s Insights and Lifestyle Adjustments

Ava's case underscored the importance of understanding the body's unique responses to food. Her diet, characterized by frequent, small meals, inadvertently was not serving her and actually fueling her hormone imbalance. With guidance, Ava adjusted her eating habits to better manage her insulin levels. Over time, she noticed significant improvements in her energy levels and menstrual regularity. Her journey highlights the critical role of tailored strategies in managing PCOS symptoms and restoring menstrual health.

Ava’s story is just one example of the complexity of PCOS and the need for personalized strategies. It also emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body and aligning healing approaches with individual symptoms and responses, rather than relying solely on standard lab results.

I hope you find you find Ava’s journey encouraging and that it inspires you to explore your personal path to better PCOS health. 

You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here

The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at:
https://nourishedtohealthy.com/125

Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram! 

What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have?

In this episode of the PCOS Repair podcast, you'll explore the challenges and solutions surrounding fertility for women with PCOS. You will learn about the root causes of hormonal imbalances that affect fertility, this discussion aims to empower you with knowledge and practical steps to optimize your reproductive health.

Navigating PCOS Infertility: Insights and Approaches

Let’s talk about the complex relationship between PCOS and infertility. Whether you're trying to conceive naturally or considering fertility treatments, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how to effectively manage your reproductive health amid PCOS. From adjusting lifestyle factors to understanding hormonal dynamics, every aspect is covered to help you foster better health outcomes.

A Deep Dive into Hormonal Interactions and Fertility 

Discover the crucial role of hormones in managing PCOS and fertility. Learn about the impact of excess androgens, such as testosterone, which can disrupt the balance necessary for regular ovulation. The episode breaks down the interactions between LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and other hormones, explaining how elevated LH levels can hinder the natural ovulation process.

Practical Steps to Repair and Optimize Your Fertility

Get actionable advice on how to begin repairing and enhancing your fertility. Understand the importance of tracking hormonal changes and the benefits of targeted lifestyle adjustments. Ashlene provides insights into the use of basal body temperature tracking to monitor fertility signs, emphasizing the value of patience and consistency in observing hormonal patterns over time.

Personalized Strategies for Fertility Enhancement

Learn how to personalize your approach to fertility based on your specific PCOS symptoms and root causes. Whether it's managing insulin resistance, reducing inflammation, or addressing adrenal health, this episode guides you through choosing strategies that align with your body's needs. You will discover how these adjustments not only improve fertility but also contribute to overall well-being.

You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here

The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at:
https://nourishedtohealthy.com/124

Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram! 

What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have?

I’m guessing you’ve heard that exercise can have a valuable impact on PCOS health but in this episode, we will explore the transformative power of enjoying your exercise routine. It's easy to view exercise as a mere item on our to-do list, but embracing it can revolutionize our approach to fitness, and overall well-being and enhance our self-care on the journey to PCOS health.

Enjoyment in Exercise

I've learned over the years that enjoyment is crucial in sustaining a healthy lifestyle, especially when it comes to exercise. Staying consistent becomes a struggle without a genuine interest or enjoyment in our activities. This episode will help you shift your perspective towards exercise from a chore to an enjoyable part of your daily routine. Yes, it’s possible and it can significantly impact your PCOS management.

Exercise for PCOS Health

It’s not just about the physical benefits; exercise for someone with PCOS can transform how the body handles food and manages insulin levels. In this episode you will learn how consistent, enjoyable physical activity can influence blood sugar levels and overall PCOS symptoms, making it a cornerstone of effective PCOS management.

Engaging with Your Exercise Goals

Understanding the 'why' behind your exercise regimen is crucial. During this episode, I will walk you through how to reflect on your motivations for exercising, which can be as varied as improving body strength, enhancing mood, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Identifying these motives and what you want to accomplish even outside of your workouts can help solidify exercise as a rewarding part of your PCOS management strategy.

Practical Tips for Enjoyable PCOS-Friendly Exercises

As always I will leave you with practical strategies to integrate enjoyable and sustainable exercise routines into your life. Whether choosing activities that align with your interests or setting realistic, enjoyable goals, these tips are designed to help you cultivate a positive and enduring relationship with exercise.

You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here

The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at:
https://nourishedtohealthy.com/123

Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram! 

What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have?

This episode explores the multifaceted role of Metformin in managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). A medication known for its efficacy yet with a controversial reputation due to side effects, this episode aims to demystify Metformin, presenting both its potential benefits and the challenges it presents to women with PCOS.

The Science Behind Metformin and PCOS

Drawing from the recent research article, "Metformin: A New Approach" published in 2021, this episode aims to simplify the complex scientific discussions surrounding Metformin. You will learn more about the many benefits that metformin can offer PCOS as well as health in general. 

Real-World Experiences with Metformin

Hear firsthand accounts of how Metformin has influenced the PCOS journey for many, including my personal experience and client experiences. This real-world insight provides a balanced view of what potential users might expect, addressing common apprehensions and how to set yourself up to avoid and effectively manage any arising side effects. The practical tips in this episode will boost your comfort and effectiveness of Metformin treatment if it aligns with your health objectives.

Today’s topic is designed to demystify Metformin and help you gain new perspectives if it’s been recommended to you by your doctor for your PCOS management. Whether considering starting Metformin or optimizing its use, or to help you prepare for conversations with healthcare providers. Go ahead and listen now, because this episode is a great resource for making informed decisions that align with your health goals. 

You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here

The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at:
https://nourishedtohealthy.com/122

Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram! 
What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have?

I’m excited for you to listen to this episode where I share a real-life example of how impactful our self-talk can be to our PCOS health. I am honored to share a story of body acceptance, self-love, and the pursuit of balanced hormones through the experiences of Zoe, one of my clients who has successfully navigated the challenges of PCOS. Listen now as we explore how embracing where you currently are can catalyze profound changes in health and self-perception.

Zoe's Journey:

Zoe, like so many women, struggled to align their current body image with her body goals while managing PCOS symptoms. Diagnosed in her late teens, Zoe was an athlete who managed her PCOS health without significant issues until she encountered frustrating plateaus in her fitness and health goals during her early twenties.

The Challenge of Plateaus:

Zoe spent several years striving for a specific body fat percentage and muscular tone but was met with repeated frustrations. Despite her disciplined approach to fitness and nutrition, Zoe found her efforts thwarted by her body's resistance to change—a resistance compounded by her hormonal imbalances.

A New Approach with Body Acceptance:

This episode emphasizes a shift from strict goal orientation to a more compassionate, understanding approach towards one’s body. We discuss how working with your body and adopting a nurturing mindset rather than commanding can lead to better health outcomes and a more positive self-image.

Lessons in Self-Love and PCOS Management:

Learn how Zoe, with guidance, eventually found her "sweet spot" where she could manage her PCOS health more effectively without stringent dietary restrictions, leading to a healthier and more enjoyable lifestyle while still meeting her fitness goals. This story serves as a reminder of the power of aligning with your body's needs. 

Whether you're struggling with PCOS symptoms, body image issues, or hitting a plateau in your health goals, this episode offers insights into the importance of understanding and cooperating with your body. We explore strategies to overcome these challenges, emphasizing the importance of a supportive approach over a combative one. Happy listening.

You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here

The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at:
https://nourishedtohealthy.com/121

Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram! 
What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have?

This episode concludes our PCOS root cause mini-series focusing on the hormone and nutritional disturbance root cause. As we reach the root cause pyramid’s apex, we explore the intricate connections between hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and PCOS symptoms.

Understanding Hormonal and Nutritional Disturbances: 

In this episode you will learn about the hormone and nutritional disturbance root cause, shedding light on how external factors like birth control or health problems can trigger hormonal chaos. We explore how seemingly minor changes in our hormonal environment can cascade into significant symptoms and disruptions in PCOS management.

Hormonal Chaos 

Learn how abrupt changes such as stopping birth control can lead to severe hormonal imbalances, impacting overall health and exacerbating PCOS symptoms. This episode also reviews how intertwined insulin effects and inflammation are with hormonal disturbances, influencing the severity and management of PCOS.

Managing the Complexities

As we wrap up our series, we encourage revisiting previous episodes to grasp the interconnected nature of PCOS’s root fully causes. Each episode builds upon the last, offering a comprehensive understanding of how to tackle this complex condition from multiple angles. Including strategies for managing PCOS, from practical tips for managing weight, and regulating hormones, to incorporating a healthy lifestyle to mitigate the impacts of these disturbances.

In this episode we’ll continue our deep dive into the root causes of PCOS with a focus on inflammation, a key player that often goes unrecognized. Listen now to explore how inflammation interacts with our bodies and exacerbates PCOS symptoms, as well as unravel the complexities of the hormonal feedback loops.

Understanding Inflammation's Role in PCOS

In this episode, you will learn about inflammation's impact on PCOS beyond the surface symptoms. I’ll explain how even without overt medical conditions, subtle ongoing inflammatory responses can intensify PCOS symptoms. This episode is crucial for anyone struggling to connect their lifestyle and environmental influences to improve their PCOS symptoms.

Lifestyle Factors and Inflammatory Responses

Explore how everyday choices can inadvertently invite inflammatory responses that worsen PCOS symptoms. This episode provides insights into how diet, stress, and environmental toxins play roles in inflammation. More importantly, it offers practical advice on mitigating these effects through informed lifestyle changes.

Navigating Misconceptions and Medical Advice

If you've been struggling with limited medical support for your PCOS, this episode aims to clarify common misconceptions about inflammation and its indicators. You'll gain insight into the critical importance of medical options within the specific context of PCOS, advocating for a more nuanced and informed approach to managing the condition.

Stay tuned and subscribe to ensure you don't miss out on invaluable insights in this mini-ongoing series designed to empower you in your fight against PCOS. Until next time, take care and nurture your health!

You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here

The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at:
https://nourishedtohealthy.com/119

Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram! 
What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have?

In this episode, part of our ongoing mini-series on PCOS root causes, we delve deep into the insulin effect—how it uniquely impacts PCOS beyond traditional notions of insulin resistance. Learn the subtleties of insulin’s role and its broad implications, regardless of routine lab results.

The Insulin Effect  
Discover the concept of the "insulin effect" which extends beyond classic insulin resistance to influence PCOS symptoms through less noticeable mechanisms. Learn how normal insulin activity might still provoke PCOS symptoms by stimulating the ovaries to produce excess androgens, even when bloodwork appears normal.

Medical Misconceptions  
Learn the common disconnect between standard medical testing and the real-world implications of insulin's impact on the body. Understand why typical lab results might not fully capture the extent of insulin-related issues and what that means for managing PCOS.

Influence of Lifestyle on Insulin Sensitivity  
Examine how modern lifestyle choices—like diet and stress levels—play a significant role in magnifying the insulin effect. Get actionable advice on modifying diet and lifestyle to better manage insulin levels and reduce its impact on PCOS symptoms. Discover how lifestyle adjustments can have such a tremendous impact on PCOS health.


You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here

The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at:
https://nourishedtohealthy.com/118

Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram! 
What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have?

In this episode, we continue our mini-series about PCOS root causes, about the stress response as a root cause of PCOS. This episode will be peeling back the layers to uncover how our body's stress mechanisms influence PCOS symptoms.

Understanding the Stress Response in PCOS
The often overlooked stress response PCOS root cause plays a pivotal role in the exacerbation of PCOS symptoms. This episode will delve into how chronic stress, whether perceived or real, triggers a cascade of hormonal reactions that can lead to or worsen PCOS symptoms.

Cortisol and PCOS
You will learn how this primary stress hormone, when chronically elevated, can lead to increased androgen production, disrupting hormonal balance and contributing to common PCOS symptoms like irregular periods, hair loss, and acne. You will also learn about the interaction between cortisol and insulin and how stress can indirectly cause insulin levels to rise, further exacerbating PCOS symptoms by increasing androgen production.

Practical Insights and Lifestyle Considerations
As we unravel the intricacies of the stress response and its impact on PCOS, we also explore practical steps and lifestyle modifications to mitigate these effects with strategies to reduce stress in daily life, which can have a direct positive impact on managing PCOS symptoms. Plus insights on how to adjust diet and exercise routines to support hormonal balance and reduce the stress response in the body.

You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here

The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at:
https://nourishedtohealthy.com/117


Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram! 
What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have?

Understanding PCOS Root Causes: A Comprehensive Overview
In this episode, we're tackling the topic of understanding the root causes of PCOS. I've received numerous questions about how to identify the specific root causes of PCOS, especially when the symptoms and indicators can often seem contradictory or confusing. Today, we're setting the stage for a series of discussions of each root cause in detail, providing clarity and actionable insights.

Decoding the Complexity of PCOS
PCOS is a complex syndrome that manifests differently in everyone, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. In today’s conversation, we'll explore the pyramid model of PCOS symptoms and root causes. Imagine a pyramid where the tip represents the visible symptoms of PCOS, like irregular periods and metabolic challenges. As we move down the pyramid, we uncover the layers of underlying issues drilling down to the foundational cause.

Cortisol and Stress: Triggers of PCOS
A key player at the base of our pyramid is cortisol, the stress hormone. Stress isn't just about feeling overwhelmed; it's about how your body perceives and reacts to various stressors. Excessive cortisol can lead to an increase in androgens, escalating PCOS symptoms.

The Insulin Connection: More Than Just Sugar
Moving up the pyramid, insulin resistance plays a significant role in PCOS. It's not just about sugar intake; it's about how insulin, when imbalanced, prompts the ovaries to produce excess androgens. We'll unpack the nuances of insulin management and its critical role in PCOS, emphasizing that insulin issues can arise even without overt diabetes symptoms.

Inflammation: The Silent Aggravator
Inflammation is another critical layer. Often overlooked, chronic inflammation can be fueled by stress, poor sleep, and dietary choices. It's a vicious cycle where inflammation leads to more insulin resistance and vice versa, exacerbating PCOS symptoms. Understanding and reducing inflammation can be a game-changer in managing PCOS.

Navigating Complex PCOS Scenarios
For many, the confusion doesn't stem from a single cause but a combination of factors. We'll explore scenarios where multiple root causes interact, such as post-birth control, where hormones and nutrition are thrown off balance, leading to a chaotic state. Identifying your primary root cause is akin to balancing a three-legged stool, ensuring no one cause is disproportionately affecting your health.

Engage with Us: Your PCOS Journey Matters
This episode is just the beginning of our journey into the root causes of PCOS. Stay tuned for the upcoming episodes, where we'll dive deeper into each cause, offering detailed insights and practical advice. PCOS Awareness Month is a great time to deepen our understanding and support each other in navigating this condition. If you have specific questions or need personalized advice, don't hesitate to reach out on Instagram @NourishedtoHealthy

I hope today's discussion enlightens and empowers you. Subscribe to stay updated, and join us as we unravel the complexities of PCOS together. Until next time, take care of yourselves and keep seeking the answers that work for your unique body and lifestyle.


You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here

The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at:
https://nourishedtohealthy.com/116

Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram! 
What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have?