In this essential episode, we sit down with Registered Dietitian and PCOS expert Julie Duffy Dillon, host of the "Find Your Food Voice" podcast, to debunk the pervasive myth that weight loss is the cure for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. 

Julie brings a compassionate, Health At Every Size (HAES) perspective, explaining how the cycle of dieting and restriction actually makes long-term insulin resistance and inflammation worse for people with PCOS. We discuss how to find food peace, stop the exhausting "food noise," and shift your focus from dieting to true body nourishment.  

Key Takeaways You Can't Miss:

• The Diet Trap: Restriction ultimately drives higher insulin and inflammation, worsening PCOS symptoms. Julie strongly emphasizes that people with PCOS need to focus on eating regular, adequate meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
• The "Golden Ticket" Supplement: Learn about Inositol—a B vitamin that repairs insulin receptors. Julie provides the necessary ratio and the specific twice-daily dosage needed to manage insulin and androgens.
• Diagnosis & Advocacy: The Rotterdam criteria allows for diagnosis without a blood draw or ultrasound. Julie shares how to talk to your doctor and what symptoms to track.
• Hormones & Age: We tackle the pill's role in masking symptoms and its long-term impact on insulin. Plus, we discuss what to expect as you navigate PCOS through perimenopause and menopause (hint: your cycles and estrogen may normalize for a brief period!).
• Self-Care: Prioritize rest! People with PCOS often require more sleep and intentional rest to manage their chronic condition effectively.

Resource:

• Check out Julie's podcast and book, Find Your Food Voice.

• Find her Inositol guide & tips
• TikTok: @FoodVoiceRD

Connect with your host Andrea van Niekerk:

★ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/yoga_with_ands

★YouTube: Beyond The Hot Flash Podcast 👉🏻https://youtu.be/ewPdyVdPYHk?si=kjKWcTDo9kpIubbu

 ★ Get my FREE Yoga Kickstart here👉🏻https://studio.yogawithands.com/the-yoga-kickstart

#PCOS #WomensHealth #IntuitiveEating #PCOSSupport #InsulinResistance #Inositol #DietCulture