"You Have an Ovarian Cyst” … Now What?

Low AMH, High Anxiety: Let's Talk About Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) - Part 1

Getting told you have “low AMH” or diminished ovarian reserve can feel devastating, especially when you’re young, still getting regular periods, and suddenly being told your biological clock is “running out.” For many women, it spirals into panic, shame, obsessive Googling, and the terrifying feeling that your body is somehow failing you.  In part one of this series, Dr. Lucky Sekhon and Dr. Alicia Robbins break down what diminished ovarian reserve actually means, what fertility markers like AMH and FSH can — and cannot — tell you, and why context matters so much more than a single lab result. They explain the critical difference between egg quantity and egg quality, why low AMH does not automatically mean infertility, and how ovarian reserve changes over time. The conversation explores the emotional weight of fertility diagnoses, what IVF can realistically look like with DOR, the many factors that may influence ovarian reserve and why so many women internalize blame for something that is often far beyond their control. They also unpack the growing fertility wellness industry and the social media marketing targeting vulnerable women desperate for answers.  Tune in next week for part two to dive into patient questions around DOR and IVF, early menopause, and making a plan that is right for you and your family.    IF YOU’RE TEXTING YOUR FRIENDS LIKE...  You:  Wait… my AMH is HOW low???  Also You:  Does this mean I’m running out of eggs already??  3AM You:  Okay but why did my doctor make it sound like I’m basically infertile now???  IF YOUR GOOGLE SEARCH HISTORY LOOKS LIKE THIS…  * What is diminished ovarian reserve?  * What does low AMH actually mean?  * Can you get pregnant naturally with low AMH?  * Does low AMH mean poor egg quality?  * Can stress cause diminished ovarian reserve?  * Can endometriosis lower AMH?  * Should I freeze my eggs if I have DOR?  * Does DOR mean early menopause?  * Can ovarian reserve improve?  YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!  In today’s chat we cover:  [01:00] Burnout & trying to “do it all”  [03:00] How girls are socialized to tolerate discomfort  [06:15] What diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) actually means  [07:05] Why low AMH is NOT a fertility sentence  [07:40] Dr. Lucky opens up about her own fertility journey & IVF experience  [11:30] Defining ovarian reserve, AMH & antral follicle count (AFC)  [13:00] Why AMH has to be interpreted based on age  [15:30] FSH explained: what elevated levels actually mean  [17:00] Egg quantity vs. egg quality  [18:00] How fertility doctors evaluate embryo quality  [19:00] Why ovarian aging is not linear  [20:00] Menopause, follicle depletion & the biology of ovarian aging  [21:00] Genetics, viral triggers & possible causes of DOR  [22:00] Longevity science, accelerated aging & ovarian decline  [23:00] Irregular cycles, ovulation & fertility warning signs  [24:00] Idiopathic DOR: when there’s no clear explanation  [25:00] Why blaming stress or childhood trauma for DOR can feel harmful  [27:00] Age, genetics & family history of early menopause  [29:00] BRCA mutations & ovarian reserve  [30:00] Endometriosis, ovarian surgery & fertility preservation  [31:00] Fragile X, Turner mosaicism & autoimmune testing  [32:00] Plastics, BPA, pesticides & environmental toxin concerns  [33:00] Chemotherapy, radiation & fertility preservation  [34:00] Mold exposure & fertility myths online  [35:00] Smoking, vaping & ovarian aging  [36:00] Fertility wellness scams & the truth about “fixing” DOR  [37:00] Why timing & treatment strategy matter most  [38:00] CoQ10: the evidence, dosing & who may benefit  [39:30] Lifestyle medicine, inflammation & fertility health  [41:00] DHEA supplements: hype vs. evidence  [43:00] Ovarian PRP explained & why it remains experimental  [45:00] Supplement stacks, fertility marketing & social media misinformation  [46:00] Rapamycin, longevity science & ovarian aging research  [48:00] Why more research is still needed on ovarian longevity treatments  [49:00] Part one recap & what’s coming in next week’s episode  [50:00] Dr. Lucky’s message for anyone newly diagnosed with DOR  Let’s continue the conversation! Leave us a voicemail with your questions at 754-CALLDOC (754) 225-5362. Nothing is off limits.   Follow Us on Instagram:   * @callyourdoctorpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/callyourdoctorpodcast/?hl=en]   * @lucky.sekhon [https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon/?hl=en]    * @aliciarobbinsmd [https://www.instagram.com/aliciarobbinsmd/?hl=en]  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

"You Have an Ovarian Cyst” … Now What?

Getting told you have an ovarian cyst can feel terrifying — especially when the message comes through a patient portal with zero explanation. Suddenly you’re spiraling, Googling ovarian cancer symptoms at 2AM, and wondering whether surgery is inevitable. But here’s the reality: most ovarian cysts are completely benign and many resolve on their own.  In this episode, Dr. Lucky Sekhon and Dr. Alicia Robbins break down the different types of ovarian cysts, what they actually mean, and how doctors determine whether a cyst is something to watch, treat, or remove surgically. They explain the key difference between simple and complex cysts, why the type matters more than the size, and what symptoms should never be ignored. The conversation also dives into endometriomas, dermoid cysts, ovarian torsion, fertility preservation, and why some cysts can impact egg quantity or egg quality over time. They unpack the nuance behind “watchful waiting,” discuss when surgery truly makes sense, and explain why many women feel dismissed or anxious when they’re told to “just monitor it.”  Plus: a much-needed reality check about ovarian cancer fears, why most cysts are not cancer, and how ovarian cysts are evaluated differently after menopause.  IF YOU’RE TEXTING YOUR FRIENDS LIKE...  You:  Wait… I have an ovarian cyst?? Should I be freaking out???  Also You:  Why did my doctor say we’re just “watching it” instead of removing it??  3AM You:  Okay but HOW do they know it’s not ovarian cancer???    IF YOUR GOOGLE SEARCH HISTORY LOOKS LIKE THIS…  * What is an ovarian cyst?  * What’s the difference between a simple and complex cyst?  * Can ovarian cysts go away on their own?  * Can ovarian cysts affect fertility?  * Can ovarian cysts cause torsion?  * When do ovarian cysts need surgery?  * What size ovarian cyst is dangerous?  * Can ovarian cysts be cancerous?  * Should I freeze my eggs if I keep getting ovarian cysts?  * What symptoms of ovarian torsion feel like?  * YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!  In today’s chat we cover:  [01:21] Medical misinformation online & fertility “experts” on social media  [09:16] Why hearing “you have a cyst” causes so much anxiety  [11:01] What ovarian cysts actually are  [11:29] Functional cysts, corpus luteum cysts & normal ovulation  [12:40] Simple cysts vs. complex cysts  [12:58] Endometriomas (“chocolate cysts”) explained  [13:20] Dermoid cysts & the wild things they can contain  [14:44] PCOS and why “polycystic ovaries” is a misleading name  [15:27] What radiologists look for on ultrasound  [16:57] CA-125, MRI imaging & ovarian cancer red flags  [20:24] Endometriomas, endometriosis & fertility concerns  [23:37] Egg freezing considerations before cyst surgery  [25:53] Dermoid cysts, ovarian torsion & emergency symptoms  [29:59] “Watchful waiting” — why many cysts don’t need surgery  [35:17] Ovarian cysts after menopause  [39:20] Listener question: “I have a 4cm cyst — should I panic?”  [40:43] Listener question: “Can I still get pregnant with one ovary?”  Let’s continue the conversation! Leave us a voicemail with your questions at 754-CALLDOC (754) 225-5362. Nothing is off limits.   Follow Us on Instagram:   * @callyourdoctorpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/callyourdoctorpodcast/?hl=en]   * @lucky.sekhon [https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon/?hl=en]    * @aliciarobbinsmd [https://www.instagram.com/aliciarobbinsmd/?hl=en]  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

PMOS (formerly known as PCOS) Part 2: Connecting the Hormonal Dots

PCOS has a new name! What was Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is now Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). Read more about this name change here: https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2026/pcos-name-change [https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2026/pcos-name-change] PMOS is often treated like a fertility problem — but for millions of women, it impacts so much more than just getting pregnant. Acne that won’t respond to skincare. Weight gain that feels impossible to control. Hair thinning, facial hair growth, irregular periods, anxiety, depression, insulin resistance… and years of feeling dismissed by doctors who only focus on one symptom at a time.  In part two of their PMOS deep dive, Dr. Lucky Sekhon and Dr. Alicia Robbins unpack what it’s actually like to live with PMOS long-term. This week, they explore the real symptoms women experience, why weight management with PMOS is physiologically different, and how the condition affects mental health, metabolism, cardiovascular health, and even cancer risk over time. They also break down what treatment should actually look like and long-term action plans. Most importantly, this episode is about reframing PMOS as the lifelong hormonal and metabolic condition it truly is — not just something women are told to worry about when they want a baby.   IF YOU’RE TEXTING YOUR FRIENDS LIKE...   You:   Why is it SO much harder for me to lose weight than everyone else?  Also You:  Wait… could my acne and hair loss actually be hormonal?  3AM You:  If I’m not trying to get pregnant right now… do I still need to treat my PCOS???  IF YOUR GOOGLE SEARCH HISTORY LOOKS LIKE THIS…   Why is PCOS weight loss so difficult?  Does PCOS cause insulin resistance?  Why do women with PCOS get facial hair?  Can PCOS cause hair thinning?  Do I need treatment for PCOS if I’m not trying to conceive?  What are the long-term risks of PCOS?  Can PCOS increase cancer risk?  Should I take Metformin for PCOS?  Are GLP-1 medications helpful for PCOS?  Does birth control “mask” PCOS?  What supplements actually help PCOS?  What doctor should manage PCOS long-term?  Can PCOS affect mental health?  YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!    In today’s chat we cover:   [02:24] Why PCOS conversations often stop at fertility  [04:02] The emotional and physical symptom burden of PCOS  [05:14] Acne, hirsutism, and hair thinning explained  [07:18] Depression, anxiety, and body image struggles with PCOS  [08:01] Why weight loss with PCOS is physiologically harder  [08:52] Long-term risks: diabetes, endometrial cancer & cardiovascular health  [11:16] Birth control, spironolactone & hormonal treatment options  [14:16] Metformin, GLP-1s & managing insulin resistance  [15:20] Lifestyle changes that actually help PCOS  [18:00] Inositol, berberine & supplement myths  [22:09] Listener questions: weight stigma, long-term care & treatment goals  [28:06] How PCOS changes during perimenopause and aging  Let’s continue the conversation! Leave us a voicemail with your questions at 754-CALLDOC (754) 225-5362. Nothing is off limits.   Follow Us on Instagram:   * @callyourdoctorpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/callyourdoctorpodcast/?hl=en]   * @lucky.sekhon [https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon/?hl=en]    * @aliciarobbinsmd [https://www.instagram.com/aliciarobbinsmd/?hl=en]  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

PCOS: The Hormonal Group Chat Gone Wrong

PCOS affects somewhere between 8-13% of women of reproductive age, and yet the average woman sees three or more providers before she gets a diagnosis. PCOS symptoms often get treated with isolation. Stubborn acne that won’t go away? See a dermatologist. Can’t lose weight? See a nutritionist. No one steps back to look at the whole picture.  Dr. Lucky Sekhon and Dr. Alicia Robbins are excited this week to share all their knowledge about PCOS – what it IS and what it is NOT. The range of symptoms women with PCOS can experience is extensive and we do a deep dive into what these symptoms can include as well as a discussion on atypical PCOS. PCOS is a metabolic and hormonal condition that goes so much deeper than fertility or wanting to get pregnant. In this episode, you’ll learn how physicians diagnose PCOS with the current guidelines, the risks when it comes to fertility, and how PCOS actually affects the body. Stay tuned for part 2 next week!  IF YOU’RE TEXTING YOUR FRIENDS LIKE...   You:   Do I have PCOS if my periods are irregular?  Also You:  Should I go to the doctor to check for PCOS if I’m having trouble losing weight?  3AM You:   WAIT if I DO have it...will I be able to get pregnant???    IF YOUR GOOGLE SEARCH HISTORY LOOKS LIKE THIS…   * What is PCOS?  * How do I know if I have PCOS?  * Do irregular periods mean I have PCOS?  * What are PCOS symptoms?  * How is PCOS diagnosed?  * Is PCOS common?  * What are the treatment options for PCOS?  * Will I be able to get pregnant if I have PCOS?  * Are there different kinds of PCOS?  * Should I get on Metformin?  * Will having PCOS affect my egg health?  * What is ovulatory PCOS?  * Do I have PCOS if I have a cyst?  YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!    In today’s chat we cover:   [04:00] Intro to PCOS  [07:27] What PCOS actually is  [14:54] Diagnosis (Rotterdam criteria and symptoms)  [23:41] Atypical PCOS  [31:55] 2023 guideline updates – what has changed  [36:07] PCOS and fertility  [50:21] Listener questions (miscarriage risk? poor egg quality risk?)  Let’s continue the conversation! Leave us a voicemail with your questions at 754-CALLDOC (754) 225-5362. Nothing is off limits.   Follow Us on Instagram:   * @callyourdoctorpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/callyourdoctorpodcast/?hl=en]   * @lucky.sekhon [https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon/?hl=en]    * @aliciarobbinsmd [https://www.instagram.com/aliciarobbinsmd/?hl=en]    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Fibroids: The Plot Twist in Your Uterus

Fibroids are so common – up to 80% of women will get them by the age of 50. For some women, they cause no issues, but for others, fibroids can be debilitating and more advanced treatment is recommended, and in some cases, surgery is necessary.  Fertility specialist Dr. Lucky Sekhon and Dr. Alicia Robbins share their knowledge about fibroids – what they are, why people get them, common symptoms, treatment options, misconceptions, and if anything can prevent them from growing. They dive into what fibroids do to the body and what the markers are to decide if they actually are a problem that needs to be addressed, as well as explain the different treatment options (expectant, medical, and surgical). They also discuss how fibroids impact fertility. Tune in to hear more about these overlooked, benign tumors!  IF YOU’RE TEXTING YOUR FRIENDS LIKE...   You:   I can't go out tonight...my period pain is SO bad.  Also You:  I can't go on that trip with you guys because I’ll have my period that week.  3AM You:   Ok wait I'm on Google....I don’t think having debilitating periods is normal and I think I may have fibroids😅    IF YOUR GOOGLE SEARCH HISTORY LOOKS LIKE THIS…   * What are fibroids?  * Can fibroids affect fertility?  * How do I know if I have fibroids?  * What are the treatment options for fibroids?  * Do I need to surgically remove my fibroids?  * Should I get a pelvic ultrasound?  * Are my fibroids actually a problem?  * What do fibroids actually do?  * Does the size and location of fibroids matter?  * When should fibroids be treated?  * How can I prevent fibroids?  * Do all fibroids need to come out?  * What are the symptoms of fibroids?  * Can fibroids turn into cancer?  YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!    In today’s chat we cover:   [07:25] Intro to fibroids  [11:44] What are fibroids and when are they actually a problem?  [15:45] How fibroids impact fertility  [23:32] Treatment options (depends what the goals are)  [31:01] Expectant, medical, and surgical management (pros and cons of each one)  [35:27] Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy  [40:52] Uterine Artery Embolization  [45:21] Why do fibroids happen   [48:06] Common questions and misconceptions about fibroids  Let’s continue the conversation! Leave us a voicemail with your questions at 754-CALLDOC (754) 225-5362. Nothing is off limits.   Follow Us on Instagram:   * @callyourdoctorpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/callyourdoctorpodcast/?hl=en]   * @lucky.sekhon [https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon/?hl=en]    * @aliciarobbinsmd [https://www.instagram.com/aliciarobbinsmd/?hl=en] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].