Lyt til The PCOS Repair Podcast

Understanding the Link Between PCOS and Weight In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, the spotlight is on one of the most talked-about PCOS symptoms—weight. Whether it’s the frustration of weight gain, the confusion around how to lose it, or the struggle to maintain progress, weight is a concern for many women with PCOS. But contrary to what some might hear from doctors or online sources, weight is not the cause of PCOS—it’s a symptom. That said, excess weight can exacerbate root causes like insulin resistance and inflammation. This episode walks you through the key myths around PCOS and weight and introduces a new way of thinking about your health and your ideal weight. The Problem with “Just Lose Weight” Advice You’ve likely heard it before: “Just lose weight and your PCOS will improve.” But that kind of oversimplified advice ignores how complex and sensitive PCOS metabolism can be. In this episode, you’ll discover why the way you approach weight loss matters just as much as the weight loss itself. Crash diets, excessive calorie restriction, and high-stress methods can actually worsen hormonal imbalances, shut down reproductive hormone production, and make you feel worse overall. Instead, in this episode, you’ll learn how to shift toward a more balanced and personalized approach that prioritizes long-term metabolic health. How to Approach PCOS Weight Loss the Right Way This episode explores how small changes in how you eat, move, and rest can lead to steady fat loss while preserving muscle, boosting your metabolism instead of tanking it. You’ll also hear how increasing muscle mass improves insulin sensitivity and helps reduce inflammation, which are two major drivers of PCOS symptoms. Weight loss that lasts doesn’t come from shame or punishment. It comes from self-awareness, self-compassion, and understanding your body’s unique needs. In this episode, you’ll hear the key to breaking the cycle of yo-yo dieting. You'll learn how approaching your PCOS journey with grace and curiosity helps you stay consistent and build a lifestyle that supports your health goals without burnout. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being kind to yourself while moving toward your best health. Discovering Your Ideal PCOS Weight I have helped 100s of women find their “ideal” weight with PCOS. It’s about finding the weight range where your body feels strong, your energy is stable, your symptoms improve, and your habits feel sustainable. This episode breaks down what that looks like and how to identify your personal sweet spot. It’s not about what the scale says—it’s about how your body functions and how you feel day to day. This section helps you reframe weight loss as a process of discovery, not restriction. Once you’ve found that sweet spot where your PCOS symptoms are improving and your lifestyle feels livable, it’s time to transition to maintenance.  This episode wraps up with a reminder that your PCOS health journey is not about reaching a specific weight or fitting a certain size. It’s about reclaiming your energy, confidence, and hormone balance so you can feel like yourself again. The goal is progress, not perfection—and with the right support and understanding, you can absolutely find a weight and lifestyle where your body thrives. You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here [https://nourishedtohealthy.com/pcos-quiz/] Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram!  [https://www.instagram.com/nourishedtohealthy/] What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have? [https://www.instagram.com/nourishedtohealthy/] The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at: ht [https://nourishedtohealthy.com/ep-145]

In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, you'll discover how targeted nutritional supplementation can help reduce oxidative stress and improve hormone and metabolic function in women with PCOS. This discussion is based on a recent research article titled The Effects of Nutritional Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Hormonal and Lipid Profiles in a PCOS-Affected Female. If you’ve been wondering whether certain nutrients—like vitamin D or omega-3s—can actually help with PCOS symptoms, this episode breaks it down in a practical and research-backed way. Oxidative Stress and PCOS Oxidative stress is a type of internal cellular stress caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. It’s not the kind of stress you feel emotionally, but rather the kind that leads to cellular damage and accelerates aging. In PCOS, oxidative stress is particularly concerning because it contributes to insulin resistance, increased androgens, chronic inflammation, and even fertility issues. It can also impair egg quality and affect ovulation, adding another layer of complexity for women trying to conceive. Oxidative Stress Biomarkers (Labs) This research highlights a few key biomarkers to assess oxidative stress levels, including malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO). Each of these indicators can help reveal the degree of oxidative damage in the body and how effectively your systems are working to counteract it. In women with PCOS, these markers are often out of balance, showing both elevated oxidative damage and diminished antioxidant defense. Supplements That Help Reduce Oxidative Stress This episode explores several key nutrients that play a powerful role in reducing oxidative stress for women with PCOS. These nutrients help lower inflammation, support metabolic function, and improve insulin sensitivity—all of which are essential for hormone balance. Some have been shown to lower testosterone levels and enhance the body’s ability to manage blood sugar, while others support thyroid health and overall inflammation regulation. Some nutrients promote gut health, which is closely tied to hormone regulation, and even those that support better sleep while offering antioxidant benefits that may positively influence fertility. One of the most exciting findings from this study is the suggestion that certain nutrients can influence how genes express themselves. Some support IGF-1 levels, which are important for egg development and ovulation, while others impact insulin sensitivity through specific genetic pathways. There’s also evidence that certain nutrients may reduce the expression of genes involved in chronic inflammation. While more research is needed, this emerging science highlights the potential for nutrition to make meaningful changes at a cellular level. Supplements in Your PCOS Strategy No one supplement will fix PCOS, but using the right nutrients can significantly reduce oxidative stress and improve hormone function. As always, quality matters. Choose third-party tested brands and remember that supplements should complement, not replace, lifestyle interventions. If you're looking for trusted supplement recommendations, you can download the free PCOS The Supplement Guide [https://nourishedtohealthy.com/pcos-supplement-guide/]. I’ve included a list of high-quality brands and tips for getting started.  Improving oxidative stress through nutrition is a powerful tool for managing PCOS. From fertility to energy levels to long-term hormone balance, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what’s possible with the right support. You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here [https://nourishedtohealthy.com/pcos-quiz/]. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8467908/

In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, the spotlight is on one of the most frustrating and commonly misunderstood symptoms of PCOS: fatigue. Whether it's that mid-afternoon slump, the struggle to get out of bed, or the sense of always running on empty, energy issues affect many women with PCOS, and today’s conversation dives deep into why that happens and how to fix it. Understanding the Link Between PCOS and Fatigue Fatigue isn’t just about being tired—it’s often the result of a disrupted circadian rhythm. This internal clock controls when you feel alert or sleepy and can easily be thrown off by inconsistent sleep schedules, poor light exposure, or high stress. Even without a formal diagnosis like Addison’s or Cushing’s disease, subtle imbalances in cortisol can dramatically affect how energized you feel throughout the day. Caffeine and sugar might offer a quick boost, but they often set you up for a hard crash. In this episode, you’ll learn why starting your day with balanced meals instead of quick fixes is crucial for avoiding that roller coaster of energy highs and lows. Learn how even intense workouts can leave you depleted if you don’t support your body with proper nutrition and hydration afterward. Identifying the Root Causes of PCOS-Related Fatigue While daily energy dips are frustrating, long-term fatigue that builds over weeks or months is another level entirely. This deeper exhaustion often follows prolonged stress or trauma and is commonly seen in women managing PCOS. When your body has been running on adrenaline for too long, your energy systems begin to falter, leaving you constantly drained. Fatigue can show up differently depending on your PCOS root causes. Inflammation can make your body feel heavy and sluggish, an overactive stress response burns through your energy reserves too quickly, and insulin resistance leads to sugar crashes that zap your energy. Often, it’s a combination of all three. In this episode, you’ll discover how understanding your root causes is a critical piece of reclaiming your energy. If you’ve been feeling run-down and tired all the time, this episode is your invitation to shift your focus. Start by creating a more consistent sleep schedule, balancing your meals, building movement into your week, and reducing unnecessary stress. These small changes can create powerful momentum. You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here [https://nourishedtohealthy.com/pcos-quiz/] Other Links for the Episode  Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram!  [https://www.instagram.com/nourishedtohealthy/] What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have? [https://www.instagram.com/nourishedtohealthy/] The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at: https://nourishedtohealthy.com/ep-143

Welcome back to the PCOS Repair Podcast! Today's episode is particularly inspiring as I share the journey of one of my patients, Taylor, and her battle with PCOS and weight management. Taylor's story highlights the significance of identifying root causes in achieving sustainable weight loss and overall health improvements. Taylor’s Journey Through PCOS and Weight Challenges Taylor's struggle with weight began early. Despite being an active child, she started experiencing unmanageable weight gain following her growth spurt at age 12. As she transitioned into adolescence and beyond, her challenges with weight only intensified, complicated by her PCOS diagnosis. Like many, Taylor's initial approach to managing her weight was through rigorous exercise and strict dieting—tactics that, while common, often led to frustration and minimal long-term success. The Impact of Misinformation and the Importance of Personalized Strategies One key aspect of today's discussion revolves around the misinformation surrounding PCOS and weight loss. The internet is riddled with one-size-fits-all solutions that promise quick results, from diet plans to workout routines and supplements. However, these often do not account for the individual complexities of PCOS. Taylor's story serves as a reminder that what works for one person may not be effective for another, especially when dealing with a condition as multifaceted as PCOS. A New Approach to PCOS and Weight Loss We delve into common misconceptions that hinder progress for many dealing with PCOS. For instance, the myth that certain exercises can exacerbate PCOS symptoms due to cortisol spikes, or that all dairy and gluten products should be avoided. Through Taylor's experience, we learn that understanding the nuances of your own body's responses to food, stress, and exercise is crucial. This personalized insight allows for a more effective and sustainable management plan. Taylor’s Path to Understanding Her PCOS Through working together, Taylor and I explored deeper into her specific root causes of weight gain associated with PCOS. This involved comprehensive lab work and lifestyle evaluations that went beyond standard PCOS protocols. We discovered key issues like her high sensitivity to carbohydrates and a chronic cycle of undereating that disrupted her metabolic health. Strategic Changes and Sustainable Results Armed with this new understanding, we implemented tailored dietary adjustments and lifestyle interventions that gradually helped Taylor break through her weight loss plateau. In this episode, you will hear the steps we took and the adjustments she took to break her weight loss plateau and finally achieve lasting easily maintainable weight loss.  Taylor's success story is a testament to the power of personalized care and the importance of addressing the underlying factors of PCOS. I hope that this story inspires you that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight with PCOS isn't about drastic, short-term fixes but about making informed, gradual changes that align with one's unique health needs. You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here [https://nourishedtohealthy.com/pcos-quiz/] Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram!  [https://www.instagram.com/nourishedtohealthy/] What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have? [https://www.instagram.com/nourishedtohealthy/] The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at: [https://nourishedtohealthy.com/142] https://nourishedtohealthy.com/142 [https://nourishedtohealthy.com/142]

This episode is addressing common misinformation regarding PCOS, explores where it comes from, and offers strategies to navigate through the noise effectively. Misinformation surrounds us, where personal anecdotes and marketing heavily influence our perceptions and decisions. We’ll dissect some prevalent myths and provide you with the tools to make informed decisions about managing your PCOS. The Origins of Misinformation in PCOS Management  Misinformation about PCOS frequently arises from personal success stories shared on social media and aggressive marketing tactics for supplements, diets and coaching. Influencers and marketers often promote diet plans, supplements, and lifestyle changes that claim to be the ultimate or only solution to PCOS symptoms. However, these sources may not always present the full picture, often offering solutions that are exaggerated, fear-based, or not universally applicable. Navigating PCOS Misinformation  One major challenge with misinformation is that it encourages constant switching between health plans, preventing consistency, which is essential for lasting progress. This inconsistency can lead users to feel disillusioned and believe that no treatment will be effective for them. This episode debunks some common myths and misconceptions about PCOS, helping you to understand your unique needs and how to address them effectively. Debunking Common PCOS Misconceptions  During this episode we’ll discuss several areas where misinformation is common, including:  * Exercise Misconceptions * Myths about Dairy * Gluten Myths * Inaccurate Carbohydrate suggestions * Supplement Misunderstandings * Lab Testing and PCOS:  Empowering Your PCOS Journey  To effectively manage PCOS, it's crucial to cut through the misinformation by understanding the root causes of your symptoms, recognizing the unique aspects of your condition, and implementing a sustainable and personalized plan based on scientific research and personal health data. This approach ensures that the management strategies you adopt are tailored specifically to your needs and are grounded in reliable evidence, leading to better long-term outcomes. PCOS DETOX  [https://nourishedtohealthy.com/p-detox/] Appraising Unmet Needs and Misinformation Spread About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in 85,872 YouTube Comments Over 12 Years: Big Data Infodemiology Study [https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e49220] You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here [https://nourishedtohealthy.com/pcos-quiz/] Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram!  [https://www.instagram.com/nourishedtohealthy/] What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have? [https://www.instagram.com/nourishedtohealthy/] The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at: [https://nourishedtohealthy.com/141] https://nourishedtohealthy.com/141 [https://nourishedtohealthy.com/141]