Advertise on podcast: PCOS Explained

Today, we are revisiting another conversation with Dr. Lara Briden. In this episode, Lara joins us to break down what a normal period actually looks like—because let’s be honest, most of us were never taught this. We cover how long your period should last, how much blood loss is normal, and what symptoms might signal a hormonal imbalance. A big takeaway? Having a period doesn’t always mean you’re ovulating. If your cycles are long, irregular, or your period lasts more than seven days, you might not be producing enough progesterone, which plays a huge role in balancing hormones, mood, and metabolism. We also discuss heavy periods, post-pill cycles, and why your period is a key health indicator—plus, how low progesterone can impact anxiety, energy, and PMS.  If you’ve ever wondered whether your period is normal, this episode is for you! Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the PCOS Explained, we are revisiting a conversation with Sarah, who, like so many women, faced the heartbreak of struggling to conceive. After coming off birth control, she expected her body to naturally regulate, but instead, months passed without a positive test. Doctors offered quick solutions: first medication, then a fast track to IUI and IVF. But no one stopped to ask why her body wasn’t ovulating. Feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, Sarah took matters into her own hands. She saw an acupuncturist who suspected PCOS—despite her not fitting the typical profile—and she joined the PCOS Protocol, now called the Ovie Plus plan, to dig deeper. What she discovered was a game-changer: her insulin was the missing piece, even though standard tests never flagged it. With small shifts in her diet and movement, her body finally started to work with her. Sarah’s story is a reminder that PCOS isn’t just about weight or quick fixes. It’s about really understanding your body and giving it what it needs. Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we are revisiting an important conversation with Lily Nichols, registered dietitian and author of Real Food for Pregnancy, to unpack the confusion and controversy around vitamin A in pregnancy. In this episode, Lily breaks down what vitamin A actually does in the body—why it’s essential for fetal development, immune function, hormone production, and even organ formation in a growing baby. A big takeaway? The fear around vitamin A largely stems from outdated studies using high-dose synthetic versions—not food-based sources like liver. While fewer than 20 cases of vitamin A-related birth defects have been reported in the last 30 years, over 700,000 babies have been born with a serious birth defect tied to vitamin A deficiency in just the past two decades. We also cover the difference between preformed vitamin A (retinol) and beta-carotene, why many people (especially vegetarians and vegans) struggle to convert plant-based vitamin A into a usable form, and how you can meet your needs even if you don’t love liver. If you’ve been told to avoid liver or skip prenatals with vitamin A, this episode will challenge that advice—and help you feel confident in making more informed choices during pregnancy. Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we are revisiting a conversation with Katherine, who bravely shares her story of navigating PCOS from her teenage years into her forties. She opens up about the struggles she faced—late diagnosis, dealing with weight gain, sugar cravings, fatigue, and the emotional toll of trying to figure out what worked for her body. We talk about the frustration of being told to “just lose weight” as a solution, the confusion around conflicting PCOS advice, and the moment she realized that insulin resistance was at the root of her symptoms. Katherine shares how small but powerful changes—starting with something as simple as breakfast—transformed her energy levels, reduced cravings, and gave her a whole new perspective on managing PCOS. We also dive into some common PCOS myths, like the idea that menopause will magically “fix” PCOS or that getting a hysterectomy is the answer. Spoiler: It’s not. Instead, we discuss why focusing on the root cause is the real game-changer and how taking control now can make a huge difference in long-term health. Katherine’s journey is one that so many of us can relate to—the frustration, the trial and error, but ultimately, the hope that comes with understanding what’s really going on in your body. If you’ve ever felt stuck, confused, or like you’re just meant to struggle with PCOS forever, this episode is for you. Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever heard that PCOS gets better with age? Not quite—but there’s plenty you can do to navigate the changes. In this episode, we are revisiting another conversation with the brilliant Dr. Lara Briden to talk about what really happens to your hormones during perimenopause and menopause—especially if you have PCOS. Think of perimenopause as your body adjusting to a new phase, just like puberty (but with more wisdom!). While things might shift, understanding what’s happening makes all the difference. We’ll cover what to expect, common myths, and practical ways to support your body through the transition. No matter your age, this episode will help you feel informed, confident, and ready for what’s ahead. Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever felt like you're doing everything "right" but still not seeing results with your PCOS? In today’s episode, we’re revisiting a conversation with Dimity, a psychologist who, despite doing all the things—F45, spin classes, strict diets—still struggled with fatigue, weight gain, acne, and irregular cycles.  When she was diagnosed with both PCOS and endometriosis, she was told to simply lose weight and prepare for fertility struggles. But here’s the twist—once Dimity started addressing the real root causes of her symptoms (hello, insulin resistance and stress!), everything changed. And when she saw just how much stress and sleep impacted her blood sugar—even when eating the exact same meals—she had a major lightbulb moment. If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like you're on a never-ending rollercoaster of restrictions, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new approach. Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt terrified at the idea of eating more, even when deep down you know your body needs it? You're not alone. This fear is so common, especially if you’ve struggled with weight gain in the past or have been bombarded with conflicting advice about PCOS and restrictive eating. Today, we’re revisiting a conversation between Clare and Emma, our Senior Nutritionist at The PCOS Nutritionist, as they share their personal journeys of breaking free from the restrict-repeat cycle. They open up about what it’s really like to rebuild trust with your body—and why eating more might actually be the missing piece in your PCOS journey. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of eating less, only to feel exhausted, anxious, and frustrated by your body’s response, this episode is for you. Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on PCOS Explained, we’re revisiting a fascinating conversation with my good friend Angela Heap, a leading fertility nutritionist, who shares groundbreaking research on how the microbial balance in the vagina and uterus could influence everything from conception to miscarriage risk. We’ve all heard about the gut microbiome, but did you know that your vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in reproductive health?  Angela breaks down how specific bacteria help protect against infections, support implantation, and even impact pregnancy outcomes. She also explains why women with PCOS often have a disrupted vaginal microbiome, how this could contribute to fertility challenges, and what steps can be taken to restore balance. We get into the latest testing options for assessing the vaginal microbiome, why misdiagnosed recurrent infections could be harming your fertility, and how a tailored approach—not a one-size-fits-all treatment—is key to restoring a healthy environment. Plus, Angela shares real-world case studies where microbiome interventions have led to successful pregnancies. If you’ve struggled with recurrent thrush, bacterial vaginosis, unexplained infertility, or multiple miscarriages, this episode is a must-listen. We also discuss practical ways to improve your microbiome through nutrition, probiotics, and targeted treatments—without falling for ineffective, trendy “fixes” like vaginal cleansing products. Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is the final part of our conversation with Dr. Lara Briden, focusing on endometriosis treatment options. We explore why hormonal birth control is often prescribed but may not be the best solution. Dr. Briden explains the role of micronised progesterone (Prometrium) and how it differs from synthetic progestins. Natural treatments take centre stage, including anti-inflammatory strategies, gut health, and the impact of the pelvic microbiome. Certain supplements like turmeric, berberine, and NAC may help reduce symptoms. We also discuss excision surgery as another approach and why managing inflammation post-surgery is crucial. If you’ve been struggling with pain or misdiagnosis, this episode provides practical strategies to help you move forward. Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re revisiting a conversation with Dr. Lara Briden, a naturopathic doctor and expert in hormone and period health. We’ll explore endometriosis, a condition that shares symptoms with PCOS—such as irregular cycles and heavy periods—but is often misdiagnosed. Dr. Briden highlights the key differences between the two conditions, why endometriosis is misunderstood, and the challenges in achieving a proper diagnosis. You’ll also learn about systemic inflammation and immune dysfunction, which play a key role in this complex condition. This is the first of a two-part series. Today’s focus is on understanding endometriosis and its diagnostic challenges. Next week, we’ll dive into treatment options, including surgery and natural approaches. Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we are revisiting a super special interview with Dr Danah, a former member of Ovie.   Danah, a medical professional, faced years of frustration with PCOS symptoms, including weight gain, irregular cycles, acne, and fatigue, all while juggling her career as a doctor and studying for her master’s degree. Despite her medical training and regular testing, Danah was shocked to discover she was insulin resistant - something traditional markers like A1c and fasting glucose failed to detect. We explore how identifying her true drivers of PCOS and implementing targeted lifestyle modifications transformed her health. If you’ve ever felt frustration with your PCOS treatment or wondered why conventional medicine seems to fall short, Dr. Danah’s journey will inspire you to take control and explore a functional, root-cause approach. Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode delves into a deeply personal and important topic: pregnancy loss. Claire, a dietitian and someone who has navigated her own PCOS journey, shares her experience with an ectopic pregnancy. We begin with the signs of PCOS that Claire started noticing in herself, leading to her eventual diagnosis. She reflects on her fertility challenges, including miscarriage, and describes the harrowing experience of an ectopic pregnancy that turned into a medical emergency. Claire’s story highlights the importance of open conversations about pregnancy loss and the role of community in navigating these challenges. Whether you’ve experienced something similar or are looking to support someone who has, this episode offers an honest, compassionate perspective. Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re exploring what it really feels like to lose control around food, and why it’s so much more complicated than just “lacking willpower.” We’ll unpack the reasons behind this feeling, showing how it’s not a personal failure but the result of complex factors like hormones, blood sugar fluctuations, and even the way diet culture has shaped our thinking about food. We’ll also chat about how this all connects to PCOS and share some simple, practical ideas to help you feel more balanced and in control. If you’ve ever felt this way or you’re just curious to understand it better, this episode is for you. Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Clare is joined by Dr. Samina for a heartfelt discussion on the challenges and triumphs of navigating postpartum life with PCOS.  With their baby girls born just a month apart, Clare and Dr. Samina draw from both personal experiences and clinical expertise to offer a well-rounded perspective on what postpartum can look like for women managing PCOS. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by fatigue, battling postpartum anxiety, or wondering how to regain your balance, this episode is packed with relatable anecdotes, tips and support to help you feel your best.  Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Clare sits down with Annabelle to tackle a hot topic: hormonal birth control. Whether it’s the pill, IUD, or implant, hormonal birth control is often recommended for managing PCOS symptoms. But is it right for you? We’re diving into the pros, cons, and everything in between. From helping with acne and hirsutism to the potential downsides like mental health changes, weight gain, and even its surprising effect on who you’re attracted to (yes, really!), we’ll give you a balanced view so you can make the best decision for yourself. If you’ve ever felt stuck between conflicting advice—from doctors insisting the pill is mandatory to influencers warning it’s the worst thing ever—this episode is for you. Take the Ovie questionnaire and figure out the best PCOS management plan for you. Have you already completed the questionnaire? Are you ready to sign up and take control of your PCOS? Sign up HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.