PCOS Explained

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.