PCOS Explained

Have you ever tried a diet only to feel like you're failing? Or maybe you've bounced between different diets, but none of them seem to stick? If so, this episode is for you!This week, we're revisiting a fan-favourite episode. Join Clare, host of PCOS Explained and founder of Ovie, as she sits down with Sophia Dawson, Ovie's resident psychologist, to tackle the common struggle: Why can't I stick to a diet?They explore how restrictive rules and unrealistic expectations can set us up for failure, and how this cycle of dieting often undermines long-term success. They also discuss the importance of getting clear on your "why"—the deeper reasons behind your desire to diet—and how shifting the focus from rigid “do’s and don’ts” to realistic, sustainable goals can lead to lasting change.Key highlights include:How unrealistic dieting rules set us up for failureThe power of self-compassion in breaking free from diet cultureWhy goal-setting needs to be flexible and aligned with your lifestylePractical tips for creating sustainable, healthy habitsIf you're tired of the diet rollercoaster, tune in for actionable insights and a more compassionate approach to health and wellness!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.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year... but also can feel like a tricky one when you’re managing PCOS!Today, we’re revisiting a previous episode all about how to best manage your PCOS during the holiday season. In this episode, Clare and Emma share practical tips to help you stay on track and make sustainable changes during the festive season.They dive into managing PCOS during the holidays, covering everything from planning and navigating temptations to making mindful food choices and sticking to your non-negotiables.The episode highlights how small, realistic changes—guided by the 80/20 rule—can lead to lasting results. Consistency, not perfection, is key. By learning to find balance during this busy season, you'll gain the tools to create balance all year long.Whether you're managing PCOS or simply aiming to make healthier choices this holiday season, this episode offers actionable advice to help you enjoy the holidays guilt-free.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.

Join Clare in today’s episode as she chats with Ovie community member Naomi about her personal journey with PCOS.Diagnosed at 27 after years of unexplained symptoms and fertility struggles, Naomi opens up about the rollercoaster of challenges she faced—from irregular periods and weight gain to chronic fatigue.Throughout our conversation, Naomi offers fantastic tips for managing PCOS, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment and making lifestyle changes. She also highlights the value of community support and encourages listeners to approach medical advice with a healthy dose of skepticism.Tune in for a dose of hope and empowerment!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.

Welcome to part two of our breastfeeding experiences podcast — sharing real stories from our community. After sharing her personal breastfeeding journey, Clare received numerous messages from women concerned about facing similar challenges. Inspired by these conversations, Clare is dedicating this week’s episode to exploring the diverse experiences of breastfeeding.In this episode, PCOS Explained host and Ovie Founder, Clare, presents a collection of stories from different women, each sharing their unique breastfeeding journeys. Drawing from her own experience of breastfeeding her daughter and navigating a low milk supply, Clare aims to challenge common misconceptions and provide a broad spectrum of perspectives.We’ll delve into the realities of breastfeeding, discuss various risk factors, and emphasise the importance of being prepared for different outcomes. This episode offers valuable insights and support to women preparing for breastfeeding.A special thank you to our guests: Samantha, Naomi and Belinda for sharing their stories with us! 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 today’s episode, we revisit an important conversation that resonates with many listeners: the connection between hormonal birth control and weight gain.Join Clare, the host of PCOS Explained, as she dives deep into the nuances of hormonal contraceptives. We’ll explore the historical context of these concerns and break down the various types of contraceptives— from combined pills and progestin-only options to implants and IUDs.Through a careful examination of current studies, Clare analyses the potential weight changes associated with different contraceptive methods. Clare will discuss how these options can not only regulate menstrual cycles but also influence factors such as ovulation, androgen levels, cortisol, and insulin resistance.Our goal with this episode is to empower you with knowledge and insights, encouraging you to reflect on your own experiences and make informed choices about your health.Tune in and join the conversation!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 inspiring episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Nash, an Ovie community member, who shares her remarkable journey of reversing PCOS.Despite being told by her doctor that she didn’t exhibit typical symptoms of PCOS, Elizabeth trusted her instincts and advocated for herself, ultimately securing a proper diagnosis.Faced with the option to return to the contraceptive pill, Elizabeth sought a more sustainable approach to managing her symptoms. By immersing herself in learning—through our podcast and following the protocol—she made small, incremental changes that significantly improved her condition.Join us as Elizabeth reflects on her journey from feeling overwhelmed by dietary restrictions to embracing an 80/20 lifestyle 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.

In this episode, Clare sits down with Emily Malcom, one of our amazing Ovie community members, to chat about her journey with PCOS. Emily shares her story, starting from her early puberty when she faced challenges like acne, irregular periods, and unwanted hair growth. She opens up about how these issues impacted not just her health but also her mental wellbeing.After years on the contraceptive pill, Emily decided it was time for a change. Inspired by insights from previous podcast episodes, she took the leap to come off hormonal contraception and dive into some big lifestyle changes. Emily talks about what that transition was really like and how she found a more sustainable way to live—focusing on flexibility with food and embracing progress over perfection.She also dives into the tough realities of dealing with insulin resistance, the stigma that comes with it, and the personalised dietary changes that have worked for her. Join us for this conversation as Emily shares her journey, the ups and downs, and the empowering steps she’s taken to create a healthier, happier life.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.

One of the most common concerns we hear in our discovery calls is that people are unsure if they have PCOS because their symptoms don’t match what they believe to be typical.In today’s episode, Clare and Emma dive into the misconception of a “typical” PCOS patient, highlighting that PCOS presents differently in everyone.They explore the various symptoms of PCOS, such as weight gain, hair growth, and menstrual cycle irregularities, and how these can present in different ways. They emphasise that PCOS symptoms do not follow a predictable pattern. Additionally, they discuss genetic factors, hormonal profiles, and the importance of lifestyle modifications.This episode stresses that, regardless of the symptoms you experience, effective PCOS management isn’t just about weight loss but involves a holistic approach to overall health and well-being.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.

When it comes to managing our health, we're often told that doing more is better. However, in the realm of PCOS, this isn't always the case. Overdoing it with numerous changes, supplements, and intense exercise might actually be counterproductive. Sometimes, doing less can be the key to better results.In today’s episode, Clare and Emma explore why more is not always better in managing PCOS. They discuss the pitfalls of overloading on changes, supplements, and exercise, and introduce the bell curve theory of health, which highlights the importance of balance and avoiding extremes.Through their personal experiences and clinical insights, they emphasise the effectiveness of concentrating on a few core habits and making them sustainable over time. The episode also covers the psychological aspects of behaviour change, the significance of manageable lifestyle adjustments, and the misconception of perfectionism in health.Join Clare and Emma for practical advice on achieving sustainable PCOS management by focusing on balanced and consistent lifestyle changes.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.