The PCOS Podcast

HIGHLIGHTS Current state of male factor infertility Trends Steph sees in clinic among her clients trying to conceive Issues with acceptance of male factor infertility What factors that negatively affect male fertility When and how to assess male fertility Must have diet and lifestyle foundations to improve fertilityStephs most recommended supplements for improving male fertility LINKS Steph Lowe – The Natural Nutritionist: https://thenaturalnutritionist.com.au/ Follow Steph on Instagram: @thenaturalnutritionistAre we instagram friends yet? @solainedouglas_nutritionWant to work with me on your PCOS? Step 1 – PCOS GlowUp: Easy 3 week program to help you get on top of your PCOS symptoms: https://solainedouglas.com/pcos-glowup

This podcast episode is a little different. It’s a recording from my most recent Instagram live! Where I answered 28 PCOS questions submitted by you. Everything from healing ovarian cysts, gaining weight in menopause and my thoughts on peony and licorice for PCOS. Let’s jump in! HIGHLIGHTS Tips for healing ovarian cysts?Is it possible that I regulated my period with sauna and cold plunge?How the hell do I lose weight with PCOS? It feels impossible. Is there a high risk of C section with PCOS?Thoughts on Metformin?#1 food for PCOS?Menopause and PCOS, bloating and weight gain. WHY?? I had it under control before menopause?How do you reduce insulin resistance and high prolactin?How do you test mast cell activation syndrome?Sugar free substitutes instead of sugar, or does that have the same effect? I’ve just been told I have insulin resistance. Trying not to panic. TTC & I’m a little anxious. Tips?Thoughts on MYO-inositol for PCOS?What is the likelihood of no ovulation if I get my period every month? Just paranoid. Normal hormones, acne, irregular periods. But confirmed PCOS. How do I know which type I haveHow long should you stay on peony and licorice combination for?On top of PCOS symptoms but still experiencing recurring miscarriage. What would be the cause of this?Can you have PCOS & regular periods? I have other markers. HELP! Bloods suggest Hashimotos but GP says I don’t need to do anything?I can’t digest food, only eat once per day but I am still obese. What to do. How to get rid of heavy periods and conceive?Do I have to have a diagnosis of PCOS to join your program?What’s a good protein break that isn’t eggs for PCOS?How to boost oestrogen in your 20s? Already sleeping well, exercising, eating well. Fat loss with PCOS and two rounds of GDM, weight loss with PCOS feels impossible Would maintaining insulin resistance help me to lose weight and how do I do thisI was diagnosed with PCOS while on the pill, if I go off the pill will my symptoms get worse How to fix low oestrogen during ovulatory phaseIf you have hirsutism from PCOS is there anything you can do to help with this LINKS Are we instagram friends yet? @solainedouglas_nutritionWant to work with me on your PCOS? Step 1 – PCOS GlowUp: Easy 3 week program to help you get on top of your PCOS symptoms: https://solainedouglas.com/pcos-glowup

HIGHLIGHTS How does your gut function impact your hormonesConsequences of dysbiosis on your hormonesShould you “fix” your gut or your hormones firstIf someone is struggling with “IBS” or other gut symptoms where do you recommend they start LINKS Are we instagram friends yet? @solainedouglas_nutritionWant to work with me on your PCOS? Step 1 – PCOS GlowUp: Easy 3 week program to help you get on top of your PCOS symptoms: https://solainedouglas.com/pcos-glowup

HIGHLIGHTS How exactly does PCOS affect metabolism? What’s the link between insulin, metabolism and PCOS?How does Metformin work for PCOS and my clinical observations. Specifc tools and strategies to help reduce PCOS symptoms and improve metabolic health. LINKS Are we instagram friends yet? @solainedouglas_nutritionWant to work with me on your PCOS? Step 1 – PCOS GlowUp: Easy 3 week program to help you get on top of your PCOS symptoms: https://solainedouglas.com/pcos-glowup

HIGHLIGHTS Weight Loss vs. Body Composition Changes:Discussion on the difference between weight loss and body composition changes.Exploring the significance of focusing on body composition especially for PCOS and insulin resistance. Highlighting the limitations of traditional diet culture in promoting sustainable changes.Proper Testing and Interpretation for PCOS, Insulin Resistance, and Thyroid Issues:Importance of proper testing methods for diagnosing conditions like PCOS, insulin resistance, and thyroid disorders.Accurate interpretation of test results to ensure appropriate treatment and management.Addressing common concerns and misconceptions surrounding these conditions.Importance of Tracking Intake for Health and Fat Loss:Discussion on the benefits of tracking dietary intake for both health and fat loss goals.Exploring various methods and tools available for tracking intake effectively.Mindful eating and balanced nutrition in achieving sustainable results. LINKS Are we instagram friends yet? @solainedouglas_nutritionWant to work with me on your PCOS? Step 1 – PCOS GlowUp: Easy 3 week program to help you get on top of your PCOS symptoms: https://solainedouglas.com/pcos-glowup

HIGHLIGHTS :Contraceptive drugs containing levonorgestrel and other high androgen index progestins can lead to hair loss due to their similarity to testosterone.:High androgen index progestins like medroxyprogesterone acetate, levonorgestrel, norgestrel, and etonogestrel can shrink hair follicles, causing gradual hair loss.Low androgen index progestins like drospirenone, norgestimate, and cyproterone don't cause hair loss during usage but may trigger it upon discontinuation due to a rebound surge in androgens.:Estrogen and progesterone, crucial for hair health, are produced through ovulation and a natural menstrual cycle, underscoring the importance of ceasing hormonal birth control.:PCOS, characterized by high androgens, can contribute to hair loss, acne, and hirsutism; blood tests can aid in diagnosis.:Thyroid disease is another potential cause of hair loss, necessitating blood tests, especially for those with symptoms or family history.Adequate iron levels are essential for hair recovery; there is a lot more to iron sttus than ferritin. Rarely is an iron infusion appropriate. Zinc promotes ovulation, reduces inflammation, and inhibits androgens, making it beneficial for hair health, especially for those with deficiencies or on hormonal birth control.:Chronic inflammation can sensitize hair follicles to androgens, exacerbating hair loss; resolving gut issues or food sensitivities may help alleviate inflammation.:Results from hair loss treatment may take at least two months due to the lag time in the hair's telogen phase; consistency and patience are crucial for seeing improvements. LINKS Are we instagram friends yet? @solainedouglas_nutritionWant to work with me on your PCOS? Step 1 – PCOS GlowUp: Easy 3 week program to help you get on top of your PCOS symptoms: https://solainedouglas.com/pcos-glowup

Rather than a single disease, PCOS encompasses various underlying biological mechanisms, leading to a range of symptoms such as androgen excess and anovulatory cycles. Identifying the specific functional type of PCOS is crucial for effective treatment. HIGHLIGHTS Understanding PCOS: PCOS is primarily defined by androgen excess, often characterized by elevated male hormones, after ruling out other causes.Contrary to its name, PCOS does not necessarily involve cysts on the ovaries. The so-called "cysts" are typically normal follicles or eggs. Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance, associated with high insulin levels, is a common feature of PCOS.Symptoms of insulin resistance may include cravings, weight gain, and dark patches on the skin. Post-Pill PCOS: Coming off certain contraceptive pills can lead to a temporary surge in androgens, qualifying as post-pill PCOS under current diagnostic guidelines. Chronic Inflammation (Inc Thyroid Issues): Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in stimulating excess testosterone production in the ovaries, contributing to PCOS.Identifying and addressing underlying sources of inflammation are crucial for managing inflammatory PCOS. Adrenal PCOS: Adrenal PCOS, accounting for 10 percent of cases, involves elevated DHEAS levels without insulin resistance or inflammation.Treatments for adrenal PCOS include various supplements and herbs to modulate adrenal androgens. LINKS Are we instagram friends yet? @solainedouglas_nutritionWant to work with me? Step 1 – PCOS GlowUp: Easy 3 week program to help you get on top of your PCOS symptoms: https://solainedouglas.com/pcos-glowup

Planning a baby in 2024? How incredibly exciting! Here’s the things I recommend addressing or focusing on if you have PCOS to optimise your chances of falling pregnant, your and your baby's health while pregnant & beyond! HIGHLIGHTS Are you ovulating or not? Optimising egg and sperm quality — implement a customised supplement protocol, MVP good quality prenatalBlood sugar control and reducing GDM riskMinimise exposure to chemicals and toxins Pro-actively checking progesterone levels FOLLOW Instagram –@solainedouglas_nutrition HOW TO WORK WITH ME Step 1 – PCOS GlowUp: Go from struggling with sugar cravings, feeling bloated, struggling with stubborn weight and feeling confused about what to eat to help your PCOS, to having stable energy levels across the day, feeling comfortable in your digestion and confident in your clothes and food choices Join the PCOS GlowUp Here.Download my 4 PCOS Friendly Breakfast Options eBook – Complete with recipes, product recommendations and a shopping list.

“You get what you repeat” My top tips for *actually doing* the things that will help you achieve your PCOS health goals in 2023. HIGHLIGHTS Why reducing your stress is a game changer Stop trying to get rid of habits, instead replace them with new onesDig into your why and work out exactly why your goals are important to youDon’t try to build rome in a dayFocus on consistency, and focus on the cause not the effect FOLLOW Instagram –@solainedouglas_nutrition HOW TO WORK WITH ME Step 1 – PCOS GlowUp: Go from struggling with sugar cravings, feeling bloated, struggling with stubborn weight and feeling confused about what to eat to help your PCOS, to having stable energy levels across the day, feeling comfortable in your digestion and confident in your clothes and food choices Join the PCOS GlowUp Here.Download my 4 PCOS Friendly Breakfast Options eBook – Complete with recipes, product recommendations and a shopping list.

Heavy periods and prolonged bleeding are two very common PCOS symptoms. In this episode I am breaking down what a normal period is, what is classified as a heavy period (in real word terms), what the common causes of heavy periods are and how you can start correcting heavy periods if this is an issue for you. HIGHLIGHTS What is a normal periodWhat is a heavy period (>80 mLs for the whole cycle) What causes a heavy period with PCOSHow can you work out what is causing your heavy period FOLLOW Instagram –@solainedouglas_nutrition HOW TO WORK WITH ME Step 1 – PCOS GlowUp: Go from struggling with sugar cravings, feeling bloated, struggling with stubborn weight and feeling confused about what to eat to help your PCOS, to having stable energy levels across the day, feeling comfortable in your digestion and confident in your clothes and food choices Join the PCOS GlowUp Here.Download my PCOS Testing Guide Here to uncover the must have PCOS blood tests, complete with optimal reference ranges and explanations. Want to reduce your PCOS symptoms without medication? Watch my free masterclass here

In today’s episode I’m breaking down the 3 most common reasons why you may be struggling with losing weight with PCOS. As an insight into how I think through these symptoms, it always starts with asking why? Why aren’t you losing weight? Can we find out why via testing? If we can find out why, it’s possible to reverse engineer into a strategic protocol that actually addresses the root cause. HIGHLIGHTS The 3 most common reasons why you may be struggling to lose weight with PCOSSpecific testing to obtain to work out why you aren’t losing weightHow to use this testing to reverse engineer into nutrition, lifestyle and supplement strategies that get you results FOLLOW Instagram –@solainedouglas_nutrition HOW TO WORK WITH ME Step 1 – PCOS GlowUp: Go from struggling with sugar cravings, feeling bloated, struggling with stubborn weight and feeling confused about what to eat to help your PCOS, to having stable energy levels across the day, feeling comfortable in your digestion and confident in your clothes and food choices Join the PCOS GlowUp Here. Want to reduce your PCOS symptoms without medication? Watch my free masterclass here

Endometrial hyperplasia is a very common issue in PCOS. It can cause increased risk of endometrial cancers and some awful symptoms like prolonged bleeding. In this episode we cover what endometrial hyperplasia is, why it is common in PCOS, conventional treatment options and natural strategies. HIGHLIGHTS What is endometrial hyperplasia Why is endometrial hyperplasia common in PCOSConventional treatment options for endometrial hyperplasia What we do inside The PCOS Pathway for endometrial hyperplasia FOLLOW Instagram –@solainedouglas_nutrition HOW TO WORK WITH ME Step 1 – PCOS GlowUp: Go from struggling with sugar cravings, feeling bloated, struggling with stubborn weight and feeling confused about what to eat to help your PCOS, to having stable energy levels across the day, feeling comfortable in your digestion and confident in your clothes and food choices Join the PCOS GlowUp Here.Want to reduce your PCOS symptoms without medication? Watch my free masterclass here

BBT (basal body temperature) tracking is one of the most effective tools to pinpoint ovulation in PCOS. In this episode I’ll cover why it’s a far better option than using LH strips, how it can help you to accurately check your progesterone levels and the length of the luteal phase. HIGHLIGHTS Why BBT tracking is the most effective tools for checking ovulation in PCOSHow to start using the BBT method right nowWhen the BBT method isn’t suitable Different devices you can use to make the BBT method easier FOLLOW Instagram –@solainedouglas_nutrition HOW TO WORK WITH ME Step 1 – PCOS GlowUp: Go from struggling with sugar cravings, feeling bloated, struggling with stubborn weight and feeling confused about what to eat to help your PCOS, to having stable energy levels across the day, feeling comfortable in your digestion and confident in your clothes and food choices Join the PCOS GlowUp Here.Want to reduce your PCOS symptoms without medication? Watch my free masterclass here

High insulin is without a doubt the number 1 cause of why you aren’t losing weight with PCOS. There are other possibilities including low thyroid function, but high insulin and blood sugar dysregulation is the most common. Let’s unpack what’s happening in the body when you have high insulin: Insulin and Blood Sugar Regulation: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas in response to an increase in blood sugar (glucose) levels after you eat.Its primary role is to help regulate blood sugar by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for later use.When blood sugar levels are high, such as after consuming a meal rich in carbohydrates, the body releases more insulin to lower blood sugar by storing excess glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles or as fat. Role of Insulin in Fat Storage: When insulin levels are high, it signals the body to store more fat.High insulin levels can also inhibit the breakdown of stored fat (lipolysis). This means that even if you’re consuming fewer calories than you burn, your body may struggle to use stored fat for energy if insulin levels remain elevated. What this all means is that it’s not enough to simply move more or and eat less to lose weight with PCOS. Instead, you need to eat in a way that prioritises blood sugar control. Rather than eating less calories, you need to eat macro-nutrients that stabilise your sugars and allow your insulin to reduce. FOLLOW Instagram –@solainedouglas_nutrition HOW TO WORK WITH ME Go from struggling with sugar cravings, feeling bloated, struggling with stubborn weight and feeling confused about what to eat to help your PCOS, to having stable energy levels across the day, feeling comfortable in your digestion and confident in your clothes and food choices Join the PCOS GlowUp Here.Want to reduce your PCOS symptoms without medication? Watch my free masterclass here

This week on the podcast I am answering 4 questions which have been submitted via Instagram about all things using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for PCOS. How long does a CGM last for? Why use a CGM for PCOS? Is it still useful for PCOS if you know you don’t have high insulin?My findings and things that surprised me. Let me know if you like this kind of episode? FOLLOW Instagram –@solainedouglas_nutrition HOW TO WORK WITH ME Go from struggling with sugar cravings, feeling bloated, struggling with stubborn weight and feeling confused about what to eat to help your PCOS, to having stable energy levels across the day, feeling comfortable in your digestion and confident in your clothes and food choices Join the PCOS GlowUp Here.Want to reduce your PCOS symptoms without medication? Watch my free masterclass here

This week on the podcast I am answering 3 questions which have been submitted via Instagram. Why does it matter to have hormones tested on a particular day of your cycle?What causes raised DHEA-S levels & what are the best ways to lower them?Is high androstenedione enough to stop your period if testosterone and DHEA-S levels are normal? Let me know if you like this kind of episode? FOLLOW Instagram –@solainedouglas_nutrition HOW TO WORK WITH ME Go from struggling with sugar cravings, feeling bloated, struggling with stubborn weight and feeling confused about what to eat to help your PCOS, to having stable energy levels across the day, feeling comfortable in your digestion and confident in your clothes and food choices Join the PCOS GlowUp Here.Want to reduce your PCOS symptoms without medication? Watch my free masterclass here

Have you considered taking Ozempic? I am genuinely concerned about this drug. It’s taken the internet by storm. Ozempic is being prescribed more and more for PCOS...sometimes, off label as a weight loss drug. In this episode I am chatting with Nutritionist Steph Lowe about Ozempic. We cover our concerns around the use of this drug including, not just the commonly discussed side effects like nausea, reflux, vomiting, changes to taste perception, diarrhea and more. But also, the less discussed but wildly serious side effects like risks of thyroid cancers, long-term starvation, rebound weight gain, mental health effects of no longer finding pleasure in food. If you are struggling with PCOS and weight loss, I really do understand that it can feel like you have no other option. I also understand that it can feel as though you have tried everything but as we discuss in this episode there is always a reason why your body is not losing weight, and often that reason has not been properly explored. FOLLOW Instagram –@solainedouglas_nutrition HOW TO WORK WITH ME Go from struggling with sugar cravings, feeling bloated, struggling with stubborn weight and feeling confused about what to eat to help your PCOS, to having stable energy levels across the day, feeling comfortable in your digestion and confident in your clothes and food choices Join the PCOS GlowUp Here.Want to reduce your PCOS symptoms without medication? Watch my free masterclass here

Zoe came off the pill in late 2022 after 10 years taking it, and didn’t get a period. In early 2023 she suspected that something wasn’t right and went to see her GP to seek a diagnosis, she was later diagnosed with PCOS. Not long after her diagnosis Zoe delved into the world of researching what she could do to help her PCOS without going back on the pill or taking Metformin, and that’s when she came across The PCOS Pathway. In June this year Zoe joined The PCOS Pathway, threw herself into implementing the nutrition changes, obtaining her testing and taking her personalised supplements. In a matter of weeks Zoe started getting results – people around her even starting commenting about how amazing she looked, proof that when you change the inside, it shines through. In this episode you are hearing from Zoe, a client of mine inside The PCOS Pathway who lives in rural Australia. I’ll let you listen to the episode now, so she can explain a little more about her experience. FOLLOW Instagram –@solainedouglas_nutrition HOW TO WORK WITH ME Go from struggling with sugar cravings, feeling bloated, struggling with stubborn weight and feeling confused about what to eat to help your PCOS, to having stable energy levels across the day, feeling comfortable in your digestion and confident in your clothes and food choices Join the PCOS GlowUp Here. Want to reduce your PCOS symptoms without medication? Watch my free masterclass here

How long will it take for your PCOS symptoms to improve? Of course, the answer to this is very individual but in the episode I’ll explain how long most symptoms take and how to know if you’re on the right track. In general you’ll see improvements in symptoms like energy levels, weight loss and digestive comfort in the first 3-6 weeks, followed by cycle changes like ovulation and reduced cycle length in the following 6-12 weeks. One of the hardest things when it comes to staying committed to your health habits with PCOS is that you don’t necessarily see your main PCOS “irk” like say facial hair growth improve for quite some time, so it’s important to know what other changes to look out for to know that you are on the right track. If you have PCOS + you struggle with symptoms of insulin resistance like sugar cravings, low energy, 3:30 itis and trouble losing weight – join my PCOS GlowUp - 3 weeks to better blood sugar control and healthy weight loss. Find out more here: https://solaine.mykajabi.com/offers/fi2yXDsW/checkout FOLLOW Instagram –@solainedouglas_nutrition HOW TO WORK WITH ME Go from struggling with sugar cravings, feeling bloated, struggling with stubborn weight and feeling confused about what to eat to help your PCOS, to having stable energy levels across the day, feeling comfortable in your digestion and confident in your clothes and food choices Join the PCOS GlowUp Here.Want to reduce your PCOS symptoms without medication? Watch my free masterclass here

One of the most frustrating symptoms of PCOS can be weight loss resistance. It can feel like no matter what you do that number on the scales won’t shift. There’s got to be a reason though. In this podcast I’m unpacking the 7 big reasons why it can be hard to lose weight with PCOS, and explain how these various systems in the body are interconnected. You have issues with regulating your insulin and blood sugarYour nervous system is dys-regulatedYour thyroid is under-functioningYou have unidentified food sensitivities & inflammationYou are too focused on the number on the scales rather than body composition You don’t have your macronutrient balance rightYou aren’t sleeping well If you have PCOS + you struggle with symptoms of insulin resistance like sugar cravings, low energy, 3:30 itis and trouble losing weight – join my PCOS GlowUp - 3 weeks to better blood sugar control and healthy weight loss. Join the PCOS GlowUp here: https://solaine.mykajabi.com/offers/fi2yXDsW/checkout FOLLOW Instagram –@solainedouglas_nutrition HOW TO WORK WITH ME Learn more about my signature program The PCOS Pathway – Learn more here. How to reduce and resolve your PCOS symptoms without medication – Watch the free masterclass.