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.