#207: Hair loss, especially for women, can be an upsetting and unsettling experience. Losing it can be difficult to come to terms with but it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom! On today’s episode, we explore the reasons why PCOS hair loss happens and what you can do to grow your hair back with Faraz Khan. You’ll learn the role testosterone plays in PCOS hair loss and how you can treat hair loss naturally with lifestyle changes as well as natural treatments and supplements! Faraz Khan is...

#206: Hormonal highs and lows can feel overwhelming…not to mention exhausting! In this episode, Dr. Tasneem Bhatia offers a road map to taking charge of hormone shifts with PCOS. Dr. Taz combines the wisdom of Eastern methods with modern medical treatments. In her new book, The Hormone Shift, she breaks down what is happening in a woman’s body throughout her life and how it’s connected to shifts in hormones. You’ll learn how your hormones can affect almost every aspect of your health, from...

#205: Ovarian drilling is a surgical procedure used to help with ovulation and infertility, particularly those with PCOS. But who is this procedure for and is it effective? There is a lot of misinformation on the topic of ovarian drilling, which is why we did the research for you and broke down the misconceptions and myths when it comes to ovarian drilling for PCOS. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Who is ovarian drilling for? - The 2 types of ovarian drilling procedures - Pros & cons of...

#204: Cynthia Donovan, a registered Dietitian that helps women get their periods back, joins us to break down the science behind why your period is missing and what you can do to get your period back. In this episode, we discuss the complexities of irregular periods, healing with food & exercise, and hypothalamic amenorrhea, a condition where menstrual periods stop due to disruptions in the hypothalamus. This episode is for you if: - If you are missing your period - Want to get your...

#203: Rebecca is a fellow cyster from The Cysterhood, who was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 14. Like many of us, she was put on metformin, birth control, spironolactone and told to just lose weight. In this episode, Rebecca shares how she was able to lose 13 lbs in only 2 months, find her carb tolerance, and improve her PCOS symptoms. You’ll learn: - Rebecca’s personal experience of being diagnosed with PCOS - How The Cysterhood helped manage her PCOS - Steps she took to discover her carb...

#202: A special guest joins us to shed light on the intricate interplay between trauma, the nervous system, and PCOS. Savana Antonation, professional therapist and body image & food coach, helps us uncover the way life experiences sculpt our nervous system, the factors that perpetuate the fight or flight response, and the potential connection to PCOS. We also go into effective strategies to help you regulate your nervous system and find equilibrium. Savana is a practicing therapist in...

#201: Kelley Nemiro is a health and hormones expert who helps women lose weight, gain energy and feel at home and at peace in their bodies. She is a certified health coach and Pilates instructor who has undergone her personal transformative journey, and is devoted to guiding others in hormone rebalancing. In this episode, Kelley joins us to talk all about naturally re-balancing hormones for women with PCOS. We discuss: - Lifestyle transformations - Diet & exercise recommendations - How to...

#200: IT’S THE 200TH EPISODE!! Can you believe it? We couldn't have reached this incredible point without you, our dedicated and amazing community. Thank you for letting us be a part of your PCOS journey and for your continuous support, feedback, and enthusiasm for the topics we bring to you every week. In this special episode, we cover Blue Zones – regions around the world where people are known to live longer, healthier lives, often surpassing the average life expectancy of other...

#199: Today we are talking about Zinc for PCOS! Zinc deficiency is more common in women with PCOS than those without, especially if you have insulin resistant PCOS. Zinc is an essential mineral responsible for nearly 100 biological chemical reactions and crucial for the regulation of hormone release. It is also very important for the reproductive system in women, and only recently, attention has been drawn to the potential role of zinc in PCOS! Topics covered: - Does zinc increase...

#198: We’ve heard it hundreds of times…Cysters go to their doctor for a PCOS diagnosis, and the only solution is to take birth control until you want to come back and get pregnant! While some women with PCOS are on birth control for contraceptive reasons, others are given birth control to manage PCOS symptoms. In this episode, we are going to cover all aspects of birth control for PCOS, including how to transition off birth control if you are ready to do so. Disclaimer: please consult your...

#197: Happy PCOS awareness month from Sirak and I! It’s our duty to spread PCOS awareness all year, but during this special month, it’s time for all of us to turn it up a notch and share as much PCOS content with the world as possible. If you know anyone with PCOS or want a family member or friend to be more knowledgeable about it, spread the word! PS…we are also doing a special PCOS awareness month giveaway in The Cysterhood. Every day, we are giving away a 3 month supply of Ovasitol to one...

#196: Dr. Felice Gersh is a multi award winning physician with dual board certifications in OBGYN and integrative medicine. She is the founder and the director of the Integrative Medical Group in Irvine, where women can be treated in a comprehensive way by combining conventional, naturopathic and holistic medicine. In this episode, Dr. Felice Gersh talks about Ozempic and its impact on PCOS weight management. She also explains the truth about birth control and alternative methods to achieving...

#195: Join us as we delve into the 5 dangers of PCOS. While we often discuss managing symptoms and finding ways to control PCOS, it’s crucial to face the potential risks head-on. This episode aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of these risks, not to incite fear, but to empower you with knowledge. Some topics discussed: - Insulin resistance & diabetes - Infertility - Weight gain Remember, the goal of this episode isn’t to alarm you, but to empower you with information...

#194: Did you know Vitamin D deficiency is commonly diagnosed in women with PCOS? This has been found to be associated with metabolic syndrome and can make PCOS symptoms like insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, and mood swings worse! In this episode, we are going to help you learn everything you need to know about Vitamin D for PCOS. You’ll discover: - Why PCOS women struggle with Vitamin D - How to know if your getting enough Vitamin D - How to get Vitamin D from food - How to pick...

#193: I’ve talked so much on our podcast about our PCOS weight loss methods, like discovering your PCOS type, switching out inflammatory foods, discovering your carb tolerance range, and switching to low intensity workouts like slow weighted workouts.  But today I thought I would dive into a few mindset changes, and tips that helped me on my PCOS weight loss journey! Download The Cysterhood App, the largest community of PCOS women learning to lose weight & reverse symptoms with daily...

#192: We know managing PCOS can feel like a never-ending puzzle, and then finding out that many of the products you have in your house could be influencing your symptoms can be a bummer! We've been on a journey to swap out harmful stuff like plastic and skincare products, but cookware is a whole other story. Trust us, though, it's worth it for your health! Plus, treat yourself to some new kitchen goodies - totally justifiable! Here's the deal: the wrong cookware can actually leak nasty stuff...

#191: PCOS, ovarian cysts, and follicles are not all the same! In this episode, we are going to break down the differences and show you how to identify if it's PCOS. You’ll also learn the different types of ovarian cysts including the root causes and treatments for each variation. Hormonal imbalances can be a key factor, but fear not – most cysts don't burst or cause pain! Looking for extra help? We also cover supplements and natural treatments to help with ovarian cysts…and by the end of...

#190: We dive into the world of pesticides, uncovering the “dirty dozen” – the fruits and veggies that are the most heavily sprayed with unwanted chemicals which can act as endocrine disruptors and wreak havoc on our bodies! But it’s not all gloom and doom! We also introduce you to the “clean 15” - the produce options that usually have less pesticides and chemicals. Discover how you can incorporate these foods into your daily PCOS routine! And, it’s not over until we help you create your own...

#189: We uncover the connection between gluten, glutamate, and inflammation in PCOS. You’ll learn how these ingredients affect our bodies and mood, and their role in PCOS inflammation and symptoms. We also explain how gluten, found in wheat, rye, and barley, affects the brain-gut connection, causing brain fog and anxiety. So tune in! You’re about to learn how gluten, gliadin, and glutamate can turn up the inflammation dial in our system. Think insulin resistance, abdominal fat, and immune...

#188: Find out the best times of day to take supplements for PCOS as we break down the science-backed guidelines! You'll discover the optimal time to incorporate supplements like inositol, Vitamin D, and more into your daily routine. But wait, there's more...get ready to be inspired by Tallene's morning routine. As a fellow PCOS Cyster, Tallene has been fine-tuning her morning routine for years, adding practices to kickstart a successful day! Whether you want to level up your supplement game...

#187: Today we talk all about Berberine for PCOS and how it compares to Inositol and Metformin! While Berberine may be new to the PCOS community, it has been used for thousands of years in treatment for weight loss, diabetes, infertility, and much more. It has recently gained a lot of traction due to people calling it “Nature’s Ozempic” and in this episode, we debunk this claim by giving you real evidence-based information on Berberine’s impact on PCOS! We also compare it to Inositol and...

#186: One of our most downloaded and listened episodes of all time! Do PCOS women need to avoid sugar with PCOS? How much sugar is okay to consume daily? In this episode, we explain every single thing you need to know about sugar including details about natural sugars and artificial sweeteners. You’ll learn: How much sugar is okay to consume daily for PCOS women? What’s the difference between natural and added sugars? What artificial sweeteners are okay for PCOS? And much more! Download The...

#185: In this episode, Dr. Kela explains how functional labs can be a game changer in your PCOS journey and improving symptoms like weight gain, hormonal imbalances, and fertility! Dr. Kela Smith is a Holistic-Integrative Fertility and Hormone Doctor. She holds a Ph.D. in Natural and Holistic Medicine as well as Double Board Certification as a Doctor of Natural Medicine (DNM) and Doctor of Humanitarian Medicine (DHM). Dr. Kela is also a Board-Certified Functional Nutritionist (BCFN) and a 5x...

#184: Today, we uncover the therapeutic power of essential oils for PCOS relief. We delve into the science behind these aromatic wonders and how they can alleviate specific symptoms associated with PCOS. From hormonal balance to insulin regulation, essential oils offer a gentle and holistic approach to finding balance in your body. You’ll also learn the most effective essential oils for PCOS and how to incorporate them into your daily routine. We highlight the best practices for safe and...

#183: Women with PCOS often experience increased levels of testosterone, known as androgens or male hormones. These elevated levels can lead to a range of negative symptoms that affect both physical and emotional well-being. Excess body hair, balding, acne, irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, infertility, and obesity are just a few of the manifestations of high testosterone in PCOS women. But the impact doesn't stop there. Prolonged hormonal imbalance can also increase the risk of...