PCOS Diva

Fertility is one of the main concerns I hear about from women with PCOS.  Not many women clearly understand their fertility cycles and even fewer feel like they have any control over them.  Fertility expert Hannah Ransom visited the PCOS Diva podcast this week to share information with other women with PCOS that want to take more control of their fertility using fertility planning and awareness methods. Listen as we discuss: The difference between natural family planning and fertility awareness How to use fertility awareness as a birth control or family planning method The best time to test for pregnancy or progesterone levels What your cervical fluid is trying to tell you Using fertility awareness to make your cycles more regular Helpful fertility apps

You likely won’t hear about the MTHFR genetic mutation in your doctor’s office, but 60% of the population has this condition. If you have the MTHFR mutation, it means that (among other things) your body cannot convert folic acid into folate that you need for a healthy baby and your own cell replication. Listen in as I speak with expert, Angela Heap about: what is MTHFR what tests can determine whether you have the MTHFR mutation the difference between folic acid and folate how MTHFR affects women trying to conceive and those that have suffered multiple miscarriages what supplements for folates and B12 you should take if you have the MTHFR mutation

The simple shift in focus from infertility to fertility can make all the difference when a woman with PCOS is trying to conceive, says Aimee Raupp, a well known author, acupuncturist, and herbalist. In her New York practice, Amy has treated countless women with PCOS who have found their fertility by embracing their physical and emotional health first.  Listen as Aimee guides us through: the power of optimism and why it works how letting go of grief, fear and jealousy boosts your fertility the wisdom we can gain from the mind-body link of Chinese medicine how self-care prepares a healthy space for your child and you for motherhood About Aimee Raupp Author, acupuncturist, and herbalist Aimee Raupp is a women’s health and fertility expert. Her mission is to educate and inspire women, improve their health, celebrate their beauty, prevent disease as well as increase their fertility. Aimee helps her clients reconnect to the presence of their optimal health. Aimee is the author of Chill Out And Get Healthy (Penguin, 2009) and Yes, You Can Get Pregnant: The Diet That Will Improve Your Fertility Now & Into Your 40’s (Self Published, 2012). Aimee’s third book, Yes, You Can Get Pregnant: How to Improve Your Fertility Now & Into Your 40s (Demos Health, June 2014), which was endorsed by Deepak Chopra, combines her clinical expertise and personal experience helping scores of women—many of whom have been told they had poor fertility outlooks—to get pregnant, stay pregnant, and have healthy babies. In alignment with the belief that everything women ingest should be fertility friendly and of the highest quality, organic, natural ingredients, Aimee developed her own skincare line, Aimee Raupp Beauty ( AimeeRauppBeauty.com). Aimee is in private practice in Manhattan, the Hamptons and Nyack, NY. She is licensed by the State of New York to practice acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbology, and is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Aimee offers an online fertility coaching program– both private and group sessions are available. For additional information about Aimee, please visit YesICanGetPregnant.com, AimeeRauppBeauty.com and AimeeRaupp.com.

PCOS Diva Menopause “Now is a great time; every day is great time to make a lifestyle improvement and know that there is a payoff that comes with that, regardless of having the PCOS diagnosis.” -Dr. Rashmi Kudesia Menopause is increasingly on my mind. As I enjoy my mid-forties, menopause is looming in my immediate future. I have a lot of questions, starting with, “How will menopause affect me, as a woman with PCOS?” Dr. Rashmi Kudesia, a nationally respected reproductive endocrinologist, accomplished lecturer, and author of numerous scientific research articles and manuscripts in leading medical journals offers answers. In our recent podcast, she answered many of my burning questions about PCOS and menopause and offered her analysis of current PCOS/menopause research. In fact, she answered many of the questions that Divas frequently ask me about the topic. Listen in as we discuss Why women with PCOS and lifelong irregular menstrual cycles often have regular cycles as they approach menopause The differences between women with and without PCOS as they transition into menopause Whether there is an increased risk of cancer, heart disease and type II diabetes as we age The latest protocol for using Metformin, Letrozole, and Clomid Whether women with PCOS have a lengthened reproductive span Recommendations for hysterectomy

Millions of women around the world struggle with PCOS.  That number would make you think that PCOS research would be popular and well funded.  For many reasons, this is not the case.  The good news is that research physician Dr. Frank González and many who share his passion are undertaking research right now that will change the lives of women with PCOS. Dr. Gonzalez is studying the link between PCOS and inflammation. We know that inflammation is the underpinning of most major diseases and health problems (cancer, diabetes, heart attack, stroke). Now we can add PCOS to the list. Listen in as Dr. Gonzalez explains the “epigenetic phenomenon” that leads an overweight mother to predispose her fetus to obesity for their lifetime the effect of inflammation on ovarian dysfunction how to reverse the damage inflammation has caused already and prevent new damage his research on asprin-like drugs on PCOS and inflammation the usefulness of natural anti-inflammatories (like ginger)

“(Management of) stress is just as important as diet and exercise in the management of PCOS. It’s a piece that has to be addressed because, unless you do, you can’t get the hormones in check.” – Dr. Shawna Darou Stress hormones inter-play with the hormones we most often hear associated with PCOS. Progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormones either bring your body balance or wreak havoc on your health. For women with PCOS, they often worsen symptoms like abdominal weight gain, acne, facial hair growth, or hair loss on the head. Dr. Shawna Darou recently sat down with me to explain the role of stress on hormones in women with PCOS and left us with some important take-aways on how to reduce stress and its effects.  Listen in and learn about: unexpected sources of chronic stress tips for controlling stress how stress effects the thyroid hormones and makes your blood work appear normal when it’s not why stress causes weight around the central abdomen, particularly in women with PCOS the danger of over-exercising adrenal fatigue and how you can test for it

Are you a stress eater? A reward eater? A comfort eater? You’re not crazy. You’re not lazy. This is not about will power. There’s a reason why this destructive eating behavior is going on. Women with PCOS are often told, “You need to lose weight and go on a low carb, ketogenic or paleo diet.” For a lot of us, the thoughts of going on a strict food plan leads to a sense of denial and a cycle of stress/emotional eating. Dr. Melissa McCreery is a well-known psychologist and author who can suggest some reasons for our eating habits and practical ways we can  avoid pit falls. Listen to my interview with her and learn: How to live, eat well, and have the health that you want without feeling deprived, miserable and overwhelmed The power of adopting a transformation mindset What’s your why? Is your overeating biological, emotional, a coping mechanism, or all of these? Practical holiday eating tips

“The most critical factor in all of the issues facing women with PCOS is systematic inflammation and its origin which is probably in the gut,” explains Dr. Felice Gersh in our most recent interview.  Dr. Gersh is a doctor of integrated medicine and a renowned expert on PCOS.  Our conversation was wide ranging as she clearly explained the origin of many of our toughest symptoms.  The gut-brain-hormone link can be a delicate balancing act, but once we get it worked out, Dr. Gersh assures, our physical and emotional health will radically improve.  Listen in and learn: Why the gut is called the 2nd brain What steps to take in order to calm and treat GI inflammation The impact of stress, emotions and anxiety on your gut and overall health The link between nutrient deficiencies, leaky gut, insulin resistance, acne, hair loss, Hashimotos and other auto immune disorders How mouthwash is ruining your arteries Foods and supplements that can help repair your gut and reduce inflammation The extreme dangers of pharmaceuticals like Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium

French women are well known for their easy elegance and style.  What is their secret to making fabulous look simple?  Jamie Cat Callan has made a life’s study out of answering just that question.  I was inspired to interview her and learn more about the nuances behind French women’s “joie de vivre” after reading her latest book, “Bonjour Happiness.” The book is a serious, but light hearted guide to capturing the essence of living well.  The philosophy fits very well with the PCOS Diva mantra, “A Diva is Powerfully Positive.” Listen to our conversation as we discuss how self-love is the cornerstone of happiness and a positive life how French women eat what they want without guilt the French life-affirming philosophy and methodology around food how finding your “secret garden” will better your life and the lives of those around you

Interview with Dr. Tom O’Bryan, who is an internationally recognized expert on Celiac Disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.  Inflammation due to gluten sensitivity is a central concern to women with PCOS, so I was thrilled to interview him for our latest podcast.

So, what’s your type?  Dr. Philip Goglia, nutritionist to pro and semi-pro athletes, stars like Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, Ryan Gosling and even a PCOS Diva, can tell you.  He specializes in metabolic nutrition and divides the population in to 3 types of metabolisms.  I was inspired to interview him after reading his book, “Turn up the Heat – Unlock the Fat Burning Power of Your Metabolism.” His message of eating to your metabolic type spoke to me, and I think you will benefit from what he has to say as well.  Listen in and learn: 3 types of metabolism and how to get the most out of yours are you eating enough food? his guidelines of what starches and sugars to eat and avoid (hint: avoid “fluffy and mushy”) how to build an eating pattern that will heat up your metabolism what to eat at bedtime to help you sleep better Please listen until the end.  He has a important and special message just for PCOS Divas.

Knowledge Is Power: Don’t Miss This Opportunity to Empower Women June 30, 2015   PCOS Diva has a fundamental purpose of empowering and educating women about their health and fertility.  That is why I am thrilled to get behind a Kickstarter campaign to turn Holly Grigg Spall’s book, Sweetening the Pill: or How We Got Hooked on Hormonal Birth Control into a documentary.  Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein plan to make this thought-provoking book into a documentary.  The goal is to empower and educate  women so they can make an informed choice about their fertility and birth control.  Too often, women are given the birth control pill as a first line treatment for PCOS.  They are never informed of the countless side effects they can expect while on the pill or the post-pill syndrome they can expect when they stop taking it.  We are rarely educated by physicians about the rhythms of our body and how to regulate our cycles with lifestyle choices and supplements. I had the opportunity to interview author Holly Grigg- Spall this week.  Listen to my interview with Holly and learn about: The benefits and side effects of hormonal birth control (the pill and its cousins) Difference between a period on the pill and a period on your own Regulating your period without pharmaceuticals What is body literacy and why it is important How you can help make this documentary project happen!

Menstrual cycle wheel. Average menstrual cycle. Bleeding period and ovulation. Nicole Jardim is a leading expert in the area of menstruation and women’s hormones.  During our interview, we explored her work addressing the root cause of period abnormalities.  Rather than simply treating or masking the symptoms, she strives to find the root of the irregularities and repair the problem naturally.  She gives practical advice about figuring out why your period may be irregular and suggests the type of proactive changes you can make to start ovulating regularly and get your cycle sorted out.  Listen in as we talk about: what is a normal period? what can your period tell you about your health? how and why to chart your cycle the relationship between estrogen dominance and your cycle the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in our environment on your period is the pill a solution?

The natural treatment of PCOS is a passion of mine.  I am happy to share this passion with Dr. Lara Briden, a well respected naturopathic physician.  Dr. Briden is my “period guru.”  Her new book, The Period Repair Manual, was on my list of vacation reading.  For every woman who has ever thought, “I will never have a regular period,” this interview is for you. In our 40 minute interview, she addressed many of the questions I get about herbal supplements for treating PCOS symptoms including insulin resistance, hirstuism and ovulation issues. In our time together, she explained: Why doesn’t the same herb work for all women with PCOS? What herbs are best for different symptoms? Is it safe to take herbs while you are taking fertility drugs, pregnant or breastfeeding? What are the benefits and constraints of herbs  such as vitex, peony, licorice, spearmint, turmeric, saw palmetto, myo-inositol, berberine and more?

Got stress?  Trying to conceive? Dr. Maizes, respected educator, doctor of integrated medicine and author of Be Fruitful: The Essential Guide to Maximizing Fertility and Giving Birth to a Healthy Child recently sat down with me to discuss stress and its impact on women with PCOS, particularly those trying to conceive. During our 45 minute interview, she made clear the link between fertility and stress as well as provided some excellent, easy to use advice and coping strategies.  Listen in and hear about: 7 Tried and True Relaxation Techniques The link between stress, your hormones and fertility Managing stress and well-being with Chinese medicine and Ayurveda Preconception care and the “Fetal Origins Hypothesis”