PCOS Diva Podcast

What exactly is a ketogenic (keto) diet and why do people feel so strongly one way or the other about it? In this podcast, we discuss the pros and cons of keto diets, specifically for women with PCOS. Martha McKittrick reviews the current research, offers sage advice, and answers questions women commonly ask me about keto such as: How is keto different from a low-carb diet? Who should avoid keto and who should try it? Is it sustainable? Does keto dieting work for fertility? What is the keto flu? What should I know/do before I try it?

“The why is equally important because once you understand what goes on in the body and how food can impact the various parts of our body, that impact then the hormones, you are much more motivated to start making changes.” - Magdalena Wszelaki Magdalena Wszelaki is one of my favorite podcast guests and the author of the brand-new book, Cooking for Hormone Balance. She rejoins the podcast to discuss her “three-legged stool approach" to hormonal balance and offer practical advice on how to use foods (including herbs) to manage your overall health as well as specific symptoms. Listen in (or read the transcript) as we discuss: - foods to choose for gut health and hormone balance - estrogen dominance symptoms and healing - PMS & why it’s not normal - risks of removing your gallbladder - coffee consumption and alternatives

“75 percent of women report disordered eating behaviors or symptoms consistent with eating disorders; so, three out of four have an unhealthy relationship with food or their bodies” -University of North Carolina Medical School Food is often at the center of discussions involving PCOS. It should come as no surprise that eating disorders are prevalent among those of us living with the syndrome. Carrie Forrest understands the struggle. Listen (or read the transcript) as she shares her story of recovery as well as some of the coping and healing mechanisms she has employed. Among other things, we discuss: Possible triggers of eating disorders Why extreme diets (Keto, etc.) are possible red flags Healing your relationship with yourself Perfectionism and control Finding a sustainable way of eating (and indulging) and exercising to improve your quality of life

PCOS directly or indirectly impacts all of your relationships. When you’re talking about romantic relationships, whether dating or committed, issues frequently come up around libido, infertility, self-image, depression, lifestyle, and self-care. From initial conversations to advocating for yourself when making diet and lifestyle changes, Dr. Gretchen Kubacky, the “PCOS Psychologist,” has useful advice. Listen in (or read the transcript) as we discuss: Tips for getting your partner on board with your upgraded diet and lifestyle plan Learning to be proactive in your self-care How dating can help set expectations that support your health Impact of emotional trauma and stress on physical well-being

Lara Briden’s book, the Period Repair Manual, is a manifesto of natural treatment for better hormones and better periods. I recommend it all the time, so I am thrilled to have her on the podcast. Dr. Briden provides practical solutions using nutrition, supplements, and natural hormones. We both agree that ovulation matters for all women; it's not just about making babies. So, listen as we discuss: Why a period on the birth control pill is not a true period Diagnosis and misdiagnosis of PCOS Why cutting carbs might not help Why doctors in Australia may not (and should not) diagnose a teenager with PCOS Pain is not a symptom of PCOS Her protocol for each type of PCOS

Aimee Raupp and I agree- fertility isn't an on/off switch. It’s a spectrum. You might have lower fertility at certain times in your life, but it's improvable. It's changeable. It's not broken. You can heal. While there are many factors at play, we know that your thoughts not only impact your behavior, neuroscience demonstrates that our thoughts actually affect our neurochemistry. So, what we think can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. In her latest book, Body Belief, Aimee outlines 3 things you must do to heal and much, much more. Listen to today’s podcast (or read the transcript) as we discuss: Becoming wellness-focused vs. illness-focused Mindsets that keep us from thriving and healing our bodies Genetics vs. epigenetics Her trick to being in the moment and grounded

“It's very difficult to recover from PCOS with our standard societal approach, and it's very easy to feel isolated and alone, and then all these negative self-talk voices come in and you have a lot of shame and, "Why don't I look like this?", "Why can't I do that?" PCOS does not have to be a horrible sentence. It's a complex illness, but you absolutely can find the right tools and recover your health.” – Carol Lourie Carol Lourie takes a holistic approach when treating her patients with PCOS. I love her visualization of the syndrome, comparing it to spokes on a wheel. There is the insulin resistance spoke, the hormone imbalance spoke, the emotional spoke, and so many more. Effective treatment of PCOS cannot be accomplished with just a pill. In order to truly heal PCOS, we must approach it from a natural and holistic perspective. Listen in (or read the transcript) as we discuss: Her integrative method to managing blood sugar Laser v. electrolysis When you should fire your doctor Best breakfast and the trouble with coffee Intermittent fasting Benefits of acupuncture & homeopathy

Anxiety is something with which many women with PCOS struggle. Lifestyle and food choices can help alleviate it. But if your diet is good, you exercise, and you’re doing everything “right” and still struggling with anxiety, you may need to look deeper. Megan Buer, is an author and founder of Harmony Restored, a company focused on helping individuals heal from the stress that is at the root of their physical and emotional pain. She teaches people to harness the power of mindset and working through emotions while listening to their body’s signals. Listen in and see if this is the key to resolving your anxiety.

My daughter, Lila, is 9 years old, and I am starting to think more about whether she too will have PCOS. I hear from distraught mothers almost every day. Their daughter has been diagnosed, they are not sure how to help. My podcast guest today was in the same situation not long ago. I had the privilege to coach Linda Kochiu and her daughter, Sarah, through the initial stages of healing her PCOS. Sarah is now a thriving college student. Listen in (or read the transcript) and hear about their journey, learn from their story, and know there is hope and you’re not alone. Among other things, we discuss: Talking to friends about PCOS and lifestyle changes The mindset shift that changed everything Tricks for eating PCOS friendly foods at restaurants and college How lifestyle and diet changes affected the family Supplements that work for Sarah Finding the right exercise balance Managing stress The importance of having a supportive partner/mother

"Core to making sure that you get the care that you need and deserve is to truly embrace that you are your own advocate for your care and ensuring that you have the right care team who share your commitment to always pushing the envelope and making sure that you're at the forefront of a better understanding of the technologies, tests, and treatments that can be out in the world and really exploring and understanding the importance of finding that right fit.” -Angie Lee, Chief Product Officer, Celmatix The Fertilome test is the world's first multi-gene panel designed specifically to help women understand what their genetic signature may be saying about their reproductive health. It looks at specific markers or variants in your genes associated with common reproductive conditions, including PCOS, endometriosis, Primary Ovarian Insufficiency, and more. These are all conditions that we know can have an effect on fertility and family building in the short and long term. The mission is to give women more complete information so they gain proactive control over their fertility journey. I spoke with two women at the forefront of this new test, Angie Lee and Indrani Chatterjee. Listen in as we discuss: The Fertilome test and how it works Why the genetic component important The difference between Fertilome’s test and others like 23andMe How the Fertilome test can help with the fertility journey Tips for finding the right doctor and the importance of a good fit

January 14, 2018 Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of PCOS. In this podcast, fatigue expert Dr. Evan Hirsch outlines the 15 underlying causes and offers practical advice on what you can do to fix your fatigue and start feeling energized. The relationship between hormones and sleep The role of nutrient deficiencies (magnesium, b12, vitamin D) Labs to request that get to the root of your fatigue The role of emotions and mindset.

November 28, 2017 PCOS is complicated and a lot of women with PCOS have other things. They have thyroid issues, Hashimoto’s, or they have other autoimmune, or they have food intolerances, or just other stuff that ties into the PCOS or is worsening the PCOS, and they just need somebody who can orchestrate and dig deep.” – Dr. Carrie Jones It is important for women with a PCOS diagnosis to find the root of their PCOS symptoms. Only then can you find true, lasting relief. PCOS is a broad diagnosis, and testing beyond the basic blood and ultrasound tests is necessary to begin healing your PCOS in a sustainable way. Dr. Carrie Jones joined the podcast this week to recommend the tests we should consider and offers some helpful, practical advice on relieving our symptoms. Listen as we discuss: cutting edge testing options tips for balancing cortisol and getting better sleep recommended lifestyle changes and supplements how stress and cortisol impact other hormones like progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid easy stress busters the DUTCH test and how it can help.

November 6, 2017 Discoveries in quantum physics can be applied to nutrition, wellness, medicine, and the helping professions such as psychotherapy. Understanding vibrational frequency is fundamental to being happy and supercharged in your health, your work, and your relationships. You are vibrating right now. So is your liver, and your brain. So is whoever is sitting next to you. The words you speak have vibration. The food you eat. On the podcast today, Robyn Openshaw explains the power of vibration for women with PCOS. There is a vibrational connection around your food, your thoughts, the people that you spend time with. Harness that power, and you can truly thrive! I love this hopeful message about gaining positivity and control. Listen in as we discuss: Why diet fads like Paleo and Keto only kind-of work The principle of quantum physics which can help you begin to heal in this moment How to choose the right foods for the short and long term Her “6 quick things” routine to boost your vibe.

October 30, 2017 You have sugar cravings, and you often give in to them. Good news- there is a reason. It isn’t that you lack willpower, your body is betraying you, or that you are a weak person. It means something in your body is out of balance, either emotionally or physically. Many, many women with PCOS struggle with disordered eating- be it binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, or something else. Add to that the 43% of women who eat to manage emotion, and you have a real problem. Emotional eating expert and clinical nutritionist, Stephanie Dodier, visited the podcast to discuss: How to identify the source of your cravings Tools for managing cravings when they hit Why no amount of will power is going to help you move beyond poor blood sugar regulation The roles of nutritional deficiency and microbiome imbalances in cravings.

October 27, 2017 “Every woman should understand the short and long-term side effects, risks, and recovery. Otherwise, that isn’t informed consent.” -Dr. Poppy Daniels The Depo shot is a widely prescribed hormonal birth control which comes with a litany of possible life altering side effects that are not typically explained to patients before they begin taking the drug. One of my favorite podcast guests, Dr. Poppy, returns to explain the dangers as outlined in her book, The Dangers of Depo: The World’s Most Dangerous Birth Control. Even if you’re not on or considering Depo, listen in to learn more about the risks of Depo and gain a better understanding of hormonal birth control and other options. Did you know? Depo increases risk of: HIV, bone loss, immune system suppression, decreased estrogen, increased testosterone, worsened insulin resistance, hypertension, depression, and breast cancer Depo is a steroid and carries all of the steroid side effects.