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Welcome to part two of our breastfeeding experiences podcast — sharing real stories from our community.
After sharing her personal breastfeeding journey, Clare received numerous messages from women concerned about facing similar challenges. Inspired by these conversations, Clare is dedicating this week’s episode to exploring the diverse experiences of breastfeeding.
In this episode, PCOS Explained host and Ovie Founder, Clare, presents a collection of stories from different women, each sharing their unique breastfeeding journeys. Drawing from her own experience of breastfeeding her daughter and navigating a low milk supply, Clare aims to challenge common misconceptions and provide a broad spectrum of perspectives.
We’ll delve into the realities of breastfeeding, discuss various risk factors, and emphasise the importance of being prepared for different outcomes. This episode offers valuable insights and support to women preparing for breastfeeding.
A special thank you to our guests: Samantha, Naomi and Belinda for sharing their stories with us!
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.
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In today’s episode, we revisit an important conversation that resonates with many listeners: the connection between hormonal birth control and weight gain.
Join Clare, the host of PCOS Explained, as she dives deep into the nuances of hormonal contraceptives. We’ll explore the historical context of these concerns and break down the various types of contraceptives— from combined pills and progestin-only options to implants and IUDs.
Through a careful examination of current studies, Clare analyses the potential weight changes associated with different contraceptive methods. Clare will discuss how these options can not only regulate menstrual cycles but also influence factors such as ovulation, androgen levels, cortisol, and insulin resistance.
Our goal with this episode is to empower you with knowledge and insights, encouraging you to reflect on your own experiences and make informed choices about your health.
Tune in and join the conversation!
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.
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In this inspiring episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Nash, an Ovie community member, who shares her remarkable journey of reversing PCOS.
Despite being told by her doctor that she didn’t exhibit typical symptoms of PCOS, Elizabeth trusted her instincts and advocated for herself, ultimately securing a proper diagnosis.
Faced with the option to return to the contraceptive pill, Elizabeth sought a more sustainable approach to managing her symptoms. By immersing herself in learning—through our podcast and following the protocol—she made small, incremental changes that significantly improved her condition.
Join us as Elizabeth reflects on her journey from feeling overwhelmed by dietary restrictions to embracing an 80/20 lifestyle approach.
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.
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In this episode, Clare sits down with Emily Malcom, one of our amazing Ovie community members, to chat about her journey with PCOS. Emily shares her story, starting from her early puberty when she faced challenges like acne, irregular periods, and unwanted hair growth. She opens up about how these issues impacted not just her health but also her mental wellbeing.
After years on the contraceptive pill, Emily decided it was time for a change. Inspired by insights from previous podcast episodes, she took the leap to come off hormonal contraception and dive into some big lifestyle changes. Emily talks about what that transition was really like and how she found a more sustainable way to live—focusing on flexibility with food and embracing progress over perfection.
She also dives into the tough realities of dealing with insulin resistance, the stigma that comes with it, and the personalised dietary changes that have worked for her.
Join us for this conversation as Emily shares her journey, the ups and downs, and the empowering steps she’s taken to create a healthier, happier life.
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.
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One of the most common concerns we hear in our discovery calls is that people are unsure if they have PCOS because their symptoms don’t match what they believe to be typical.
In today’s episode, Clare and Emma dive into the misconception of a “typical” PCOS patient, highlighting that PCOS presents differently in everyone.
They explore the various symptoms of PCOS, such as weight gain, hair growth, and menstrual cycle irregularities, and how these can present in different ways. They emphasise that PCOS symptoms do not follow a predictable pattern. Additionally, they discuss genetic factors, hormonal profiles, and the importance of lifestyle modifications.
This episode stresses that, regardless of the symptoms you experience, effective PCOS management isn’t just about weight loss but involves a holistic approach to overall health and well-being.
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.
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When it comes to managing our health, we're often told that doing more is better. However, in the realm of PCOS, this isn't always the case. Overdoing it with numerous changes, supplements, and intense exercise might actually be counterproductive. Sometimes, doing less can be the key to better results.
In today’s episode, Clare and Emma explore why more is not always better in managing PCOS. They discuss the pitfalls of overloading on changes, supplements, and exercise, and introduce the bell curve theory of health, which highlights the importance of balance and avoiding extremes.
Through their personal experiences and clinical insights, they emphasise the effectiveness of concentrating on a few core habits and making them sustainable over time. The episode also covers the psychological aspects of behaviour change, the significance of manageable lifestyle adjustments, and the misconception of perfectionism in health.
Join Clare and Emma for practical advice on achieving sustainable PCOS management by focusing on balanced and consistent lifestyle changes.
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.
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TW: mentions of miscarries and struggles with infertility
In today’s episode, host Clare, the founder of Ovie and PCOS Explained, sits down with Ovie community member, Belinda Jarvis, to explore her remarkable journey with PCOS.Belinda's journey with PCOS began when she was just 19 years old. Despite seeking help from doctors, she was often told to return only when she wanted to conceive. This early dismissal left her to navigate years of irregular periods and the emotional and physical toll of fertility treatments largely on her own. Her path included undergoing five rounds of IVF, experiencing miscarriages, and facing a diagnosis of Graves' disease postpartum.
The turning point in Belinda's story came during the pandemic lockdown. As traditional medical advice failed to provide relief, Belinda began exploring alternative approaches to managing her PCOS. This is when she committed her journey with Ovie (previously the PCOS Protocol). Through a combination of nutritional changes and addressing insulin resistance, she discovered new ways to manage her condition that significantly impacted her well-being.
Belinda’s story highlights the importance of advocating for oneself in the face of conflicting medical advice and exploring all possible treatment avenues. We are sure her journey will leave you feeling inspired and empowered about facing similar challenges.
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.
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When we talk about bloating, we’re not just referring to the occasional fullness after a meal. We’re delving into the intense pressure and pain that can accompany bloating and disrupt daily life.
In this episode, Clare and Emma tackle the complexities of bloating, a prevalent symptom often associated with conditions like IBS and PCOS. They discuss the various underlying causes of bloating, including SIBO, food sensitivities, parasites, and inflammation. They also explore how lifestyle factors, stress, and even childhood habits can impact gut health.
Emma opens up about her personal journey with bloating, sharing her struggles and the strategies she used to find relief after years of challenges. The conversation emphasises the importance of identifying and addressing the root causes of bloating rather than relying solely on elimination diets that offer only temporary relief.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who suffers from bloating and is looking for a comprehensive, holistic approach to treatment.
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.
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After sharing her personal breastfeeding journey, Clare received numerous messages from women concerned about facing similar challenges. Inspired by these conversations, Clare is dedicating this week’s episode to exploring the diverse experiences of breastfeeding.
In this episode, PCOS Explained host and Ovie Founder, Clare, presents a collection of stories from different women, each sharing their unique breastfeeding journeys. Drawing from her own experience of breastfeeding her daughter and navigating a low milk supply, Clare aims to challenge common misconceptions and provide a broad spectrum of perspectives.
We’ll delve into the realities of breastfeeding, discuss various risk factors, and emphasize the importance of being prepared for different outcomes. This episode offers valuable insights and support to women preparing for breastfeeding.
A special thank you to our guests: Steph Wrathall, Lucy Duncan, Isabel Moratiel, and Fannie Cai, for sharing their stories with us.
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.
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In this episode, Ovie’s Senior Nutritionist, Emma sits down with PCOS Explained Host and Ovie Founder, Clare to discuss the challenges and realities of breastfeeding, especially for those with PCOS.
Societal pressures around breastfeeding can be overwhelming, and starting this journey often comes with a lot of stress and confusion. While breastfeeding is a wonderful option for many, it's not the right fit for everyone. Clare opens up about her personal experiences with low milk supply and how her PCOS influenced her breastfeeding journey.
The conversation dives into the latest research on PCOS and breastfeeding, exploring the impact of hormonal imbalances, and identifying potential red flags during pregnancy. Clare offers valuable insights for mothers facing similar challenges and emphasises the importance of support, regardless of your feeding choices.
Tune in for an honest and supportive discussion that highlights the need for compassion and understanding in the diverse experiences of motherhood.
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.
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Welcome to this week’s episode of PCOS Explained! In today’s conversation, Clare and Emma take a deep dive into one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of PCOS—testosterone. They aim to clarify what testosterone is, how it impacts women with PCOS, and to debunk some of the most persistent myths surrounding this hormone.
In this episode, we explore:
Understanding Testosterone: Explore the role of testosterone in both male and female bodies.Common Misconceptions: Discover and debunk widespread myths about testosterone and its effects.Diagnosing PCOS: Learn how testosterone levels are linked to PCOS diagnosis.Impact of Imbalance: Understand how an imbalance in testosterone can contribute to PCOS symptoms.Blood Test Accuracy: Find out why blood tests may not always accurately reflect testosterone's activity.Age and Hormonal Contraception: Examine how age and hormonal contraception affect testosterone levels.Physiological Differences: Highlight the differences in androgen response between males and females.Treatment Options: Get insights into various treatment options for managing high testosterone levels.Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing PCOS for years, tune in to gain a clearer understanding of testosterone’s role and its impact on PCOS.
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.
Understanding ovulationBreaking down what's driving your PCOS
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One person says this, and another person says that… sometimes it feels overwhelming trying to wrap your head around all the contraception options! Join Clare and Emma in this week’s PCOS Explained episode as they provide a comprehensive guide to your contraception options.
In this episode, we delve into various contraception methods, including hormonal, non-hormonal, barrier methods, and emergency contraception, to help you make informed decisions based on your needs.
We discuss:
How Contraceptives Function: Learn how different methods work and their effectiveness.Options Available: From oral pills and injections to implants, IUDs, and the fertility awareness method.Side Effects: Understand potential side effects and their implications on your physiology.Emergency Contraception: What you need to know about handling urgent situations.Contraception and PCOS: Special considerations for those with PCOS.Myths and Misconceptions: We debunk common myths and clarify misconceptions surrounding contraception.Mental Health Considerations: Highlighting how some methods may affect mental health.This episode emphasizes the importance of listening to your own body and understanding its signals to find the contraception that suits you best.
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.
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In today's episode, Clare and Emma delve deep into the topic of ovulation, exploring the importance of understanding when you are ovulating, regardless of whether you are trying to conceive, avoid pregnancy, or become more in tune with your body.
Ovulation is something we should’ve been taught at school, but weren’t! And as a result, there are many common misconceptions, such as the assumption that all women ovulate on day 14 of their cycle. In today’s episode, Clare and Emma unpack these common misconceptions and reveal why methods like ovulation predictor kits and certain apps may not be reliable, especially for women with PCOS.
The episode emphasises the significance of being in tune with one’s body and highlights how identifying ovulation accurately can provide valuable insights into your health and fertility.
In this podcast we'll be diving into:
The phases of the menstrual cycle and explaining hormone fluctuationsThe importance of ovulationChallenges with PCOS and ovulationCommon misconceptions and tracking methods
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.
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Have you ever felt frustrated when your blood tests come back normal, despite experiencing a range of troubling symptoms? You’re not alone.
In this week’s episode of PCOS Explained, Clare and Emma dive into the disconnect between feeling unwell and receiving 'normal' test results from medical labs. They unpack the limitations of standard blood tests and explain why many of us end up with 'normal' results.
The discussion also covers:
The problem with broad reference rangesDifference between normal and optimal health The importance of timing when getting tests doneChallenges in getting access to the right testsListening to your body and trusting your symptomsIf you’re struggling to find answers for your health concerns, this episode will offer valuable insights on how to advocate for your health and navigate the complexities of medical testing. Tune in and empower yourself with knowledge to better understand and manage your health journey.
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.
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Do you find yourself thinking about food all day long, believing it's just the norm? Isabel thought so too until she learned more about her PCOS.
Isabel took part in our programme to improve her relationship with food, manage her weight, and understand why all her exercising was pushing her in the wrong direction.
She found inner peace through the programme and felt so free after letting go of many things that had been taking over her life.
*TW (miscarriage): After just a few months of the changes, Isabel started getting her regular periods, and shortly after, she became pregnant. However, it wasn't all that straightforward due to low progesterone levels during her first pregnancy.
This in-depth conversation with Isabel about her pregnancy and breastfeeding experiences delves into the raw and real details that many people go through but don't talk about enough! We thank Isabel for being so open with us during this conversation and simply love her positive attitude and energy. We're taking notes on this one, and we hope you can take something from it too.
*Trigger warning - please be aware this episode contains conversation about miscarriages.
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.
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When it comes to staying healthy, we're often told it's all about diet and exercise. But here's the scoop: sleep plays a huge role too, especially for those dealing with PCOS.
In this week’s episode of PCOS Explained, Clare and Emma sit down to delve into the topic of sleep, particularly focusing on sleep disruption in individuals with PCOS. Their conversation highlights the power of a good night’s sleep.
The discussion stems from an article Clare wrote for Stylist Magazine and explores different manifestations of sleep disturbances including difficulty falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, and that frustrating feeling of not being rested even after a full night's sleep.
The episode addresses potential causes such as circadian rhythm disruptions, high stress hormones, low blood sugar levels, and sleep-disordered breathing like sleep apnea. It also delves into the interplay between insulin resistance, hormone imbalances, and their effects on sleep quality.
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.
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In today's episode of PCOS Explained, host Clare is joined by Dr. Praveen De Silva, a respected gynaecologist and expert in endometriosis surgery. Praveen delves into the complexities surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.
Endometriosis affects about 10% of individuals assigned female at birth, significantly impacting their quality of life. Dr. De Silva shares invaluable insights into this condition, covering various aspects ranging from surgical treatments to the critical importance of timely diagnosis and effective management options.
Key points discussed:
Understanding Endometriosis surgeryEndometriosis symptoms and diagnosisTreatment options and challengesPatient guidance, support and finding specialist helpLinks to PCOS and fertilityThis episode is an essential resource for anyone affected by or interested in learning about endometriosis. His insights not only educate but also empower listeners to navigate their healthcare journey with greater understanding and confidence.
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.
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In this week’s episode of PCOS Explained, host Clare sits down with Aimee, a member of the Ovie community, as she candidly shares her journey with PCOS.
Aimee’s story began in her early 20s and is a testament to resilience, strength, and acceptance. Like many navigating PCOS, Aimee has encountered a spectrum of symptoms—from weight gain to hair growth and reactive hypoglycemia—which she refers to as her different PCOS ‘eras’. Throughout these eras, Aimee has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resilience, embracing each era with a mindset of befriending her PCOS.
In her conversation, Aimee delves into her experiences with medications such as Metformin, Zoloft, and Ozempic, discussing both their benefits and side effects. She also reflects on the life challenges she’s confronted along the way and their impact on her overall health and wellness.
Today, Aimee focuses on cultivating a balanced lifestyle by focusing on the way her habits and actions make her feel. She emphasises the importance of body neutrality, prioritising mental health, and finding joy in daily activities. Aimee’s approach to her PCOS journey is not only refreshing but also deeply inspiring.
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.
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In this episode, Dr. Lara Briden returns to discuss her new book, 'The Metabolism Reset'.
Host Clare sits down with Dr. Briden to dive into the conversation of metabolic dysfunction. They discuss the significant impact of insulin resistance on women's health, exploring how environmental changes and epigenetics contribute to the rising prevalence.
They also explore the controversial topic of food addiction, differentiating it from eating disorders and examining how ultra-processed foods affect the brain's reward system. The discussion highlights how changes in diet, particularly focusing on whole foods and protein, can lead to significant improvements in hunger management and overall health.
The conversation emphasizes that weight gain and metabolic issues are not moral failings but consequences of broader environmental and genetic factors. Tune in for a new perspective on metabolic health.
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.
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Have you ever been made to believe a meal plan is the only answer to achieving all your health goals?
In this week’s episode, Clare and Emma sit down to discuss why meal plans may not be all they are made out to be. Many women with PCOS attempt to stick to meal plans but are left feeling disappointed and unempowered when they don’t work out the way they hoped.
Clare and Emma share why they believe meal plans are not always effective for managing PCOS and why learning to make flexible dietary choices is more sustainable. They share personal experiences and insights on how rigid meal plans fail to accommodate the variability of daily life.
Instead, they discuss the power of building habits that are flexible and adaptable, which highlights the importance of developing long-term habits over short-term strict adherence.
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.
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