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’r...

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 as...

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...

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 w...

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 w...

Ever felt like you're doing everything "right" but still not seeing results with your PCOS? In today’s episode, we’re revisiting a conversation with Dimity, a psychologist who, despite doing all the things —F45, spin classes, strict diets—still struggled with fatigue, weight gain, acne, and irregular cycles.  When she was diagnosed with both PCOS and endometriosis, she was told to simply lose...

Have you ever felt terrified at the idea of eating more, even when deep down you know your body needs it? You're not alone. This fear is so common, especially if you’ve struggled with weight gain in the past or have been bombarded with conflicting advice about PCOS and restrictive eating. Today, we’re revisiting a conversation between Clare and Emma, our Senior Nutritionist at The PCOS Nutritionis...

Today on PCOS Explained , we’re revisiting a fascinating conversation with my good friend Angela Heap , a leading fertility nutritionist, who shares groundbreaking research on how the microbial balance in the vagina and uterus could influence everything from conception to miscarriage risk. We’ve all heard about the gut microbiome, but did you know that your vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role...

This episode is the final part of our conversation with Dr. Lara Briden, focusing on endometriosis treatment options. We explore why hormonal birth control is often prescribed but may not be the best solution. Dr. Briden explains the role of micronised progesterone (Prometrium) and how it differs from synthetic progestins. Natural treatments take centre stage, including anti-inflammatory strategie...

In this episode, we’re revisiting a conversation with Dr. Lara Briden , a naturopathic doctor and expert in hormone and period health . We’ll explore endometriosis , a condition that shares symptoms with PCOS —such as irregular cycles and heavy periods—but is often misdiagnosed . Dr. Briden highlights the key differences between the two conditions, why endometriosis is misunderstood , and the chal...

In this episode, we are revisiting a super special interview with Dr Danah, a former member of Ovie.   Danah, a medical professional, faced years of frustration with PCOS symptoms, including weight gain, irregular cycles, acne, and fatigue, all while juggling her career as a doctor and studying for her master’s degree. Despite her medical training and regular testing, Danah was shocked to dis...

This episode delves into a deeply personal and important topic: pregnancy loss. Claire, a dietitian and someone who has navigated her own PCOS journey, shares her experience with an ectopic pregnancy. We begin with the signs of PCOS that Claire started noticing in herself, leading to her eventual diagnosis. She reflects on her fertility challenges, including miscarriage, and describes the harrowin...

In this episode, we’re exploring what it really feels like to lose control around food , and why it’s so much more complicated than just “lacking willpower.” We’ll unpack the reasons behind this feeling, showing how it’s not a personal failure but the result of complex factors like hormones, blood sugar fluctuations, and even the way diet culture has shaped our thinking about food. We’ll also chat...

In this episode, Clare is joined by Dr. Samina for a heartfelt discussion on the challenges and triumphs of navigating postpartum life with PCOS.  With their baby girls born just a month apart, Clare and Dr. Samina draw from both personal experiences and clinical expertise to offer a well-rounded perspective on what postpartum can look like for women managing PCOS. Whether you’re feeling over...

In this episode, Clare sits down with Annabelle to tackle a hot topic: hormonal birth control. Whether it’s the pill, IUD, or implant, hormonal birth control is often recommended for managing PCOS symptoms. But is it right for you? We’re diving into the pros, cons, and everything in between. From helping with acne and hirsutism to the potential downsides like mental health changes, weight gain, an...

Let’s be real—living with PCOS can feel like an uphill battle, and finding the right support isn’t always easy.   In this episode, Stephanie opens up about her personal journey, from surviving the chaos of lockdown in New York City to navigating dismissive doctors, medical anxiety, and everything in between. Stephanie’s story is raw, relatable, and full of hope. She talks about how she learne...

Struggling to take control of your PCOS journey? In this episode, we explore Samantha’s experience of navigating PCOS, fertility challenges, and her path to pregnancy. We’ll explore how traditional medical advice often fails those of us with PCOS and how Samantha found success by turning to functional medicine, addressing her PCOS drivers, and making small but consistent changes to her diet and li...

Tired of short-term PCOS fixes that never stick? In this episode, we’re diving into how to manage PCOS for life by focusing on sustainable, long-term changes instead of crash diets and quick fixes. We explore why short-term programs and quick solutions often fall short and why building habits that compound over time is the real key to managing PCOS. Clare and Emma share personal experiences and in...

Tired of setting New Year’s resolutions that fizzle out by March? Join us for a conversation with our resident psychologist, Sophia Dawson, as we uncover how to create meaningful goals that inspire real change and are achievable long-term. In this episode, we break down why most resolutions fail and share a better approach: setting value-based goals and taking actionable "towards moves."  By...

Feeling overwhelmed by PCOS? Moriah’s journey offers hope, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on managing symptoms holistically. This holiday season, join us as we revisit Moriah’s inspiring story of managing PCOS and transforming her life through small, sustainable changes that created lasting results. Diagnosed at 25 after years of unexplained symptoms like acne, hirsutism, and hormonal imb...

This week on PCOS Explained , we're revisiting a fan-favourite episode to help you kick off the New Year with confidence and a healthy mindset. But this isn't your typical New Year, new you hype. Instead of restrictive resolutions or extreme discipline, Clare and Emma share a refreshing approach to setting sustainable, long-term habits. In this episode, they dive into the importance of setting rea...

Have you ever tried a diet only to feel like you're failing? Or maybe you've bounced between different diets, but none of them seem to stick? If so, this episode is for you! This week, we're revisiting a fan-favourite episode. Join Clare, host of PCOS Explained and founder of Ovie, as she sits down with Sophia Dawson, Ovie's resident psychologist, to tackle the common struggle: Why can't I stick t...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year... but also can feel like a tricky one when you’re managing PCOS! Today, we’re revisiting a previous episode all about how to best manage your PCOS during the holiday season. In this episode, Clare and Emma share practical tips to help you stay on track and make sustainable changes during the festive season. They dive into managing PCOS during the holidays,...

Join Clare in today’s episode as she chats with Ovie community member Naomi about her personal journey with PCOS. Diagnosed at 27 after years of unexplained symptoms and fertility struggles, Naomi opens up about the rollercoaster of challenges she faced—from irregular periods and weight gain to chronic fatigue. Throughout our conversation, Naomi offers fantastic tips for managing PCOS, emphasizing...

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 Explaine...