PCOS Explained

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-...

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 s...

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 p...

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,...

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 P...

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....

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, includ...

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 thei...

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...

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...

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...

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 assumpti...

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 wit...

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 o...

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 o...

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 in...

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...

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...

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 believ...

In this week’s episode, Steph shares her remarkable journey with PCOS, from early diagnosis to motherhood.  Steph’s journey began during her athletic career in javelin. She shares how her athletic lifestyle initially masked many of her PCOS symptoms, which were eventually uncovered after experiencing a cyst burst.   Steph explores the challenges of insulin resistance, brain fog, intense sugar crav...

In this episode, Clare and Emma sit down to delve into the world of popular weight loss drugs.  Despite their high demand and celebrity endorsements, it's important to weigh up both the pros and cons of these trending weight loss drugs. We discuss their effectiveness in achieving significant weight loss, especially for people with conditions like PCOS. We also highlight the controversy surrou...

It’s time to break free from diet culture and the chatter in your head that influences your food choices. This is what is explored in today’s episode with PCOS Explained host and Ovie Founder, Clare Goodwin, alongside Ovie Senior Nutritionist, Emma Wylie. This episode discusses the common struggles people with PCOS experience with dieting, food choices, restriction and maintaining a balanced lifes...

In this episode Clare sits down to speak with Elfie about her PCOS journey, from her early twenties, through struggles with fertility, undergoing IVF, and later natural conception leading to three children.  Clare and Elfie discuss how her PCOS symptoms worsened with perimenopause, and how a partial hysterectomy did nothing to alter her worsening symptoms.  Elfie details her battle with binge eati...

In this week’s podcast episode, PCOS Explained   host and Ovie Founder, Clare Goodwin, sits down to talk with Ovie Senior Nutritionist, Emma Wylie, to unpack how the right kind of support in your PCOS journey can be critical to your long term symptom management.  Too often we meet patients who feel completely unsupported. Failed by their healthcare providers, misunderstood by dieticians, not heard...

In this gritty conversation, Clare interviews Dr Stephanie, a physician who shares her personal and professional journey dealing with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).  Stephanie shares incredible advice around how we should view our doctors or primary care providers' advice on our own health journey, and how it ultimately is our own decision about the steps we move forward with. Stephanie al...