The PCOS Doctor Podcast

in this episode, Dr Stefanski discusses all things ovarian cysts, including:  Types of cysts and which ones to worry about Why not all cysts are related to PCOS How endometriosis can cause ovarian cysts Why ultrasound and MRI might be used to get a better look To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist and her free newsletter where she discusses hormones and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com Dr Stefanski also writes a Substack newsletter, where she explores how food, medicine, art, and movement influence well-being. https://drstefanski.substack.com/  

In this episode, Dr Stefanski reviews the medication spironolactone, including: The potential risks and side-effects How spironolactone helps improve symptoms of PCOS How Dr Stefanski uses it in her practice The supplements you must avoid when taking spironolactone To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist and her free newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com

In this episode, we'll talk all things dairy, including:  The health benefits of full-fat dairy The genetics of lactose intolerance How common milk allergies really are How to include dairy if you've had problems in the past To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist and her free newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com

In this episode, Dr Stefanski explains all things insulin and PCOS, including:  The relationship between blood sugar and insulin resistance.  Why women with PCOS are at greater risk of insulin resistance.  The symptoms of insulin resistance and blood sugar problems.  The best labs to assess for blood sugar and insulin problems.  To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist and her free newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com

In this episode, Dr Stefanski walks you through the potential health consequences of PCOS, including: How inflammation, insulin resistance and sleep problems in PCOS create a vicious circle that can lead to more symptoms.  The relationship of PCOS and autoimmune disease.  Whether women with PCOS are at greater risk of cancer.  Why it's so important to seek treatment now. To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist and her free newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com  

Join Dr Stefanski as she explains why progesterone is one of her go-to treatments for PCOS. Learn:  Why PCOS is a condition of progesterone deficiency The difference between natural progesterone and the progestins in birth control and IUDs (even some doctors don't understand this!) Why Dr Stefanski does not recommend progesterone cream and what she uses instead. To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist and her free newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com

In this episode Dr Stefanski discusses the mindset qualities that can help you create breakthroughs in your healing journey. To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist and her free newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com

In this episode Dr Stefanski discusses the best types of exercise for PCOS.  How to assess whether intensive exercise is right for you Where most people can easily start with their exercise plan The benefits of walking and resistance training The importance of self-compassion and having fun!  To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist and her free newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com

In this episode, Dr Stefanski discusses: The importance of good liver health Why PCOS sufferers have high rates of fatty liver The consequences of fatty liver disease How to reverse fatty liver disease The role of carbs and fats in your diet To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist and her free weekly newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com

In this episode, Dr Stefanski discusses: Why PCOS sufferers struggle with fertility Why miscarriage risks are higher in PCOS The problem with birth control pills and IVF  The benefits of progesterone for fertility A root cause approach to resolving infertility To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom/diagnosis checklist and her free weekly newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com

In this episode, Dr Stefanski discusses the similarities between PCOS and perimenopause and how having PCOS can make perimenopausal symptoms more severe.  She discusses:  Why your doctor may tell you everything is "normal" even though you are having severe perimenopausal symptoms. The limitations of lab testing for a perimenopause diagnosis. The role of progesterone and estrogen. Why hysterectomy may be recommended by your doctor.  How treatment for PCOS may differ in perimenopause.  To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom/diagnosis checklist and her free weekly newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com  

In this episode, Dr. Stefanski discusses adrenal androgens and how they differs from ovarian androgens. Covered topics include:  Symptoms of adrenal dominant PCOS The relationship of cortisol with DHEA and adrenal health How puberty impacts the risk of excess adrenal activity Key labs to run to determine adrenal androgen excess The limitations of lab studies To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS diagnosis checklist and her free weekly newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com  

Is there a connection between PCOS and disordered eating? Dr. Stefanski will explore the research and talk about some of the underlying factors that contribute to these two conditions, like chronic stress.  Dr. Stefanski will also talk about how she approaches PCOS, disordered eating and the intense feelings of hunger and food cravings that can often occur. She'll also explain why much of the nutrition advice given to PCOS patients can worsen eating disorders and why nutrition planning does not have to be complicated or difficult.  To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS diagnosis checklist and her free weekly newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com  

We're talking hormone-disrupting chemicals today. It is now know that exposure to and accumulation of these chemicals can increase your risk of developing hormone-related conditions like PCOS and can promote the development of breast cancer, obesity, diabetes, endometriosis, infertility. Dr Stefanski breaks down some of the key chemicals that may be affecting your health and how to approach testing and treatment including "detox" regimens.  To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS diagnosis checklist and her free weekly newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com  

Pelvic pain can be complicated! In this episode, Dr Stefanski breaks down common causes of pelvic pain including digestive system issues, musculoskeletal pain, organ-related causes and how surgery and other medical treatments can cause chronic pelvic pain. She also covers next steps if you're currently experiencing pelvic pain.    To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS diagnosis checklist and her free weekly newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com

Dr Stefanski covers the top myths and misunderstandings she hears from patients, doctors, and the general public about PCOS, which is the most common endocrine disorder in women.    To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS diagnosis checklist and her free weekly newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com    

In this episode, Dr. Stefanski will discuss: How conditions like thyroid disease, PCOS, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar issues and digestive disorders contribute to the development of anxiety.  The dangers of common medications used to treat anxiety including their effect on brain health.  Using a whole-body approach to treat and heal anxiety.  To get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS diagnosis checklist and her free weekly newsletter where she discusses all things PCOS, hormones, and self-care for women, check-out www.pcosdoctorpodcast.com

Metformin is approved as a diabetes drug, so why is it used so often used for PCOS?  Learn How metformin works How excess blood sugar damages the body The common side-effects of metformin What % of people are still taking metformin after 5 years What to do if you need/want to stop metformin Get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist at pcosdoctorpodcast.com

Tracking the menstrual cycle provides an abundance of information that can be used for healing and transformation.  Learn about:  The concept of the menstrual cycle as a "vitality" sign The phases of the cycle What aspects of the cycle are important to track How lack of ovulation affects PMS How birth control affects the cycle Get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist at pcosdoctorpodcast.com

Did you know that PCOS and thyroid issues are closely related? If you have PCOS you are more likely to have thyroid issues including hypothyroidism and the autoimmune disease Hashimoto's thyroiditis.   Learn about  -The relationship between PCOS, thyroid disease and autoimmunity -Thyroid lab results and imaging in PCOS -The symptoms of PCOS that may be related to thyroid disorders -Thyroid medication in PCOS   Get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist at pcosdoctorpodcast.com  

Many people think of melatonin as a supplement that can help you get to sleep. But it is so much more than that! In this episode, we'll discuss the many benefits of melatonin including its usefulness for ovarian health in a condition like PCOS.   Get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist at pcosdoctorpodcast.com

PCOS seems to run in families. Did you inherit PCOS genes from your parents? Are there any special benefits to having these genes? We'll talk about the latest genetic research and how we can control the ways in which genes get expressed.    Get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist at pcosdoctorpodcast.com

PCOS affects up to 25% of reproductive age women. If it is so common, then why do some women go years before getting a diagnosis?  Get Dr. Stefanski's PCOS symptom checklist at pcosdoctorpodcast.com