PCOS Explained

We can often get caught up trying so hard to do everything perfectly, giving 100%, but as soon as we're not hitting that mark, we feel like we've failed, or as our PCOS patient Lily puts it, 'fallen off the wagon'.After struggling with the healthcare system, Lily took matters into her own hands and started our program. Lily followed the Ovie approach, a holistic lifestyle intervention that, within the space of a few months, helped her lose the stubborn weight she'd been trying so hard to address, reduced her acne and hirsutism, and overall benefited her life in ways she couldn't have imagined.In this episode, we'll discuss:The challenges of getting diagnosedFinding the right doctor to support you on your journeyThe complexity of PCOS and how to navigate it with a personalized planThe importance of a supportive community... and much more!We're inspired by Lily's determination throughout the program and the progress she continues to make today.If you're ready to make your move and start your journey, take the Ovie questionnaire to 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we are first diagnosed with PCOS we are often lead to believe that 'you will struggle to get pregnant', and we hear this time and time again. But, is this really the case?We spoke with our patient, Cindy about her experience with getting diagnosed in her late 20's, struggling to conceive then proceeding to fall pregnant naturally (a month before she was due to start fertility treatment!).Cindy is a doer and knew she had to take charge as soon as she got diagnosed which lead her to find the programme. She started learning immediately what was going on with her body and everything became so much clearer and she started seeing results within the first few days!In this podcast we cover:Understanding how to deal with PCOS and fertility strugglesHow lifestyle adjustments, and tailored interventions can lead to conceptionThe value of specialized care and what to look for in a doctorWe understand that too much information at once can be overwhelming which is why we created Ovie, to take you through step-by-step exactly what is right for you and your PCOS. Sign up to Ovie, receive your personalized PCOS management plan, start working on yourself and see results within days.Ready to start your 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're going deep on PCOS. PCOS affects about 1 in 8 women, but there's a lot of confusion out there about it.We discuss how genetics and lifestyle play a role, and we also touch on the common misconceptions with PCOS, and discuss it’s not just about what's happening in your ovaries; things like insulin resistance, stress, inflammation, and thyroid problems are all key drivers of this syndrome. We also highlight why what works for one person, might not work for another.But here's the good news: we've got options. We're all about personalized plans here, whether that means changing up your lifestyle or maybe adding in some meds if that's what you need. We're all about empowering you to take control and manage those symptoms.This is a great episode for anyone new on their PCOS journey, or anyone who wants to learn more about what’s going on in their body, and wants to start to see improvements in their symptoms.So, join us as we break down PCOS, demystify the whole thing, and show you how you can turn things around with the right 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Clare sits down with Fannie to discuss her PCOS journey, starting from her teenage years dealing with irregular periods and uncertain diagnoses. She shares the impact of PCOS on her life, including symptoms like weight gain, sugar cravings, and insulin resistance. The conversation also delves into the significant role of understanding her blood work, particularly iron levels and their relation to insulin resistance and fertility. Her journey underscores the importance of self-advocacy, and the realization that managing PCOS is an ongoing process that involves more than just addressing symptoms but understanding her drivers.In this podcast we’ll be diving into:Fannie's fertility journey with PCOSDiagnosis and care differences between different countries Why the 'perfect' keto diet isn't sustainable . . and what is! The importance of knowing your iron statusAnd more!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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each year when January comes about some may think that we need to create all these New Year's resolutions so that this year is going to be our best, only to run out of steam before January is even over (we've been there too). Instead we believe in setting sustainable intentions and goals that you can work towards gradually so you don't feel totally overwhelmed.Today, The Ovie team discuss how we're approaching the New Year and what kind of person we want to be not just for 2024 but for life.If you want to be curious and ask yourself the important questions that will make that long-term change, this is the podcast for you.P.S. If you want to grab a plan that does exactly that, our Ovie 2024 Focus Challenge is now live in Ovie. Sign up today to get access to the tools, resources and intention setting plan that will help you improve in the 4 areas of your life: connection, nourishment, movement and rest.Take the questionnaire here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're diving into why New Year's resolutions are setting you up to fail and how you can actually make lasting changes by building habits that embody the person you want to be.We've got Sophia Dawson, our resident licensed psychologist here at Ovie, as our special guest. She's sharing her expertise on how to set yourself up for success and build habits that will help you achieve your goals.She also provides practical tips and strategies for building habits that last and discusses the importance of aligning your actions with your values and goals.Something things we cover in this episode:Why do most NY resolutions fail?What to do instead of setting typical NY resolutions?Choosing stuff that matters to you (values).Adopt the identify of the person you want to be.Making towards moves.Want to learn more and have a plan in place to help your habits stick? Sign up to Ovie here and receive the tools and resources you need to make positive changes for life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Moriah describes herself as a 'stressaholic.' Working in a fast-paced, demanding job, she thought this was just part of her life and who she is. She had a tumultuous year with the writer strikes in 2023 and suddenly found herself with a lot of time to spare.Instead of worrying, she decided to put her time off to good use and signed up for our PCOS program. In the past, Moriah has struggled with binge eating disorder, making diets and calorie counting extremely triggering for her. However, after listening to one of our previous podcasts, she realized she was not alone, and our PCOS management program had that in mind.Throughout the program, Moriah made changes that didn't solely focus on weight loss but gave her the tools to manage things she had control over, such as stress management, sleep, joyful movement, and self-awareness. From that, weight loss started to happen.A huge thank you to Moriah for being so open and sharing your story with us. We hope that listening to Moriah's story shows you that you can overcome your PCOS issues and set goals not only for 2024 but for life.If you're looking to take control of your PCOS like Moriah did, take the Ovie questionnaire, find your drivers and start your journey today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 program 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 program 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.If you're looking to take control of your PCOS like Isabel did, take the Ovie questionnaire, find your drivers and start your journey today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've felt your PCOS symptoms spiralling out of control, and no matter what you do, you just can't seem to get a hold of them, or maybe you didn't even realise all of these things were related to PCOS, this is the podcast for you.Rachel took part in our PCOS management programme after trying multiple diets over 20+ years to control her weight gain and understand her limits with food. On top of that, she experienced extreme fatigue and sleepless nights from her insulin resistance and stress PCOS combination.Embracing the Ovie 80:20 method changed Rachel's life, and approaching her PCOS in a more holistic way helped her gain self-compassion and see results she had never seen before! Discovering her 'why' and picturing her long-term goal of wanting to be there for her kids, and not solely wanting to lose weight, meant she could stick with these lifestyle changes long-term and keep going up and up.It was a pleasure to chat with Rachel about her experience and how she now feels like her cheerful self. We can't wait to see how she continues to flourish.If you listened to Rachel's story and are thinking 'this is me,' try out the Ovie programme today, get the tools that you need specifically for your PCOS, and start your journey to better health and vitality.Take the Ovie questionnaire to find your PCOS drivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've got PCOS and you're worried about it affecting your training, or even your training affecting your PCOS - this is the podcast for you.At Ovie HQ, we're quite an active bunch with a history in high-intensity sports. Over the years, we've been listening to our bodies and figuring out what works for us and how certain types of training affect our bodies.Rest assured, you can have PCOS and train competitively; it's just about working out what your priorities are at this point in life.So tune in for our tips and advice on how to train effectively with PCOS, so you can get the most out of your training.The Ovie app can help you along the way with your training so you can implement positive lifestyle habits to help you manage your drivers and symptoms. Take our questionnaire today and sign up today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we discuss and explain the main drivers of PCOS, including insulin resistance, stress, inflammation, and thyroid health, and why we can experience the symptoms we do.If you have PCOS, you've probably wondered what's truly driving this condition. With so much information available online, it can be overwhelming to figure out what applies to you. PCOS isn't one-size-fits-all, and understanding your unique goals and drivers is essential.Discover how a personalised approach can save you time and money by focusing on the most important aspects first. Nail the basics, and you'll watch everything else fall into place. This is why we created "Ovie."Gain a better understanding of PCOS and discover the next steps you can take to see positive improvements in your symptoms.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Something we have all of our Ovie users do is to start their journey by discovering their 'why,' which we refer to as their North Star. It's the driving force that keeps you going through tough times and provides a vision of where you want to be in life.While you can't control your symptoms, you can control the steps you take. Within Ovie, we take gradual steps toward helping you become the best version of yourself and manage it for life.In this podcast, we will cover:How to discover your 'why'Some examples of past patients' 'whys'How to avoid letting life's challenges derail you from your 'why'This podcast is for you if:You're feeling a bit lost on your PCOS journey and need some help.You're struggling to stick to your habits or goals and want to make that long-term change.Take our FREE questionnaire today to learn more about your body and start your journey to reversing your PCOS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We went to our Instagram to hear what burning questions you have about everything and anything.In this episode, we cover:How to afford PCOS-friendly foods during inflationIs intermittent fasting good for PCOS?Favorite protein barsWhat to do at the start of your PCOS journeyAnd much more!Thank you to everyone who sent in their questions. We managed to get through many questions and love hearing what's going on for you, providing our tips, tricks, advice, and suggestions.Want to learn more about your PCOS? Take our FREE questionnaire here to discover your drivers. When you sign up, you'll receive your personalised PCOS program tailored specifically for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What defines a heavy period? Do heavy periods have to be long periods? When should I seek medical advice regarding my periods?Periods with PCOS can manifest in various ways. The great thing about them is that they can provide valuable insights into your hormonal health, which can help explain how you're feeling.If you're questioning whether your period is normal or if you simply want to educate yourself on how to better manage it, especially if you're experiencing heavy periods, this podcast is for you. Want to start managing your periods to make them lighter or more regular? Through Ovie, we create a personalised program specifically tailored to your PCOS condition and goals, allowing you to take control today.Click here to take the questionnaire for FREE.This podcast is sponsored by The Organic Initiative. The Organic Initiative (Oi) is here to remove plastics, synthetics, toxins, and toxic chemicals from your world, starting with feminine hygiene and adult care products, so you can feel proud and protected.I've been using Oi's products for several years now, which have saved me so much money and worry. I can rest easy, knowing that I'm doing good for the planet and my body. If you're looking to purchase some of the amazing Oi products, head over to their website (US & NZ) and you can receive 20% off with the code OVIE, which is a significant discount if you're buying a few cups. I just know you're going to love them as much as I do! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have a burning question about your health or lifestyle in regards to your PCOS? Is it super specific, and you just don't know how or where to look for the information?We are all so different when it comes to our PCOS, and while navigating life with this condition is already overwhelming, having a personal issue can often leave us feeling unsure about where we stand, what's right, and what's wrong!That's why we offer our 'Deep Dive in 5' service, so expert advice is accessible for everyone within the Ovie app.In this podcast, we cover questions on:Fertility and ovulation with PCOSSpecific dietary requirementsWeight-loss drugs and how to manage weight when coming off themSupplementationComing off the OCP (oral contraceptive pill)Don't be left guessing about your PCOS; let our team, with 10+ years of experience specialising in PCOS, do the figuring out for you!Click here to take the Ovie questionnaire today and get control over your PCOS. *Select a 3-month membership, insert the code: ASKAQ and receive a FREE 'Deep Dive in 5' question upon sign up. *ASKAQ offer expired. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anti-androgens for PCOS - What are they? Why might we take them? Are they necessary? What are our options?If you're experiencing acne, hirsutism, or hair loss as symptoms of your PCOS, listen in for an in-depth analysis and description of your options when it comes to managing these challenging symptoms.Sometimes, drugs may feel necessary, especially for our mental health when managing these symptoms, and that is perfectly fine. How you manage your PCOS symptoms is your choice. We aim to provide you with the tools and resources you need to make an informed decision so that you feel comfortable discussing and questioning your healthcare professional when seeking help.In addition to medications, lifestyle changes play a significant role in improving our symptoms, as stated in the 2023 Monash PCOS Guidelines. This is where Ovie comes into play. We can assist you in creating a long-term plan so you can effectively manage these symptoms sustainably for life.Interested in learning more about Ovie and yourself? Take our FREE questionnaire here to discover your drivers. When you sign up, you'll receive your personalised PCOS program tailored specifically for you.In this episode, we cover:What are anti-androgens and why would we need to take themThe different types of anti-androgens and their effectsYour other options if you don't want to take medicationThis episode is for you if:Your experiencing acne, hirsutism or hair loss as a PCOS symptom You want to feel comfortable discussing solutions with your health and medical practitioner about anti-androgens and other optionsYou want to know how Ovie could help you in this journeyPodcast episode: Hormonal Birth Control & Weight Gain, we finally have the proof! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We caught up with Dr. Samina to discuss postpartum experiences and how to navigate life with PCOS after having a baby. It's a life changing experience which can also be a nerve-wracking time for many reasons, on top of that you may wonder what your PCOS symptoms will be like in this new phase of life.During our conversation, we address realistic expectations and the steps you can take to manage your PCOS, such as ensuring you provide your body with the right nutrients in case you experience a resurgence of symptoms.In this episode, we cover:Clare's & Dr. Samina's postpartum experiences and what they've learntHow we can get close to that 80:20 lifestyle to get you feeling your best This episode is for you if:You're struggling with managing your PCOS postpartumYou feel alone in your postpartum journey and can't navigate your way throughExclusive Ovie member content: How and when to use progesterone postpartum - Sign up to Ovie to get access to more professional advice and tips.Take the Ovie questionnaire to find out your drivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"You need to eat more in order to lose weight" – it goes against everything you've been told about weight loss, right?Well, we're here to tell you that it's TRUE! If you've been living on an extremely restrictive diet for way too long, there are adaptations your body will make to ensure that you survive, including slowing down your metabolism. Therefore, you won't burn fat because your body is holding onto it for dear life, literally!We totally get that this can be daunting and scary. We've heard it from many of our clients, and we've been through it ourselves. But once you give it a try, you'll understand that nourishing your body with the nutrients it needs equals a happier, better-functioning body.So, if you want to hear the reason behind why eating more means you can start losing weight, then listen in!In this episode, we cover:The mindset shift you need in order to trust the processWhat happens to your body's metabolism when you don't eat enoughHow to eat freely and enjoy foodHow to know if you're overdoing it with exercise and why that might not workThis episode is for you if:You feel like it is impossible to lose weight no matter how little you eatYou feel mentally exhausted with restrictive dietsYou want to change your relationship with foodListen to Jaimee's Story on how she lost 30kg after joining our programme here.Want to sign up to the Ovie programme to find out how you can do this too? Take the questionnaire today, find your drivers and get control over of your PCOS here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever felt like you couldn't discuss something with a health or medical professional regarding your PCOS? Maybe you didn't have the tools or information to back yourself up. Well, the newly released PCOS guidelines can help you with that.In this podcast, we touch on some of the main points from the evidence-backed research and hope we can provide you with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for yourself while navigating your way through PCOS.So, if you don't feel like you're getting the support you need, this one's for you.And if you're interested in reading the guidelines for yourself, click here to have a read.In this episode, we cover:Several crucial points from the newly released PCOS guidelinesHow to make the healthcare system work for youThis episode is for you if: You need confidence to discuss PCOS management or concerns with your healthcare providerYou want to learn more about PCOS research as a wholeWant to find out your PCOS drivers and take control of your PCOS? Take the Ovie questionnaire for FREE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever been to the gym or out for a run and just felt totally bleugh, but you don't know why, especially when you hit a personal best last week and felt amazing? That could be because of the different phases of our cycle that affect our energy levels due to changes in our hormones.Technically, we have two phases of our cycle, however when it comes to training, we can break this down into five phases to train appropriately for each one.If you have PCOS, you might be wondering, 'How can I figure out what's right for me with my cycle?' We hear you. Once you have a regular cycle that you can track, you can start tuning into how you feel throughout that period. And rest assured, those of us with longer periods actually experience our mid-follicular phase (a.k.a our 'SEND IT' phase) for even longer, allowing us to give it our all. Pretty cool, huh?In this episode, we cover:The different phases of your cycle and how to work with themHow to adapt this for PCOS and understand how long you will be in certain stagesTraining-specific program ideas, such as weight training, running, and exercises for enjoymentThis episode is for you if:You want to know what's right for you in your trainingYou want to learn more about your body and cyclesIf you're struggling to have regular cycles, we can help with that at Ovie. Take the Ovie questionnaire here and set your goals. You'll receive your personalised programme to help you take control of your PCOS and regulate your periods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So, you're making these lifestyle changes and may be wondering, "When will I start to see the results?" The answer to that depends on your symptoms and the severity of their drivers. The more important question is how do I know I'm on track? Depending on what is causing these symptoms, you're likely to start feeling better internally before you see some physical results. This means sleeping better, having more energy, feeling less bloated, and losing the brain fog! We view PCOS as a continuum, and you may be somewhere along this spectrum. Therefore, to see results, we need to start making "towards" moves – steps that have a positive impact on your body and mind. In this episode, we cover:How long it can take to see improvements in different symptomsWhy it's important to be consistent and not lose motivation if you don't see immediate resultsAn approximate/estimate timeline for periods, fertility, weight, acne, hirsutism and hair lossThis episode is for you if:You've tried diets or strict plans without seeing long-term resultsYou want a better understanding of the underlying reasons for your symptomsYou're interested in signing up for Ovie and want to learn more about how it can work for your PCOSPodcast references:Lily Kate's Testimonial: More lifestyle changes doesn’t always mean better results for your PCOS — and figuring out what your ‘high impact’ PCOS changes areJaimee's Testimonial: How she lost 30kg!Daisy's Testimonial: How a food blogger successfully managers her insulin resistance PCOS and habit changes without restrictionKelly's Testimonial: Natural fertility with PCOS - YES, it's possibleTake the questionnaire & start your journey today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever tried to make several lifestyle changes all at once, only for it to become so intense that you end up getting burnt out within the first week? We've been there too.At Ovie, our focus is on developing long-term, sustainable habits that genuinely impact your lifestyle. We guide you to make 'towards' moves, leading to a better life in an attainable and achievable manner. This approach prevents you from becoming overwhelmed and feeling like you've failed when making multiple changes at once. We provide you with the tools to make these changes while also teaching you the psychology behind them, so you understand exactly what you're doing even when life throws you curveballs.In this episode we cover:How to manage your feelings around habits and challengesCompounding habits over timeHow long it may take for you to see results with Ovie when creating new habits and whyand much more!This episode is for you if:You need some help to get back on track and want to know how you can start implementing some habits into your lifeYou want know how we work in Ovie and how we can make long-term changes to your lifeReferenced episodes:Jaimee's Story: Losing 30 kg - Her Incredible Journey!Take the Ovie questionnaire & start your journey today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trends, you can't avoid them nowadays. They're often started via social media and can go viral within hours. This week, we are discussing current popular trends such as "Girl Plate Dinner" and "What I Eat in a Day" through a critical lens. We will uncover the positives, such as displaying creativity and forming good habits. However, we also emphasize that they can have adverse effects, setting unrealistic expectations that lead to comparison anxiety, and even promote dangerous habits.We encourage listeners to approach these trends with a balanced perspective and remind you that what you see on social media is merely a snapshot of someone's life, often cherry-picked to present an idealized version.In this episode we cover:The latest trends we've seen on social mediaThe positives and negatives of such trends and how some can be great for inspiration whilst others lead to comparison anxietyThe psychology of creating long-lasting, sustainable habits over quick fixesThis episode is for you if: You've experienced being sucked into a trend and felt guilty about your lifestyleYou want to listen to a balanced debate about the latest trends and how you can positively interpret some and what not to followWant to find out what is driving your PCOS? Click here to take the Ovie questionnaire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s an exciting week at The PCOS Nutritionist as we launch our new PCOS management app, Ovie!Ovie helps people with PCOS improve their symptoms and prevent the long-term complications of PCOS by providing them with hyper-personalized health advice based on their specific symptoms.Today, we chat about how Ovie can help you discover those main drivers and have a better understanding about your PCOS. Everyone is different, what works for you might not work for someone else, and that is probably down to your drivers.In this episode, we cover:What could be driving your PCOSHow the Ovie questionnaire can help you understand your PCOSHow the Ovie app works in creating long-lasting resultsSetting your specific goals for what you want to achieve from Ovie...and so much more!This episode is for you if:You know you have PCOS but need support in managing itYou want to learn more about what could be driving your PCOSYou feel overwhelmed with all the different messages online and want to know what changes you can make specifically for you.Click here to take the Ovie questionnaire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.