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’re ovulating. If your cycles are long, irregular, or your period lasts more than seven days , you mig...
May 21, 2025•35 min
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 ask why her body wasn’t ovulating. Feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, Sarah took matters into her own hand...
May 14, 2025•44 min
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. A big takeaway? The fear around vitamin A largely stems from outdated studies using high-dose synt...
May 07, 2025•39 min
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 weight” as a solution, the confusion around conflicting PCOS advice , and the moment she realized tha...
Apr 30, 2025•58 min
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 with more wisdom!). While things might shift, understanding what’s happening makes all the difference...
Apr 23, 2025•50 min
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 weight and prepare for fertility struggles. But here’s the twist—once Dimity started addressing the real ...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 5 min
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 Nutritionist, as they share their personal journeys of breaking free from the restrict-repeat cycle. They open ...
Apr 09, 2025•52 min
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 in reproductive health? Angela breaks down how specific bacteria help protect against infections, su...
Apr 01, 2025•59 min
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 strategies, gut health, and the impact of the pelvic microbiome. Certain supplements like turmeric, berberine...
Mar 25, 2025•38 min
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 challenges in achieving a proper diagnosis . You’ll also learn about systemic inflammation and immune dy...
Mar 11, 2025•39 min
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 discover she was insulin resistant - something traditional markers like A1c and fasting glucose failed to dete...
Mar 04, 2025•55 min
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 harrowing experience of an ectopic pregnancy that turned into a medical emergency. Claire’s story highlights...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 13 min
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 about how this all connects to PCOS and share some simple, practical ideas to help you feel more ba...
Feb 18, 2025•28 min
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 overwhelmed by fatigue, battling postpartum anxiety, or wondering how to regain your balance, this episode is ...
Feb 11, 2025•55 min
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, and even its surprising effect on who you’re attracted to (yes, really!), we’ll give you a balanced vi...
Feb 05, 2025•57 min
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 learned to advocate for herself, focus on small wins, and find a healthcare team that truly listened to her needs...
Jan 28, 2025•57 min
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 lifestyle. Samantha shares her personal experience of being told from a young age that she might strug...
Jan 21, 2025•53 min
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 insights on how small, consistent changes have led to lasting results – improving hormone balance, ins...
Jan 14, 2025•48 min
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 focusing on what matters most to you, rather than rigid outcomes, you can make consistent progress without...
Jan 07, 2025•52 min
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 imbalances, Moriah shares how she overcame the emotional challenges of binge eating disorder, managed s...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 1 min
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 realistic, achievable goals —focusing on progress rather than perfection. You'll learn how small, consi...
Dec 26, 2024•50 min
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 to a diet? They explore how restrictive rules and unrealistic expectations can set us up for failure,...
Nov 26, 2024•45 min
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, covering everything from planning and navigating temptations to making mindful food choices and sti...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 7 min
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 the importance of personalized treatment and making lifestyle changes. She also highlights the valu...
Nov 12, 2024•43 min
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 t...
Nov 05, 2024•49 min
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 ...
Oct 29, 2024•50 min
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...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 3 min
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, sh...
Oct 15, 2024•54 min
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 tha...
Oct 08, 2024•39 min
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 cu...
Oct 01, 2024•47 min
