Episode 020: PCOS

Join host Dr. Natalie Crawford as she talks about polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. Listen to her talk about what PCOS is, what causes PCOS, and what you can do about it. Learn about the impact of lifestyle factors and about fertility treatments with PCOS.

Show notes:

• What polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?

• What causes the hormone changes seen with PCOS?

• How do you diagnose PCOS?

  • Rotterdam criteria (2 out of 3)

    • Hyperandrogenism

    • Irregular menses

    • Polycystic appearing ovaries on ultrasound

• How do you manage PCOS?

  • Lifestyle modification:

    • High in fruits and vegetables, whole grain carbohydrates, omega 3 fatty acids, and healthy fats

    • Low ion sugar, processed foods, refined carbohydrates, animal products

  • Insulin sensitizing agents

    • Metformin

    • Myoinositol

  • Cycle regulation

    • Oral combined estrogen/progesterone contraceptives

    • Cyclic progesterone

  • Hyperandrogenism

    • Oral combined estrogen/progesterone contraceptives

    • Spironolactone

  • Fertility

    • Ovulation induction

      • Clomid

      • Letrozole

      • Gonadotropin

    • In vitro fertilization (IVF)

• Next episode: The secret to Instagram