The Hormone Cafe

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, breaks down polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). She explains what PCOS really is, how it’s diagnosed, the different types, and strategies for managing symptoms and restoring hormonal balance.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

💡 What is PCOS?

• PCOS is a hormonal imbalance where ovaries make many follicles, often leading to irregular ovulation.
• High AMH, LH:FSH ratios, or elevated androgens can indicate different types of PCOS.

🩺 Signs & Diagnosis

• Irregular cycles, high testosterone, or polyfollicular ovaries on ultrasound.
• Understanding your specific type of PCOS is key to personalized treatment.

🌿 Managing PCOS

• Foundational lifestyle habits: Diet, stress management, sleep, exercise, weight, and consistent routines.
• Diet recommendations: Low sugar, complex carbohydrates, high fiber, hydration.
• Supplements: Myo-inositol, Omega-3s, and targeted options depending on hormone profile.
• Advanced options: Continuous glucose monitoring for metabolic insights, or surgical interventions like ovarian wedge resection for severe cases.

Key Takeaways:

• PCOS is diverse; understanding your type allows for targeted treatment.
• Hormone balance relies on lifestyle, nutrition, and sometimes supplements or surgery.

Healing PCOS can restore regular cycles, ovulation, energy, and overall wellbeing.