In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, you will discover what insulin resistance really means, why it’s such a central root cause in PCOS, and how it shows up in ways that go far beyond weight or diet alone. Insulin resistance affects up to 80% of individuals with PCOS, and yet many women are told they don’t have it, simply because their lab work appears “normal.” This episode unpacks the science of insulin resistance in simple terms so you can better understand how your body uses insulin, where the process can break down, and what that means for your symptoms and long-term health.

How Insulin Resistance Develops and Why It’s Often Missed

In this episode, you’ll learn how insulin works, how resistance builds gradually, and why the typical lab tests often fail to detect the early stages. You’ll hear how insulin can be overproduced without raising red flags in basic glucose labs and how this silent dysfunction can lead to energy crashes, sugar cravings, brain fog, weight gain, and irregular cycles. You’ll also get an overview of the testing options available, with insights into what each method reveals and how to interpret the results through a PCOS lens.

Identifying and Managing Insulin-Related PCOS Symptoms

You will learn how to recognize the hallmark symptoms of insulin resistance, including fatigue, sugar cravings, stubborn weight, and disrupted ovulation. This episode explains the link between insulin and excess androgens, as well as why insulin issues can make weight loss feel impossible. You’ll hear why understanding this connection is essential for choosing the right lifestyle changes to support your body.

Taking the Next Step with Confidence

If you've ever been told your labs are fine, but you still struggle with fatigue, cravings, or cycle issues, this episode will help you connect the dots and better advocate for your health. You’ll leave this episode with a clearer understanding of how insulin affects your PCOS, what early signs to watch for, and how to take actionable steps toward balance, one habit at a time.

You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here

Episode #63: Leveraging Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Improved PCOS Wellness

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The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at:

https://nourishedtohealthy.com/ep-161

In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, I get to share the inspiring story of Rachel, a 35-year-old woman who overcame fertility struggles by addressing a commonly overlooked root cause of PCOS: chronic inflammation. Her journey is a powerful reminder of how subtle, everyday inflammation, often without dramatic symptoms, can significantly impact hormone balance, energy levels, and the ability to conceive.

Recognizing the Hidden Impact of Inflammation

Rachel began working with me a few months after a frustrating doctors appointment. Despite exercising regularly and eating a clean diet, she felt fatigued, bloated, and stuck. Her OB-GYN dismissed her concerns, offering vague advice to lose weight without any guidance. But Rachel knew something wasn’t right. With irregular cycles and digestive discomfort, she suspected there was more going on beneath the surface. Functional testing revealed low-grade chronic inflammation and gut imbalances.

A Tailored, Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle Plan

Using the PCOS Detox protocol and a personalized healing plan, Rachel began to focus on anti-inflammatory foods, gut repair, and subtle dietary adjustments. She didn’t need to eliminate entire food groups, just identify and minimize the foods that quietly aggravated her system. Healing her gut became the foundation for improved digestion, better energy, and hormonal recalibration. Importantly, this process also helped her begin to lose weight without drastic measures.

Gradual Progress Toward Pregnancy and Hormone Balance

Rachel's transformation unfolded steadily over several months. With improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and consistent lifestyle habits, her cycles regulated within four months, and she conceived naturally by month eight. She also lost 25 pounds over that time, not through restrictive dieting, but because her body began to function more efficiently. Her story illustrates how gentle, root-cause-based care can lead to profound results without perfection or punishment.

One of the most powerful elements of Rachel’s journey was her mindset shift. She stopped viewing food as the enemy and began to see it as a healing tool. Consistency mattered more than perfection. And above all, she learned to listen to her body. If you're navigating similar struggles with fertility, inflammation, or feeling like your body is working against you, this episode will help you rediscover what it looks like to work with your body, rather than against it.

You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here

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What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have?

The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at: https://nourishedtohealthy.com/ep-160

In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, the conversation turns to an often-overlooked but incredibly relevant topic: managing PCOS in the workplace, whatever your version of a workplace may be. Whether you're working in an office, at home raising kids, attending school, or juggling multiple roles, your environment plays a big role in your energy, focus, and ability to support your hormone health. This episode explores how to create a daily routine that protects your energy, enhances your focus, and helps you build a lifestyle that supports your PCOS, even on the busiest days.

Understanding Daily Fatigue, Brain Fog, and Cravings

You will learn how daily routines, even when productive, can lead to subtle symptoms of burnout, low energy, mood swings, brain fog, and cravings that aren’t always hunger-related. This episode offers practical tips for noticing and reversing these patterns through better nourishment, emotional release, and intentional mental stimulation.

Designing a PCOS-Friendly Environment at Work

Protecting your energy isn’t just about physical habits, it’s also about emotional resilience. Discover how to check in with your emotional needs and use simple tools to decompress. These micro-adjustments can make a big difference in resetting your mood and creating space to respond more calmly and productively to life’s challenges.

Whether it’s creating boundaries around after-hours work communication or taking a short buffer period between job responsibilities and family time, these shifts help reduce stress and support hormone balance. You’ll hear examples of how setting these boundaries not only protects your energy but improves your relationships and quality of life.

This episode also covers how to make your physical work environment more supportive of your health goals. You’ll hear actionable ways to make your workspace a place that encourages focus, nourishment, and long-term hormone health.

Bringing Self-Care Into Your Real Life—Not Just the Ideal One

Ultimately, this episode is about working with the life you have, not waiting for the perfect conditions to begin taking care of yourself. You’ll be invited to reflect on what’s currently draining your energy and how you can make small, supportive changes today. Whether it’s adjusting your environment, your habits, or how you engage with your daily responsibilities, this episode offers practical insights to help you thrive with PCOS right now, not just in an ideal future.

You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here

Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram!

What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have?

The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at:

https://nourishedtohealthy.com/ep-159