Episode #20: The PCOS Diagnosis Dilemma
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure and privacy policy.
What you’ll learn in this episode
Did anyone ever ask WHY your body was struggling when they gave you the PCOS Diagnosis?
To discover your PCOS root cause we need to start by asking why! Why are you having period problems, infertility, and weight gain? Why?
Doctors seek to label your collection of symptoms with a diagnosis. This leads them to medications and procedural options to address unwanted symptoms. The problem is those medications don’t treat the root of the issue.
Well, in this episode I discuss the difference between being labeled with a diagnosis and getting a full PCOS workup. Let’s dive in so you can start discovering the root cause of your PCOS.
The PCOS Diagnosis
The first place to start with anything is to get clear what you are up against, then you can move on the changing, improving, and healing.
This is where getting diagnosed comes in. It also includes ruling out other possible causes of your symptoms. Then the next step, a very important and often missed step is to ask and discover why!
Why is your body struggling leading to these unwanted symptoms of:
Weight struggles
Infertility
Mood disturbances
Energy slumps
Skin and hair concerns
And so much more.
That is exactly what will cover in this episode – how to uncover the why behind PCOS and not just get a diagnosis.
A Full PCOS Workup
Testing is important to both rule in the diagnosis of PCOS as well as to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms you are having. Imaging for cysts or other causes of irregular cycles and fertility problems. This episode focuses on going beyond testing to interpret your body’s signs and symptoms to discover why. But that doesn’t mean labs aren’t important. They are! What labs are ordered and when you are tested provide very important information.
As promised in this episode, here is a list of labs I recommend testing as well as when during your cycle to test and what the hormone or lab value is.
Labs:
A Natural Approach to Treating PCOS
Then once you have a clear diagnosis and know what hormones your labs show as unbalanced we can go a step deeper into why!
The why is found in the root cause of hormones insulin, cortisol, inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies. In blood work, these often are still in the normal range because your body is doing acrobatics to survive and function the best it can. Over time your body won’t be able to keep up and these lab values will begin to shift toward abnormal. So how do we discover the root cause?
Your symptoms
Looking further into your symptoms will help you discover where your body needs extra care and attention in order to reverse your PCOS at the root cause.
What symptoms should you pay attention to? That is what the PCOS root cause quiz is all about.
And then listen to this episode to learn how to listen to what your body is telling you so that you can provide it the care that it needs. When you approach your PCOS care at the root cause you can:
Optimize fertility
Lose and maintain weight easily
Have easy regular periods
Feel great and have lots of energy
Have healthy skin and hair
That’s why this episode’s topic is so important, hope you enjoy it! Happy listening!
Resources & References Mentioned in this episode
Take the PCOS Root cause quiz to learn what your body needs to heal
Get started eating to nourish with the PCOS Fertility Meal Plan
References:
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels Test
Results are not guaranteed. Please see Medical Disclaimer for more detail.
Similar Podcasts You Will Enjoy
Episode #171: MD, Naturopath, or Functional? Choosing the Right PCOS Care
In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, you’ll learn how to confidently choose the right care team to support your PCOS journey. If you’ve ever walked away from an appointment feeling unheard or unsure of your next step, this episode is here to help. This episode will walk you through the roles of OB/GYNs, primary care doctors, naturopaths, and functional medicine providers so you can understand what each offers, and what they might miss. You’ll discover how to match your current goals, whether it’s fertility, cycle regulation, or hormone balance, with the right kind of support. You’ll also hear how to combine different care approaches and watch for red flags like extreme protocols or false promises. Most importantly, you’ll leave empowered to advocate for yourself and create a personalized plan that supports your long-term health.
Episode #170: Saw Palmetto & PCOS: Can This Herb Help Balance Hormones?
In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, you’ll discover how saw palmetto may help reduce stubborn PCOS symptoms like acne, unwanted hair growth, and hair thinning. You’ll learn how this herbal supplement works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT, a potent androgen that often drives these symptoms. This episode also explores when saw palmetto might be appropriate, how to use it safely, and why it’s not recommended if you’re trying to conceive. If you’re looking for natural support to balance lingering androgen levels, this episode will help you decide whether saw palmetto has a place in your PCOS care plan.
Episode #169: Insulin, LH, and PCOS Hormonal Chaos: Understanding the Connection
Wondering why your ovulation is inconsistent or why your LH tests are confusing? In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, we dive into the connection between luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin, and how their interaction can disrupt your cycle. You’ll learn how elevated insulin impacts testosterone and LH levels, preventing proper ovulation. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with simple, practical tools to support better insulin regulation through food, movement, stress management, and supplements so you can restore hormonal balance and regain control of your cycle.
PCOS FERTILITY MEAL GUIDE
What I changed to finally get pregnant after almost 2 years of trying.
What the heck to eat to boost PCOS fertility
It’s not a one size fits all
Sample Meal Plan Included
Plan and Prep Guide Included
Go beyond diet & nourish your hormones to boost fertility
I share the steps I followed in this FREE MEAL GUIDE.
About the Show
Welcome to The PCOS Repair Podcast!
I’m Ashlene Korcek, and each week I’ll be sharing the latest findings on PCOS and how to make practical health changes to your lifestyle to repair your PCOS at the root cause.
If you’re struggling with PCOS, know that you’re not alone. In fact, it’s estimated that one in ten women have PCOS. But the good news is that there is a lot we can do to manage our symptoms and live healthy, happy lives.
So whether you’re looking for tips on nutrition, exercise, supplements, or mental health, you’ll find it all here on The PCOS Repair Podcast. Ready to get started? Hit subscribe now
