Understanding PCOS: Insights from the SHE M/D Podcast
In a recent episode of the SHE M/D podcast, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and her co-host, Mary Alice Haney, delved into the complexities of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), sharing insights and personal stories to shed light on this often misunderstood condition.
Inspired by their discussion, this article explores the journey of Gracie Norton, a digital entrepreneur and content creator, as she navigates PCOS and discovers natural healing and wellness strategies.
Introduction to Gracie Norton’s PCOS Journey
Known for her candid storytelling on platforms like TikTok, Gracie has become a voice for many experiencing similar health challenges. Her journey began with a series of symptoms that seemed to appear suddenly yet had been developing over time.
Gracie recalls a period when she was living in Los Angeles, where she experienced a rapid weight gain of thirty pounds in just three months. Alongside this, she faced significant hair loss, missed menstrual cycles, and persistent hormonal acne along her jawline. These physical changes were accompanied by constant fatigue and a noticeable shift in her mood and energy levels, which was particularly challenging for someone who describes herself as naturally bubbly and energetic.
Reflecting on this time, Gracie acknowledges that a lack of awareness and prioritization of her health contributed to the severity of her symptoms. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and making health a priority, lessons she learned through her experiences.
“So I think just, like, the lack of knowledge that I had of, like, how these changes were gonna be affecting, you know, my body was a big part of that.”
Recognizing and Diagnosing PCOS
Gracie Norton, a digital entrepreneur and content creator, shares her journey of recognizing and diagnosing PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Her story highlights the challenges many women face in identifying and understanding this condition.
Gracie began experiencing symptoms during college, such as extreme bloating and fatigue. A particularly painful incident occurred when an ovarian cyst ruptured, leading her to realize something was seriously wrong. Despite this, she initially did not seek medical attention.
“I had gained thirty pounds in three months, so gained weight pretty quick. My hair was pretty much falling out.”
Her symptoms intensified after moving to Los Angeles, where lifestyle changes exacerbated her condition. She experienced rapid weight gain, hair loss, missed periods, hormonal acne, and constant fatigue. These symptoms significantly impacted her daily life and well-being.
Gracie’s struggle to get a proper diagnosis was marked by visits to multiple doctors who dismissed her symptoms as stress-related or typical for her age. Many suggested treatments like birth control, which she was hesitant to use due to past experiences.
“Unfortunately, I had seen a lot of different doctors. So after I woke up and was just, like, you know, I felt completely out of control of my health.”
It wasn’t until a friend recommended a gynecologist that Gracie received an ultrasound, revealing cysts on her ovaries. This diagnosis was both a relief and a source of anxiety, as it confirmed her suspicions but also raised concerns about her future health and fertility.
Gracie’s experience underscores the importance of awareness and advocacy in women’s health, emphasizing the need for better education and understanding of PCOS among both patients and healthcare professionals.
Natural Healing and Lifestyle Changes
Gracie Norton embarked on a journey to heal her PCOS naturally, prioritizing her health and well-being. She moved back home and consulted with an integrative medicine doctor to create a personalized healing plan. This plan was based on comprehensive blood work, ensuring that any supplements or changes were tailored to her specific needs.
“I moved back home, and I found an integrative medicine doctor. And that’s when we came up with a plan of how I was gonna heal.”
Key Lifestyle Changes
- Dietary Adjustments: Gracie began by addressing her nutrition, focusing on reducing refined sugar and eliminating gluten and dairy. She experimented with recipes to make these changes enjoyable, using alternatives like maple syrup and coconut sugar.
- Exercise Modifications: Instead of high-intensity workouts, Gracie switched to low-impact exercises such as walking, yoga, and strength training. This shift helped reduce inflammation and improve her overall energy levels.
- Stress Management: Recognizing the impact of stress on her health, Gracie implemented strategies to lower stress levels, which is crucial for managing PCOS.
Overcoming Challenges
Gracie faced initial challenges, including a year of trial and error. However, once she implemented the changes recommended by her doctor, she began seeing results within two to three months.
“I started seeing results within, like, two to three months.”
Importance of Personalized Health Plans
Gracie’s journey highlights the importance of personalized health plans. By focusing on her unique needs and making sustainable changes, she maintained her progress and eventually reintroduced some foods back into her diet.
Gracie’s story serves as an inspiring example for those looking to manage PCOS through natural methods, emphasizing the need for patience and persistence in achieving long-term health goals.
Understanding Insulin Resistance and PCOS
Insulin resistance is a key factor in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and significantly impacts weight and overall health. It occurs when the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and increased insulin production. This excess insulin acts as a fat storage hormone, contributing to weight gain and other health issues.
“Insulin is a fat storage hormone. It’s a hormone that you don’t want to go up in your body.”
Connection to PCOS
In PCOS, high insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce androgens like testosterone, causing symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, and hair loss. Addressing insulin resistance can help manage these symptoms by lowering androgen levels.
Management Strategies
- Diet and Exercise: A low-sugar diet and regular physical activity can enhance insulin sensitivity. Exercise helps open up cell receptors, allowing sugar to enter cells and be used for energy.
- Supplements and Medication: Medications like metformin and certain supplements can improve insulin sensitivity, reducing insulin resistance and its associated symptoms.
“Medications like metformin or the supplement that, you know, we’ve been working on for the past year make women more insulin sensitive.”
Lifestyle Changes
- Nutrition: Increasing protein intake, especially in the morning, and reducing refined sugar can stabilize insulin levels.
- Stress Management: Lowering stress and caffeine intake can also help manage insulin resistance.
Understanding and managing insulin resistance is crucial for those with PCOS to alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The Overlap of PCOS and Endometriosis
Exploring the overlap between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis reveals significant insights into women’s health. A large number of PCOS patients also suffer from endometriosis, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
“A large number of PCOS patients have endometriosis, a large number of them.”
Symptoms and Challenges
Endometriosis presents a variety of symptoms, including bloating, bladder issues, painful periods, and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). These symptoms can often be mistaken for other conditions, leading to misdiagnosis. For instance, patients may report bladder infections, but tests show negative cultures, indicating a potential red flag for endometriosis.
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis is crucial. Physicians are encouraged to consider endometriosis when treating PCOS patients, as missing this diagnosis can have severe consequences. Monitoring egg count is one method to detect endometriosis, as a declining egg count can be indicative of the condition.
“Endometriosis can lower your count and your quality.”
Fertility Considerations
Fertility is a significant concern for women with both PCOS and endometriosis. It’s recommended to discuss egg freezing between the ages of 28 to 32, especially if the egg count is low. This proactive approach can help manage future fertility challenges.
Empowerment and Advocacy in Women’s Health
In the realm of women’s health, empowerment and advocacy play crucial roles in managing conditions like PCOS. A key takeaway is the importance of self-advocacy. Women are encouraged to understand that they are not alone and to take charge of their health by educating themselves and seeking proper medical advice.
Gracie Norton has been instrumental in raising awareness about PCOS and women’s health issues. Her journey highlights the power of sharing personal experiences, which not only brings awareness but also inspires others to seek proper diagnosis and treatment.
“I think the big thing for me is women understanding that, one, you’re not alone, two, how important it is to be your own advocate.”
The impact of sharing personal health journeys is profound. It helps others feel less isolated and more informed about their health choices. Gracie’s story, shared with millions, exemplifies how personal narratives can lead to widespread awareness and change.
The discussion also emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, such as prioritizing protein, reducing refined sugar and alcohol intake, and focusing on stress management. These changes, coupled with discipline and patience, can significantly improve health outcomes.
Ultimately, the message is clear: by advocating for themselves and sharing their stories, women can foster a supportive community and drive positive change in women’s health.
About Dr. Aliabadi’s SheMD Podcast
The SheMD Podcast is a captivating series that delves into topics related to women’s health, empowerment, and lifestyle. It provides listeners with expert insights and candid conversations, and it is now one of the most popular podcasts in America.
Hosted by Dr. Thais Aliabadi, a renowned OB-GYN and women’s health advocate, and Mary Alice Haney, a fashion designer, and entrepreneur, the podcast covers a diverse range of subjects, from women’s health and wellness to career and personal growth, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Together, they create an engaging platform that informs, inspires, and empowers women to take control of their health and lives. This is a recap of one of their recent episodes.
Make an appointment with Dr. Aliabadi, the best PCOS doctor near me
Don’t let PCOS define your life. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aliabadi and receive personalized expert care. The consultation is a thorough, personalized process that involves a comprehensive review of your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms, along with diagnostic testing. Dr. Aliabadi collaborates with you to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique health needs, fertility goals, and long-term wellness, ensuring ongoing support and adjustments as needed.
As one of the nation’s leading OB/GYNs, Beverly Hills’ Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi offers the very best in women’s health and well-being. With her warm, professional team, Dr. Aliabadi supports women through all phases of life. She fosters a special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.
Highly trained and honored by the medical community, Dr. Thais Aliabadi is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Diplomat of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She implements the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology and treatment options.
Dr. Aliabadi specializes in up-to-date, minimally invasive surgical techniques, promising her patients shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and the least interruption to their daily lives.
We also invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700 for general inquiries.
