Insights into Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management

Welcome back to the Self-Selecting Podcast! In Episode 30, we dive into a deep discussion about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and its impact on female athletes, particularly those in physique sports. This episode covers the complexities of PCOS, the challenges in diagnosing it, and how different types of PCOS can affect an athlete's performance and health. Whether you're dealing with PCOS or just want to understand it better, this episode provides valuable insights into managing symptoms, understanding the root causes, and making informed decisions about training, nutrition, and potentially using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Timestamps:

- [00:00] - Introduction and welcoming new listeners; importance of feedback and reviews.

- [03:06] - Introduction to the episode's focus on PCOS and the importance of understanding disease processes and interventions.

- [05:08] - Defining PCOS: What it is, common misconceptions, and the importance of not taking information as medical advice.

- [06:00] - Understanding the name PCOS and the common symptoms, including androgen excess and insulin resistance.

- [07:33] - The challenges of diagnosing PCOS and the overlap of symptoms with PED use, particularly in physique sports.

- [09:27] - The impact of birth control on PCOS symptoms and the complexities of managing hormonal imbalances.

- [11:19] - The issues with overdiagnosis and the importance of understanding individual symptoms and genetic factors.

- [13:00] - The role of functional health in managing PCOS and the potential pitfalls of conventional treatments like birth control.

- [15:01] - Symptoms of ovarian dysfunction, the significance of ovulatory disruption, and how contest prep can exacerbate these issues.

- [18:22] - The importance of tracking your cycle and understanding hormonal changes, particularly during contest prep.

- [21:17] - Using lab work and tracking methods to better understand hormonal fluctuations and their impact on training and health.

- [23:00] - The impact of insulin resistance on PCOS and the role of fasting glucose and insulin levels in diagnosis.

- [25:12] - The importance of context when assessing symptoms during contest prep and the potential influence of PEDs and other external factors.

- [29:17] - The four types of PCOS: Insulin-resistant, post-pill, inflammatory, and adrenal, and how to identify them.

- [33:45] - The challenges of treating adrenal PCOS and the importance of managing stress and lifestyle factors.

- [35:20] - Decision-making for athletes with PCOS: Managing androgen excess and the implications for training and competition.

- [40:00] - The role of pharmacological interventions like metformin and Berberine, and their impact on insulin resistance.

- [44:02] - Addressing inflammatory PCOS with dietary changes and the importance of reducing systemic inflammation.

- [47:02] - The complexities of post-pill PCOS and the role of supplements like zinc and progesterone in managing symptoms.

- [50:00] - Final thoughts on managing PCOS in athletes, the importance of personalized approaches, and the role of consistent monitoring.

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