This Podcast Will Kill You Ep 181 PCOS: Beyond the cysts
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Jul 8, 2025 Explore the complexities of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) beyond its misleading name. Hear personal stories that challenge misconceptions and highlight the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment. Delve into the health implications of insulin resistance and the diversity of PCOS phenotypes. The discussion also uncovers the stigma surrounding the condition and its psychological impacts. Finally, learn about the gaps in research and the need for a shift in how reproductive health is understood and treated.
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Long Diagnostic Journey And Relief With Testosterone
- Logan described years of severe menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, acne, and hirsutism beginning in puberty that went undiagnosed for years.
- They were dismissed by ER doctors, reacted badly to birth control, and improved only after starting testosterone for gender dysphoria.
Name Misleads: PCOS Is Hormonal, Not Just Cysts
- PCOS is an endocrine disorder diagnosed when two of three criteria are met: hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, or polycystic ovarian morphology.
- "Polycystic" is misleading because the ovarian follicles are immature and arrested, not true pathogenic cysts.
Metabolic Risk Exists Independent Of BMI
- Insulin resistance is central to PCOS and increases risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, independent of BMI.
- Metabolic complications occur across PCOS phenotypes and are not explained solely by obesity.
