Dr. Jolene Brighten, a leading figure in women’s medicine and author of "Beyond The Pill," dives into the impact of birth control on PCOS. She reveals how hormonal birth control studies often overlooked women with this condition. Dr. Brighten offers practical advice for those on the pill, emphasizing dietary and lifestyle strategies. The discussion includes the importance of sleep and nutrition in managing PCOS symptoms, as well as the significance of understanding one's health decisions. Don't miss her delicious turmeric latte recipe for better sleep!
Dr. Jolene Brighten highlights the importance of understanding hormonal imbalances in PCOS, particularly regarding the long-term effects of hormonal birth control.
The podcast emphasizes the potential benefits of supplements like Ovasitol and CBD in managing PCOS symptoms by addressing insulin resistance and inflammation.
Listeners are encouraged to seek healthcare providers who acknowledge their unique experiences with PCOS, underscoring the necessity for individualized and comprehensive treatment plans.
Deep dives
Understanding Ovasitol and PCOS
Ovasitol is a supplement that combines inositols to help women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) by addressing insulin resistance, which is a common root problem associated with the condition. This supplement is reported to help control blood sugar levels, ease cravings, regulate menstrual cycles, and improve mood. Women experiencing PCOS often struggle with insulin resistance, leading to persistent hunger and cravings due to unregulated insulin in the bloodstream. The episode highlights how addressing blood sugar control through supplements like Ovasitol can significantly benefit those managing PCOS.
The Role of CBD in Managing PCOS
CBD is discussed in the podcast as a beneficial option for women with PCOS due to its potential to reduce cortisol levels, enhance insulin sensitivity, and decrease inflammation. The speakers share their personal experiences with CBD products and emphasize its role in overall wellness. By using CBD, women may find relief from some symptoms of PCOS, contributing to a more balanced lifestyle. Therefore, incorporating CBD could be an effective strategy for women seeking to manage their PCOS symptoms.
Addressing Hormonal Imbalances
Dr. Jolene Brighton emphasizes the importance of understanding hormonal imbalances when dealing with PCOS, particularly in relation to the use of hormonal birth control. Many women are often prescribed birth control without addressing the underlying issues causing their symptoms, leading to a cycle where problems re-emerge upon discontinuation of the medication. The podcast stresses that birth control doesn't necessarily 'fix' underlying hormonal issues; rather, it may suppress symptoms temporarily, only for them to return later. Thus, understanding the hormonal landscape is crucial for effective management of PCOS, especially when considering the implications of long-term birth control use.
The Importance of Personalized Care
The podcast discusses the necessity for women with PCOS to find healthcare providers who understand their unique needs and listen to their concerns. Many women often face challenges in getting accurate diagnoses and appropriate care when visiting healthcare professionals, leading to feelings of frustration and dismissal. The discussion highlights the notion that an individualized approach to treatment, including understanding the specific symptoms and dietary habits of each woman, is vital for success. Patients are encouraged to advocate for themselves and seek comprehensive care tailored to their individual experiences with PCOS.
Lifestyle Changes for PCOS Management
Implementing lifestyle changes, such as diet alteration and exercise, is presented as fundamental in managing PCOS effectively. The discussion outlines how a gluten- and dairy-free diet has shown improvements in symptoms for many women, although it's noted that individual responses to dietary changes can vary. The episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to eating and physical activity, promoting sustainable changes over drastic dietary restrictions. Through these lifestyle adjustments, women can better manage their symptoms and foster overall health, decreasing the impact of PCOS on their lives.
Today, we talk about the role that birth control plays in our PCOS journey!
Dr. Jolene Brighten is the author of Beyond The Pill and is a prominent leader in women’s medicine and the emerging science of Post-Birth Control Syndrome, which is the study of the effects of hormonal birth control on female health.
On this episode, Dr. Brighten empowers women with PCOS to take control of their health and hormones. She explains how the studies done on birth control did not include women with PCOS, and why it’s important for us to be aware of the effects that it can have on our body, even when we decide to get off of the pill.
Dr. Brighten gives advice for Cysters who choose to be on the pill as well and talks about what they can do to support their body, starting with diet and lifestyle. She also discusses the role of carbs on how we sleep and shares her delicious turmeric latte recipe from her book that helps her patients get better sleep.
Check out Dr. Jolene Brighten’s book (www.beyondthepillbook.com), where she talks about the birth control pill and its impact on our health including the inflammation created by the pill that sabotages our hormones. Her book also includes a 30-day action plan with meal plans, recipes and tools for success.
GIVEAWAY! We are giving away 2 copies of Dr. Jolene Brighten's book, Beyond the Pill, follow us on IG (@pcos.weightloss) for details on how to win!
You can find more resources on her website (www.drbrighten.com) and Instagram (@drjolenebrighten) and you can download her Post Birth Control Syndrome Detox Diet guide https://drbrighten.com/pbcsdiet
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