Ep. 193: Diagnosing PCOS, Understanding the Root Causes, Missed Signs, and How to Truly Heal - With Dr. Nicole Smith

EPISODE SUMMARY:In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nicole Smith to unpack PCOS through both clinical science and lived experience. We explore how PCOS often develops years before diagnosis, why so many women are dismissed despite clear symptoms, and how PCOS is not just an ovarian condition, but one that starts in the brain. We walk through early warning signs, the most important testing to consider, and why intuition, history, and data all matter when treating PCOS properly. This conversation is a powerful reminder that PCOS is not a life sentence and with the right approach, the body can absolutely heal.ABOUT DR. JANE’S PRACTICE:Dr. Jane is a Naturopathic Doctor and a Natural Fertility Expert. She and her team of expert practitioners help couples navigate infertility for 1+ years, get to the root cause of their struggles, heal, and bring healthy babies home.After having a family member struggle with infertility and experiencing a miscarriage herself, Dr. Jane realized how little support and education women receive. She is on a mission to change that. Since 2020, she has dedicated her practice to fertility, where she and her practitioners work with couples 1:1, running functional lab work, customizing treatment plans and providing her couples with the support they need to get pregnant, have a stress free pregnancy and a healthy baby.Learn more about Dr. Jane’s practice: www.drjanelevesque.com/practiceApply to work with Dr. Jane & her team: www.drjanelevesque.com/applicationJoin to receive Dr. Jane's weekly Fertility Files: https://link.getcmm.com/widget/form/JStvkHpRAamc7VwPMEQE CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to PCOS and Personal Stories03:12 Understanding PCOS Symptoms and Diagnosis05:47 The Role of Blood Sugar and Hormones in PCOS09:09 The Importance of Family History in PCOS12:06 Testing and Understanding PCOS15:02 The Connection Between Brain and PCOS18:07 Gut Health and PCOS Management19:56 Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection21:53 Understanding PCOS Through Testing23:56 The Importance of Comprehensive Lab Testing25:43 Stressors and Their Impact on PCOS29:55 Treatment Approaches for PCOS34:07 Empowering Women Through Knowledge37:52 Final Thoughts on PCOS AwarenessTAKEAWAYS:PCOS can manifest from a young age and often goes undiagnosed.Listening to your body and intuition is crucial for health.Symptoms of PCOS can vary widely among individuals.Testing is essential for understanding and managing PCOS.The connection between brain health and PCOS is significant.Women should be proactive in seeking answers about their health.Nutritional support and supplements can aid in managing PCOS.Understanding family history can provide insights into PCOS.Empowerment through knowledge is key in managing PCOS.PCOS is not a life sentence; there are ways to manage and improve health.ABOUT NATURAL FERTILITY:Pregnancy is a natural process, so if it’s not happening or it’s not sticking, something is missing. Join Dr. Jane, a naturopathic doctor and a natural fertility expert, every Tuesday at 9am for insightful case studies, expert interviews and practical tips on optimizing your fertility naturally.If you’ve struggling with infertility, pregnancy loss, women’s health issues or just want to be proactive and prepare yourself for the next big chapter in your life… this show is for you.SUBSCRIBE TO & FOLLOW NATURAL FERTILITY:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0WjrEeP...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...CONNECT WITH DR. JANE:Website - www.drjanelevesque.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/drjanelevesque/?hl=enFacebook - www.facebook.com/dr.janelevesque.ndYouTube - www.youtube.com/@dr.janelevesque7319 Individualized care is essential for effective treatment of chronic fertility issues.