An Amber a Day: The Functional PCOS Podcast

Text with your questions & comments for future episodes!
Unlock the secrets to managing PCOS and thyroid issues with  guest, Dr. Erica Armstrong, a leading expert in functional medicine and author of "The PCOS Thyroid Connection: A Functional Medicine Approach to Treating the Root Cause." Discover why women with PCOS are three times more likely to develop thyroid disease, specifically Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and learn about the shared root causes like inflammation, gut health, and nutrient deficiencies. Dr. Armstrong emphasizes the importance of comprehensive thyroid screening and a functional medicine approach that includes advanced lab testing and collaboration between healthcare providers.

Navigate the often confusing world of dietary recommendations for PCOS with practical advice from Dr. Armstrong. Say goodbye to ineffective fad diets like keto or carnivore and learn how balancing blood sugar through key nutrients like magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and omega-3s can make a significant difference. We debunk myths about the harm of cruciferous vegetables, highlighting their crucial role in estrogen metabolism and gut health. Plus, get valuable tips on advocating for yourself in medical settings to ensure you receive the necessary thyroid tests.

Experience the transformative impact of integrating functional medicine into traditional healthcare practices. Dr. Armstrong shares her passion for providing personalized care and the importance of a holistic approach, from advanced testing to nutrition. 

Mentioned in the episode:

The book: https://amzn.to/4etfaZ9
Thyroid Test Kit: https://s.thorne.com/I2xbM
Find Dr Erica Armstrong: https://rootfunctionalmedicine.com/  
Ig: @rootfunctionalmedicine

Support the show
Get your free PCOS Jumpstart Guide and Join the Newsletter

Did this podcast help you? Becoming a supporter is like buying me a coffee once a month and just a small way to say thank you for the content you love! Become a supporter here.

Another great way to support is a 5 star review- it help the podcast SO much! Consider leaving one if the podcast has helped you on itunes here!

PCOS Facial Hair Freedom- https://amberfischer.thinkific.com/courses/pcos-facial-hair-freedom

PCOS Foundations - https://amberfischer.thinkific.com/courses/pcos-foundations
View updated links: http://www.linktr.ee/amberfischer
Youtube

Text with your questions & comments for future episodes!
In this episode, I'm answering your top PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) weight loss questions (about 20 of them) to help explain with more context all the reasons PCOS impacts our weight and what kind of diet helps the most for PCOS weight loss. 

Mentioned in the episode (scroll down for course links!)
Rhodiola - https://s.thorne.com/mVyrH
Berberine - https://s.thorne.com/Sqdp2
Inositol- https://s.thorne.com/esr0F
Probiotic - https://s.thorne.com/RaN5D

Why does weight loss with PCOS often feel like a battle against your own body? Get ready to unlock the answers as we dissect the complicated relationship between weight and PCOS. With the latest insights, we strip away the myths and focus on the complex dance of metabolism, hormones, and genetics. Discover how abdominal fat is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a central player in the inflammation and insulin resistance story. We'll guide you through a balanced dietary approach, emphasizing the often-underrated roles of fiber and protein in blood sugar control, and how this ripples out to affect your metabolic health.

We'll discuss set point theory, which suggests your body has a comfortable weight it stubbornly clings to, and learn the strategies for real, sustainable change. We'll discuss the vital role of metabolic flexibility, offering practical advice on how strategic fasting periods and meal structuring can enhance insulin sensitivity, an important factor in managing PCOS. Plus, hear our thoughts on the exciting potential of GLP-1s to support your weight loss journey while navigating the nuances of cravings and appetite.

Support the show
Get your free PCOS Jumpstart Guide and Join the Newsletter

Did this podcast help you? Becoming a supporter is like buying me a coffee once a month and just a small way to say thank you for the content you love! Become a supporter here.

Another great way to support is a 5 star review- it help the podcast SO much! Consider leaving one if the podcast has helped you on itunes here!

PCOS Facial Hair Freedom- https://amberfischer.thinkific.com/courses/pcos-facial-hair-freedom

PCOS Foundations - https://amberfischer.thinkific.com/courses/pcos-foundations
View updated links: http://www.linktr.ee/amberfischer
Youtube

Text with your questions & comments for future episodes!
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about PCOS Adrenal Health, Cortisol and PCOS, and the PCOS-adrenal connection. 

Mentioned in the episode:

NAC: https://s.thorne.com/NRI4c
Inositol: https://s.thorne.com/esr0F
Probiotic: https://s.thorne.com/RaN5D
Rhodiola: https://s.thorne.com/mVyrH
Theanine: https://s.thorne.com/ABrxm

In today's episode, I'll share not just my personal anecdotes but also dive into the signs, symptoms, and the nuanced process of diagnosing adrenal PCOS. We'll also unpack the role of stress hormones, the relevance of cortisol rhythm over mere blood tests, and discuss why adrenal health matters more than we might think, especially for those of us leading high-pressure lives.

Imagine being a high-flying professional or a dedicated athlete and discovering that your unwavering commitment to success could be silently contributing to hormone imbalances. It's a paradox I see often in my clients, and in this episode, we discuss why individuals with seemingly robust drive and stamina could be more prone to adrenal PCOS. We examine the telltale signs of adrenal imbalance, the surprising connection between past traumas and PCOS, and why even the strongest among us need to heed the call to manage stress.

In the closing chapter of our conversation, we embrace the delicate dance of fertility and menstrual health, confronting the irony that conception might just occur when we ease up on our strict health regimens. I'll also introduce you to my secret allies—rhodiola and ashwagandha—and share how these natural wonders can be instrumental in supporting adrenal function. By the end of this episode, you'll have a trove of lifestyle adjustments and holistic strategies to help you navigate your adrenal PCOS journey with grace and vitality.
Support the show
Get your free PCOS Jumpstart Guide and Join the Newsletter

Did this podcast help you? Becoming a supporter is like buying me a coffee once a month and just a small way to say thank you for the content you love! Become a supporter here.

Another great way to support is a 5 star review- it help the podcast SO much! Consider leaving one if the podcast has helped you on itunes here!

PCOS Facial Hair Freedom- https://amberfischer.thinkific.com/courses/pcos-facial-hair-freedom

PCOS Foundations - https://amberfischer.thinkific.com/courses/pcos-foundations
View updated links: http://www.linktr.ee/amberfischer
Youtube

Text with your questions & comments for future episodes!
Struggling with self-care isn't just a personal challenge; it's a universal conundrum that can leave us feeling like we're neglecting our own needs. As I peel back the layers of mental barriers that keep us from indulging in self-care, you'll find new perspectives that may just be the breakthrough you've been looking for. 

Nutrition isn't just about what we eat; it's about the entire ecosystem of our well-being, especially in turbulent economic times. 

Routine might sound mundane, but it's the cornerstone of a sustainable, healthy lifestyle, and I'm here to show how it doesn't have to be a chore. From my morning matcha ritual to gym time vigor post-work, I map out the balance we all seek amidst daily chaos and how caring for ourselves can actually CREATE time and energy for us. 
Support the show
Get your free PCOS Jumpstart Guide and Join the Newsletter

Did this podcast help you? Becoming a supporter is like buying me a coffee once a month and just a small way to say thank you for the content you love! Become a supporter here.

Another great way to support is a 5 star review- it help the podcast SO much! Consider leaving one if the podcast has helped you on itunes here!

PCOS Facial Hair Freedom- https://amberfischer.thinkific.com/courses/pcos-facial-hair-freedom

PCOS Foundations - https://amberfischer.thinkific.com/courses/pcos-foundations
View updated links: http://www.linktr.ee/amberfischer
Youtube

Text with your questions & comments for future episodes!
In today's episode, we're exploring the intricate connections between pelvic floor health and PCOS- from the adrenal and nervous system/stress hormone connections, to sexual health to medical trauma, posture, and pain. 

You might think the pelvic floor health has little to do with your health or your PCOS- this podcast may change your mind.  I'll share my own personal insights along with evidence based information so you can see the real world impact of good pelvic floor therapy.  I've become convinced- this is the missing link for adrenal health in so many of us with PCOS.

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Holly from Lotus Rehab guides us through the nuances of pelvic floor health. We unravel the mysterious ways these hidden muscles impact everything from our nervous system to sexual function and core stability. This isn't your average health talk; we're shattering myths and opening doors to conversations that are long overdue. Whether you're well-versed or new to the concept of pelvic floor vitality, Holly's insights promise a fresh perspective on maintaining and enhancing your body's support system.

This discussion with Holly illuminates just how important it is to recognize and engage our pelvic muscles, and the transformative power this awareness can have on conditions like incontinence and pain during sex. We share personal experiences and professional insights, affirming that understanding your body's internal landscape is not just about fixing problems—it's about elevating your quality of life. We connect seemingly unrelated ailments to pelvic health, breaking down the complexities of the body’s interconnectedness and advocating for integrative healthcare approaches.

Find Holly at www.lotusrehab.com or on social media @lotusrehab on instagram, tiktok, and youtube. 

Support the show
Get your free PCOS Jumpstart Guide and Join the Newsletter

Did this podcast help you? Becoming a supporter is like buying me a coffee once a month and just a small way to say thank you for the content you love! Become a supporter here.

Another great way to support is a 5 star review- it help the podcast SO much! Consider leaving one if the podcast has helped you on itunes here!

PCOS Facial Hair Freedom- https://amberfischer.thinkific.com/courses/pcos-facial-hair-freedom

PCOS Foundations - https://amberfischer.thinkific.com/courses/pcos-foundations
View updated links: http://www.linktr.ee/amberfischer
Youtube