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Irregular periods are a common occurrence in women around the world. Whether or not you’re armed with a PCOS or Hypothalamic Amenorrhea diagnosis, there are similarities and differences you need to know. I’m joined by Dr. Lara Briden to bust all those PCOS myths you think you know. About Dr. Lara Briden Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and the period revolutionary—leading the change to better periods. Informed by a strong science background and more than twenty years with patients, Lara is a passionate communicator about women’s health and alternatives to hormonal birth control.  Her book Period Repair Manual is a manifesto of natural treatment for better hormones and better periods and provides practical solutions using nutrition, supplements, and natural hormones.  Now in its second edition, the book has been an underground sensation and has worked to quietly change the lives of tens of thousands of women. Lara has helped thousands of women find relief for period problems such as PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, and perimenopause and currently has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand. A phrase that Dr. Lara has coined is “women are not small men.” She starts this conversation by explaining what she means by this and how understanding this can help further our perception and knowledge of female health. We discuss what Polycystic Ovarian Syndrom (PCOS) and Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA) are and the key differences between them. While they both have irregular menstrual cycles at their core, they are very different disorders. This is why we think you should rule out whether you actually have HA before you start down the lengthy process of a PCOS diagnosis. The commonly preferred way to diagnose PCOS is by ultrasound. While there’s nothing inherently wrong about an ultrasound, this is actually not the best way to diagnose PCOS. An ultrasound can alert your doctor to cysts present in your ovaries, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you have PCOS, despite the name. Dr. Lara explains why this is before telling us her preferred lab tests for a correct diagnosis. She recommends speaking with your doctor and explaining why you should get tested at two points during your menstrual cycle for the most accurate diagnosis. There are also at-home tests you can order and supplements that can help to regulate your cycle. Dr. Lara talks about what the five different states of PCOS are and how the symptoms and causes of each differ. By far the most common state is through insulin resistance but there are other ways your body can develop this disorder. Finally, we talk about how you can treat certain symptoms of PCOS or HA without having an official diagnosis. Whether by diet, nutrition, and exercise, supplements, or other ways, there might be something you can do to reclaim your menstrual cycle. Did you have any years of menstrual cycling before you went on the pill? Let me know in the comments on the episode page!   Got a question you’d love to hear me answer on the show? Leave me a voice message here!   In This Episode What the phrase “women are not small men” means What the difference between PCOS and Hypothalamic Amenorrhea is Why you should rule HA out before a PCOS diagnosis What the problems with an ultrasound PCOS diagnosis are What labs are relevant for a PCOS diagnosis Why you should get tested twice during your menstrual cycle What the different states of PCOS are How to treat certain symptoms without knowing your exact PCOS diagnosis   Quotes “A lot of experts are calling for the ultrasound for Polycystic Ovary finding to be dumped, really, because it’s just not helpful.” (26:30) “You can always reverse out of PCOS. It’s reversible. That’s the symptom picture. Maybe not the genetic tendency, but the symptom picture is.” (48:23) “A lot of times the best approach to PCOS is still going to improve insulin sensitivity, it’s going to reduce inflammation, it’s going to help you detox from any birth control hormones.” (1:00:43)   Links Buy the Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden MD! Find Dr. Lara Briden Online Follow Dr. Lara Briden on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Sign up for James Wedmore's Rise of the Digital CEO! Learn more about business coaching with me Find Fed and Fearless Online Got a question you’d love to hear me answer on the show? Leave me a voice message here! Join the Fed and Fearless Society on Facebook Follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest