In this gut-focused episode of PCOS Unfiltered: Nourish, Heal, Thrive, I sit down with functional nutrition practitioner Courtney Cowie to uncover one of the most overlooked root causes of hormone imbalance and stubborn PCOS symptoms—your gut. From her own story of chronic gut pain and frustration with conventional medicine to her discovery of SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and SIFO (Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth), Courtney shares how gut dysfunction can quietly drive bloating, fatigue, cravings, irregular cycles, and inflammation. Together, Courtney and I break down what SIBO and SIFO actually are, how they form, and why they’re so common among women with hormonal imbalances. We connect the dots between gut health, bile quality, nutrient absorption, inflammation, and emotional stress—revealing why healing the gut often unlocks hormonal balance and renewed energy. The conversation also dives deep into the emotional side of healing, from the impact of chronic stress to subconscious beliefs and generational patterns that can influence the body’s ability to thrive. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still feel bloated, tired, or “off,” this episode will give you both hope and direction. You’ll walk away understanding how the gut is not just a digestion center—but the control hub for your metabolism, hormones, and long-term healing.