Why PCOS Isn’t Just About “Fixing Your Hormones” (And What Actually Matters Instead)
So many of us are handed the same generic advice when it comes to PCOS, “just balance your hormones” or “go on the pill.” But what if the story is so much deeper than that?
In this episode, I sit down with Rohini, a registered associate nutritionist and one of the clearest voices in the space, to talk about what’s actually going on behind the scenes with PCOS, and why hormone health doesn’t look the same for every woman. This isn’t about “quick fixes.” It’s about real physiology, individual nuance, and understanding how your body is speaking to you.
We explore:
What we get wrong about PCOS (and why so many feel gaslit by their doctors)
Why “hormone balance” isn’t a real goal and what to focus on instead
How stress, nutrition, and nervous system health impact PCOS
How to advocate for yourself inside a healthcare system that often misses the mark
Why so many women are misdiagnosed — and how to navigate conflicting advice
Understanding your symptoms through the lens of function, not failure
The importance of cycle literacy for every stage of life
How diet culture confuses PCOS care — and what sustainable support actually looks like
Tips for getting the most from your GP appointment or specialist consult
How plant-based approaches can support (not replace) root-cause healing
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’ve been managing PCOS for years, this episode will help you feel seen, informed, and empowered to approach things differently.
About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder worldwide, affecting at least 1 in 10 women, non-binary and transgender people. It is the number one cause of infertility with symptoms including acne, excess weight gain, irregular periods and hair loss and higher risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and womb cancer. Alarmingly, 3 in 4 of those with PCOS remain undiagnosed because of the complex nature of the condition.
*The information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only; it is not a substitute for medical advice or individualised care from a qualified health professional.
Connect with Rohini
Get your copy of Living PCOS Free: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-PCOS-Free-hormonal-Polycystic/dp/1781612137
My website: www.rohinibajekal.com
My Substack: Full of Beans https://rohinibajekal.substack.com/
Follow me on Instagram @rohinibajekal
RCOG (2014): Long-term consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome: https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/gtg_33.pdf
ESHRE: Partner Guideline: International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 2023. Copyright Monash University, Melbourne Australia 2023: https://www.ese-hormones.org/publications/directory/partner-guideline-international-evidence-based-guideline-for-the-assessment-and-management-of-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-2023/
NICE guidelines: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/
American College of Lifestyle Medicine: https://www.lifestylemedicine.org/Scientific-Evidence
Free factsheet on PCOS from Dr Nitu Bajekal: https://nitubajekal.com/pcos/
Free downloadable PCOS Factsheet from Plant-Based Health Professonals UK: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/PCOS-factsheet-210709.pdf
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#PCOS #HormoneHealth #WomensHealth #PlantBasedLiving #PeriodHealth #CycleAwareness #EmpoweredHealing