The PCOS 365 Podcast

Shawna Bowers
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  • HEALTH & FITNESS
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Welcome to The PCOS 365 Podcast, your go-to podcast for empowering and educating women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Hosted by Shawna, a dedicated hormone coach with a passion for women's health, this podcast explores holistic approaches to managing PCOS symptoms and improving overall well-being. Join us as we delve into a wide range of topics, including nutrition, supplements, essential oils, exercise, sleep, stress management, and more. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with PCOS for years, you'll find practical advice, expert interviews, and inspiring success stories to support you on your journey. Each episode is designed to provide you with valuable insights and actionable tips to help you naturally balance your hormones, manage symptoms, and lead a healthier, happier life.

  1. S2 E18: Normal Blood Sugar, Still PCOS? What Fasting Insulin & HOMA-IR Are Really Telling You

    JAN 12

    S2 E18: Normal Blood Sugar, Still PCOS? What Fasting Insulin & HOMA-IR Are Really Telling You

    You’ve been told your blood sugar is “normal”… but your body is telling a very different story. In this episode, we’re breaking down fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and HOMA-IR — three pieces of data that can completely change how women with PCOS understand their symptoms, their cycles, and their hormones. As a former laboratory scientist turned hormone coach (and a fellow PCOS gal), I’ll walk you through: What fasting glucose actually measures — and what it misses Why fasting insulin is one of the most overlooked labs in PCOS How insulin resistance can exist long before diabetes What HOMA-IR is, how to calculate it yourself, and why it gives a clearer big-picture view How elevated insulin can impact ovulation, cycle regularity, inflammation, and weight We’ll translate the science into everyday language so you can finally understand what your labs are showing — and what they’re not. This episode is about replacing confusion with clarity and giving you real data you can use in conversations with your provider. If you’ve ever felt dismissed because your labs looked “fine,” this episode is for you. Here's the HOMA-IR Calculation we discussed: (Fasting Glucose x Fasting Insulin) / 405

    11 min
  2. S2 E17: PCOS Labs Explained: Inflammation, CRP, IL-6 & What’s Driving Your Symptom

    JAN 5

    S2 E17: PCOS Labs Explained: Inflammation, CRP, IL-6 & What’s Driving Your Symptom

    Inflammation is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot — but rarely explained in a way that actually helps us understand what’s happening in our bodies, especially with PCOS. In this episode, we’re slowing things down and breaking inflammation all the way back to the basics. We’ll talk about what inflammation actually is, why women with PCOS are more prone to chronic low-grade inflammation, and how inflammation can both contribute to PCOS symptoms and be a result of them. Then we’ll walk through the key inflammatory labs you may see on your PCOS lab work — including C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-alpha — and what these markers are really measuring in simple, real-life terms. No fear, no overwhelm — just clarity. If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” but your body still feels inflamed, exhausted, or resistant to change, this episode will help you understand what data might be missing from the conversation — and how these labs can help connect the dots between insulin resistance, hormones, stress, and symptoms. Because PCOS isn’t just about hormones — it’s about how the whole system is responding.

    13 min
  3. S2 E 16: The Missing Piece in Your Fatigue: Iron Labs Explained Simply

    12/08/2025

    S2 E 16: The Missing Piece in Your Fatigue: Iron Labs Explained Simply

    Are you exhausted but everyone says your labs are “normal”? Are your cycles heavy, your hair thinning, or your energy dipping no matter what you do? This episode breaks down the iron labs that most women never get explained: iron, ferritin, hemoglobin, and TIBC. We’ll talk about what each one means, how to spot hidden iron deficiency before it becomes anemia, and why women with PCOS or perimenopause are especially vulnerable to low levels. You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and a better understanding of what your body’s been trying to tell you. Grab the PCOS Lab Checklist at www.essentiallyher.com/labchecklist

    12 min
  4. S2 E15: Thyroid Labs & Prolactin-- Are they the missing piece in your missing cycle?

    12/01/2025

    S2 E15: Thyroid Labs & Prolactin-- Are they the missing piece in your missing cycle?

    If you’ve ever wondered whether your thyroid might be part of your PCOS puzzle, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. Today we’re breaking down the full thyroid panel — TSH, free T4, free T3, thyroid antibodies (TPO & TgAb) — and talking about what each of these actually means in real-life terms. No medical jargon, no confusion… just clear, compassionate science you can finally understand. We’ll talk about how thyroid issues can show up for those of us with PCOS: fatigue that feels bone-deep, stubborn weight changes, mood dips, hair thinning, feeling cold all the time, irregular cycles, and that frustrating sense of “something feels off but no one will listen.” You’ll learn: How the thyroid really works (in a simple, friend-over-coffee way) What each lab tells us about your hormone communication system Why PCOS and thyroid issues often show up together What questions to ask your provider so nothing gets overlooked How to use this information to better understand your symptoms and advocate for your care And don’t forget — you can download my PCOS Lab Checklist at essentiallyher.com/labchecklist so you can walk into your next appointment confident, prepared, and supported. This is your reminder that you’re not crazy, you’re not broken, and your symptoms are not “just how it is.” Your body is speaking — and today, we’re finally learning to understand one more piece of her language.

    13 min
  5. S2 E14: Androgens 101: Understanding Testosterone, DHEA & DHEA-S in PCOS

    11/24/2025

    S2 E14: Androgens 101: Understanding Testosterone, DHEA & DHEA-S in PCOS

    Ever wonder why acne, hair loss, excess facial or body hair, and stubborn cycles seem impossible to manage with PCOS? It often comes down to your androgens—hormones like testosterone, DHEA, and DHEA-S. In this episode of The PCOS 365 Podcast, we break down these key hormones in a way that actually makes sense. We'll cover: What total and free testosterone really mean, and why SHBG matters The role of DHEA and DHEA-S and how your adrenals influence symptoms How your lab numbers connect to what you see in the mirror and feel in your body Tips for using your labs and symptom tracking to have more productive conversations with your provider Whether you’re dealing with acne, hair changes, or irregular cycles, this episode will help you decode your hormones and feel empowered to make informed choices. Grab the PCOS Lab Checklist to bring to your next appointment: essentiallyher.com/labchecklist

    15 min
  6. S2 E 13: Foundational Labs: Understanding Your CBC & CMP for PCOS

    11/17/2025

    S2 E 13: Foundational Labs: Understanding Your CBC & CMP for PCOS

    Ever wonder what your lab results are really telling you? In this episode of the PCOS 365 Podcast, we’re breaking down the basics—your Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)—so you can understand what your numbers mean, why they matter, and how they relate to PCOS. We’ll cover: What each part of the CBC measures, from red and white blood cells to hemoglobin and platelets, and why these numbers impact your energy, mood, and cycles. How CMP markers like liver enzymes, kidney function, and electrolytes interact with your hormones and metabolic health. Why tracking trends over time is more powerful than focusing on a single “normal” number. Real-life examples of how lab data can help you advocate for yourself and guide natural support strategies. If you’ve ever felt confused by lab reports or like your symptoms weren’t being heard, this episode will give you the knowledge and confidence to start connecting the dots. Resources: Grab my PCOS Lab Checklist here: essentiallyher.com/labchecklist Join my email list for more science made simple: essentiallyher.com/email

    11 min
  7. S2 E 12: Speaking Up for Your Hormones: How to Talk to Your Doctor About PCOS

    11/10/2025

    S2 E 12: Speaking Up for Your Hormones: How to Talk to Your Doctor About PCOS

    Feeling dismissed by your doctor? You’re not alone. In this episode of The PCOS 365 Podcast, we dive into how to advocate for yourself in a way that actually works. Learn how to turn your experiences into actionable data, from tracking cycles and symptoms to using your PCOS Lab Checklist. I share real-life examples of how concrete numbers can make your doctor listen, tips for making appointments productive, and guidance on asking the right questions. We’ll also talk about bringing research into your visits and finding a provider who truly understands PCOS. This episode is all about giving you confidence, control, and a voice in your health journey. Join the email list at essentiallyher.com/email for more practical tips, guides, and explanations about PCOS delivered straight to your inbox. Get the PCOS Lab Checklist at www.essentiallyher.com/labchecklist Make sure to watch your spam folder... it's a tricky one!

    10 min
  8. S2 E11: How to Choose the Right Supplement (Without Wasting Your Money)

    11/03/2025

    S2 E11: How to Choose the Right Supplement (Without Wasting Your Money)

    You’ve heard about all the amazing supplements that can support women with PCOS — from inositol and NAC to curcumin and CoQ10 — but how do you actually choose one that’s worth your money? In this episode, Shawna breaks down how to find high-quality supplements that actually deliver results. You’ll learn what to look for on a label, why the form of each nutrient (like methylcobalamin vs. cyanocobalamin) matters, and how to spot red flags like fillers, fake “proprietary blends,” and misleading marketing. It’s the science-based, no-fluff guide to supplement shopping that every woman with PCOS needs — so you can feel confident, informed, and empowered in your wellness journey. ✨ Want more guidance like this? Join Shawna’s email list for supplement recommendations, hormone education, and natural health tips delivered straight to your inbox: essentiallyher.com/email

    8 min
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About

Welcome to The PCOS 365 Podcast, your go-to podcast for empowering and educating women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Hosted by Shawna, a dedicated hormone coach with a passion for women's health, this podcast explores holistic approaches to managing PCOS symptoms and improving overall well-being. Join us as we delve into a wide range of topics, including nutrition, supplements, essential oils, exercise, sleep, stress management, and more. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with PCOS for years, you'll find practical advice, expert interviews, and inspiring success stories to support you on your journey. Each episode is designed to provide you with valuable insights and actionable tips to help you naturally balance your hormones, manage symptoms, and lead a healthier, happier life.

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