Gyno Gurus Podcast

gynoguruspodcast
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Alexandra MacLean, WHNP-BC, and Peter Mandel, MD, FACOG, are women’s health clinicians and co-hosts dedicated to translating medical evidence into clear, practical guidance. Their conversations help listeners understand their bodies, ask better questions, and make confident decisions—without the jargon.  

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    PCOS IS EXTINCT!!!

    In this episode of the Gyno Gurus Podcast, we break down the emerging concept of PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) and why many experts believe the term “PCOS” may no longer fully capture what’s really happening in the body. We explore how genetics, epigenetics, insulin resistance, brain signaling, ovarian dysfunction, and androgen excess may all converge through different pathways to create the same clinical syndrome. From LH dysfunction and theca cell overstimulation to fasting insulin, AMH, and lipid abnormalities, this episode takes a deeper look into the true pathophysiology behind “PMOS.” Whether you’re struggling with irregular cycles, infertility, or metabolic dysfunction — understanding the why behind the condition changes everything.   Chapters: 00:00 PCOS is No More 05:52 Pathophysiology of PMOS 10:09 Understanding the Underlying Causes 12:13 PCOS vs PMOS, Does it Really Matter? 14:09 Markers of PMOS: LH/FSH Ratio, AMH, Fasting Insulin Levels, Dyslipidemia 19:58 Final Thoughts   In this episode we discuss: • Epigenetics and fetal programming • How PMOS may begin in the womb and brain • LH dysregulation and ovarian signaling • Theca cells and androgen overload • Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia • The “ovary-first” theory • LH vs FSH ratios • AMH and metabolic markers • Different pathways leading to the same syndrome   If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone navigating PCOS/PMOS.   #PCOS #PMOS #InsulinResistance #Hormones #Fertility #WomensHealth #Endocrinology #Infertility #HormonalHealth #MetabolicHealth #GynoGurusPodcast

    22 min

  2. Mar 28

    PCOS Explained (Part 1): What It Is, How It's Diagnosed, & Why It's Misunderstood

    If you’ve ever been told you have PCOS—or think you might—you’re not alone… but you may not have gotten the full picture.   In Part 1 of this PCOS series, we break down what PCOS actually is (and what it isn’t), why it’s called a syndrome, and how it’s diagnosed in real clinical practice. We also dive into common symptoms, ultrasound criteria, and the metabolic connections that are often overlooked.   This episode is designed to give you a clear, evidence-based foundation—so you can better understand your body and advocate for the care you deserve.   🧠 What we cover: What PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) really means The difference between a disease vs a syndrome (and why it matters) Diagnostic criteria (including Rotterdam criteria) How ultrasound findings factor into diagnosis Common symptoms of PCOS The link between Vitamin D & metabolic dysfunction What may actually cause PCOS The critical role of your provider in making the diagnosis   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:30 PCOS = Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 01:50 Disease vs Syndrome 04:33 How do we Diagnose PCOS? 05:22 Ultrasound Criteria for Diagnosis 08:15 PCOS Symptoms 10:02 Vitamin D Levels and Metabolic Dysfunction 12:12 What Causes PCOS? 16:02 Provider Role in Diagnosis 20:50 Next Week's Episode   📌 Who this is for: Women diagnosed with PCOS Anyone struggling with irregular cycles, acne, or hormonal symptoms Clinicians who want a clearer framework for diagnosing PCOS   🔔 Don’t forget: Subscribe for Part 2 + more evidence-based women’s health content from the Gyno Gurus Podcast   🧬 Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.

    22 min

  3. Jan 29

    Fact or Fiction - PMS, Is It All In Your Head?

    Is PMS really “all in your head”? 🤔   In this Fact or Fiction episode of the Gyno Gurus Women’s Health Podcast, we break down one of the most dismissive myths in women’s health—and replace it with actual physiology.   We dive into what’s really driving PMS and PMDD, from hormonal signaling and progesterone sensitivity to neurotransmitters like serotonin. We also explore evidence-based treatments (including SSRIs) and emerging options like low-dose naltrexone (LDN)—what’s backed by science, what’s overstated, and what deserves more research. If you’ve ever been told PMS is “just stress” or “in your head,” this episode is for you.   👇 Chapters below so you can jump right to what matters most to you. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:34 PMS - It's All in Your Head?! 02:18 - Causes & Treatments of PMS & PMDD 06:44 - Progesterone & PMS 09:50 - SSRIs as a Treatment for PMS 10:58 - Our Final Assessment on PMS & PMDD 11:28 - Low Dose Naltrexone for PMS   🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch on YouTube 📌 Subscribe for evidence-based women’s health, minus the myths Educational purposes only. Not medical advice.

    14 min

  4. Jan 12

    Fact or Fiction - Part 1

    Can you get pregnant on your period? Is Natural Family Planning only for women with “perfect” cycles? Does birth control protect—or harm—future fertility? In this Fact or Fiction episode of the Gyno Gurus Podcast, we break down three of the most common fertility myths. We’ll walk through how the menstrual cycle actually works, why cervical mucus matters more than most people realize, how LH surge tracking fits into Natural Family Planning (NFP), and what the science really says about hormonal birth control and fertility. Whether you’re trying to conceive, avoiding pregnancy naturally, or just want to better understand your body—this episode is for you.   Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:59 Fact or Fiction: You Can’t Get Pregnant on Your Period 02:19 What a Period Actual Is 04:10 Fact or Fiction: NFP is Only for Women with Regular Cycles 07:51 Physiology of Cervical Mucous 09:46 LH Surge Monitoring 10:46: More on Natural Family Planning 16:34: Factor or Fiction: Birth Control Makes You Infertile 19:59 Does “the Pill” Protect Fertility? 24:10 Final Thoughts and Next Episode   💡 Key topics covered: Menstrual cycle physiology (without the fluff) Fertile vs infertile windows Cervical mucus as a biomarker LH surge testing & ovulation timing Natural Family Planning myths vs reality Hormonal birth control and future fertility   📌 Subscribe for evidence-based women’s health education 🎧 Available on podcast platforms 💬 Drop your questions or future Fact or Fiction ideas in the comments

    25 min

  5. 12/13/2025

    Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - Everything you Need to Know

    Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections—but there’s a lot of confusion, fear, and misinformation surrounding it. In this episode of The Gyno Gurus Podcast, we break down HPV in a clear, evidence-based, and patient-centered way.   We cover what HPV actually is, how it’s tested, how it relates (and doesn’t always relate) to cervical cancer, and what prevention and treatment options currently exist—including the HPV vaccine (Gardasil) and commonly discussed supplements. We also answer the most common patient questions we hear in clinic and talk through how to navigate difficult conversations with partners.   Whether you’re a patient, clinician, or just want accurate information without the panic, this episode is for you.   Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:57 What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)? 02:52 Pap Smear - How Do We Test? 05:51 Primary Prevention and Gardasil 07:17 Who Can Benefit from Gardasil? 09:44 Safety Profile and Efficacy of Gardasil 13:05 HPV Treatments - Pervistop, Vitamin D, & Papillex 18:13 Patient Questions - Can You Get Rid of HPV? 21:17 Patient Questions - Do I Need to Tell My Partner? 22:05 Patient Questions - Does HPV Mean I Have Cervical Cancer? 22:29 Patient Questions - Can I Test Positive for HPV After the Vaccine? 23:31 Best Method of Prevention & Difficult Conversations 25:33 Final Thoughts   Study Referenced in the Podcast: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/11/5251   🎧 Listen to The Gyno Gurus Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts 📚 Educational content only – always talk with your healthcare provider about your individual situation 👍 If this episode helped you, like, subscribe, and share with someone who might benefit   #HPV #Gardasil #WomensHealth #PapSmear #CervicalHealth #Gynecology #HPVVaccine #STIeducation #TheGynoGurus

    27 min

  6. 12/06/2025

    Get to Know Your Thyroid

    Unlock the essentials of hypothyroidism, thyroid optimization, Hashimoto’s, and evidence-based treatment options in this deep-dive episode. Whether you're a clinician, patient, or someone trying to understand thyroid health, this video breaks everything down in a clear, practical way.   We cover the anatomy & physiology of thyroid regulation, the differences between TSH, T4, T3, and Reverse T3, and how treatment varies between T4-only therapy vs. combination T3/T4 therapy.   We also discuss supplements like Thyrommune, the proper role of iodine, and the controversial topic of baby aspirin in autoimmune disease.   Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:57 What is Hypothyroidism? 01:52 Importance of Optimal Thyroid Function 05:05 Thyroid Function Regulation A&P 11:29 Thyroid Testing: TSH, T4, T3, & Reverse T3  13:43 Hypothyroidism Treatments: Levothyroxine (T4) & T3 16:30 Hashimoto's Disease 18:41 Supplements: Thyrommune & Iodine 23:21: Autoimmune Disease & Baby Aspirin 25:45 Closing Thoughts   Want to learn more? Check out this article on the role of Inositol in treating hypothyroidism: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34040582/   If you found this video helpful, like, subscribe, and share to help others learn about thyroid health!

    27 min

  7. 11/15/2025

    FDA Update: Hormone Replacement Therapy - What You Need to Know

    The FDA has officially begun removing the long-standing Black Box warnings from Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) products — a major shift after more than two decades of confusion, fear, and misinformation. In this video, we break down what this change means, why it’s happening now, and how it impacts women using HRT for menopause symptom relief and long-term health.   We walk through the history, evidence, and the landmark Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, plus the crucial differences between types of estrogen, progesterone, and delivery routes (oral vs transdermal). If you want a clear, evidence-based understanding of this FDA update, this episode covers everything.   Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:29 Historical Context of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) 02:10 FDA Update on Black Box Warning 05:42 Benefits of HRT 14:23 Types of Estrogen and Progesterone 16:41 Women's Health Initiative Study 21:10 Importance of Medication Route 26:30 Closing Thoughts   🔍 What You’ll Learn - Why the FDA is reversing course after 20+ years - What the original Black Box warning meant - How the WHI study was misinterpreted - Differences between bioidentical vs synthetic hormones - Why transdermal estrogen carries different risk profiles - Evidence-based benefits of HRT for symptom relief, bone density, cardiovascular health, and more - What this policy change means for women and clinicians moving forward   Links: FDA Press Release: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-advances-womens-health-removes-misleading-fda-warnings-hormone-replacement-therapy?utm_source=chatgpt.com   FDA Fact Sheet: https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/fact-sheet-fda-initiates-removal-of-black-box-warnings-from-menopausal-hormone-replacement-therapy-products.html   #HRT #HormoneReplacementTherapy #FDAUpdate #MenopauseRelief #WomensHealth #BlackBoxWarning

    28 min

  8. 11/02/2025

    Insulin Resistance Part 4: Allulose, Metformin, & GLP-1s (Ozempic)

    In this episode, we break down three of the most talked-about tools in metabolic health — Allulose, Metformin, and GLP-1 agonists (like Ozempic) — and explore how each impacts insulin resistance, glucose regulation, and metabolic health. We start with a clear overview of insulin resistance, then dive deep into the science of Allulose, how Metformin improves mitochondrial and hepatic function, and why GLP-1s can be both revolutionary and risky for long-term weight management and glucose control. Whether you're a clinician, patient, or health enthusiast, this video will help you understand how these interventions work individually — and when each might be the right choice.   Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:07 Summary of Insulin Resistance 02:59 Allulose Explained 17:05 How Metformin Works 22:57 Ideal Patients for Metformin vs GLP-1 26:25 What is a GLP-1 (Ozempic)? 30:28 Benefits and Risks of GLP-1s 38:47 Summary of GLP-1s   Key Topics Covered: How insulin resistance develops and why it matters Allulose’s role in lowering blood sugar and supporting fat metabolism Metformin’s cellular mechanisms and benefits GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro — how they work and potential long-term effects Personalized medicine: choosing between Metformin and GLP-1s   #InsulinResistance #Metabolism #BloodSugar #Diabetes #Allulose #Metformin #GLP1 #Ozempic #WeightLoss #GlucoseControl #MetabolicHealth #Hormones #Nutrition #HealthEducation #Type2Diabetes

    44 min

  9. 10/20/2025

    Insulin Resistance: Exercise, Life Style, and Supplements (Myo-inositol & Berberine)

    🧠 Insulin Resistance: Exercise, Lifestyle, and Supplements (Myo-Inositol & Berberine)   In this episode, we break down how exercise, nutrition, and evidence-based supplements can improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. Learn how muscle mass, time-restricted feeding, and protein intake all play key roles — plus how myo-inositol, berberine, and allulose may support glucose control through real biological mechanisms. We also explore supplement quality control, cost considerations, and the long-term vision for sustainable metabolic health — beyond just blood sugar numbers. Whether you're an athlete, clinician, or just trying to reverse early insulin resistance, this deep-dive will give you actionable, science-based insights.   Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:35 Muscle Mass and Insulin Sensitivity 02:24 Time Restricted Feeding 04:21 Importance of Protein & Exercise 08:39 Supplements - Myo-inositol, Berberine, & Allulose 11:23 Quality Control & Cost 16:09 Myo-inositol & Berberine Mechanism of Action 19:57 The Long Term Picture of Health   Check us out on Spotify & Instagram!   Keywords / Tags #InsulinResistance #MyoInositol #Berberine #MetabolicHealth #BloodSugar #PCOS #Exercise #Nutrition #Supplements #Fasting #Allulose #Longevity

    25 min

  10. 10/11/2025

    Clinical Conversations: When Blood Sugar Meets Hormones

    In this Clinical Conversations episode, we bring insulin resistance to life through a real patient story — showing how disrupted blood sugar balance can ripple through a woman’s hormonal cycle. We walk through her cycle charts, hormone patterns, and lab results, including fasting insulin, glucose, and OGTT with insulin response — uncovering how insulin resistance was silently affecting ovulation, progesterone, and overall menstrual health. You’ll see how targeted treatment improved her symptoms, normalized her cycle, and restored hormonal balance — illustrating how metabolic health and reproductive health are deeply connected.   💡 In This Episode: How insulin resistance shows up in menstrual cycles What happens hormonally when cells stop responding to insulin Key labs: fasting insulin, glucose, OGTTi, and more Real-world improvement after lifestyle and medical intervention   Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:15 Patient Background 03:52 Baseline Menstrual Cycle Hormone Curves 04:55 Cycle #1 07:57 Cycle #2 08:41 Cycle #3 09:29 Patient Labs (Glucose & Insulin) 11:21 Oral Glucose Tolerance Test with Insulin Response (OGTTi) 13:23 Treatment 14:33 Post Treatment Cycle Tracking Results & Symptom Resolution 16:30 Final Thoughts   🎧 Listen to More Clinical Conversations: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Vr4aqUja6gyXH9vN515wA Podbean: https://gynoguruspodcast.podbean.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GynoGurusPodcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gyno-gurus-podcast/id1842175238   📌 About Clinical Conversations: This series connects real patient cases to the topics we’ve discussed on The Gyno Gurus Podcast — bridging the gap between medical science and real-life experiences. Each episode breaks down symptoms, labs, and treatment outcomes to help you see the physiology in action.   #InsulinResistance #HormoneHealth #MetabolicHealth #WomenHealth #BloodSugar #PCOS #ReproductiveHealth #ClinicalConversations #GynoGurus

    18 min

  11. 10/04/2025

    Insulin Resistance Explained (Part 2) - Why it Happens, Signs to Watch, and How to Test for It

    Today we’re breaking down insulin resistance — what it really means, why it happens, and how you can spot it early. We’ll walk through what’s actually going on in your body when your cells stop responding to insulin, how that leads to cravings, fatigue, and weight gain, and which tests can help you find out if you’re at risk.   💡 In this episode: What insulin resistance actually is (in plain English) The most common signs and symptoms Which labs and tests are most accurate (fasting insulin, A1c, and more) Why catching it early matters for your long-term health   Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:00 Lets talk about Insulin, Glucagon, and Glucose 07:48 Simply Put, What is Insulin Resistance? 11:15 Why does Insulin Resistance Happen? 14:02 Signs & Symptoms 19:45 Impact of Sugar on the Brain 21:18 Testing - Fasting Glucose, Liver Function, OGTT, Insulin levels, A1C 31:17 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Devices 32:57 Episode Summary   🎧 Listen Everywhere: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Podbean | YouTube   📌 Hashtags: #InsulinResistance #MetabolicHealth #BloodSugar #DiabetesAwareness #HealthPodcast

    35 min

  12. 09/20/2025

    Insulin Resistance Explained (Part 1)

    Insulin Resistance: What it is, how to test it, and evidence-based ways to improve it. In this episode we break down insulin’s role in metabolism, the difference between normal vs optimal glucose/insulin ranges, the most useful labs (and how to read them), and practical strategies that can improve insulin sensitivity.   Your Hosts: Alexandra Marks, WHNP-BC Peter Mandel, MD, FACOG   Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GynoGurusPodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/DrPeterMandel/   Follow our channel on YouTube: The Gyno Gurus Podcast   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:12 What is Insulin (Anatomy & Physiology) 06:23 Optimal vs Normal Glucose Levels 08:34 Testing Glucose & Insulin Levels 15:48 Consequences of Insulin Resistance 16:40 How Insulin affects Glucose 19:10 Prevalence & Causes of Insulin Resistance 21:35 Treatment Options 25:23 Is Insulin Resistance Reversible 26:46 Summary & Take Home Message   Disclaimer This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk to your healthcare professional before making changes to your meds, diet, or exercise—especially if you have diabetes, are pregnant, or take glucose-lowering medications.   #InsulinResistance #MetabolicHealth #Type2Diabetes #BloodSugar #Glucose

    30 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Alexandra MacLean, WHNP-BC, and Peter Mandel, MD, FACOG, are women’s health clinicians and co-hosts dedicated to translating medical evidence into clear, practical guidance. Their conversations help listeners understand their bodies, ask better questions, and make confident decisions—without the jargon.  

Information

  • Creator
    gynoguruspodcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Gyno Gurus Podcast

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