About this episode
In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast , you’ll discover the nuanced relationship between body weight and fertility for women with PCOS. This topic is often clouded by myths and oversimplified advice—especially from healthcare providers who may suggest weight loss as the best “fix” without explaining the deeper hormonal dynamics at play. This episode offers clarity on how weight can impact the menstrual cycle, influence ovulation, and affect overall reproductive health, while emphasizing why simply losing weight is not the ultimate solution. Weight and PCOS Symptoms Weight does not cause PCOS, and why losing weight doesn’t automatically cure it. Instead, excess weight is often a symptom of underlying root causes like insulin resistance, inflammation, stress hormone imbalance, and hormonal disturbances. This episode explains how these root causes both contribute to weight gain and become worsened by it, creating a frustrating loop. Gain a clearer understanding of how excess fat can disrupt estrogen, insulin, and LH levels, leading to ovulatory dysfunction and impaired egg quality. What A Fertility-Friendly Weight Really Looks Like A fertility-friendly weight isn’t the same as the unrealistic weights promoted by the diet industry. This episode provides a science-based approach to what constitutes a healthy weight for fertility. You’ll hear how body fat percentage, not the number on the scale, is a more reliable marker of hormonal balance. And how even a modest percent reduction in weight can make a significant difference in restoring ovulation and improving cycle regularity. This episode also includes helpful guidance on tracking body composition and tuning into key signs of hormonal improvement. How to Lose Weight Without Harming Your Hormones For those navigating PCOS-related weight challenges, this episode offers a sustainable roadmap for improving body composition while protecting hormone health. Listeners are encouraged to identify their root cause, whether it’s insulin, inflammation, stress, or nutrient depletion, and tailor their nutrition, movement, and recovery habits accordingly. Instead of focusing on restrictive dieting, this conversation emphasizes gentle, blood-sugar-friendly eating, strength-building movement, and the importance of stress reduction and sleep for hormonal resilience. And remember, PCOS is not a weight issue, it’s a hormone imbalance that shows up differently for every woman. Listen now to learn how to track meaningful markers of improvement beyond weight, such as ovulation patterns, energy, and mood. If you’ve been confused or overwhelmed by advice to “just lose weight” for PCOS, this episode provides the context and clarity to move forward to better PCOS health with the confidence to support your body in a way that’s both effective and compassionate. You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram! What did you find helpful in this episode, and what follow-up questions do you have? The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at: https://nourishedtohealthy.com/ep-157