Episode Transcript
[00:00:02] Ready to lose 40 plus pounds without giving up happy hours, weekend brunches, or date nights. Then it's time to uncover the hidden link between binge eating and toxic relationships. And finally, break free from both. Welcome to the Hungry for Love podcast with Jillian Scott. Y' all ready? Let's go.
[00:00:24] Hey. Hey. Welcome back.
[00:00:26] All right, so today we are going to dive into the topic of GLP1s and PCOS, because this came up in a conversation lately, and I had somebody asking about if it would be an effective use or kind of an effective treatment for pcos. And I was emphatically saying, yes, yes, this would be really helpful in addressing the root issues and the root causes, because what we're finding is that GLP1s are actually improving the underlying physiology that's driving PCOS symptoms.
[00:00:58] So rather than just trying to address the symptomology and what we might see on top, things like acne, hair growth, mood swings, or weight gain. Right. Again, those are all the symptoms we want to understand what is actually driving that. And the way that I describe it is there is dysfunction in the body. And so if we can properly identify and then address that dysfunction and get it to properly regulate now, we are going to see the symptomology improve. We're going to see those symptoms get better.
[00:01:29] But it's not so much about GLP1s fixing or healing PCOS necessarily. It's that it's addressing the root core issue underneath. And so for years, I would say we have really treated PCOS like an ovary problem. But what is actually happening is that the ovaries are simply where the symptoms are manifesting.
[00:01:50] I believe that the real issue, and I would say there are many people now that agree with me, is that it's insulin inflammation and metabolic signaling that starts and that is dysregulated long before we see it in labs or before we start to see it showing up as a diagnosis of PCOS. There's a couple things just to notate here. Number one, GLP1s address one of the most common root drivers of PCOS, which is insulin resistance.
[00:02:16] Now, I don't think insulin resistance is the only driver, but it is a driver. And it is something where if you have pcos, you also have insulin resistance.
[00:02:27] I do think that there are times we can be improperly diagnosed, but if you do actually have pcos, you do have insulin resistance. That is often why I think we see stubborn weight gain associated with pcos. And when we're given birth control to treat it, we're really not given proper methods of addressing it, studies, research. I'm hoping treatment has come a long way in the last 10 years, but when I was diagnosed 10 years ago, it was very. I felt like it was not very well done.
[00:02:59] I learned much more from random strangers on the Internet about PCOS and my body than I learned from my OB who diagnosed me. The other thing here to note though, is that as of May of 2026, so just last month, PCOS has actually been renamed to Polyandocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, pmos.
[00:03:18] So it is actually now highlighting that metabolic piece of the insulin resistance, which is an improvement. So this is why I believe we are likely getting somewhere when it comes to PCOS and how it's treated and how we handle it, and even understanding, like, why it's manifesting in the body.
[00:03:34] So there are three criteria for diagnosing pcos, and you only need to have two out of these three pieces.
[00:03:41] So number one would be irregular or absent periods. Number two is elevated testosterone or free androgen levels. Three would be polycystic ovaries, usually as dictated by an ultrasound. And so if you have two out of those three now, you are considered to have pcos. When I was tested, I don't think I had any insulin or glucose levels that were tested. They were really just looking at irregular periods, cysts on my ovaries, which, again, those are also signs of hypothyroidism, as are elevated testosterone levels. So this is where I was even starting to wonder, is PCOS even a thing in and of itself, or is it actually just an issue with the thyroid that's been improperly diagnosed and then therefore treated? Are we actually getting beyond just a TSH level when it comes to the thyroid? Could we properly identify this? Because one of. I think one of the arguments is that not everybody with PCOS has a thyroid issue. But what if they do? What if we actually are just not properly testing for thyroid conditions? And what if they are actually being driven?
[00:04:45] Or is it that they are two separate issues? Which is. I would say what the consensus is online and in the research is that the consensus is they are two separate issues, but they have the same drivers. I'm not sure if we have properly looked at free T4, T3, reverse T3, and antibodies in everybody with PCOS because it's considered to have nothing to do with the thyroid. Really. That's just my thoughts. I'm going to explore this in another podcast episode down the road where. So if you're curious or interested in that, but There are a lot of overlapping symptoms here, right? Like, all three of these could be a sign of an underactive thyroid. And so this for me is like, all right, was I properly diagnosed in 2016?
[00:05:26] Or maybe I wasn't, because I don't think I had proper T3, T4, reverse T3. I don't think I had all of those proper tests done to actually identify is there a real thyroid condition?
[00:05:38] So I don't know. Jury is still out, still working on that piece. But standard treatment then was birth control if you're trying to avoid pregnancy, or ovulation inducing medication like letrozole, if you're trying to stimulate fertility and to get pregnant. And that was it. There was nothing else that my doctor recommended. There was no other intervention. It was birth control or hormones to get pregnant and really hormones to stimulate the follicle, not even like progesterone or thyroid or other things that we would use when it comes to fertility issues in other animals. This just further leads to the argument, or maybe this question of is there actually more thyroid dysfunction going on with pcos? So another story for another day, though. All right, so what most women have been told, they've been told you have PCOS because of these irregular periods, high testosterone and or cysts on your ovaries.
[00:06:35] But these are really just the symptoms. They are the branches, not the root issue.
[00:06:40] The real question we need to be asking is why are ovaries making excess testosterone in the first place? We can be asking, why do I have these cysts on my ovaries? Why is my body driving and creating extra testosterone? And this is my problem with the allopathic community in general. Instead of looking at why is this happening in the body, they're saying, let's just throw some birth control at it, let's just throw a pill at it. Instead of really getting curious about what is actually happening. I believe the answer for many women is that it really involves insulin. And so if we look at this insulin story, and when insulin stays elevated in the body, the ovaries receive signals to produce more testosterone. Sex hormone binding globulin, which is shbg, decreases, it goes down. So this is a liver protein that binds sex hormones like testosterone or estrogen to regulating how much of them remain biologically active in your bloodstream.
[00:07:38] So with pcos, what we find is that levels are typically low, which causes an increase in free active testosterone, which is another piece of this. Right. So you have more free tea floating around and that can drive symptoms like acne, excess hair growth Irregular periods, ovulation becomes less predictable. And because of that unpredictability and less proper stimulation of the follicle, now we have cysts that develop. It's this domino effect that's actually tied back to insulin. So again, we're seeing it manifest in the ovaries, but it's actually not an ovary problem. So if it's not an ovary problem, it cannot be an ovary solution.
[00:08:20] Right. Just like if my knee is hurt and I'm getting pain in my knee, it is never my knee that has the problem. It's always my hips, my back, my glutes, my quads. It is always everything around that. Or like when I have shin splints, my mid to late 20s, when I had shin splints, really bad. I had a massage therapist. She massaged the arches of my feet, and one day later, they were completely gone. Because where we're feeling the pain, where we're seeing the symptom, is typically not the actual root issue. It's not the root driver.
[00:08:51] So when we look at weight and weight loss, weight is not the problem. We can keep trying to solve for the symptom, but at the end of the day, we have to understand what's driving the dysfunction to begin with if we want to solve for it. Which is why in the past, up until now, I've been so heavy on the mental emotional dysregulation in the body. And that's why we're holding on to excess weight. Definitely a piece of it. But we also have to address the physiological dysfunction in the body that has happened because of dysregulated cortisol due to prolonged complex trauma. We need to address both one and not the other. Is not going to be a full comprehensive approach and picture we're not going to actually truly solve it. This is the same type of approach we want to take to any other issue. So in looking at something like pcos, what we can see is that high insulin levels will drive higher testosterone, which then drive more of these PCOS symptoms.
[00:09:49] Okay, and then what drives higher insulin?
[00:09:52] Dysregulated cortisol and adrenal function, often due to prolonged states of stress and prolonged states of trauma. This is it. This is why it all goes back to trauma. This is why our bodies are so dysregulated, not just from an emotional standpoint, but a true physiological standpoint. And this is why GLP1s are so frequently freaking powerful, because they're not necessarily treating PCOs, but they are improving the metabolic environment that is driving it, that's driving the dysfunction. What we're finding is that the GLP1s are improving insulin sensitivity, reducing insulin secretion demands, lowering the glucose spikes, improving satiety signaling, reducing inflammation in the body and in the brain. And I believe at the root, if we really get to it, it's actually that GLP1s are creating better cortisol sensitiv and better cortisol secretion. Cortisol dysregulation is what's driving the inflammation. Insulin resistance, it's driving the immune regulations and dysfunction, it's driving hormone dysregulation. That is the core. And so I believe that's where the GLP1s are actually coming in and showing to be so much more effective. Because what we've seen is that not only will it address something like insulin resistance or inflammation, but we're also seeing that people who are on different types of medication are coming down in their medication. They're coming down in their HRT or their thyroid intervention. They no longer need an antidepressant or anti anxiety medication. They're able to come off of things like that because the GLP is better regulating their brain, the body, and how those two pieces are connected and how they're talking to one another.
[00:11:39] This goes even deeper than just insulin resistance and weight loss, but to bring it back to pcos as insulin improves. Now testosterone regulation is improving, and it's probably testosterone creation and regulation cycles are becoming more regular. Ovulation is systematizing, fertility is improving. For many women, PCOS symptoms are improving because the root driver is improving. It's like whole body health. We're not just trying to attack the symptoms, we're addressing what is underneath it all.
[00:12:14] The big piece that most people miss is that many women think that weight loss is what fixes or addresses PCOs, but actually it's metabolic improvements, it's metabolic healing. So once again, weight is just that symptom of dysfunction. And when we heal or resolve that dysfunction, the weight will come off as a natural byproduct. So with a GLP1 intervention, your body is getting healthier, your system is regulating.
[00:12:41] And because it is regulating and because it is getting healthier, the weight is coming off. It is not that your body is getting healthier because of weight loss.
[00:12:49] Weight loss does not happen in a dysregulated body. You have to heal the body first for the weight loss to happen.
[00:12:56] That is the order that it's going in. GLP1s aren't simply making someone smaller, they're not simply changing your body size or composition. They are changing hormonal signaling.
[00:13:07] This is huge. But I want you to keep in mind, number one, GLP1s are tools. They are tools. It is one of many tools you have in your tool belt. They can be incredibly effective, especially at addressing something like insulin resistance.
[00:13:21] But they don't automatically heal the nervous system. It's not gonna heal nutrient deficiencies or sleep deprivation. Your trauma responses, there are going to be pieces where it is. This is one tool you want to have in your tool belt, but it cannot be the only thing. What we really want to start to see is our health and our bodies. The root versus the branches.
[00:13:42] So if PCOS symptoms are branches, insulin resistance is one of the roots. It's one of the key driving roots. Okay, but I guarantee it's not the only root.
[00:13:52] GLP1s don't clip the branches. They don't just clip the symptoms. They address the root level changes. And when the root level change happens, the we see it manifest in the branches that make sense. We're addressing the root driver, not just the symptoms. I'm sure there are other drivers, but that is one of the key players. And when you start looking at the roots instead of the branches now, you start to see and understand why, especially women with pcos often also struggle with thyroid issues. Autoimmune disease, fatigue, weight gain, weight loss, resistance, often leptin resistance, chronic inflammation. These conditions aren't separate problems. They're all connected through the same underlying soil. There are roots that are tying these together.
[00:14:41] And this is where I believe the root connection.
[00:14:44] We see PCOS and then thyroid issues, both of which are driven by the same root problem.
[00:14:51] And now maybe we're just seeing such similar problems and similar symptoms manifesting, but in different parts of the body because of that one root driver. But we got to get to that root. What I think we have here is that, number one, GLP1s can help your body to better heal, better regulate. Also have seen this connection where so many women with PCOS also have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's. Most women, I think it's like 80 or 90% of women who have a hypothyroid condition. It's actually the autoimmune version where it. It's Hashimoto's.
[00:15:24] So we have this strong connection between pcos, which is a form of insulin resistance, and Hashimoto's, which is an underactive thyroid. But because it's autoimmune, it's driven by high inflammation and insulin resistance.
[00:15:38] This is why the GLP1s, I think, can be even more effective. But we can't just solve for things in a vacuum. So GLP1s all on their own, likely aren't going to solve everything. We need to look at our adrenals and adrenal fatigue. We need to look at our thyroid and the thyroid functions. We need to look at other sex hormones and HRT potentially. We need to look at multiple other pieces on top of emotional healing and regulation tools, on top of habits and lifestyle changes. Right. There are multiple pieces that we want to put together. And when we do that, that's when we can create incredible results.
[00:16:16] So this is, I think, a very nuanced conversation. And I do think that because PCOS symptoms also manifest, they are symptoms of an underactive thyroid. It could be that you have both going on. I also wonder if it's just more the thyroid. I don't know. And this again, like, I'm not a doctor. I'm not here to diagnose. I'm not prescribing you anything. This is more just to start a conversation and let's start to think more for ourselves. Let's start to ask questions and think critically and get curious and start to piece things together to better understand what's happening. Because at the end of the day, whether my eyebrows and arm hair are growing back because it's addressing the thyroid or because it's addressing insulin resistance and pcos, I'm not exactly sure because the symptomology looks the same. And to be quite honest, I don't fit the bill for most people with either Hashimoto's or with pcos. So I haven't a flaming clue at this point. But what I do know is that the GLPs are addressing whatever dysfunction is in my body.
[00:17:22] So whichever one it is, or whether it's both, like, maybe it is both, I don't know.
[00:17:28] But the GLP1s are addressing that my eyebrows are finally growing back after a decade of them falling out to the point where last year they were completely. They had completely fallen out. And not only did it take my eyebrows, not only did those all completely fall out, but last year when I was getting my tattoo, I also noticed, oh, I don't have any arm hair. That's interesting. And then I would go to shave my legs and I would think that I just missed a spot around my knees, but the reality was I really didn't have any hair on my legs. I didn't have hair on my calves. I Didn't really have hair on my thighs. I had a little bit on my knees. But like four, not a lot, it was just a little bit, they were sparse. And now, now there's 15.
[00:18:09] There's a lot more hair. I have all kinds of little baby hairs growing around my wrist.
[00:18:14] This is why I believe so much in the power of GLP1s, because it's going to heal the dysfunction underneath in the body.
[00:18:23] And when it does that now we will see the natural byproduct.
[00:18:28] So if you want to lose weight, if you want to regrow your eyebrows like me, if you want to better regulate your period, if you want to decrease inflammation in your body and your joints and your brain, if you want better cognitive performance and better brain functioning, these are not just signs and symptoms of perimenopause and oh, you're just aging and there's nothing you can do about it. I think so many women have been told to just suck it up and get over it. Suck it up. Everybody struggles. Join the club. And really there are fundamental issues underneath that we can be addressing and we can be solving for. And we don't have to suffer just like we don't have to suffer in toxic and traumatic relationships. We don't have to suffer in these bodies that have been warped and dysregulated by that trauma and abuse as well.
[00:19:15] There is help, there is healing, and it takes a comprehensive approach. We cannot just throw GLP1s at it and affect it and expect it to just automatically work. Because the people who are doing that, they are on hyped up doses, they are on jacked up doses of these GLP1s and we really want to go for not just a higher level dose but, but more time in a healed body. That's what we're looking for.
[00:19:40] And when we do that, when we bring in the lifestyle pieces and we add in the emotional tools and regulation and we stay low and slow with a protocol when it comes to any type of hormonal intervention as well as GLP1s, that's when we create long term success where you can cycle on and off of peptides, you can likely cycle off of them altogether depending on where you're at and what you're dealing with. If it is Hashimoto and an autoimmune, I would argue you may need GLPs to help regulate the body. Now that that gene is activated and that autoimmune is turned on, you may need this long term, but everybody's body is different and we are just now starting to see and test. We are going to have so much more data in another 10 years. When I look at where we've come in the last 10 and where we're going to be in the next 10, it's going to be so mind blowing. But this is where we can start to prevent it from becoming autoimmune. We can prevent those genes from turning on and if they're already on, we can do what we can to prevent it from exacerbating, from turning into multiple autoimmune conditions, from it turning into something like cancer.
[00:20:47] This is where we take back our power. This is where we take control of our mind and our body. And it starts with GLP1 intervention in conjunction as part of a comprehensive tool belt. But this is an essential piece.
[00:21:02] So if you'd like to talk more about what that would look like for you, whether it's a micro dose or if you are in a standard dose from a doctor, but you want to also look at other aspects beyond just hormones and start to really address the emotional and psychological trauma of dieting and weight loss and the relationships and you're ready to really build those long term sustainable habits. This is the best time to do it. If you'd like to learn more, your next best step is to schedule a free consultation. The link is going to be in the description, but as always you can go to bodyyoucrave.com forward/schedule and find a day and time on my calendar that works for you and let's chat and I'd be happy to share more and explore if this is the right next step for you.
[00:21:46] All right, have a fantastic day. Here's to creating the life and body you crave.
[00:21:55] If this episode resonated with you, it's time to break free from destructive cycles around food, alcohol and toxic relationships. Your next step Book your free Break the Cycle call where you'll finally see why your binge eating and relationship patterns are so deeply connected and how to break free from both for good.
[00:22:16] You'll walk away with fierce clarity and a game plan to step into a life full of fun, adventure and self love. Grab your spot now at www.bodyucrave.com BTC.
[00:22:30] It's time to break the cycle. I'll show you.
