Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) are often confused, causing many women to get misdiagnosed. In this episode of the Fertility Friday podcast, Lisa discusses the similarities and differences between PCOS and HA. Using the information she provides on symptoms, diganositic criteria, behaviour and the menstrual cycle, can be helpful for correctly diagnose PCOS and HA. This episode includes:
- The definitions for PCOS and HA
- Their diagnostic criteria
- The Rotterdam Criteria
- How body type is not a dignostic criteria for PCOS
- The 3 different types of HA
- How PCOS and HA each show up in the menstrual cycle
- How to correctly distinguish PCOS from HA
- How PCOS is a metabolic issue, often related to an imbalance of carbohydrate and protein intake
- How HA is often related to (un)intentional undereating
- How to heal PCOS and HA
- Why healing PCOS and HA can be difficult sometimes
Two of the resources recommended by Lisa in this episode are: 8 steps to reverse your PCOS by Dr. Fiona McCulloch and No period. Now what? by Dr. Nicola J Rinaldi.
Continue learning about PCOS with our article How to reverse PCOS.
