Don't Normalize Pain: Unmasking PCOS and Endometriosis

Resources

Resources & Recommendations

Books

• "Protocols: An Operating Manual for the Human Body" by Andrew Huberman - This is Andrew Huberman's first book, which he has been working on for over five years, based on more than 30 years of research and experience. It covers protocols for various aspects of human health, including sleep, exercise, stress control, focus, and motivation, providing scientific substantiation for all included protocols.

Websites & Online Resources

• Ovii.com - A free online platform developed by Dr. Aliabadi where women can answer questions based on her algorithm to assess their likelihood of having PCOS. This tool aims to empower women with information about their reproductive health.
• SheMD.com - Dr. Aliabadi's website where she provides information and resources related to women's health, including the Tyrer-Cuzick breast cancer risk assessment tool.
• Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment Tool (on SheMD.com) - A free tool that allows women to calculate their lifetime risk of breast cancer by answering questions about their age, height, weight, breast density, reproductive history, and family history. This tool is crucial for determining appropriate breast imaging schedules.

People Mentioned

• Dr. Korsandi (Cardiologist) - Mentioned by Dr. Aliabadi as the cardiologist who first introduced her to GLP-1s for weight loss in PCOS patients in 2014.

Other Resources

• GLP-1s (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1s) - A class of medications, including Trulicity and Ozempic, discussed for their role in regulating insulin, aiding weight loss, and potentially improving symptoms of PCOS and reducing cravings like alcohol.
• Metformin - A medication commonly prescribed for insulin resistance in PCOS patients, which helps increase insulin sensitivity.
• Letrozole - A medication used to regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis and induce ovulation in women trying to conceive.
• Clomid - Another medication used to induce ovulation, often considered after Letrozole if the latter is not effective.
• Inositol (Myo-inositol) - A supplement mentioned for its effectiveness in improving insulin sensitivity, particularly beneficial for PCOS patients.
• Vitamin D - A crucial vitamin, the deficiency of which can contribute to insulin resistance.
• Curcumin - A supplement mentioned for its anti-inflammatory properties, potentially beneficial for conditions involving chronic inflammation.
• Chromium - A supplement mentioned in the context of improving insulin sensitivity.
• Wild Mulberry Leaf - A natural compound that, when taken before meals, can block the absorption of carbohydrates, aiding in insulin regulation for PCOS patients.
• Coenzyme Q10 - A supplement suggested to be beneficial for egg quality.
• L-Carnitine - A supplement suggested to be beneficial for egg quality.
• Berberine - An over-the-counter supplement believed to be a potent glucose scavenger, though Dr. Aliabadi advises against long-term use due to potential issues.
• Slend - A progestin-only birth control pill mentioned as an anti-androgenic option for PCOS patients who need contraception.
• Kyleena IUD - A smaller progestin-releasing intrauterine device recommended for endometriosis or adenomyosis patients, especially young girls who haven't had children.
• Mirena IUD - A common progestin-releasing intrauterine device used for contraception, heavy periods, endometriosis, and adenomyosis.
• Orilissa (Elagolix) - A GnRH antagonist medication used to treat endometriosis by suppressing estrogen production.
• Myfembree (Relugolix, Estradiol, Norethindrone Acetate) - Another GnRH antagonist medication used to treat endometriosis.
• Minoxidil (Rogaine) - A medication (topical or oral) used to treat hair thinning, particularly common in menopause.
• Yaz - A specific birth control pill mentioned for its effectiveness in managing symptoms of PMDD.
• Prozac (Fluoxetine) - An SSRI antidepressant that can be prescribed in a pulsatile fashion (10-14 days before menstruation) for PMDD relief.
• Zoloft (Sertraline) - Another SSRI antidepressant that can be prescribed in a pulsatile fashion for PMDD relief.
• Lovenox (Enoxaparin) - A blood thinner that can be prescribed during pregnancy for patients with autoimmune conditions like antiphospholipid syndrome to prevent blood clots and reduce miscarriage risk.
• Myriad Genetics - A company that offers genetic cancer testing, checking for cancer-causing genes and calculating breast cancer risk, including the Tyrer-Cuzick score and additional DNA markers.
• Tamoxifen - An estrogen receptor blocker medication that can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 50% over 10 years for high-risk individuals.