What if the painful periods, irregular cycles, unexplained weight gain, acne, and fertility struggles so many women experience aren't something they should simply learn to live with?

Too often, women are told their symptoms are normal, their lab results look fine, or they're just stressed. But conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and endometriosis can go unrecognized for years, leaving women without answers while their symptoms continue to affect their health and quality of life.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Thais Aliabadi, her patients call her Dr. A, an OB-GYN with decades of experience in women's health, for an eye-opening conversation about two of the most commonly misunderstood conditions affecting women's hormones, metabolism, and reproductive health.

We break down the signs of PCOS and endometriosis, why these conditions are frequently overlooked, and how earlier recognition and individualized treatment can make a meaningful difference.

In this episode, you'll learn:

The warning signs of PCOS, including irregular periods, acne, facial hair, and unexplained weight changes
Why women can have PCOS even if they're lean or don't have ovarian cysts
How insulin resistance, testosterone, and inflammation are connected to PCOS
Why severe menstrual cramps and chronic pelvic pain deserve further investigation for endometriosis
How PCOS and endometriosis can affect ovulation, fertility, and ovarian health
What AMH testing can—and cannot—tell you about ovarian reserve
The roles of birth control, metformin, GLP-1 medications, and lifestyle changes in PCOS management
How endometriosis is evaluated and the treatment options available, from hormonal therapies to surgery

We also explore the connection between hormone health and mental well-being, the challenges women face when seeking a diagnosis, and why listening to patients is one of the most important parts of preventative medicine.

Your symptoms deserve to be taken seriously. Whether you're struggling with painful periods, irregular cycles, infertility, or unexplained hormonal changes, this conversation will help you better understand what may be happening in your body—and what questions to bring to your healthcare provider.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: drshah.com

Clinic: next-health.com

Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast

Learn more about Dr. Thais Aliabadi:

Website: draliabadi.com

Instagram: @drthaisaliabadi

Thank You to Our Sponsor!

Momentous: Head to livemomentous.com and use my code DRSHAH at checkout for up to 35% off.

208. Dr. Thais Aliabadi: PCOS & Endometriosis—The Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore

Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

208. Dr. Thais Aliabadi: PCOS & Endometriosis—The Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore