Female Hormone Health, PCOS, Endometriosis, Fertility & Breast Cancer | Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi
Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health, discusses critical issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, which often go undiagnosed yet impact fertility. She highlights essential symptoms, causes, and treatments for these conditions, including lifestyle changes and supplements. Dr. Aliabadi also addresses breast cancer risk and emphasizes the importance of early screening. This insightful conversation empowers women to take control of their reproductive health with actionable knowledge and tools.
Top snips
PCOS: The hidden common hormone disorder
15:30 – 19:02
PCOS affects ~15% of women but is wildly underdiagnosed — Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi says >90% miss it.
Diagnosis = 2 of 3: high-androgen symptoms (acne, hair thinning), ovulation dysfunction (irregular cycles), or PCOS ovaries / high AMH.
Important: High AMH does NOT mean good egg quality.
Why insulin resistance matters in PCOS
41:44 – 44:54
Insulin resistance is a core PCOS driver: more insulin → ovaries pump androgens → follicles freeze → ovulation stops.
Result: acne, hair loss, visceral fat, inflammation, ↑ diabetes/CV risk.
What helps: sleep, low-inflammatory diet, exercise, inositol/vitamin D supplements, metformin (start 500–750 mg), and GLP‑1s for insulin-driven weight issues.
Endometriosis: Pain is NOT normal
1:36:14 – 1:39:18
Endometriosis = uterine‑like tissue outside the uterus that bleeds monthly → inflammation, adhesions, pelvic pain, painful sex, bloating, recurrent ‘UTI’ with negative cultures, and fertility loss.
If pain disrupts life, it's NOT normal. Ask your clinician for a pelvic ultrasound and get your AMH/egg count checked early.
Fertility & AMH — read this carefully
54:13 – 56:16
AMH is informative but not the whole story. PCOS → high AMH but poorer egg quality. Endometriosis → loss of egg count/quality.
Quick rule: 0.1 AMH ≈ 1 follicle. If you have pain or PCOS signs, check AMH early and consider egg freezing before age 30–35 if concerned.
How to advocate for your care
1:57:10 – 2:00:12
PCOS and endometriosis are frequently missed. Be your own health advocate.
Ask for: pelvic ultrasound, AMH/egg count, full hormone panel, and breast‑risk assessment if relevant.
If dismissed, get a second opinion or specialist — write symptoms down and insist on answers.
Breast cancer: know your lifetime risk
2:37:58 – 2:42:59
Know your Tyrer‑Cuzick lifetime breast cancer risk.
Thresholds: <15% low, 15–20% intermediate, ≥20% high.
If ≥20%, ask for breast imaging starting at age 30 (mammogram ± ultrasound ± MRI) and discuss genetic testing.
Go calculate your lifetime risk of breast cancer.
— Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi