WORLD’S TOP OBGYN Dr. Aliabadi: The #1 Hormone Problem Affecting Millions of Women (And The 4 Changes That Can Reverse It) - On Purpose with Jay Shetty Recap
Podcast: On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Published: 2026-03-11
Duration: 1 hr 24 min
Summary
In this episode, Dr. Aliabadi sheds light on PCOS and endometriosis, two prevalent yet often undiagnosed conditions affecting women's health and fertility. She emphasizes the importance of awareness and proper diagnosis to address these hormone-related issues.
What Happened
Jay Shetty welcomes Dr. Aliabadi, a leading OBGYN, to discuss the significant yet often overlooked conditions of PCOS and endometriosis. Dr. Aliabadi passionately highlights that a staggering seventy-five percent of women with PCOS and over ninety percent with endometriosis remain undiagnosed. These conditions are not just minor inconveniences; they are leading causes of infertility and can severely impact women's lives, affecting their ability to find calmness and mental health stability due to hormonal imbalances.
The conversation dives deep into what PCOS entails, with Dr. Aliabadi explaining that it is a chronic hormonal and metabolic disorder impacting approximately fifteen percent of women in the U.S. and even more in countries like India. She describes the criteria for diagnosing PCOS and emphasizes how many doctors fail to recognize its presence, often attributing symptoms to lifestyle choices instead. This misdiagnosis leads to a cycle of frustration for women who are dealing with symptoms like irregular periods, excessive hair growth, and anxiety, with many feeling unheard and dismissed by medical professionals.
Key Insights
- Seventy-five percent of women with PCOS and ninety percent with endometriosis are undiagnosed.
- PCOS is a complex condition affecting hormonal, metabolic, and neurological health.
- Misdiagnosis contributes to the fertility crisis as many women fall under unexplained infertility.
- Early diagnosis is crucial; symptoms of PCOS can appear as early as adolescence.
Key Questions Answered
What is PCOS and how is it diagnosed?
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a chronic hormonal condition affecting fifteen percent of women in the U.S. It is diagnosed based on three criteria: ovarian dysfunction, specific ultrasound findings, and elevated testosterone levels. Dr. Aliabadi emphasizes that many women do not meet all criteria, leading to misdiagnosis, which is a significant issue in the medical community.
Why are so many women with PCOS and endometriosis undiagnosed?
Dr. Aliabadi explains that a lack of awareness among doctors about the various presentations of PCOS and endometriosis contributes to the high rate of undiagnosed cases. Many patients are dismissed when they report symptoms, leading to a situation where their conditions fall under unexplained infertility due to the absence of a proper diagnosis.
How do PCOS and endometriosis affect women's mental health?
Women suffering from PCOS often experience anxiety and depression due to hormonal imbalances. Dr. Aliabadi points out that these women struggle with mood disorders and often face dismissive attitudes towards their symptoms, which further exacerbates their mental health challenges.
What role does lifestyle play in managing PCOS?
While lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are commonly suggested for managing PCOS, Dr. Aliabadi stresses that these women often cannot lose weight despite following similar routines as others. This is due to the underlying hormonal issues that must be addressed for effective management.
What are the signs of PCOS in teenagers?
Dr. Aliabadi mentions that signs of PCOS can appear as early as in teenage years, with symptoms like weight gain, acne, and irregular periods. Unfortunately, many young women are told that their experiences are normal, which delays diagnosis and proper care.