Hello Reader

When it came to choosing a research topic, everyone assumed that I would have chosen something to do with digestive health. It made sense as it is a core part of my clinical practice. However, PhD-level research requires you to identify a genuine gap in science, a place where the current understanding is failing people.

I knew I wanted to bridge the gap between Modern Nutrition and Ayurveda, which has been a focus of mine for nearly two decades. So, I started thinking about my own health history. I thought about the challenges I have faced over the years. Although I have never been formally diagnosed, I have navigated the complexities of hormonal imbalances. From struggling with my menstrual cycle as a teenager to the hormonal shifts I experienced after the birth of my daughter, I have had to self-manage my reproductive health at every stage.

Then, I started thinking about all the women in my life, including relatives, clients, and colleagues. They all shared a common experience of hormonal struggles. Yet, despite how common these stories are, I realised I was looking at a vastly under-researched area of women’s health. I had to narrow down from symptoms to a health condition and so I settled on PCOS.

What exactly is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic and endocrine disorder. While the name suggests the health issue is with the ovaries, it is actually a systemic condition driven largely by insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance. PCOS affects 6-13% of women of reproductive age and up to 70% of cases are undiagnosed. Symptoms range from irregular periods, stubborn weight gain, acne, thinning hair, to fertility struggles.

The current standard of care is often frustratingly limited. Most women are offered a "one-size-fits-all" approach: the contraceptive pill to mask symptoms, metformin to manage blood sugar, or simply being told to "lose weight" without being shown how their biology is making that difficult.

The Struggle to be Heard

For many women, the journey to a PCOS diagnosis is an uphill battle. Many women feel misunderstood and unheard by medical professionals. Symptoms are frequently dismissed as "just a heavy period" or a "lack of willpower." It can take women over two years and seeing at least three or more health professionals before they can even get a diagnosis which leaves them the challenge of having to cope alone and without medical support

This gap in care is even wider for women from ethnic minority backgrounds. Research shows that women of colour often face significantly longer wait times for a diagnosis and are less likely to receive culturally competent nutritional advice.

Bridging the Gap

My research is not just about getting a degree, It is about creating the tools we need to stop being "patients" and start being the masters of our own health. I want to bridge the gap and create greater awareness about PCOS as well as bridge the gap between modern nutrition and Ayurveda.

If you are ready to move beyond the surface-level advice and deep-dive into the actual protocols for hormonal and metabolic health, I invite you to join me inside Varsha’s Health Journal.

For £13/month, you get full access to my weekly "Clinical Notes." This Journal is where I translate my PhD research and clinical practice into step-by-step information for PCOS, insulin management, and hormonal vitality. We are currently in the middle of a dedicated series on Metabolic Health, and I would love for you to join me.

I look forward to welcoming you into my inner circle.

Health & Happiness,

Varsha