Episode 102: Caring for Female Athletes with Dr. Lauren Puretz: PCOS, Endometriosis, and Pregnancy

In this episode, ultrarunner, OB/GYN board certified physician, and mom of two Lauren Puretz, DO, returns to the podcast to dive deep into women's health with a focus on athletes navigating fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. Lauren discusses complex reproductive health conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, especially how they present uniquely in athletic populations. She emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis, individualization of treatment, and how these conditions can affect energy levels and performance. She offers practical advice for athletes with insulin resistance and stresses the importance of advocacy when pain is being overlooked in clinical settings.

The conversation then shifts into training during pregnancy and the often-overlooked postpartum period, where Lauren draws from both medical expertise and personal experience. She breaks down trimester-specific considerations for athletes, safe return-to-sport strategies, and how tools like belly bands can help. The hosts and Lauren tackle common but under-discussed challenges such as postpartum hormone shifts, fatigue, and breastfeeding demands on athletes. The episode closes with a powerful question on what changes Lauren would make in the medical system to better support female athletes across their reproductive lifespan, highlighting the need for more inclusive, evidence-based care and research for all stages—from puberty to perimenopause.

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