Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a hormone condition that affects women and causes enlarged ovaries and associated cysts. There are various symptoms which differ between woman to woman. These include infertility, irregular periods, hair thinning on the head, excessive hair growth on the face and body and acne.
Can diet help?
Nutrition can most definitely help to manage PCOS, particularly around staying well nourished and the kinds of certain nutrients, like carbohydrates that we eat.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
With the wealth of information out there on “healthy eating”, sometimes it’s hard to know what’s best to actually eat during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. There is also a lot of pressure from the celebrity world for women to get back to their pre-baby weight very quickly (um hello. unrealistic!)
Can diet help?
Nutrtiion does play an important role. The key nutrients to be aware of during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding are Calcium, Iron, Vitamin D, Folate and Iodine. For example, folate is important to protect against the baby developing a neural tube defect like Spina Bifida.
Menopause
Menopause is the final menstrual period in a woman’s life due to a reduction in the levels of oestrogen in the body. It is often characterised by symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, headaches and irritability to name a few.
Can diet help?
Staying well nourished can assist women who are going through menopause. This is particularly due to women becoming at increased risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis after menopause.
Further Information
The Jean Hailes Foundation
This website highlights some of the causes, risks for health and how to manage a number of conditions specific to women such as Menopause, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Bone Health.
www.jeanhailes.org.au
Raising Children Network
This is an information based website offering loads of resources for parents of babies through to teenagers.
www.raisingchildren.net.au
Health Direct Australia
This website offers factual information on pregnancy but also links to free telephone support.
www.healthdirect.org.au