Women’s Health

Manage the symptoms

There is emerging evidence that many symptoms of women’s health concerns such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and infertility can be alleviated through a modified diet. They are each three very different areas, but some studies have shown that diet and lifestyle changes can help with symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort and unintentional weight gain.

Fertility and Infertility

Did you know that what a man and women eat prior to conception can affect their baby’s health outcomes later in life? This is through the concept of the “first 1000 days” and epigenetics.  This period is a window of opportunity which starts prior to conception and can set the foundations for health outcomes of your baby later in life.  Epigenetics in very simple terms, refers to the DNA inherited from parents which can be switched on or off for gene expression.  Diet, lifestyle and environmental factors all play a part in epigenetics.  If you’re planning a pregnancy in the coming 3-6 months, or are already trying for a baby, then we can assess your diet and help you make dietary choices to optimise your fertility and baby’s longer term health outcomes.  There are many different nutrients involved in conception and sperm/egg health, we will help you to understand these in terms of real food options, rather than as a list of nutrients.


It’s estimated that up to 1 in 10 New Zealand women have endometriosis.  Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrial tissue which normally lines the uterus, grows outside of the uterus in places such as the ovaries, bowel and bladder.  It is a condition characterised by pelvic pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, infertility and PMS type symptoms.   The aim of dietary changes is to help manage some of the symptoms and gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or fluctuating bowel motions (constipation or diarrhoea).  There appears to be an overlap between women with endometriosis and women who experience irritable bowel syndrome.  We can work with you to evaluate your current diet, and come up with an achievable dietary plan to manage your symptoms.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormone disorder which is diagnosed by a medical professional based on a range of symptoms which may include excessive hair growth, irregular menstrual cycles, acne, weight gain, and challenges falling pregnant.  PCOS can reduce fertility and is associated with longer term health risks such as gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy), type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, raised blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  Many of these effects can be minimised by diet and lifestyle changes.  The effects of PCOS can be managed but are not a cure for the condition. Some, but not all women with PCOS will have an elevated BMI and some of the symptoms may improve with weight reduction.  We can work together to assess your diet and lifestyle pattern and come up with a plan to improve your nutritional intake to help you manage PCOS.

Get Started!

Book a consultation and find out what dietary changes you can make to manage your symptoms