Women’s health is unique
This website area focuses exclusively on health topics that affect the health of women.
Topics covered in this section include:
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Fertility
- Pregnancy
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful condition where a woman’s uterine lining grows outside of the uterus.
Not only is this extremely pain for women, but can have several effects on her health including:
- Reduced quality of life
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Painful intercourse
- Uncomfortable gut symptoms
- Infertility.
The condition is commonly treated with surgery, hormone therapy and medications; however, researchers are discovering that diet also plays a role.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance condition in women that is characterized by symptoms such as:
- Weight gain
- Male-pattern hair growth
- High androgen (male hormone) levels
- Polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound
- Irregular or absent periods
- Infertility.
Weight loss is a major treatment method in improving the hormonal imbalance associated with this condition, and is therefore one of the main reasons why diet is so important in managing PCOS.
Fertility and pre-natal nutrition
Fertility issues are actually quite common, affecting 10-15% couples trying to conceive.
A woman’s fertility can be affected by a number of factors, diet being a significant one.
However, there are also particular women’s conditions that can affect a woman’s natural fertility – PCOS and Endometriosis; both of which can be managed with diet.
Pregnancy nutrition
The health of a growing fetus relies on the nutrition of their mother.
Likewise, the health of the mother relies on the nutrition they are providing for themselves.
However, there are many additional factors that can affect a woman’s ability to eat well during pregnancy, such as:
- Morning sickness
- Food aversions
- Early satiety
- Reflux
- Knowledge around what’s safe and what’s not during pregnancy.
More on women’s health
All articles about Women’s Health
Menstrual Cycle Phases and Weight Loss: How To Ensure It Won’t Cramp Your Efforts
[Last updated May 15th, 2019]
Many women experience uncomfortable and frustrating changes to their body with every monthly cycle.
Among these discomforts are hormonal and behavioral fluctuations that can make weight loss even more challenging than it already is.
But losing weight, even when on your period, is possible.
This article takes a look at how your menstrual cycle impacts the hormones that influence your body weight, and how premenopausal women can still achieve their weight loss goals.
But first, let’s review some menstrual cycle basics.
6 Simple Diet Changes That Boost Fertility and Help You Fall Pregnant (Plus a Fertility Meal Plan)
[Last updated 3rd January, 2019]
Struggling to fall pregnant?
You’re not alone. In fact, 10-15% of couples face fertility issues (1).
In addition to taking a pre-conception multivitamin, there are certain diet and lifestyle changes that can improve fertility by up to 69% (2).
This article summarizes 6 key diet changes that research indicates can boost natural fertility.[Discover More…]
Endometriosis and Diet: What You Can Do About It In 2019
[Last updated 23rd January, 2019]
Endometriosis is a painful condition that can greatly impact your quality of life.
Diet changes are said to help relieve symptoms, but does the evidence support these claims?
This article explores the role of diet in endometriosis treatment.[Discover More…]
How To Lose Weight When You Have PCOS: 8 Science-Backed Tips
[Last updated 9th January, 2019]
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common hormonal disorder that affects up to 20% of pre-menopausal women.
The exact cause is unknown, but an imbalance of male sex hormones (called androgens) is a big culprit.
One of the most common symptoms is weight gain. In fact, 39% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese (1).
Fortunately, a few lifestyle changes can help you to balance hormones and lose weight.
This article looks at 8 tips for losing weight when you have PCOS.[Discover More…]
The Best Diet for PCOS: Splitting Fact From Fiction
[Last updated 9th January, 2019]
PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders in the developed world.
In fact, it’s thought to affect almost 7% of pre-menopausal women in the US (1).
But there is surprisingly limited information on how to treat it naturally.
This article explores the best diet for PCOS, as based on scientific evidence.[Discover More…]
[Infographic] Top 6 Foods To Avoid When Pregnant
[Last updated 14th August, 2018]
Research continues to show that most women do not receive proper nutrition education during pregnancy.
That is despite the fact that eating the wrong things, and in the wrong amounts, can be particularly dangerous for the unborn child.
This infographic looks at the top 6 foods that a mother-to-be should be avoiding, as shown by the current evidence.
[Discover More…]