WOMEN'S HEALTH DIETITIAN
Good nutrition plays a fundamental role in the management of many women's health conditions. The food we eat has a big impact on how you feel and function. At Sprout Nutrition we can assist you to optimise your diet so you can feel your best.
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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (pcos)
What is it?
PCOS is an imbalance of reproductive hormones. The hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries. The ovaries make the egg that is released each month as part of a healthy menstrual cycle. With PCOS, the egg may not develop as it should or it may not be released during ovulation as it should be. Research in this area has found links between PCOS and other health problems, including obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety.
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PCOS affects 12-18% of women of reproductive age and up to 21% in some high-risk groups, such as Indigenous women (Jean Hailles). 70% of women with the condition are estimated to remain undiagnosed. The symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, acne and weight fluctuations.
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Melissa can assist with dietary and lifestyle solutions manage PCOS and related conditions, as well as debunk common myths and clean up confusion.
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Pregnancy/pre pregnancy
Pre-conception nutrition is essential in laying the foundations for a healthy pregnancy. Melissa can assist you in planning, tracking and instilling healthy habits to set you up for a healthy pregnancy.
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During your pregnancy, your bodies nutrition requirements are constantly changing to support the development of the fetus. Due to this, our body requires higher amounts of some key nutrients, such as folate, iron, calcium, iodine, zinc, omega 3 and choline - as well as protein and energy. If you follow a plant-based diet, getting adequate amounts of these nutrients may be difficult. Therefore it is important to seek advice from a dietitian to appropriately plan and provide you advice and confidence throughout the pregnancy.
Melissa can assist with:
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Dietary and lifestyle strategies to enhance fertility
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Pre-pregnancy nutrition
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Pregnancy nutrition - Including education on the safety of foods during pregnancy and management of nausea, morning sickness, food aversions and cravings.
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Postnatal nutrition
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Gestational diabetes
What is it?
GDM is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is diagnosed when higher than normal blood glucose levels first appear during pregnancy.
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Melissa can assist with dietary strategies to manage blood sugar levels, educate you on which foods are best to consume as well as provide you with recipes and guidance. Click here to see more on how Melissa can assist you with GDM management.
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Hypothalamic amenorrhea
What is it?
Hypothalamic amenorrhoea is the absence of a regular menstrual cycle. Factors such as under-eating, stress and overactivity can contribute to causing amenorrhoea.
Having adequate nutrition is an essential component of the treatment of hypothalamic amenorrhea. Melissa can help to assess your diet to ensure you are meeting your requirements, as well as support you with the appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes required.