Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder amongst women in Australia, affecting 5-10% of women and girls of reproductive age.

Insulin resistance is likely to be a significant risk factor for PCOS development. Women with PCOS are also more likely to have higher blood pressure and elevated blood lipid levels, placing them at increased risk for type two diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While there are many proposed mechanisms for the development of PCOS, the standard Western diet, high in fat and overall calories may contribute to PCOS etiology.

Dietary modifications are recommended as a first-line therapy for the management of PCOS. In addition to a beneficial effect on weight control, a low fat, whole food plant-based approach, naturally high in dietary fibre may help to increase sex-hormone binding globulins (SHBG), thus regulating bioavailability of androgens. SHBG has been shown to be an important predictor of PCOS risk and severity.

By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the pathophysiology leading to the development of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
  • Identify at least three features of an eating pattern that can be beneficial for women’s hormonal health.
  • Name tools and techniques to support women suffering from PCOS to transition to a whole food plant-based diet.

CPD Hours

This activity is approved for 2.5 CPD hours (Educational Activities) with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and 2.5 PDP hours with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). To obtain the full 2.5 CPD hours for this on-demand activity you are required to read the two papers provided and complete the quiz questions based on these.
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RACGP and ACRRM logos

Speakers

Dr Nitu Bajekal MD is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the UK with over 35 years of clinical experience in women’s health. Her special interests include Lifestyle Medicine, PCOS, Endometriosis, period problems, perimenopause and menopause, precancer, complex vulval problems and medical education. She is a keyhole surgeon with experience in laparoscopic procedures including robotics. She is the co-author of Living PCOS Free along with her daughter and nutritionist, Rohini Bajekal. Dr Bajekal is a Fellow of the Royal College and recipient of the Indian President’s Gold medal. She is one of the first board-certified Lifestyle Medicine Physicians in the UK. She has written the women’s health module for the first UK University based plant based nutrition course. Dr Bajekal is passionate about spreading health awareness, providing reliable medical and lifestyle information for the general public, doctors, workplaces and schools.

Rohini Bajekal (MA Oxon, MSc Nutrition and Food Sciences, Dip IBLM) is a nutritionist and board-certified Lifestyle Medicine professional. Having previously worked in Mumbai, India and Singapore, Rohini is now based in London and provides 1-1 evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle advice to her clients around the world. An avid recipe developer, Rohini is passionate about making delicious and nourishing plant-based meals. In her spare time, she volunteers as a cookery teacher at Made in Hackney, the UK's only plant-based cookery school and charity. Rohini leads communications at Plant-Based Health Professionals UK and is part of the Dietitian and Nutritionist Advisory Committee at Diet ID. Together with her mother, Dr Nitu Bajekal, ObGyn, Rohini co-authored Living PCOS Free: How to Regain Your Hormonal Health with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in 2022.

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