Mid-life not the time for quick-fix diets

Oxford Women’s Health dietitian Sara Widdowson discusses below how nutrition can help to combat the effects of perimenopause. This information was published as part of a recent article in Style Magazine.

Does someone in their 40s need to start making changes to their nutrition now in preparation for perimenopause?
Yes, it’s a good idea. Because hormonal changes during perimenopause
mean there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol, it pays to reduce saturated fat where possible, for example trimming visible fat off meat and limiting takeaways and sometimes foods. For bone health, calcium rich foods (such as tinned fish with the bones, dark leafy greens, dried figs, apricots and nut-based milks) and vitamin D from sunlight, become more important in middle age.

Do you think food helps to reduce the symptoms of perimenopause?
I advise clients to be mindful of caffeine and alcohol, which can increase insomnia and night sweats. 

Dietitian Sara Widdowson  PHOTO / Hannah Bird Photography

Magnesium can be useful in reducing symptoms. It is found in dairy, wholegrains, oats and dark leafy greens. Taurine-containing foods can be beneficial, including darker meats (chicken legs rather than breasts), eggs, dairy, fish and shellfish. Some women find Vitamin E (in avocados and plant-based margarine), and phyto- oestrogens (in lentils and tofu), helpful in reducing symptoms.

Will small changes to a person’s diet make a difference, or do you suggest women completely change their nutrition?
Small, consistent changes are more sustainable than quick fixes. Most women who come to see me with perimenopause symptoms are struggling with weight gain.
Dropping oestrogen levels reduce
a woman’s metabolic rate, which contributes to this. We know nutrition is important and midlife is definitely not the time for quick-fix diets.

Supporting the Women’s Centre

Oxford Women’s Health is delighted to announce it is now a proud sponsor of the Women’s Centre in Christchurch.
The charity provides a safe space for women to access information, counselling services, support and education. Run by women for women, the Waltham-based centre is staffed by a manager, centre co-ordinator, counsellor coordinator and a team of volunteers.

For more information, visit www.womenscentre.co.nz

Oxford Women’s Health General Manager Catherine France (centre, right) received flowers from Women’s Centre Board Member Toni Lubbers (left), Counsellor Coordinator Michelle Bland and Women’s Centre Board Member Alison Mackie to mark the sponsorship announcement.

Ovulation tracking improves chances of pregnancy

Oxford Women’s Health will continue to provide an ovulation tracking service following the closure of Genea Oxford Fertility. We appreciate there is ongoing demand for monitored ovulation tracking from our highly experienced team.

Natural Ovulation Tracking
This service is designed for women who want to improve their chances of getting pregnant naturally.
They may have either just decided they want to get pregnant or have been trying for a while without success.
Because not all women ovulate on day 14 of their cycle, helping women determine the exact timing of ovulation is vital.
A series of blood tests confirms when and if a woman is ovulating, and when is the best time for unprotected sex. Women do not need a referral to access this service.

Medicated Ovulation Tracking
For women who do ovulate regularly, stimulation of the ovaries can improve the chance of pregnancy by increasing the number of follicles that fully develop. Controlled ovarian stimulation may also be recommended for women who have normal tubes, and whose partners have a normal semen analysis, but who rarely or never ovulate. Clomiphene or Letrozole are used to stimulate ovulation. Monitoring involves regular blood tests and ultrasound scanning.
Multiple pregnancy is the greatest risk in using ovarian stimulation, so the team carefully monitor the number of follicles reaching maturity. Women need a referral to see a clinician at Oxford Women’s Health, prior to proceeding with medicated (stimulated) ovulation tracking.

Oxford Women’s Health services available from Wanaka

Since mid-August, gynaecologist Ben Sharp has been travelling regularly to the Wanaka Lakes Health Centre, continuing Oxford Women’s Health long-term presence in Wanaka.

To make an appointment to see Ben, please contact Oxford Women’s Health on 03 379 0555.

Gynaecologist and obstetrician Ben Sharp

Fertility consultations continue

While Genea Oxford Fertility closed at the end of October, its Medical Director Dr Pete Benny will continue to hold fertility consultations at Oxford Women’s Health.
Pete is one of the most well-respected fertility specialists in Australasia and we want to continue to use his expertise in helping the many women and couples that seek our support.
While Genea Oxford Fertility will no longer be available to offer treatments such as IVF, we will be able to assist women and their partners to find out why they may be struggling with their fertility and advise them on treatment options. 

Clinical Director Dr Pete Benny

Thank you for the many expressions of support we received after announcing the closure of Genea Oxford Fertility. It has been a distressing time for the Genea Oxford Fertility team who were absolutely dedicated to their patients and the service they provided.

Farewell to Chris Spencer

After three years of being part of the Oxford Women’s Health team, Chris Spencer is leaving to pursue other opportunities.

He is no longer taking new patients and will finish with us in January 2021.

Gynaecologist and Obstetrician Chris Spencer