Women’s health symposium: From PCOS to peri – women’s health across the life stages

Optimising nutrition for PCOS, endometriosis & gut health

PCOS and endometriosis are two of the most common reproductive health conditions affecting women globally. Join award-winning dietitian, Stefanie Valakas, for a deep dive into the complex connection between reproductive health and the gut. In this evidence-rich session, Stefanie will unpack the emerging science linking endometriosis and gut conditions like IBS, IBD and Coeliac Disease – along with the potential role of the gut microbiota in PCOS. You’ll gain practical nutrition strategies to reduce chronic inflammation and support clients navigating these overlapping conditions.

Stefanie Valakas is an award-winning fertility dietitian and founder of The Dietologist. Through her pioneering online clinic, Stefanie leads a team committed to delivering inclusive, science-backed care that helps couples and individuals get pregnant, stay pregnant, and have a healthy baby – on their terms. She blends evidence with empathy to empower clients to take control of their fertility story. Stefanie also mentors fellow dietitians through her Fertility Friendly Dietitians program, guiding them to confidently step into this specialised space and deliver impactful, future-focused reproductive health care.

Alcohol & women: Understanding the impact across life stages

In this session, public health dietitian, Alison McAleese, will explore the latest evidence on alcohol consumption and women’s health, with a focus on reproductive and midlife stages. You’ll gain an overview of national drinking trends, current NHMRC guidelines, and the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. With a focus on compassionate, real-world conversations, this session will equip you with practical strategies and tools to reduce risk and support meaningful behaviour change, across every stage of a woman’s life.

Alison McAleese is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with over 15 years’ experience in public health nutrition. She has worked across research, policy and public education to create healthier food environments and support informed food and drink choices. Alison is now self-employed and provides specialist advice on nutrition policy to public health organisations, government and universities. Her most recent role was Alcohol Programs Manager at Cancer Council Victoria.

Evidence-based nutrition to navigate perimenopause & menopause

Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can impact everything from metabolism and appetite to energy and emotional wellbeing. In this session, dietitian, Jaime Rose Chambers, explores how targeted nutrition strategies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Jaime will dive into the role of protein, iron and key micronutrients, explore the latest evidence on supplements like creatine and collagen, and walk through a real-life case study to translate research into everyday practice.

Jaime Rose Chambers is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, nutritionist and author with a passion for supporting women’s health through evidence-based, real-world nutrition. With a background in clinical practice and a strong media presence, Jaime regularly appears on TV, contributes to a range of publications and delivers corporate nutrition seminars. She is the author of two bestselling books on intermittent fasting and most recently, The Peri Diet – a comprehensive guide to eating for a happy and healthy perimenopause.

Nutrition strategies for heart, bone & muscle health in women 40+

As oestrogen declines in midlife, so too does its protective effect on heart, bone and muscle health, raising the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and sarcopenia. In this practical and science-backed session, Associate Professor Shelley Wilkinson will discuss the metabolic shifts women experience from 40 onwards and the nutritional strategies that can help. You’ll learn macronutrient and micronutrient needs, including protein and calcium, and apply practical, food-first strategies to reduce cardio-metabolic risk and support healthy ageing in your clients.

Associate Professor Shelley Wilkinson is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian with a PhD in Psychology and a Fellow of Dietitians Australia. Based at Mater Mothers’ Hospitals in Brisbane, she leads innovative service redesign projects to improve women’s cardiometabolic health. Shelley’s research has shaped national practice in women’s nutrition, weight management and physical activity. She is also Director of Lifestyle Maternity and Lifestyle Perimenopause, supporting women through key life stages with evidence-based care.