This episode explores the evidence on vitamin D and its role in the pathophysiology and clinical management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with a focus on metabolic and reproductive outcomes. We break down proposed biological mechanisms, key findings from recent trials and reviews, and practical considerations for screening and supplementation in clinical practice. Designed for dietitians and women’s health professionals, this episode supports evidence-informed decision making when caring for individuals with PCOS.

Website: whnlearninghub.com

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References:

1. Vitamin D and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Narrative Review (2025): [Akhter, D.S., Hannan, D.K., Chowdury, D.S., & Nasrin, D.S. (2025). Vitamin D and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Narrative Review. Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences.]
2. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial (2024): [Wen, X., Wang, L., Li, F., & Yu, X. (2024). Effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Ovarian Research, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-024-01473-6
3. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial (2024)(2025): [Tóth, B. E., Takács, I., Valkusz, Z., Jakab, A., Fülöp, Z., Kádár, K., Putz, Z., Kósa, J. P., & Lakatos, P. (2025). Effects of vitamin D3 treatment on polycystic ovary symptoms: A prospective double-blind two-phase randomized controlled clinical trial. Nutrients, 17(7), 1246. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17071246]
4. The impact of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control and lipid metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review of randomized control trials: [Yu, M., Chen, S., Liu, X., Dong, H., & Wang, D.-C. (2025). The impact of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control and lipid metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. BMC Endocrine Disorders, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-025-01920-5]
5. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile, and hormonal function in polycystic ovary syndrome: An umbrella systematic review and meta-analysis (2024): Tony Yin et.al.,: [Yin, T., Lin, W., Ming, K., Lv, H., Wang, Y., Yuanchao, L., Zhen, H., Yuan, J., & Asadi, H. (2024). Effect of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile, and hormonal functions in polycystic ovary syndrome: An umbrella systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators, 175, 106913. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2024.106913]

In the episode, we discuss changes in appetite, cravings, energy intake and energy expenditure across different phases of the menstrual cycle

Menstrual Cycles and Disorders Couse for Dietitians:https://whnlearninghub.thinkific.com/courses/menstrualhealth

Women's Health Nutrition Learning Hub:

www.whnlearninghub.com

References:

1. Gorczyca AM, Sjaarda LA, Mitchell EM, et al. Changes in macronutrient, micronutrient, and food group intakes throughout the menstrual cycle in healthy, premenopausal women. Eur J Nutr. 2016;55(3):1181–1188.
   
   
   
2. Tucker JAL, McCarthy SF, Bornath DPD, Khoja JS, Hazell TJ. The Effect of the Menstrual Cycle on Energy Intake: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2024;83(3):e866–e876.
   
   
   
3. Rogan MM, Black KE. Dietary energy intake across the menstrual cycle: a narrative review. Nutr Rev. 2022;81(7):869–886.
   
   
   
4. Salem AM, Latif R, Rafique N, et al. Variations of Ghrelin and Obestatin Hormones During the Menstrual Cycle of Women of Different BMIs. Int J Women’s Health. 2022;14:1297–1305.
   
   
   
5. Reed SC, Levin FR, Evans SM. Changes in mood, cognitive performance and appetite in the late luteal and follicular phases of the menstrual cycle in women with and without PMDD. Horm Behav. 2008;54(1):185–193. (Control group details cited here).
   
   
   

Lorenz TK, Gesselman AN, Vitzthum VJ. Variance in Mood Symptoms Across Menstrual Cycles: Implications for PMDD. Women’s Reprod Health. 2017;4(2):77–88. (Mood-focused; not directly used for appetite but included as provided.)

In this episode, we explore the role of inositol in gestational diabetes prevention—what it is, how it works, and what the research says. Drawing from a recent comprehensive review, I break down the evidence on supplementation, dosage, safety, and the key limitations dietitians should be aware of. If you’re supporting clients through pregnancy, this episode will give you practical, evidence-based insights to guide your practice.

References and blog post:

https://www.whnlearninghub.com/post/does-inositol-help-prevent-gestational-diabetes-a-comprehensive-review-for-dietitians

Share you feedback or suggestions for future episodes: hello@whnlearning.com

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In this episode, we explore how dietary fibre can play a supportive role in managing endometriosis symptoms through hormone regulation, inflammation reduction, and improved gut health. Whether you're a dietitian or a health professional, you'll learn practical strategies for tailoring fibre intake to support your clients living with endometriosis.

You can find the blog post and references here:

https://www.whnlearninghub.com/post/the-role-of-dietary-fibre-in-managing-endometriosis-evidence-and-practical-insights-for-dietitians

Check out the WHN Learning Hub Here:

www.whnlearninhub.com

Feedback or suggestions for future episodes?

Reach out to Nilou at hello@whnlearninghub.com

In this episode, we explore five essential, but often overlooked, areas to include in your nutrition assessment for menopause: sleep, brain fog and mood, exercise, family dynamics, and long-term health vision. These insights will help you go beyond food and build a more holistic, personalized care plan for your midlife clients.

www.whnlearninghub.com

Webinar link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/lVgOufE8QnK21iyJhAvnSw

In this episode of the FemHealth Nutrition Podcast, we explore why this well-known supplement is gaining traction across women’s health.

We’ll cover:

• The basics of creatine metabolism
• What the research says across different life stages
• Creatine’s potential benefits for strength, cognition, mood, and reproductive health
• Evidence-based dosing strategies and safety considerations

References

• Chilibeck, P. D., et al. (2023). A 2-year RCT on creatine and bone health. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 55(10), 1750–1760.
  de Guingand, D. L., et al. (2024). Creatine metabolism in human pregnancy. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 119(4), 838–849.
• Gordon, A. N., et al. (2023). Creatine and recovery in active women. Nutrients, 15(3567).
• Gualano, B., et al. (2008). Effects of creatine supplementation on muscle function and functional capacity in older women. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 102(2), 223–231.
• Gutiérrez-Hellín, J., et al. (2025). Creatine beyond athletics. Nutrients, 17(95).
  Muccini, A. M., et al. (2021). Creatine in female reproduction. Nutrients, 13(490).
• Ostojic, S. M., et al. (2024). Creatine intake and reproductive outcomes. Food Science & Nutrition, 12, 4893–4898.
• Ireland, Z., et al. (2020). Creatine supplementation during pregnancy improves neonatal survival after birth asphyxia in rats. Pediatric Research, 88(2), 254–260.
• Smith-Ryan, A. E., et al. (2021). Creatine across the female lifespan. Nutrients, 13(877).
• Buford, T. W., et al. (2007). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Creatine supplementation and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 4(1), 6.
• Dos Santos, L., et al. (2023). Effects of creatine supplementation in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology, 14, 1165912.
• Cooper, R., Naclerio, F., Allgrove, J., & Jimenez, A. (2012). Creatine supplementation with specific view to exercise/sports performance: an update. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9(1), 33.
• Lyoo, I. K., Yoon, S., Kim, J. E., Hwang, J., Kim, T. S., Won, W., Bae, S., & Renshaw, P. F. (2012). A randomized, double‑blind placebo‑controlled trial of oral creatine monohydrate augmentation for enhanced response to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in women with major depressive disorder. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 169(9), 937–945. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.12010009 cureus.com+9pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+9link.springer.com+9
• Chilibeck, P. D., Kaviani, M., Candow, D. G., & Zello, G. A. (2017). Effect of creatine supplementation during resistance training on lean tissue mass and muscular strength in older adults: A meta-analysis. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 8, 213–226

This episode explores how breakfast skipping, meal timing, and intermittent fasting affect hormone rhythms, ovulation, and menstrual cycle health. Learn how the body’s internal clocks respond to food timing and why aligning meals with circadian rhythms may support reproductive function.

Learn more about women's health and nutrition at whnlearninghub.com

References:

• Cienfuegos, S., et al. (2022). Effect of intermittent fasting on reproductive hormone levels in females and males: A review of human trials. Nutrients, 14(2343). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112343
• Fujiwara, T., et al. (2019). Time restriction of food intake during the circadian cycle is a possible regulator of reproductive function in postadolescent female rats. Current Developments in Nutrition, 3(nzy093). https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzy093
• Fujiwara, T., et al. (2020). Breakfast skipping in female college students is a potential and preventable predictor of gynecologic disorders at health service centers. Diagnostics, 10(476). https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics10070476
• Ono, M., et al. (2025). Influence of lifestyle and the circadian clock on reproduction. Reproductive Medicine and Biology, 24, e12641. https://doi.org/10.1002/rmb2.12641
• Schweiger, U., et al. (1992). Everyday eating behavior and menstrual function in young women. Fertility and Sterility, 57(4), 771–775.

This podcast episode explores how gut health is affected during midlife and menopause, delving into hormonal changes, stress, and lifestyle factors that contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms.

Interested in being an expert in menopause nutrition?

Enrol in the Menopause Course for Dietitians and Nutritionists to develop expertise and boost your confidence in working with clients on their menopause journey.

Here is the link to the course:

https://whnlearninghub.thinkific.com/courses/MenopauseNutrition

Receive a discount with code "Menopause65" until May 26th.

References:

1. Mehta, R. S., & Staller, K. (2018). Menopausal transition and bowel disturbances: A step in the right direction. Menopause, 25(6), 589–590. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001110
2. Heitkemper, M. M., & Chang, L. (2009). Do fluctuations in ovarian hormones affect gastrointestinal symptoms in women with irritable bowel syndrome? Gender Medicine, 6(Suppl 2), 152–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genm.2009.03.004
3. Yang, P.-L., Heitkemper, M. M., & Kamp, K. J. (2021). Irritable bowel syndrome in midlife women: A narrative review. Women's Midlife Health, 7(1), Article 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40695-021-00064-5
4. Nachtigall, L. E., & Nachtigall, L. (2019). Menopause and the gastrointestinal system: Our gut feelings. Menopause, 26(5), 459–460. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001316