A good gynecologist is like a detective. She gathers evidence to diagnose infections. She uncovers the truth behind stages like puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause. Yet many women still feel that their physiology is a mystery. What if a clue to that mystery hides in our diet? Similar to the gut, certain foods make the vaginal microbiome thrive. New research suggests that the right diet could alleviate symptoms of the most common gynecological diseases. Dr Jennifer Ashton is former Chief Medical Correspondent at ABC News and is a double-board certified OBGYN. She joins us today to discuss ‘nutritional gynecology’, a term she coined after realizing multiple women’s health issues have a direct relationship to nutrition. Alongside Jen is King’s College London professor and ZOE’s Chief Scientist Sarah Berry. Sarah shines light on the growing evidence of the role of nutrition in offsetting uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous, symptoms of menopause. 🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+*Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune systemFollow ZOE on Instagram.Timecodes:00:00 What you eat matters02:00 Quickfire questions04:05 What gets treated in gynecology?07:19 What is the vaginal microbiome?11:30 This affects the vaginal microbiome13:46 The new field of nutritional gynecology15:57 Does estrogen affect appetite?17:19 The gut bacteria that breaks down estrogen21:22 How food impacts puberty23:21 Do glucose spikes affect pregnancy?28:35 Symptoms of PCOS33:00 Dr Jen explains endometriosis37:20 Does diet affect these conditions?42:00 How to test diet changes on yourself📚Books by our ZOE ScientistsThe Food For Life CookbookEvery Body Should Know This by Dr Federica AmatiFood For Life by Prof. Tim SpectorFree resources from ZOE:Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in WeeksStudies relevant to this episodeDiet and Nutrition in Gynecological Disorders: A Focus on Clinical Studies (2021, published in NutrientsEffects of caloric intake timing on insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (2013), published in Clinical ScienceWeight Regulation in Menopause (2022), published in MenopauseMenopause, the gut microbiome, and weight gain: correlation or causation? (2020), published in MenopauseHave feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.Episode transcripts are available here.