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Shifting the Paradigm: Integrative Approaches to PCOS & Endometriosis

Access

12 months

Format

Online Masterclass

Duration

10 hours

Presenters

Lara Briden, Rhiannon Hardingham, A/Prof. Mike Armour, A/Prof. Jim Parker & Dr. Elizabeth Steels

Shifting the Paradigm: Integrative Approaches to PCOS & Endometriosis
Join us for a transformative masterclass exploring the latest research and integrative approaches to managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis. These two common conditions of the female reproductive system impact the quality of life for many women across Australia, presenting significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment.  

This masterclass brings together leading experts in the field of women’s health to provide a comprehensive overview of these two complex conditions, the latest diagnostic techniques and an evidence-based exploration of effective dietary, nutritional, and lifestyle strategies to improve patient outcomes. 

Understanding PCOS and Endometriosis 
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis are complex and multifaceted conditions that affect a significant number of women and those assigned female at birth in Australia. PCOS is not a single disease but a heterogeneous syndrome with multiple underlying biological mechanisms. This masterclass will explore a patient-centred approach to PCOS management by examining key drivers and mechanisms such as neuroendocrine disturbances, insulin resistance, and adrenal hyperresponsiveness. 

Endometriosis remains a frequently under-recognised and under-diagnosed condition causing severe pelvic pain and infertility. The prevalence of these conditions is rising, highlighting the importance of a deeper understanding and improved management strategies.

The Alarming Statistics
  • PCOS affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, with a prevalence rate of around 21% among Indigenous women.1
  • PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women.2 
  • Endometriosis affects 1 in 9 Australian women and up to 50% of those experiencing infertility.3
  • The rate of endometriosis hospitalisations has doubled among women aged 20–24 over the past decade.4
  • In Australia, individuals with period pain or other gynaecological symptoms wait an average of 6.4 years before being diagnosed with endometriosis.5


Key Topics
This masterclass delves into the critical issues surrounding PCOS and endometriosis, focusing on the latest research and integrative, evidence-based, effective treatment approaches. You will learn from leading clinicians and academics in the field, including Lara Briden, Rhiannon Hardingham, A/Prof. Mike Armour, A/Prof. Jim Parker and Dr. Elizabeth Steels.

  • Understanding the Pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Exploring Common Drivers of Androgen Excess in Women with PCOS
  • Integrative Approaches to Nutrition and Lifestyle for Enhanced PCOS Outcomes
  • Examining the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis
  • Endometriosis, Immune Dysfunction, and a Comprehensive Approach to Persistent Pelvic Pain
  • Case Studies on Integrative Management of Endometriosis
  • The Role of Medicinal Cannabis in Managing Endometriosis

Join us to gain valuable insights and practical tools to improve your clinical practice and patient care!

Course Overview

Topic
PRESENTER
Pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
A/Prof. Jim Parker
PCOS: Exploring Common Drivers of Androgen Excess in Women
Lara Briden
Integrative Approaches to the Management of PCOS and Case Studies (Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle)
Rhiannon Hardingham
Pathogenesis of Endometriosis
Dr. Elizabeth Steels
Shifting the Paradigm: Endometriosis, Immune Dysfunction, and a Wider Lens on Persistent Pelvic Pain
Lara Briden
Integrative Approaches to the Management of Endometriosis and Case Studies (Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle)
Rhiannon Hardingham
The Latest Research on Medicinal Cannabis for PCOS and Endometriosis
A/Prof. Mike Armour
 Q&A Panel
Lara Briden, Rhiannon Hardingham, A/Prof. Jim Parker, A/Prof. Mike Armour & Dr. Elizabeth Steels

Assessments

Predisposing 
Online quiz
post-video
Feedback Survey
Testimonials

What our students say

The ACNEM training on PCOS and endometriosis has profoundly shifted my understanding of these conditions, particularly regarding integrative management approaches that extend beyond conventional treatments.
ACNEM MEMBER
This training has reshaped my clinical approach to PCOS and endometriosis. It has prompted me to view these conditions through a broader, systems-based lens - incorporating hormonal, metabolic, immunological, and environmental factors into a holistic model of care. This has enhanced not only my knowledge but also my ability to deliver nuanced, patient-centred care in women’s health.
ACNEM MEMBER

MEET THE PRESENTERS

Lara Briden

BSc, ND 
Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and the bestselling author of Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and The Metabolism Reset—practical guides to treating women’s health with nutrition, supplements, and body-identical hormones. A graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (1997) and the University of Calgary (evolutionary biology), Lara serves on several scientific advisory committees, including The Centre for Ovulation and Menstruation Research (CeMCOR) at the University of British Columbia. She is a popular speaker and has delivered keynote presentations for the Endocrinology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (EndoANP), the Psychiatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PsychANP), and the University of Canterbury. Lara has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems.

Rhiannon Hardingham

BHSc(Nat) 
Rhiannon is an experienced fertility naturopath, presenter, practitioner educator and author. Rhiannon is committed to the successful integration of natural and conventional medicine, regularly working alongside Melbourne’s top fertility doctors to achieve the best outcomes for her patients. As testament to this, Rhiannon is routinely invited to present on the topic of collaborative patient care to medical specialists and naturopaths alike. After nearly 20 years of experience in the area of infertility and IVF support, Rhiannon provides professional mentoring and education for functional medicine practitioners in both group and individual settings. This highly specialised area is outside the scope of standard naturopathic education and as such, her reproduction and hormonal masterclasses mentoring programs are a rare opportunity for practitioners to further their skills. Rhiannon has co-authored the book ‘Create a Fertile Life’. This comprehensive pre-conception healthcare guide for both patients and practitioners, has become a staple for those wishing to overcome infertility and prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

Associate Professor Jim Parker 

BMed, BSc, DRANZCOG, FRANZCOG 
Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Endoscopic Surgeon, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, School of Medicine University of Wollongong, Australia. Associate Professor Jim Parker started his academic career with 3 years of preclinical training in Chiropractic at the Sydney College of Chiropractic in the 1978. He completed a Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of NSW with a major in Anatomy in 1981. He obtained a Bachelor of Medicine Degree in 1986 and worked in General Practice. He completed the Diploma of Obstetrics in 1992 and obtained his Specialist Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1999. A/Prof Jim Parker has had a wide range of research interests with a particular interest in evidenced-based medicine and the application of research findings to clinical practice. A/Prof Jim Parker has published over 50 peer-reviewed research articles on preterm labour, obstetric emergencies, ectopic pregnancy, endoscopic surgery, nutritional and environmental medicine and the chronic diseases epidemic, polycystic ovary syndrome, metabolism and insulin resistance. A/Prof Jim Parker has been involved in a number of training, research, academic and educational roles since 1982. He has a number of collaborative research projects with a range of academics and clinicians in Australia and Internationally. He is currently an Honorary Clinical Associate Professor at the School of Medicine at the University of Wollongong. He is actively involved in medical teaching, examining and research activities. 

Associate Professor Mike Armour

PhD, BHSc, BSc (Hons) 
Associate Professor Mike Armour is the Director of Research and an Associate Professor in reproductive health at NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University where he is currently running several clinical trials on endometriosis, menstrual health, and complementary medicine. Mike has published 120 peer reviewed articles on various aspects of women’s health including medicinal cannabis, Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Mike is also an author on several textbook chapters including several on medicinal cannabis for women’s health. Mike has had significant media attention on his work including 15 articles in The Conversation, an SBS Insight special on endometriosis, an SBS special on herbal medicine for period pain and over 300 pieces of international news media with an estimated readership of 80 million across over 100 countries including Channel 7 News, ABC News, and The Guardian. Mike is heavily involved in research and treatment of endometriosis, and he was the invited complementary medicine expert on the endometriosis expert working group (EEWG) for the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) that developed the first Australian guidelines for Endometriosis, released in January 2021. Mike is also a World Endometriosis Society Ambassador, Chair of Endometriosis Australia’s clinical advisory committee, Chair of Endometriosis Australia’s research committee, Academic lead of the Menstrual Cycle Research Network (MCRN) at Western Sydney University and Chair of the Australasian Interdisciplinary Researchers in Endometriosis (AIRE).

Dr. Elizabeth Steels

PhD, BA(Clin Biochem), BA(Nutr Diet) 
Dr. Elizabeth Steels is a biomedical scientist, biochemist, and nutritionist. Having completed her PhD 30 years ago focussed on cellular oxygenation and regeneration, her interests became firmly fixed on the value of polyphenols in health and disease. Her career has ranged from pharmaceutical to natural medicine manufacturing, product development, formulations, clinical trials, clinical practice and regulatory affairs. She is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow in the Dept of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Queensland and mentors a growing team of MPhil and PhD students. She is a principal for a CRO specialising in innovative and unique clinical design with a regulatory and commercial focus of natural medicine focussing on innovative claims and clinical trials of polyphenols, eco-cannabinoids and botanicals. She is also Head of Research & Development at Integria Healthcare. She is well-published and often speaks at academic and industry events.
References
1Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Endometriosis in Australia: Summary. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/endometriosis-in-australia/contents/summary
2Endometriosis Australia. (2022, December 16). Why is it so difficult to get an endometriosis diagnosis? https://endometriosisaustralia.org/why-is-it-so-difficult-to-get-an-endometriosis-diagnosis/
3Monash University. (2023, August 15). Australia leads the world with a new international guideline to improve the health of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. https://www.monash.edu/news/articles/australia-leads-the-world-with-a-new-international-guideline-to-improve-the-health-of-women-with-polycystic-ovary-syndrome
4Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2024, January/February). Endometriosis. Australian Journal of General Practice. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/endometriosis
5Swannell, C. (2018, October 1). Australian-led PCOS guideline an international first. The Medical Journal of Australia. https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2018/australian-led-pcos-guideline-international-first