Lesley O'Connor Naturopath

28/08/2025

We’ve just wrapped up the March intake of Foundations of Women’s Health mentoring program 💛

Here is a lovely reviews from one of my mentees!

It reminds me of why I created this course: to help students and practitioners grow in confidence and walk away with tools they can use straight away in clinic.

Here’s a little peek at what we covered together:

🔬 Module 1 – Clinical Foundations: Set up your clinic with case management and compounding basics.

🩺 Module 2 – HPO Axis & Hormone Testing: Master hormone feedback mechanisms and optimal testing windows.

⚖️ Module 3 – Androgen Assessment: Learn about androgens, their role in women’s health, and targeted interventions.

🌿 Module 4 – Oestrogen & Prolactin: Understand excess oestrogen, detoxification, and prolactin imbalances.

🩸 Module 5 – FHA & PCOS: Confidently manage PCOS and functional hypothalamic amenorrhea with evidence-based approaches.

🧬 Module 6 – Endometriosis: Dive into pathophysiology, fertility impacts, and clinical strategies.

🌙 Module 7 – PMS & PMDD: Identify root causes and develop targeted interventions.

✨ Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back! From completing this mentoring program you can gain clarity, confidence, and clinical success

The next intake starts January 2026. With early bird pricing available from November 2025

If you want to be added to the waitlist send me a DM

27/08/2025

Male Fertility Matters

Did you know that up to 50% of fertility challenges are linked to male factors?

Yet, most conversations focus only on women’s health.

That’s why I’m hosting a Male Fertility Workshop, to shine a light on the other half of the equation.

📅 When: Tuesday 9th September
🕕 Time: 6:00pm AEST (Brisbane time)
💻 Where: Online via Zoom

In this 45-minute live webinar, we’ll cover:
✔️ How male fertility works
✔️ Optimal hormone reference ranges
✔️ Causes of male infertility
✔️ How to read a s***m analysis
✔️ Nutrition, lifestyle & supplements to support s***m health

📌 You’ll also get a Supplements for Male Fertility Cheat Sheet to take home.

🎟️ Tickets are limited — book your spot now!

Lesley xx

Monday 9th September, 6:00pm AEST (Brisbane time)30–45 minutes, including a live Q&AMale fertility is often overlooked, but it plays an equal role in conception success. Whether you’re planning a family now or in the future, this workshop will give you the knowledge and tools ...

07/08/2025

Trying to conceive comes with a special set of joys no one really talks about.
Like spending a small fortune on ovulation predicted kit and pregnancy tests.
Or the thrill of a late period… followed by ten negative tests.
Or the romance of timing s*x to a blinking smiley face.
This one’s for everyone who’s ever laughed so they don’t cry.
You’re not alone in this. 💛

Save this post for the next time TTC feels like a full-time job.
Share it with your TTC bestie so you can laugh (and maybe cry) together

06/08/2025

She hadn’t ovulated in 10 years. Then she did, naturally.

When this client started with me, she had no idea what was going on with her cycle. She hadn’t seen a confirmed ovulation in a decade.

She’d tried:
→ Random supplement stacks
→ OPKs that never made sense
→ A fertility app that guessed everything wrong
→ Ovulation induction

Once we got real clarity through proper testing, targeted nutrition, and a personalised plan, things shifted.

By month 9, we saw a clear ovulation pattern. Real temps. And real cervical mucus. Real hope.

This is what happens when the right support meets the right strategy.

Save this post if you’re still waiting for your own cycle to make sense.

29/07/2025

“We don’t know why you’re not getting pregnant - let’s go straight to IVF.”

Sound familiar?

This is what a client told me her fertility specialist said after just one appointment. No review of insulin. No look at nutrition. No exploration of unexplained infertility. Just: jump to IVF.

Here’s what they skipped:
→ Testing hormones correctly
→ Addressing nutrient deficiencies
→ Supporting egg quality and ovulation
→ Understanding the reproductive microbiome
→ Assessing s***m health

IVF isn’t a magic button, and for many experiencing infertility, it’s not even the first thing that needs attention.

You deserve a full workup before you’re funneled into an expensive, emotionally draining path.

Comment if you’ve ever felt rushed or dismissed when all you wanted was someone to actually listen.

***mhealth

25/07/2025

“I wish I started this sooner.” I hear that all the time.

This client had spent years piecing together advice from Google, forums, fertility influencers… and getting nowhere.

She was exhausted, overwhelmed, and blaming herself for not being pregnant yet.

Once she had real guidance and a plan that actually addressed her cycle, ovulation, and test results, everything made sense.

She told me:
→ “I didn’t know how lost I was until I got support”
→ “This is the first time I’ve felt calm in months”
→ “I just wish I didn’t wait so long”

You don’t have to wait for fertility burnout to ask for help.

Comment if you’ve ever had that “I should have started sooner” moment, and know that it’s never too late to shift things.

06/03/2025

Only 4 Days Left to Join the Foundations of Women’s Health Program! 🌿

Are you a new Naturopath or Nutritionist, or a practitioner looking to strengthen your clinical confidence in women’s health? This program is for you!

Over 6 months, we’ll dive into key areas of women’s health, covering clinical foundations, case management, and practical strategies to support your clients with confidence.

🔗 Register now via the link in my bio or send me a message for more info.

Have questions about the program? Drop them in the comments below!

21/02/2025

4 benefits of flax seeds for PCOS

1️⃣ Supports Heart Health – The healthy omega-3 fats (Alpha-linolenic acid - ALA) in flaxseeds help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, which women with PCOS are more prone to.

2️⃣ Balances Hormones – Flaxseeds contain plant compounds called lignans, which can help increase s*x hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)—a protein that binds excess testosterone to reduce symptoms of Hirsutism such as excessive, coarse, and dark hair growth in a male-pattern distribution, acne, oily skin, scalp hair thinning, irregular or absent periods, weight gain, and darkened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans).

3️⃣ Reduces Inflammation – PCOS is often linked to chronic inflammation. Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3s and antioxidants, which help lower inflammation markers like C-creative protein(CRP), supporting overall hormone and metabolic health.

4️⃣ Aids Weight Loss – Flaxseeds support weight loss by improving blood sugar control, reducing cravings, and lowering insulin levels. Since weight loss can act as a natural aromatase inhibitor, this may also help manage symptoms like irregular cycles and acne.

19/02/2025

Thinking about freezing your eggs? Before you do, consider these key factors to give yourself the best chance of success!

1. Vitamin D: Low levels can affect egg quality—aim for 100-150 nmol/L
2. Protein Intake: Supports egg health & hormones—1g per kg of body weight daily
3. Toxin Exposure: Reduce plastics, pesticides & harsh chemicals for better outcomes

Small changes can make a big difference when you go to use the eggs in the future! Have you thought about any of these? If you need help with how to prepare for egg freezing then book in for a consultation via the link in my bio.

10/02/2025

The best time to test your hormones!

Getting the timing right can make all the difference in understanding your hormone health. Here’s when to test:

🩸 FSH, LH, E2, AMH → Best on cycle day 2
🩸 Testosterone, DHEAs, SHBG → Can be tested any day, but cycle day 2-3 makes it easier when running a full hormone panel
🩸 E2 & Progesterone → Best at 7 days past ovulation for insights into PMS, PMDD, fertility, and miscarriage risk

Testing at the right time helps you get the clearest picture of your hormones!

The next step is to then make sure you’re using optimal hormone pathology ranges.

If you want to learn more about optimal hormone pathology ranges, so you can identify if you have a hormone imbalance, then grab a copy of my Hormone Pathology Cheat Sheet from my online store.

10/02/2025

🎉 GIVEAWAY TIME! 🎉

Are you a recently graduated Clinical Nutritionist or Naturopath ready to deepen your expertise in women’s health? I’m giving away one free spot in my Foundations of Women’s Health course, starting March 11th 2025!

This course is designed to help you confidently navigate female reproductive health, interpret pathology, and with real life case studies.

How to Enter:
1. Follow me 
3. Tag 2 practitioner friends who’d love this! 

You can enter as many times as you like!

Giveaway closes: 15th February 2025 at 5:00pm
Winner announced: The winner will be announced Monday 17th February

Don’t miss out on this chance to level up your clinical skills!

T&Cs:
* Open to qualified practitioners or final-year students in nutrition or naturopathy.
* This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram.
* The prize is one free enrolment in the Foundations of Women’s Health course and is non-transferable or redeemable for cash.
* Winner will be chosen randomly and announced in my stories.
* Scammers exist! I will NEVER DM you for credit card details—beware of fake accounts.

Good luck!

Lesley x

06/02/2025

Struggling with PCOS symptoms like irregular cycles, acne, or sugar cravings? Certain herbs can help balance hormones, support ovulation, and improve insulin sensitivity naturally. From spearmint for lowering androgens to Gymnema for blood sugar control, these natural remedies may be the missing piece in your PCOS journey