The PCOS Q&A

Panel of experts

Professor Rob Norman AO is Professor for Reproductive and Periconceptual Medicine at the University of Adelaide and is a subspecialist in reproductive medicine and endocrine biochemistry. He was the inaugural Director of the Robinson Research Institute and former Medical Director of Fertility SA. His major research contributions have been in IVF and reproductive endocrinology, particularly in PCOS. He is the Co-Director of the PCOS Centre for Research Excellence.

Professor Ray Rodgers (Chair) undertakes novel and internationally competitive research in the area of female reproductive function, particularly ovarian function. Since the early 1980's, Ray has made many unique contributions to our understanding of how ovaries produce hormones. He now has a particular interest in understanding the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Professor Manny Noakes is former Director of the Nutrition and Health Program at CSIRO. She has over 35 years of experience in many facets of nutrition and health. Her research has focussed on the health benefits of higher protein lower carbohydrate dietary patterns for weight management and improved wellbeing. She has conducted several clinical trials in women with PCOS. Manny was instrumental in the development of the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, launched in 2004, and has sold over 1 million copies in Australia.

Dr Alexia Pena-Vargas is a Senior Lecturer at The University of Adelaide's Robinson Research Institute and a Paediatric Endocrinologist at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She is an investigator of the PCOS Centre for Research Excellence and was involved in the International Evidence-Based guideline development for the assessment and management of PCOS. She is also one of the leaders of the Adolescent Gynaecology and Endocrine Clinic.

Associate Professor Alice Rumbold is a public health researcher at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute and The University of Adelaide. Her research aims to re-orientate health resources, systems and policies to meet the needs of populations at most risk of experiencing poor health. Her research integrates the biomedical, social, clinical, and cultural aspects of health to address disparities in knowledge, risk factors, access to care and quality of care. This includes bringing into focus the impact of PCOS in under-served populations.

Tara Bridge is a consumer representative with SA health, and the Women's and Children's Health Network. She is a member of several committees, including the Peak Body consumer committee, and is chair of the Child and Family Health Centres (CaFHS) Consumer Committee. She is a founding member of the award winning Consumer Coffee Club. Tara is a huge advocate for women with PCOS after being diagnosed at age 13. She seeks to understand how PCOS impacts women and to help be the voice of women who suffer with this disease.