Perimenopause is the window of time where the body gradually undergoes the transition to menopause, or the end of the menstrual cycle. Reproductive hormone levels will fluctuate as they work towards an overall decline in production. Walk confidently into menopause knowing that your sex life need not suffer - there are supports available to help maintain the health and hydration of vaginal tissue, and to support a robust libido after menopause.
The misery of PMS is avoidable! We are not irrational, unreliable, or hysterical by virtue of our monthly cycle. PMS doesn’t have to be something to dread. It doesn’t have to feel like we’re out of control. PMS doesn’t have to ruin your month. We can help.
The most common recommendations for PCOS within conventional medicine are to regulate menstrual cycles with hormonal birth control and to lose weight. The real issue and what we should be treating is the metabolic mis-firing, not the number on a scale. Weight loss is often used as a goalpost to reach even though it may not directly affect outcomes. Unfortunately, the quick recommendation in the case of most PCOS patients that they lose weight is rooted in medicalized fat-phobia rather than supported by best practices and patient outcomes.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common gynecological conditions diagnosed, and is frequently associated with lowered fertility. PCOS need not be a reason to give up on your pregnancy hopes. There is plenty of support available, and several effective treatment approaches to explore.
Unlike conventional approaches to treatment, Naturopathic Medicine takes into consideration the multi-faceted and inter-related characteristics of endometriosis, in order to find effective and lasting treatment options for managing the symptoms associated with endometriosis, including reduced pelvic pain, improved fertility outcomes, and fostering an enhanced sense of agency in one’s state of well-being.
Ginger root is one of my favourite medicinal herbs because it’s so tasty, easy to find (just about any green grocer or grocery store has it), and versatile! I grew up knowing ginger as a flavour for a range of delicious dishes, as well as a candy. Sugar-coated candied ginger was a sweet and spicy treat! Turns out, ginger is also great for making you sweat (it’s a diaphoretic) which is great for helping fend off a cold or flu.
Goldenrod leaves and flowers can be enjoyed fresh in salads or other dishes, infused in a tea, made into a tincture, or used topically. The herb is known to clear sinus congestion, cleanse the urinary tract, and heal minor wounds. It can also be used to support minor digestive discomfort or as a mouth rinse to support oral health.
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), is commonly found on trees and logs in Ontario. It’s packed with antioxidants which makes it a great support for heart health and for fighting inflammation. It’s also known to improve the function of the immune system, and may enhance certain cancer treatments. It can improve gut health by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the microbiome.
Commonly known as Chicken of the Woods, or Sulphur Shelf, Laetiporus sulphureus is a mushroom that is known to grow on hardwood stumps. It’s named for its chicken-like texture, but also happens to be pack with protein (21g in 2 cups, or 14g in 100g). It’s also a good source of potassium, vitamin C and other antioxidants like quercetin.
St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a powerful local medicine that can support our healing from without and within. St John’s wort has been found to be as effective as commonly prescribed anti-depressant drugs at improving symptoms of mild and moderate depression, and to carry a lower risk of adverse side effects. The flowers can be extracted in oil and used to help speed the healing of minor wounds (cuts, scrapes, burns, myalgia) and skin irritations (rash, dry skin, eczema).
I love lavender – it is one of my go-to herbs for calm and comfort. It is gentle yet powerful, aromatically delightful and instantly soothing. It calms the mind and supports relaxation. The essential oil is something I always have in the cupboard, great for diffusing alone or in combination with other soothing aromas.
Lavender has been clinically shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety, depression with anxiety, postpartum depression, and disturbed sleep.
