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.
Seasonal allergies are the result of our immune system overreacting to something in our environment. Our system perceives pollen, for example, as a threat and mounts an inflammatory response to get it the heck out of our body. The result can be itchy eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat and a general state of misery. Until we figure out how to change our programming, there’s plenty of natural options to help reduce the frequency and severity of seasonal allergies.
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.
Hype your Day with a Contrast Shower using the healing power of water + the science of temperature control. This technique is ideal to use when we’re feeling vulnerable to illness. The increased flow and clearance actually boosts immune function, promotes circulation & lymphatic drainage & eases inflammation.
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.
This year is bringing new dimensions to back-to-school season, including uncertainties and potentially greater anxieties. With the added concerns that come with emerging from our bubbles and suddenly re-immersing ourselves and our children back into (previously normal) social interaction, there’s even more reason to make sure we’re doing our best to support our health this fall.
Seasonal allergies can be an unwelcome gift of Spring. They can disrupt your regular activities, make it harder to sleep, work and play, drain the pleasure from eating a delicious meal, and cause others to cast leery looks your way wondering it if it really is ‘just allergies’. There are many alternatives from foods and dietary supplements, to botanical medicines to homeopathic remedies that may relieve your seasonal suffering, and offer you a chance to experience the joy of stopping to smell the roses.
