Women's Health
Naturopathic treatments are focused to help in the treatment of stubborn conditions, so that you can continue to live a healthy and natural lifestyle.
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Naturopathic therapies implement more natural treatment options for recurrent bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, common disorders with the hormone cycle, and hormonal imbalance.
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Treatments support your busy and active lifestyle, so you can excel in your day, by reducing pain, improving mood, optimizing energy, and reducing discomfort.
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Common Health Conditions Treated
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Endometriosis: Often considered an ‘invisible condition’ as it can be difficult to diagnose. In fact, many patients go for years without receiving a proper diagnosis and therefore miss early treatment options. The most common symptom is ‘painful periods.’ Many Women may be diagnosed with endometriosis simply because they have painful periods, but without any further examination or diagnostic testing to confirm their diagnosis. This is critical because there are other health conditions which can cause painful periods and there is a risk for misdiagnosis. The condition is often treated with a birth control pill, intrauterine device, and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs).
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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: similar to endometriosis, PCOS can go undiagnosed for a very large period of time. This is mostly due to the fact that Women can fit on the PCOS spectrum and have varying symptoms. Newer research has updated guidelines on how to screen for and diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome. In particular, painful periods from a young age merit a full-investigation to screen for PCOS. Symptoms can vary from simple cyclical acne to more severe symptoms, such as, absent periods, painful periods, irregular periods, increased risk for anxiety, depression, weight gain, increased hair growth on the body and increased hair loss on the scalp.
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Irregular Menstrual Cycles: cycle may become irregular as a result of many conditions. Varying from endometriosis, pcos, premature ovarian insufficiency, thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, increased stress, disrupted sleep scheudle, and more. If you are trying to conceive of plan to try and conceive in the future this can be very problematic as the window for ovulation and conception becomes difficulty to predict. Addressing these concerns ahead of time may help to reduce the risk of comorbidities as well as support healthy hormone balance and fertility.
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Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: urinary tract infections can be difficult to manage, especially when they become recurrent. When treating recurrent urinary tract infections we evaluate for underlying causes that may increase your predisposition to infections. This may include changes from dietary changes, hormonal balance, supporting the health of that vaginal flora, supporting better blood sugar control, and in many cases providing a combination of antimicrobials to help treat resistant bacteria.
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Acne: acne can persist beyond puberty and the teenage years. Underlying hormonal imbalances can make it more likely to have breakouts. Elevated stress levels can also increase sebum production in the skin and increase breakouts. Treating elevated tress levels, supporting healthy progesterone/estrogen balance, optimizing blood sugar control, dietary changes, eliminating food sensitivities, and topical applications to help treat acne can all be supportive. Additionally, treating underlying conditions, such as, polycystic ovarian syndrome can help to reduce androgen hormone levels and help to reduce acne. An often ignored underlying factor for acne is the health of the gut and microbiome. Supporting healthy detoxification and optimizing the gut microbiome may significantly support healthy looking skin. ​
6. Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis: recurrent infections can commonly be related to dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) of the vaginal flora. Hormonal imbalances can also increase predisposition to bacterial vaginosis. For example, estrogen dominance (a condition where estrogen levels become elevated in comparison to progesterone levels) can increase the growth of certain bacteria. On the opposite spectrum, decreased estrogen levels, such as what occurs during menopause, can reduce lubrication and thin the vaginal epithelium making it more susceptible to breaks and lesions (and increased risk of infections).
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7. Recurrent Yeast Infections: Recurrent yeast infections can be related to hormonal imbalances and dysbiosis of the vaginal flora. Fluctuations in hormone levels can significantly alter the pH of vaginal secretions, making it easier for yeast to grow and eventually lead to an infection. Hormonal imbalances affecting blood sugar balance/control can also impact the growth of yeast and likelihood of yeast infections. Working to optimize hormone levels, making healthy dietary changes, balancing pH, and treatment with strong antimicrobials to treat resistant infections may help to provide relief from recurrent yeast infections.
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8. Premenstrual Tension Syndrome: with symptoms that can often become debilitating and the recurrent nature of the syndrome leads to a significant decline in quality of life. Often related to hormonal imbalances and stress, working to reduce symptoms of premenstrual tension syndrome can significantly support an improvement in quality of life. Commonly estrogen dominance or low progesterone levels may contribute to symptoms of premenstrual tension syndrome.
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9. Thyroid Conditions: Women are more likely to develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime. If you have a first-degree relative with a history of a thyroid condition, your risk can be significantly higher. Naturopathic treatments can help to provide support in the treatment of uncomfortable symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. Treatments focus on helping to reduce the production of thyroid hormone may help to reduce symptoms such as heart palpitations, diarrhea, anxiousness/nervousness, and can be combined with conventional treatments by running an interaction check between any prescribed treatments to help ensure safety. Hypothyroidism can also be treated with the use of desiccated thyroid hormone or the use of various herbal formulas which may support the treatment of hypothyroidism and symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, feeling cold, and more.
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This article is in no way a replacement for medical advice or medical care, it is advised that anyone concerned about their Health should speak with their Naturopathic Doctor.