As a naturopathic doctor with a passion for women's health, I often encounter patients who are navigating the phase of life known as perimenopause. This transitional period can bring about various changes in a woman's body, with early and late perimenopause marking distinct stages in the process. To shed light on this topic, let's delve deeper into the signs and symptoms of each phase, as well as provide clarity on perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
Read moreThe Future of Cervical Cancer Prevention: Embracing HPV Testing - By Dr. Chelsea Cole, ND
If you haven’t already heard, cervical cancer screening in BC will be changing to cervical self screening by January 29th, 2024. Instead of testing for cell abnormalities on the cervix (ie. pap testing), we will now test for the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is the virus that causes these abnormalities in the first place.
Read moreFrom Microbes to Motherhood: Exploring the Link Between the Uterine Microbiome and Fertility
The importance of a healthy uterine microbiome for optimizing fertility outcomes is a new and exciting area in the world of reproductive medicine. We once thought the uterus was a sterile organ, but we now know that it is colonized with bacteria, and recent research has shown that the type of bacteria present in the endometrium influences fertility outcomes. Let’s dive into the research shall we!
Read moreThe Power of HIIT: Improving PCOS Symptoms One Workout at a Time - By Dr. Chelsea Cole, ND
Have you heard about avoiding high intensity exercises if you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? The thought is that these activities increase cortisol levels, which can negatively affect hormone balance. In fact, there is a lot of online discussion these days about modifying your movement depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, for a variety of different hormonal concerns, including PCOS. While it makes sense to tune into your body, and honor what you need, sometimes this conversation is filled with misinformation and can become another barrier to regular movement. So, I want to take some time to talk about recent research into the benefits of high intensity interval training (HIIT) for those with PCOS.
Read moreNavigating Endometriosis with Food: Key Nutritional Strategies to Consider - By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND
Endometriosis is a condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissues outside the uterine lining, causing symptoms such as pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and fertility complications. While there are a variety of treatment options available to ease symptoms of endometriosis, recent research suggests that dietary interventions may have a role in the prevention and management of this condition. In this article, we will explore the link between diet and endometriosis and discuss important nutritional strategies that may help improve symptoms and overall well-being.
Read moreThe Heart of the Matter: How Hormones Affect Women's Cardiovascular Health
For World Menopause Day this year, the International Menopause Society launched a campaign to raise awareness on the effects of hormones on cardiovascular health in women. Specifically, they highlighted the potential cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk associated with various reproductive milestones in a woman’s life. These milestones include menstrual cyclicity, adverse pregnancy outcomes, breast cancer treatments, and menopause itself. This is such an important topic in the sphere of women’s health, and something that I review with my patients regularly. Let’s dive into the details shall we!
Read moreThe Fertility Benefits of Inositol in Women with PCOS - By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects many women of reproductive age. In this blog article, Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen reviews how inositol naturally works in the body, and the evidence to support its use for improving fertility outcomes in women with PCOS.
Read more3 Nutrients Worth Testing for Fertility - By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND
When you see a naturopathic doctor for preconception and fertility support, you will be offered a laboratory panel that looks at baseline hormone and nutrient levels. This blog article is going to review the top 3 nutrients worth testing for your reproductive success.
Read moreFoundational Fertility Supplements for the Preconception Period - By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND
Preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy starts in the preconception period, 3 months prior to conception. This is the time when the oocytes are maturing, and are particularly vulnerable to nutritional and environmental stressors. During the preconception period, naturopathic doctors recommend targeted lifestyle enhancements and fertility supplements to help improve your reproductive success.
Read moreGetting to Know Your Menstrual Cycle: Emergency Contraception - By Dr. Chelsea Cole, ND
Understanding contraception, including emergency contraception, is an important part of sexual wellbeing. Learn more about your options in Dr. Chelsea Cole’s newest blog article (…)
Read moreJuniper News & Health Resources - Fall Edition
Juniper news, fall nutrition and recipe inspiration, World Menopause Month, and more (…)
Read moreGetting to Know Your Menstrual Cycle: Ovulation - By Dr Chelsea Cole, ND
Learn why ovulation is important beyond fertility, common causes of anovulation, and how you can determine whether or not you are ovulating (…)
Read moreGetting to Know Your Menstrual Cycle: The 3 Phases - By Dr. Chelsea Cole, ND
Learn all about the 3 phases of the menstrual cycle and what hormones govern them, in Dr. Chelsea Cole’s newest blog article (…)
Read moreHow To Reduce Toxin Exposure To Support Hormone Health - Dr. Courtenay Boer, ND
It’s no secret that our environment can affect our health. Factors are diverse, from the quality of the air we breathe, to the food we eat, to the clothes we wear and beyond. Environmental toxins are ubiquitous in our world and they have significant consequences for health and hormones. Many of these toxins have been found to have endocrine-disrupting properties, so we label them as endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs. Some of these EDCs have been identified as xenoestrogens, which means they are exogenous (environmental) chemical compounds that mimic estrogen in the body and can modulate estrogenic activity (…)
Read moreGetting to Know Your Menstrual Cycle: Infrequent or Absent Cycles - Dr. Chelsea Cole, ND
While menstruating can be a difficult, and sometimes inconvenient, monthly experience, it is still concerning when a menstrual cycle is missed. Outside of pregnancy, perimenopause/menopause, or some hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD), it is not normal to have infrequent or absent menstrual cycles. Learn all about underlying causes, and laboratory testing for irregular or absent menstrual cycles in Dr. Chelsea Cole’s newest blog article (…)
Read moreWomen's Health Medicine Cabinet - By Dr. Chelsea Cole, ND
I like my medicine cabinet to be found in my kitchen cupboards, and on a shelf laden with botanicals for everything from a cold to a sleepless night. While there are many folk remedies to be found in books and online, I do like to go a step further and research the evidence behind nature’s remedies. In this way, I feel confident in what I am choosing to keep on hand (…)
Read moreThe Hot & Cold of Fertility: Basal Body Temperature - By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen
The basal body temperature (BBT) is a person's at-rest temperature. Women can track their BBT to find out when they are ovulating. With this time line, a woman can learn when she is most likely to become pregnant (…)
Read moreThe Sunshine Vitamin & Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - By Dr. Chelsea Cole
Now that the weather is warming up, exposure to sunshine will help increase vitamin D levels. While an adequate vitamin D level is important for many different aspects of health and wellness, it may be particularly helpful for those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Read on to learn more (…)
Read moreUsing Food As Medicine For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - By Dr. Chelsea Cole, ND
While mood swings, breast pain, and a number of other premenstrual symptoms are unpleasant for everyone who experiences them, some people are particularly affected. When these symptoms start interfering with daily living, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is the likely diagnosis. Learn how naturopathic medicine can help improve quality of life in those suffering from PMDD (…)
Read moreJuniper Family Health will be open from 9am until 5pm on Saturdays in the New Year!
Starting on January 5th, Dr. Chelsea Cole will be available for Saturday bookings, in addition to Monday and Tuesday from 10am until 6pm. She is excited about being able to accommodate those individuals that are unable to commit to appointments during the weekdays (…)
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