While HRT remains the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, it is important to be aware of the contraindications for this therapy. Women who have contraindications for HRT may still benefit from other therapies, such as non-hormonal treatments for VMS or low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
Read moreDiet & Lifestyle Recommendations for Optimal Fertility - By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen ND
The old saying goes, we are what we eat, but does this apply to fertility? Do diet and lifestyle changes really impact fertility outcomes? Learn more in Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen’s newest blog article…
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 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 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 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 moreUsing Ginger to Treat Menstrual Cramps - Dr Chelsea Cole, ND
Menstrual cramps are quite common, and can range from mildly bothersome to incapacitating. Many people rely on over the counter pain medication to treat cramping, but some of these medications are either not effective enough, or come with undesirable side effects and risks, which is why it is so important to know that there are other options available. One of those options is the herb, Zingiber officinalis, more commonly known as ginger. This spicy botanical is perhaps most well known for its ability to ease nausea, but there is research that demonstrates its ability to ease menstrual pain as well (…)
Read moreDietary Approaches to PCOS - Dr. Chelsea Cole, ND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Learn how dietary changes can help improve hormone balance and reduce symptoms in women with PCOS (…)
Read moreNaturopathic Approaches to Common Vaginal Health Concerns - Dr. Chelsea Cole
Many women seek medical advice for vaginal health concerns, including vaginal yeast infections (vulvovaginal candidiasis-VVC) and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Both of these conditions signal a disruption in healthy vaginal ecology, and can present with similar symptoms. However, it is important to differentiate between VVC and BV to insure that you are getting the most appropriate and effective treatment. Naturopathic doctors are able to preform pertinent physical exams, offer testing, and advise on both conventional and naturopathic treatments for BV and VVC (…)
Read moreNaturopathic Support For Menopause - Dr Meghan van Drimmelen
I believe that supporting women throughout mid-life starts with education and empowerment. Helping my patients understand how hormones effect their health and wellbeing, as well as taking the time to go over all hormone testing and treatment options is a HUGE part of my practice. Here are some common questions that come up in my practice around menopause:
Read moreWhat To Expect When Working With A Naturopath During Perimenopause, Menopause & Postmenopause Part II
Learn what symptoms correspond to hormone imbalance, when to seek advise from a naturopathic doctor, and common naturopathic treatments....
Read moreWhat to Expect When Working with a Naturopath During Perimenopause, Menopause & Postmenopause Part I
Learn why women seek out naturopathic care during perimenopause, menopause & postmenopause, what an initial visit with a naturopath looks like, and common treatments NDs prescribe to support women during mid-life (...)
Read morePolycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) | Acupuncture Victoria, BC
PCOS is more complex than the name presents as it often involves varying degrees of endocrine, cardiovascular, metabolic, and/or mental-emotional co-conditions. The following post focuses on PCOS awareness as a syndrome through a pathophysiology overview followed by the explanation of how acupuncture works as an effective treatment method (...)
Read moreFREE SEMINAR: Female Hormones 101 | Naturopathic Doctors Victoria
Come join Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen on July 14th for a comprehensive 1.5-hour seminar on female hormones. Learn how to manage hormone changes (...)
Read moreAcupuncture & Cervical Ripening | Acupuncture Victoria
Cervical ripening occurs when the cervix softens and becomes more distensible which coaxes the baby into the best possible position for birth. Multiple studies have shown the benefits of acupuncture in preparing the body for birth, and assisting the cervix to ripen (...)
Read moreHealing After a Cesarean Delivery | Pregnancy Support
The postpartum period can be particularly challenging after C-section, as a mother is caring for a newborn but also recovering from major abdominal surgery. This article discusses how to promote healing and speed recovery after cesarean delivery with naturopathic treatments (...)
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