June is International Infertility Month and a reminder of the challenges many face on their journey to conception. As infertility rates continue to rise, I find myself increasingly immersed in the world of IVF, guiding patients through its complexities. Many patients are seeking support to optimize their IVF treatment and naturopathic medicine has many tools that can be used alongside IVF in pursuit of this goal. I support my patients going through IVF across 3 main phases of treatment.
Mental health conditions are spectrum conditions which means that they are pathologic manifestations of normal human experience. For example it is normal for humans to feel low in certain situations - this is not a mental health condition. However when that lowness starts to impact our functioning and quality of life long term and pathologically this is when it becomes a diagnosable mental health condition. When we are treating spectrum disorders this means that we can’t take away our normal emotions. We can’t take away the sensation of lowness forever but we do want to make it manageable and appropriate given a situation. In this way we aren’t necessarily “curing” our mental health but we are treating it through different means so that we can support each person in living the life that they want to. One of the most important things that we can do to support and treat our mental health is to decrease factors that exacerbate obstacles and factors that worsen our mental health.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) does not just affect the reproductive system; it's a condition that can profoundly affect various aspects of a person's health, including their skin. Among the various symptoms that PCOS presents with, acne stands out as a particularly frustrating and often distressing manifestation. According to recent statistics, up to 40% of people with PCOS experience acne, highlighting the significant impact this condition can have on skin health and self-esteem. In this area, we can see acne showing up as cystic or inflammatory, and often around the jawline and cheeks.
Acne is more than just a skin issue—it can impact self-esteem, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Conventional treatments often focus on symptom management, but they may not address underlying issues, leading to reoccurrence once treatment stops. A naturopathic approach to acne takes a broader perspective, focusing on factors that are often overlooked in the mainstream approach. By examining areas like hormone levels, gut health, diet, and stress, we can better understand the underlying causes and create a targeted treatment plan.
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and healing through psychotherapy is a courageous step towards better mental health. Whether you're seeking therapy for the first time or exploring new therapeutic avenues, the initial consultation serves as a pivotal moment in your therapeutic journey. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your psychotherapy consultation.
Let’s be honest, change is hard, and building new habits can be tough! We encounter countless obstacles, moments of doubt, and plenty of unknowns daily, so it's natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. If you’re experiencing resistance to necessary lifestyle changes related to your mental health and well-being, rest assured you’re not alone. Here are several ways psychotherapy can help empower you to implement lifestyle changes that nurture mental wellness:
Chronic pain can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. Beyond the physical toll it can take on our bodies, chronic pain can leave us contending with feelings such as anger, frustration, anxiety, sadness, and hopelessness. In this article, we explore how integrating mental health support, such as psychotherapy, into chronic pain management can help us navigate through the emotional complexities of chronic pain, cultivate resilience, and improve overall quality of life.
Starting on a fertility journey or thinking about future fertility can be both an exciting and challenging time. Amid the various tools available to understand fertility, assessing ovarian reserve through Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) testing has emerged as a valuable resource for understanding your reproductive health. It’s important to understand both the benefits and limitations surrounding AMH testing to best utilize this tool to gain information about your fertility.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder marked by abdominal pain/discomfort and altered bowel habits. Some may experience diarrhea, constipation and these can vary in intensity and duration. IBS can significantly affect daily life and impact both work and social interactions. In this blog, we review what IBS is, and how IV therapy can help alleviate its symptoms.
This week, as we honor National Infertility Awareness Week, our focus turns to the invaluable insights of Dr. Kelly Clinning, ND, who focuses in hormone health and fertility. In this blog, she guides us through effective strategies and promising avenues for navigating the journey after receiving an infertility diagnosis.
Fibromyalgia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are two conditions that, on the surface, might seem unrelated – one primarily causes pain sensation in the muscles and soft tissues, while the other targets the digestive system. However, a closer examination reveals a surprising link between the two, shedding light on the complexities of how our bodies can react to chronic conditions.
Fibromyalgia can sound like a complex word, but it refers to a health condition that's more common than many people realize. In this blog post, we'll explore what fibromyalgia is, the types of symptoms it can cause, and how you can get support if you or someone you know is affected by it.
In today's fast-paced, high-demand world, burnout has become an all too common affliction. Whether it's in the workplace, personal life, or both, the relentless pressures and responsibilities can take a toll on our mental and physical well-being. But there's a powerful antidote to burnout that can make all the difference: having a strong sense of meaning in your life. In this blog, we'll explore how finding and nurturing a sense of purpose can serve as a formidable shield against burnout.
IBS is far from a rare disorder. It's estimated that about 10-15% of the global population is affected by IBS, though the actual numbers may be higher due to underreporting. Despite the discomfort and inconvenience it can cause, IBS is still widely misunderstood and often not openly discussed, leading to feelings of isolation and embarrassment among those who suffer from it.
PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and refers to an extreme collection of symptoms that occur in the 1-2 weeks leading up to our periods, making us feel like a different person. It is hard to imagine that our hormones can cause such extreme symptoms and changes in our personality. The reason this can happen is because PMDD is much more than a hormonal condition. It is actually a whole-body experience.
Imagine your body as a complex machine where every component must work perfectly. Methylation is one of those vital processes, akin to a set of on-off switches, that controls various functions within this machine. It involves the addition of a methyl group (a carbon atom linked to three hydrogen atoms) to different molecules in our bodies. This simple chemical modification can dramatically change how these molecules behave and interact, akin to a conductor in an orchestra ensuring every instrument plays its part at the right time.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) might sound complicated, but it's a condition we can easily understand with a simple analogy. Think of your small intestine as a garden. Just like a garden needs a balanced ecosystem to thrive, so does your small intestine. SIBO occurs when there are too many bacteria in this "garden," disrupting the delicate balance needed for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
As days get warmer & longer, the energy of the spring season represents a time of transformation: new growth, reinvigoration, a fresh start. While these changes noticeably occur around us in nature, spring is also the perfect time to explore change in our bodies & minds. It's a time to cleanse and detoxify; shedding the drowsiness of winter and embodying the lighter, vibrant energies of the season.
Dysmenorrhea, or menstrual pain is a challenge for many women or people with vulvas where more than 50% who menstruate have some pain for 1 to 4 days each month and this can be a pain level from mild to severe. This affects productivity, mood, and quality of life, and may make those suffering from it relentless and overwhelmed. In this blog, let us explore more on the common causes and symptoms of period pain and how IV Therapy can be a game changer to approach seeking relief from this discomfort.
Our relationship with our bodies is complex and central to our experiences. Societal messages often impact how we feel about ourselves, with unrealistic beauty standards being particularly pervasive. Therapy provides a space to explore and reframe the narratives we hold about our bodies, fostering a relationship based on respect and gratitude.
