Testing and treating iron deficiencies happens multiple times per day, every day, in my practice. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are incredibly common, and can make people feel so depleted. Thankfully, there are effective options for treating this concern. What are the symptoms of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia? Iron deficiency anemia is what can occur if iron deficiency is left untreated. While anemia is more severe, iron deficiency without anemia still causes symptoms, and should be treated.  Iron deficiency makes people feel tired. It can make you feel winded ..read more

Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition that affects approximately one in ten women of reproductive age. This disorder occurs when endometrial tissue that typically grows inside the uterus appears in other parts of the body. This misplaced tissue most commonly grows on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, intestines, and the ligaments and muscles of the pelvis. Since this tissue acts like it would inside the uterus, it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle, leading to inflammation, scarring, and pelvic pain. It is also important to note that in women with endometri ..read more

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age, often causing difficulty with weight management, insulin resistance, acne, menstrual cycle irregularity and fertility concerns. While there is no definitive cure for PCOS, adopting a healthy diet can play a crucial role in managing insulin resistance and its associated symptoms. In this article, we will explore the Mediterranean diet and low glycemic index foods as potential dietary approaches to support women with PCOS. The Mediterranean Diet and its Parameters: The Mediterranean diet is a wel ..read more

Exercise plays a significant role in overall health and wellness, and it can also have an impact on fertility. However, the effects of exercise on fertility can vary depending on factors such as exercise intensity and BMI (Body Mass Index). In this article, we will explore the relationship between exercise and fertility, taking into account the intensity of exercise for both female and male partners. Exercise and Female Fertility: The Role of Intensity and BMI Research suggests that exercise can influence female fertility, and it's important to consider both exercise intensity and BMI when as ..read more

When it comes to female and male fertility, the health and quality of egg and sperm cells play a crucial role. These cells require a significant amount of energy to develop and are susceptible to oxidative damage. One key nutrient that has gained attention in recent years for its potential benefits in supporting fertility is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is one of the main nutrients that I recommend in my naturopathic fertility practice. In this article, I will review what CoQ10 is, how it works, and the potential benefits it may offer for both male and female fertility. Let’s dive in shall we ..read more

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. Part of this shift will include the option to complete self screening instead of needing to see a health care provider. It is important to know that HPV testing is an effective way to screen for cervical cancer and self collected swabs are just as effective as provider ..read more

Many people are aware that having irregular periods negatively affects hormones and fertility, but did you know that not having a period can affect your bone health? For example, hormonal conditions like hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA), increase the risk of low bone density and fractures. If you are struggling with an irregular or absent cycle, this is just another reason to investigate your hormones, and get on a plan to feel better.  What is hypothalamic amenorrhea?  HA is a hormonal condition that is diagnosed when absent periods are due to decreased food intake, low food intake rel ..read more

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! Fertility Microbiome Research According to a clinical trial published in 2016 in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, non-lactobacillus dominant endometrium in IVF patients is associate ..read more

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 ..read more

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. The Role of Nutrition i ..read more