Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe, chronic condition that impacts a surprising amount of people assigned female at birth. Despite its prevalence, it’s a condition often misunderstood or dismissed. While medication and lifestyle changes are often recommended for managing PMDD, psychotherapy can be an invaluable part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Here’s why psychotherapy is essential for individuals with PMDD and how it supports holistic healing.
Read MorePMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. It refers to an extreme collection of symptoms that occur in the 1-2 weeks leading up to our periods that make 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 that this can happen is because PMDD is much more than a hormonal condition. It is a whole body experience. Today we are going to look at some of the factors that drive PMDD that have nothing to do with our hormones.
Read MoreAs a naturopathic doctor at The Clara Clinic, I frequently work with individuals seeking ways to improve their menstrual health and manage symptoms that impact their daily lives. When it comes to supporting healthy periods, IV therapy can be a powerful, targeted option to address nutrient deficiencies, reduce PMS symptoms, and support energy levels. Whether you’re experiencing fatigue, cramps, or mood fluctuations, IV therapy offers a way to deliver essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream for fast, effective support. Here’s a look at how IV therapy can help you achieve healthier, more balanced menstrual cycles.
Read MorePeriods are often shrouded in mystery and sometimes even stigma, making it difficult for people to know what’s "normal" when it comes to menstrual cycles. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all for what a period should look or feel like. However, understanding the general range of "normal" can help you recognize patterns in your own cycle and identify when something may need attention.
Read MoreA breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing, bringing challenges that affect every part of a patient’s life. From managing physical symptoms to addressing emotional concerns, the journey can feel overwhelming. However, alternative therapies like mistletoe therapy are offering hope to patients. This blog will explore the benefits of mistletoe therapy for breast cancer patients at any stage of their cancer journey, providing insight into its use, effectiveness, and integration with conventional treatments.
Read MoreLiving with PCOS often feels like a balancing act, as you navigate a complex mix of symptoms that affect everything from your metabolism to your mood. With so many supplements on the market promising to balance hormones, regulate periods, and help with weight management, it’s easy to think that a pill might be the answer to your struggles. But when it comes to managing PCOS, lifestyle is key.
Read MorePCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders, affecting approximately 10% of people with ovaries of reproductive age. Yet, despite these numbers, many feel isolated in their experience. A significant percentage (about 71%) report feelings of loneliness, struggling to find others who truly understand what they’re going through. This sense of isolation isn’t just emotionally taxing; it can also exacerbate the psychological impacts of PCOS. Studies have shown that people with PCOS are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, partly due to the feelings of loneliness and lack of support.
Read MoreFor many women, living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can feel profoundly unfair. The physical symptoms alone—whether it’s unexplained weight gain, painful and unpredictable periods, fertility struggles, or persistent skin issues—can be overwhelming. But the emotional toll often cuts even deeper. The impact of PCOS can distort how you see yourself, leading to a complicated relationship with your body and food.
Read MoreGDM is a condition in which a person without diabetes develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing GDM because many have pre-existing insulin resistance. Let’s talk about 4 strategies we recommend for reducing the risk of GDM in patients who have PCOS.
Read MoreAs the school year approaches, many of us find ourselves juggling a myriad of responsibilities—whether it's attending classes, managing extracurricular activities, or keeping up with work and family obligations. This busy season can be overwhelming and taxing on our bodies, especially on our adrenal glands and immune systems. One effective way to support your overall health and well-being during this hectic time is through IV therapy. In this blog, we'll explore how IV therapy can help support adrenal health, bolster the immune system, and combat burnout.
Read MoreThe idea of a new type of PCOS called post-pill PCOS has become increasingly popular in recent years. The question is whether this is truly a type of PCOS or not.
Read MorePerimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, typically occurring in women between their late 30s and early 50s. During this period, many women experience a variety of symptoms due to hormonal fluctuations which can be challenging, but adopting a naturopathic approach to hormonal health offers a holistic and natural way to manage these symptoms. Naturopathy emphasizes the body's innate ability to heal itself, utilizing natural therapies and lifestyle modifications to support overall well-being during perimenopause.
Read MoreOne of the most confusing phenomena as we approach menopause is that the premenstrual symptoms we've dealt with for many years can actually worsen. Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause when women’s hormones begin to change. Menopause marks the cessation of menstruation. While the idea of no longer having periods might seem appealing, menopause entails numerous physiological changes. It involves adapting to functioning without hormones we've relied on throughout our lives.
Read MoreAcne isn’t just for teenagers. For many people, acne can resurface during perimenopause and menopause, a stage typically occurring in the late 30s and 40s. This is a time of significant hormonal fluctuations that can trigger acne flare-ups. Let's delve into the reasons behind this resurgence and discuss effective ways to manage it.
Read MoreHave you ever wondered what keeps your body run smoothly, ensuring that you have enough energy to tackle your day? The thyroid gland is responsible for that! It helps regulate your hormones, metabolism and energy production. But what happens when this falls out of sync? Enter Hashimoto's thyroiditis, one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism in North America. In this article, we will be exploring how some major thyroid health problems and a great holistic guide in approaching this.
Read MoreEmbarking on the journey toward parenthood is a deeply personal and often complex process. For many, this pursuit can be accompanied by a myriad of emotions, ranging from hope, joy, and excitement to frustration, disappointment, and even grief. This rollercoaster of emotions can be overwhelming and at times even lonely. In this article, we explore some of the ways psychotherapy can offer a supportive and compassionate space for individuals to navigate the emotional nuances of their fertility journey.
Read MoreIn recent years, IV vitamin therapy has gained traction in naturopathic medicine, offering a promising avenue for those seeking holistic fertility solutions. As patients of our clinic who are trying to conceive or are undergoing fertility treatment support, you may find this approach particularly intriguing. Let's explore how nutrition and reproductive health are intertwined and how IV vitamin therapy can potentially enhance fertility, egg quality, and sperm quality.
Read MoreWe understand that trying to get pregnant with a PCOS diagnosis can be a very challenging, emotional, and stress-driven time. Our goal is to help dispel your concerns around conceiving with PCOS, as individuals with PCOS actually tend to respond quite positively to fertility interventions. Today, I’m taking you through ALL of the steps to go through if you’ve started on your PCOS fertility journey (this includes if you just started thinking about trying too!), so you can feel confident that you’re on the right track.
Read MoreIf you are following our blogs this month then you would know that nutrition actually plays a big role in both mental and skin health. Along with treatments recommended by your health practitioner, getting the right nutrients will also aid you in managing mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and skin issues like acne. A fantastic way to achieve this is through IV vitamin therapy. This is a wellness treatment where vitamins and minerals are infused directly into your bloodstream.
Read MoreJune 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.
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