Dr. Alyssa Trombley, ND

PRECONCEPTION TESTING 🤰🏼

Planning to conceive in the near future? Swipe to see the baseline testing I recommend before embarking on your fertility journey. ➡️🤱🏻✨

▫️ DAY 3 HORMONES - These give us important information regarding how well your HPO (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian) axis is working and if there are any underlying imbalances that could negatively impact your fertility.

▫️ LUTEAL PHASE PROGESTERONE - This helps us confirm whether or not ovulation is occurring. Healthy progesterone levels are needed to sustain a pregnancy.

▫️ NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES - Adequate levels of these nutrients are integral for healthy fetal development and deficiencies can negatively impact fertility. Let’s work on repleting these before you conceive!!

▫️ THYROID PANEL - Thyroid function plays a role in the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and fertility. Elevated levels of thyroid antibodies increase your risk of miscarriage and imbalances in thyroid hormones can negatively impact fetal development.

Let’s work together to set you up for a healthy pregnancy & give your baby the best possible start! 🤍💫

Click the link in my bio to get started! 👩🏼‍⚕️

Need help with burnout & hormones? You’re in the right place!! 🤍

Nothing lights me up like helping women revitalize their energy, banish their PMS & period pain, and feel like themselves (or better!) again! ✨

If you’re struggling with:
▫️ low energy/exhaustion
▫️ burnout
▫️ low mood
▫️ anxiety
▫️ period problems
▫️ period pain
▫️ PMS/PMDD
▫️ digestive issues
▫️ fertility

….know that their ARE answers & solutions to get you feeling like your energetic, well balanced, motivated, lit up self again. 🫶🏼✨

If you’re tired of feeling less than yourself, let’s chat. Book your consult today! (booking link in bio)

Did you know…

Vitamin D deficiency can worsen menstrual pain! 🤯💥

Studies have found associations between vitamin D deficiency and worsened menstrual pain. They have also found that when you supplement with vitamin D & correct the deficiency, menstrual pain improves. 🙌🏼

How can this be? 🤔

Vitamin D plays an important role in the inflammatory, immune response, which also plays a role in menstrual pain.

Women who experience menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) tend to release more inflammatory compounds called prostaglandins, which lead to uterine ischemia, contractions, and pain. 😖

It is thought that vitamin D plays a role in regulating prostaglandin synthesis and breakdown, which has a positive effect in reducing menstrual pain.

Another win for vitamin D! 🙌🏼

Remember that it’s important to get your vitamin D levels tested and speak with a licensed healthcare provider prior to starting any new supplementation. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that can be toxic in high amounts. This is why it’s best to test, not guess! 🩸

If you are searching for a pain-free period or are wanting to get your vitamin D levels checked, click the link in my bio to book your visit! ✨👩🏼‍⚕️

ENDOMETRIOSIS & FERTILITY 🤰🏼

Fertility can be a challenge when you have endometriosis. It is estimated that between 30-50% of women with endometriosis experience infertility. Infertile women are 6 to 8 times (!!) more likely to have endometriosis compared to fertile women. 😔

This isn’t to say that every woman who has endometriosis will have infertility BUT it can be a big contributing factor depending on the severity of disease and location of endometrial lesions.

So what are the factors present in endometriosis that affect fertility?? 🤔

〰️ STRUCTURAL - pelvic or tubal adhesions that prevent or disrupt the process of fertilization and/or implantation from occurring

〰️ HORMONES - abnormalities leading to ovulatory dysfunction, impaired follicle formation & growth, and luteal phase defects

〰️ INFLAMMATION - negative effects on egg & s***m quality, as well as the implantation process

〰️ IMMUNE - altered immune function affects endometrial receptivity and implantation

〰️ ABNORMAL UTERINE CONTRACTILITY - can interfere with conception/implantation and the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy

The good news? Naturopathic medicine has much to offer when it comes to balancing hormones, reducing inflammation, supporting immune function, and relaxing uterine contractility! 🙏🏼

If you are struggling with endometriosis or fertility, book your visit today to get support! ✨🌸

Here’s to 🌙 and the brilliant, inspiring, compassionate women that I’m surrounded with every day! 🙌🏼💕✨

PERIOD PAIN: Is It Endometriosis? 💥😵

Period pain is an extremely common concern among menstruating women and one that I see quite often in my practice. Many times my patients will ask: “What is causing my period pain?” “Do you think it could be endometriosis?” 🤔

Period pain can be caused and exasperated by MANY different things. Some of these include:
〰️ inflammation
〰️ food sensitivities, IBS, and IBD (microbiome disturbances & altered GI function)
〰️ uterine fibroids & cysts
〰️ infections
〰️ PCOS
〰️ …. and endometriosis

Taking a thorough history of your overall health, menstrual health, and pain patterns, along with diagnostic testing, can help us determine what the underlying cause(s) of your menstrual pain is.

Some of the typical signs & symptoms of endometriosis include:
💥 cyclical pelvic pain
💥 pain experienced during in*******se
💥 pain with urination or bowel movements while on your period
💥 altered or heavy menstrual flow
💥 difficulty conceiving or a history of infertility
💥 family history of endometriosis

If you struggle with period pain, know that there ARE answers and highly effective treatment options!! If you’re ready to experience pain-free periods, book your visit today to get started! 👩🏼‍⚕️🤍

3 HABITS THAT ARE CONTRIBUTING TO YOUR BURNOUT 😵

🙅🏼‍♀️ SKIPPING MEALS - Skipping meals or going long periods of time without eating leads to periods of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). When your body is in a hypoglycaemia state, cortisol (a stress hormone) is released in response to raise blood glucose back into a healthy range. In an already overflowing stress system, this creates additional stress that can worsen burnout.

🙅🏼‍♀️ SKIPPING OUT ON SLEEP - Skipping out on sleep interferes with your body’s ability to recover from daily stressors. Adequate, good quality sleep is needed to restore and rejuvenate the body & mind. Lack of sleep leads to less stress resilience, additional fatigue, and physiological changes that further contribute to and worsen burnout.

🙅🏼‍♀️ OVER-EXERCISE - Exercise acts as a *positive* stress on the body. However, when we already have high amounts of stress and/or our body reserves are depleted, it can serve as a negative stress on the system. Over-exercise can occur with exercise that is too intense, too long in duration, and/or too frequent. Making adequate time for rest & recovery is key!

If you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, burnout, or mood changes, let’s break the cycle together. Book your visit to get started! ✨

SIGNS OF BURNOUT 😵😴

Burnout can be sneaky! 🫣

It is a process that often occurs slowly and gradually as chronic stress persists. Because of this, it can be difficult to distinguish full-on burnout from everyday, recoverable fatigue. 😴

Swipe to see some of the common signs of burnout ➡️

If these resonate, let’s chat! There are MANY ways that we can bring your body back in balance & bring that spark of yours back! ✨

If you’re ready to go from burnt out to vibrant & energized, click the link in my bio to get started!

SIBO CHECKLIST ✔️

How many of these did you check off??

Want to learn how to go from bloated to bloat-free? Book your visit! ✨ (booking link in bio)

WHAT’S CAUSING YOUR BLOAT? 🤰🏼

Though bloating is an extremely COMMON symptom, it is not necessarily normal. ❌

Occasional bloating here and there is not something to fret about, but:
✔️ when it begins to happen more consistently
✔️ becomes more severe (ie. looking a few months pregnant 🤰🏼)
✔️ and/or is associated with other symptoms (such as nausea, acid reflux, or bowel movement changes)
…. that is when it should be investigated. 🕵🏼‍♀️

There are many causes of bloating! Swipe to see some of the most common that I see in practice. ➡️

If you’re tired of stubborn, uncomfortable bloating, let’s work together to banish it once and for all! 🙅🏼‍♀️

Here’s to bloat free days all month long! 🫶🏼✨ (booking link in bio)

HORMONE TESTING 🩸

Hormone testing is an essential piece in solving your period irregularities & hormone related symptoms! 😵‍💫🫠

There are MANY different ways we can test hormones, but blood testing is a good place to start.

What most people don’t know is that when we’re testing hormones, the DAY & TIME that they get tested on matters!!! ⏰

Generally, there are 3 different time frames throughout the menstrual cycle to test hormones:

▫️ DAY 3: estradiol, LH, and FSH

▫️ MID-LUTEAL (For a 28 day cycle, this falls on day 21. However, for menstrual cycles that are longer or shorter, this day changes.): progesterone

▫️ ANY DAY: testosterone, DHEAS, prolactin, thyroid hormone, cortisol, and insulin

☀️ Tests that should be done in the morning (between 8-10am) include: testosterone, thyroid hormone, cortisol, and insulin.

Some tests require special prep, such as fasting, avoiding vigorous exercise, and avoiding caffeine prior to the blood draw. ☕️❌

It’s always best to confirm with your doctor WHEN you should get the test done (day & time) and if there’s any special prep required.

*If you found this post helpful, save it for future reference.*

And as always, if you’re tired of dealing with debilitating fatigue, PMS, cramps, bloating (& more) each month, book your visit to begin your path to balanced hormones! ✨

LONG MENSTRUAL CYCLES 🗓️🩸

Do you experience long menstrual cycles?

The normal, average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days. 🗓️

Day 1 of your cycle is the first day of your bleed. That cycle ends on the day prior to your next period.

A long cycle is considered 35 days or longer and can indicate anovulation (lack of ovulation). There are many reasons why ovulation may not occur, depending on your age, life circumstances, medical history, and lifestyle habits…. Which is why it’s important to get a proper workup done!! 👩🏼‍⚕️🤍

Ovulation is important for more than just fertility. It is how we produce & sustain progesterone levels, which play a role in sleep, mood, cognitive function, metabolism, immune function + more. 🙌🏼

If you are experiencing long cycles, lengthening cycles, or irregular cycles, book a free discovery call to learn how to get your hormones back in balance! 🩸✨

As we begin a new year, let this be your reminder that health is achieved by taking SMALL, CONSISTENT steps each day. 👣🏔️

I hate to break it to you but… there is no magic pill, miracle cure, health hack, or short cut to achieving the health & wellness that you desire. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Yes, it is true that specific, targeted, high quality supplements can help support your body back towards health & replete any deficiencies that exist. But there is not one cure all. The foundations of health must be in place for truly vibrant health to flourish! 🌸

If you desire balanced hormones, greater energy, and healthy digestion, it is the small, consistent choices you make each day that will have the greatest impact. 🙌🏼

Choices like:
✨ getting enough sleep each night
✨ moving your body in a way you enjoy *most* days of the week
✨ eating nutritious, whole foods
✨ slowing down at meals & chewing food thoroughly
✨ actively managing your stress & looking for ways to reduce your overall stress load
✨ making time for play, joy, and rest
✨ finding community & connection
+ many more!!

….And when you fall off the wagon, give yourself grace and get back on.

If you need help strengthening these foundations OR you have worked hard on these and still need more support, click the link in my bio to book a visit. Let’s make 2023 your healthiest year yet! 💫

SELF-CARE FOR THE HOLIDAYS 🎄❤️

The holidays can be a busy time!! 😵‍💫

Along with all of the excitement and magic that Christmas holds, also comes the stress of crowded stores, shipping delays, travel changes, unpredictable weather + more.

It can be a lot… to say the least! 😖😅

One of the most fundamental ways to prevent burnout (& heal from it, if it’s already affecting you) is to prioritize self-care, calming, nervous system regulating activities on a regular basis. 💆🏼‍♀️

One of my all time fav ways to do this is through acupuncture! 🫶🏼

Acupuncture is a gentle therapy that activates your parasympathetic nervous system (i.e. your rest & digest, zenned out state! 🧘🏼‍♀️). It helps to balance the body & remove blockages that may be causing pain, anxiety, fatigue, and other unwanted symptoms. It supports your body’s natural energy flow & vitality - also known as your Qi! ✨

Acupuncture is effective for reducing anxiety, improving digestion, supporting energy levels, and reducing pain. And anyone who’s ever experienced an “acu-nap” will attest to just how rejuvenating this therapy is. 🙏🏼

If you’re needing some self-care these holidays, wanting to prevent burnout, or simply want a quiet moment to yourself, come visit me to book your acu-nap! ✨

🎄 Holiday Hours: December 27th to 30th from 10-6 pm. Click the link in my bio to book!

2023 LOADING…. ✨

We’re in our final month of 2022 (can you believe it?! 🤯) and it’s got me reflecting on how I want my next year to look. 😍💭

Research tells us that it takes a minimum of 21 days of consistent action to build a habit, and 66 days for that habit to become automatic…. Which makes NOW the perfect time to start working towards your 2023 health goals! 🤸🏻‍♀️

Start today and by Jan 1st you’ll be halfway towards those healthy, nourishing changes being an automatic part of your life. 🙏🏼

How great would that feel?!

Whether it’s better energy, consistent PMS-free, pain-free periods, being able to enjoy food without bloat, or simply feeling well enough to do all the things you love, I can help!

Book with me and let’s get a head start on setting you up for your best year yet. 🤍✨

THE 6th VITAL SIGN ✨

Your menstrual cycle. 🩸

That’s right! Your menstrual cycle has been recognized as a vital sign, along with blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and pain.

Vital signs are measurements of the body’s most basic functions. They are useful in detecting and monitoring medical problems and overall vitality. They give us insight into how well the body is maintaining balance, or homeostasis. ⚖️

Monitoring vital signs can give us important information about the health of the WHOLE body. Which is why I ask my patients such detailed questions about their menstrual cycle! ⭕️

Questions such as:
〰️ what is your current cycle length & have you experienced any changes to this?
〰️ how long does your period typically last & what is the flow like?
〰️ have you had any changes to period length and/or flow?
〰️ do you experience any PMS or menstrual symptoms?
…along with many more!!

If your menstrual cycle is “off”, it’s likely that other systems in your body need additional support too. Everything from stress to diet to exercise and illness can alter our menstrual cycle, and it’s important to recognize these subtle (or not-so-subtle!) shifts. 🗓

If you’ve noticed changes to your menstrual cycle & are having trouble getting things back on track, let’s chat! Book your complimentary discovery call today to start your journey towards easeful periods & vibrant health! 👩🏼‍⚕️✨

6 months at with the best team! 🫶🏼🌙✨

Grateful everyday for our wonderful patients, this beautiful clinic space, and the amazing women that I get to work alongside each day! 🤍

If you haven’t been to the clinic yet or would like to learn more about what I do & how I can help you reach your health goals, pop in for a visit! See the booking link in my bio!

LUTEAL PHASE ENERGY 🧘🏼‍♀️🥱

Does your energy drop in the weeks leading up to your period?? 😴

This is a common experience for women! So why does it happen & when does it become an issue??

The luteal phase is the time from ovulation up until your next menstrual period, and throughout this phase the predominant hormone produced is PROGESTERONE. 🤩

Progesterone has a calming effect on our body and brain because of its action on GABA receptors (GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter). 💆🏼‍♀️

Because of this interaction between hormones, neurotransmitters, and the nervous system, progesterone is important for stable moods, anxiety reduction, and restorative, high quality sleep. 🫶🏼

The increase in progesterone that happens in the luteal phase can lead women feeling naturally more calm, peaceful, introverted, and craving more downtime & sleep. This state of zen occurs when we are making enough progesterone & our hormones are in happy balance! ✨

When our progesterone levels are lacking, we may experience more unstable moods & emotions, more anxiety, less restorative sleep, and resulting fatigue. 😴

So how do you know when your luteal phase energy (or lack there-of) is becoming a problem?? 🤔

With adequate, balanced hormones, the shifts in energy that progesterone causes should be subtle. It should not interfere with your daily life or tasks, and should not feel like a dramatic change or rollercoaster 🎢 throughout your cycle.

When you notice dramatic drops in energy leading up to your period, or at other points throughout your cycle, that return predictably each month, that should raise some red flags. 🚩

Energy levels can be related to many other things as well! ….estrogen levels, nutrient deficiencies, overall stress, inflammation, etc. Which is why it’s important get a proper assessment! 🩸

If you’re tired of being tired and ready to have stable energy levels & mood all cycle long, let’s chat! Click the booking link in my bio to get started. 👩🏼‍⚕️✨

HORMONES & ANXIETY 😵‍💫⭕️

There are MANY different underlying causes & contributing factors when it comes to anxiety, and your hormones can be one of them!

Here are some of the most common hormonal imbalances I see in practice that can contribute to anxiety:

1) STRESS HORMONES: This one might feel obvious, but it is important to consider nonetheless. A dysregulated cortisol rhythm can lead to anxiety! This can mean either higher than normal levels of cortisol OR lower than normal levels of cortisol (and the timing of these changes matter too!). The other stress hormones released by our sympathetic nervous system include epinephrine & norepinephrine, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety as well. 😖

2) S*X HORMONES: Imbalances or changes in our s*x hormones can lead to anxiety. A clear example of this is the increased anxiety that can occur in menopause, as estrogen & progesterone levels plummet. Progesterone is a calming hormone that acts on our GABA receptors to promote stable moods. Estrogen also plays an important role in mood & brain function. 🧠

3) THYROID HORMONES: Alterations in thyroid hormones can lead to anxiety & low mood, among a host of other symptoms. Generally, increased thyroid function is more associated with anxiety while low thyroid function is associated with low or depressed mood. 😔

4) METABOLIC HORMONES: Healthy blood sugar regulation is KEY for a stable mood. Both high and low levels of glucose can lead to anxiety. Insulin plays a crucial role in glucose regulation & balance. ✨

If you suffer from anxiety, let’s start the investigation together! Click the booking link in my bio to get started. 👩🏼‍⚕️🤍

Here’s to happy, healthy hormones & a happy, healthy you! 💫

IRREGULAR PERIODS & HIRSUTISM

Struggling with these frustrating symptoms? Think you might have PCOS?

You may be right… but you also may not be. 🤷🏼‍♀️

PCOS has a lot of “look-alike” conditions (things that present very similar to PCOS). It is also a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that certain conditions MUST be ruled out before we can definitively diagnose you with PCOS. And this is why a proper, comprehensive work up is so important!!🩸

One of the most common conditions I see that can be confused with PCOS is hypothalamic amenorrhea, also known as HA.

HA results in:
〰️ irregular cycles and/or absent periods
〰️ light menstrual bleeding
〰️ low energy
〰️ low libido
〰️ mood changes, like depression and anxiety
〰️ unwanted hair growth (usually mild)

Many of these symptoms are also present in someone with PCOS! But we can distinguish the difference through comprehensive lab testing. Swipe to see some key findings for each of these conditions ➡️

The good news is that whether you have PCOS or HA, we have effective treatments to get your period regulated, reduce unwanted hair growth, and ultimately rebalance the underlying hormonal imbalance that is at play. ⚖️⭕️

If you’re needing help regulating your periods or resolving any other unwanted symptoms, let’s work together! Click the link in my bio to get started. ✨🤍

Are you experiencing new or worsened hair loss after having the ‘vid??

You aren’t alone!!! The post-🦠 hair loss is real!

This phenomenon is now documented in the medical literature as a frequent and common cause of acute hair loss. This type of hair loss most often occurs approximately 3 months after your original infection and can last for up to 6 months!! 🤯

The good news is that this type of hair loss is not permanent. With time, the hair shedding should stop and new hair will regrow. Depending on your individual state of health, micronutrient status, stress levels, etc., this can happen spontaneously (on it’s own) OR may require further support. 💊🥬💉

I find that patients who already had hair loss (prior to getting the 🦠) and/or have other underlying causes of hair loss do recover more quickly with targeted support. Some of this may include:
▫️ testing micronutrient levels associated with hair loss (iron and vitamin D are big ones!)
▫️ testing for additional causes that may contribute to hair loss (examples: thyroid function, hormone balance - androgens & insulin!)
▫️ providing the building blocks for healthy hair growth (dietary recommendations, nutraceuticals, and/or IV therapy)
▫️ managing stress & mitochondrial function

When it comes to hair loss, there are many contributing factors & causes! Let’s work together to find the cause of yours, and support your luscious locks! 👩🏼✨

Closing out this long weekend feeling grateful for the people, places, and moments that make this world so special. 🙏🏼✨

HRT & PERIMENOPAUSE

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) gets a bad rap sometimes. But when prescribed safely, in the right patient, it can be a game changer! 🙌🏼

As you move towards menopause, both estrogen and progesterone gradually decline (with fluctuations along the way!), which can lead to bothersome symptoms such as:
▫️ hot flashes & night sweats
▫️ insomnia - either difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep
▫️ mood changes - worsened or new onset anxiety or low mood
▫️ cognitive changes - worsened memory and more difficulty with concentration
▫️ vaginal dryness
▫️ reduced libido

These symptoms can be directly impacted & improved with the use of HRT! ✨

But the benefits don’t stop there….

Our hormones are actually very important for bone health & cardiovascular health, and we see consistently in the research that women have a higher risk of developing osteopenia, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease in the post-menopausal period. HRT may help to mitigate some of these risks and support your whole-body health. 💪🏼

Of course, the use of HRT is not to be taken lightly, and there are certain patient populations where it may not be safe to use. So always talk to your doctor before starting or changing your HRT or supplement routine.

If you’re a perimenopausal or menopausal women struggling with symptoms, or simply looking to best support your health & vitality as you age, don’t hesitate to reach out! Click the link in my bio to book. 👩🏼‍⚕️🤍

📣 Calling all women who are burnt out, tired, bloated, and struggling with their hormones….

I have an important message for you: It doesn’t have to be this way!!

You don’t have to struggle, barely making it through each day and feeling too tired to do the things that truly light you up in life. 🙅🏼‍♀️

You don’t have to suffer from debilitating PMS, period pain, hormonal acne, and stubborn belly fat that refuses to budge. 🙅🏼‍♀️

You don’t have to accept your new normal of feeling less than your best self, while deep down knowing that something is off. 🙅🏼‍♀️

There are answers.
And there are solutions, despite what you may have been previously told.

Let me show you how to go from burnt out, hormonal chaos to vibrant & thriving! ✨

There are 3 months left in 2022(!) - let’s get started today to ensure that 2023 is your most healthy, joyful, and aligned year yet! 🙌🏼🤍

My practice is open to all BC residents. Click the link in my bio to get started!

I can’t wait to help you thrive! ☺️

WHAT CAUSES PERIOD PAIN? 🩸💥

In order to treat period pain effectively, it’s important to understand the processes & mechanisms underlying the condition. 🤓

There are primarily two different types of period pain:

1) primary dysmenorrhea - period pain not attributed to another medical condition

2) secondary dysmenorrhea - period pain that is secondary to an underlying medical condition

Details around your period pain, along with targeted testing and imaging (if needed) can be helpful in determining where you period pain is coming from!

Primary dysmenorrhea most often begins about 6-12 months after menarche (your first period), occurs with the onset of menstrual flow, and lasts anywhere from 8-72 hours. Because of the release of inflammatory prostaglandins associated with primary dysmenorrhea, back and thigh pain, headaches, diarrhea, hot flushes, nausea, and vomiting may be experienced as well. 🤒

Secondary dysmenorrhea can appear anytime after menarche and varies more in the timing and intensity of pain. Depending on the underlying cause, associated symptoms can include pain with in*******se and heavy menstrual periods. Secondary dysmenorrhea often does not improve with the use of NSAIDS. 😖

An underlying commonality between most (or all) of these causes is the presence of inflammation! 💥

Modulating your inflammatory response and reducing/eliminating sources of inflammation becomes an important aspect of reducing your period pain. And that’s where naturopathic medicine shines! ✨

If you’re in search of easeful, pain-free periods, click the link in my bio to get started today! 👩🏼‍⚕️🤍

DYSMENORRHEA 💥😖

Do your periods have you curled up in a ball wishing for it to end?? 😵

Or maybe you’ve experienced period pain that’s less severe, but still impacts your energy levels, mood, and overall vitality. 😞

In either case, if period pain is affecting your overall quality of life & ability to work, play, and do all that you want to do, it is something that should be addressed!

Dysmenorrhea, more commonly known as period pain or period cramps, affects anywhere from 16%-91% of women of reproductive age! 🤯

It is something that I see in my practice almost daily and is something that I’ve had personal experience with as well. 😣 (If you’ve experienced it before, you know how bad it can be!!).

Many times patients don’t list period pain as one of their chief concerns (even with severe pain) because they have grown to accept it as “normal” and have learned to push through the pain. Because the pain often only lasts for a couple of hours to days, it can be easy to forget about how debilitating it is as you move through the rest of your month.

But it doesn’t have to be this way!

You don’t need to suffer every month when your period comes and miss out on the things you love to do.

Periods can be an easeful experience, and I’m here to show you how! 🩸✨

Follow along over the next few days to learn more about period pain - what causes it & what we can do about it. 🙌🏼👩🏼‍⚕️

Drop your questions about period pain in the comments so that I can answer these this week!

PMID: 24284871

Feeling tired? Burnt out? Run down? 😵🥱😮‍💨

Book in for a nutrient IV session! ✨

IV therapy is a game changer when it comes to improving energy levels and healing from burn out! 🙌🏼 Because the nutrients are administered intravenously, they bypass the digestive tract and are absorbed to a higher degree. This allows us to replete nutrients (and energy levels!) much faster than with supplementation alone.

All of our IV formulas are individually tailored to you and your unique symptom picture. So if your fatigue/burn out also results in:
▫️ worsened anxiety or low mood
▫️ brain fog
▫️ worsened PMS
▫️ a sluggish thyroid
▫️ poor immune function (frequent colds & flus)
…. we can adjust the formula to provide support for these things too.

If you are curious about IV therapy or would like to chat about whether or not it’s right for you, click the link in bio to book a discovery call! 👩🏼‍⚕️

TESTING TO INVESTIGATE PCOS 🩸✨

Along with a complete intake, testing is the first step in investigating PCOS.

Some of the blood tests that we would start with include:

▫️androgens (bioavailable T, androstenedione, DHEAS) - PCOS can results in elevated androgens!

▫️ fasting insulin & glucose (or better yet - a 2h insulin/glucose challenge) - PCOS can result in hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, which further contributes to hormonal balance.

▫️ day 3 LH, FSH, and estradiol - PCOS can result in an elevated LH:FSH ratio. These hormones are important for differentiating PCOS from hypothalamic amenorrhea (another condition with absent periods).

▫️ vitamin D - Though vitamin D doesn’t help us diagnose PCOS, it helps greatly with management of the condition! Adequate vitamin D levels are necessary for proper metabolic functioning, hormonal balance, and regulating inflammation. Because of this, low vitamin D levels can exacerbate symptoms of PCOS.

▫️inflammatory markers (CRP & ESR) - Again, these markers don’t help us diagnose PCOS but do help with management. Inflammation can play a big role in PCOS so monitoring these can be helpful. Elevated CRP can tip us off that the gut/microbiome needs more support!

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it’s a good place to start! If we are investigating PCOS as a new diagnosis, we may need to run tests to rule in/out other conditions as well. If we are managing PCOS that has already been diagnosed, functional tests (ex: comprehensive stool panel, nutrient testing, genetic tests) can be extremely helpful to gain insight & treatment success.

To learn more about PCOS & testing, check out our insta live Q&A from yesterday! ✨