Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, Naturopathic Physician

💤Common Causes of Fatigue: Hypothyroidism

It is estimated that approximately 2 in 100 Canadians suffer from overt hypothyroidism. However, subclinical hypothyroidism is estimated to affect up to 15% of the population.⚡️

Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid occurs when our thyroid gland fails to produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. The thyroid gland is the master gland of metabolism and energy, and affects almost every cell in the body. Therefore, if your thyroid isn’t working optimally, neither are you!

👉Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, depression, constipation, dry skin, brittle nails and hair, muscle aches, poor memory and concentration, cool body temperature, and weight gain.

If you suspect that your thyroid is sluggish, ask your healthcare provider to order a comprehensive thyroid panel including TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), fT3 (free T3), fT4 (free T4), and TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibodies).

Do you feel exhausted, although you’re getting adequate sleep?💭 Have you noticed that your mood, memory, concentration, and physical endurance are compromised?💭 Well, you are not alone. 💤 Fatigue is actually one of the most common complaints to health care providers, regardless of practice setting or culture.

Getting to the underlying cause of these symptoms is the first step to help you regain your energy.🔑 With some simple laboratory testing and thorough history taking through your naturopathic physician, the root cause of your fatigue can be revealed, and strategies for re-balancing can be started to get you feeling your best once again!

In upcoming posts, I’ll be going over 5 causes of fatigue that I commonly see in my naturopathic practice. Follow along!⭐️

Learn about the Naturopathic Therapies I offer in my practice!💫💫

Naturopathic Medicine focuses on treating the underlying cause of disease and dysfunction through supporting the body’s self-healing capabilities. My treatment plans encompass a blend of modern scientific research and traditional forms of therapies that are individualized to reach each patient’s health goals. These include:

🌼Lifestyle Counselling:
Diet, exercise, sleep and stress management are addressed to promote sustainable health and longevity.
​
🌼Clinical Nutrition:
Nutritional supplementation is used in capsule, tablet or injection form to treat underlying nutritional deficiencies, support normal physiological processes and prevent the progression of disease.
​
🌼Botanical Medicine:
Both western and Chinese herbs are used in the form of teas, capsules, tablets, tinctures and topical preparations.
​
🌼Acupuncture:
Specific acupuncture points are selected to help re-establish balance in the body and promote healing.
​
🌼Allergy Desensitization:
An allergen solution is given under the tongue through a series of treatments to improve allergic symptoms by reducing the body’s sensitivity to the allergen.
​
🌼Intravenous Nutrient Therapy:
High dose vitamins and minerals are used to treat deficiencies, improve energy, and support the immune system.

🌼Prescriptive Medicines:
In 2010, the BC government granted NDs prescriptive drug rights.

To learn more about my offerings or to book a visit, please visit my website: https://www.drvandrimmelen.com

🤔🥖 Did you know emerging evidence suggests a potential link between gluten intolerance and autoimmune thyroid conditions?

For individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, adopting a gluten-free diet may help reduce inflammation and alleviate autoimmune responses, potentially supporting overall reproductive health.

🍞 Prior to adopting a gluten-free diet, celiac disease testing is recommended, to determine what type of gluten intolerance is present - ie. celiac or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis can significantly impact fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage due to its effects on thyroid function and immune system dysregulation.

However, by integrating naturopathic approaches such as targeted supplementation, thyroid medication when necessary, and dietary modifications, individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis can optimize their reproductive health and may increase their chances of successful conception and healthy pregnancies.

💚 If you would like to learn more about your reproductive and thyroid health, please don’t hesitate to book a naturopathic consultation at Juniper Family Health.

https://juniperfamilyhealth.com/book-now

☀️ Supplementation with Vitamin D, Selenium, and Inositol ☀️

Here is a naturopathic support that may aid in improving reproductive outcomes in individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: Supplementation with Vitamin D, Selenium, and Inositol.

💡 Studies have shown that deficiencies in vitamin D and selenium, both of which have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, may exacerbate the immune dysfunction associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and supplementation may improve thyroid parameters.

Additionally, inositol, a naturally occurring cell signalling compound, has been found to support ovarian function and thyroid hormone synthesis and may benefit individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

💚 If you would like to learn more about your reproductive and thyroid health, please don’t hesitate to book a naturopathic consultation at Juniper Family Health: https://juniperfamilyhealth.com/book-now

👩‍⚕️ As a naturopathic physician, I emphasize a functional approach to managing Hashimoto's thyroiditis and its impact on reproductive health.

Here is a naturopathic support that may aid in improving reproductive outcomes in individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis:

🌟 Thyroid Medication in Overt or Subclinical Hypothyroidism:

For individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis who develop overt or subclinical hypothyroidism, the use of thyroid medication, such as levothyroxine, is essential.

Proper management of thyroid hormone levels can help restore hormonal balance, potentially improving menstrual regularity, ovulation and fertility.

💚 If you would like to learn more about your reproductive and thyroid health, please don’t hesitate to book a naturopathic consultation at Juniper Family Health!

https://juniperfamilyhealth.com/book-now

Impact of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis on Reproductive Health 💫

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to reduced thyroid hormone production.

This immune system dysfunction may also impact egg quality and quantity, and the uterine environment.

This can significantly impact reproductive health in several ways:

1️⃣ Menstrual Cycle Irregularities and Ovulation Issues

2️⃣ Impact on Ovarian Reserve

3️⃣ Impact on Embryo and Placenta

If you would like to learn more about your reproductive and thyroid health, please don’t hesitate to book a naturopathic consultation at Juniper Family Health.

📍 Juniper Family Health
📞 778-265-8340
📧 [email protected]

As a naturopathic physician who works in the reproductive health field, I often encounter individuals struggling with fertility issues and recurrent miscarriages.

One of the common underlying factors I observe is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.

This week, I’ll be exploring the effects of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis on reproductive health, including its impact on fertility and miscarriage, and discuss naturopathic supports that may help improve reproductive outcomes.

Stay tuned! ✨

✨When Should I Start Acupuncture for my IVF Cycle?✨

Research conducted by Dr. Hullender Rubin and colleagues has shown that pretreatment with acupuncture prior to egg retrieval and embryo transfer (ET), as well as same day ET acupuncture improves live birth rates. In this study a dose of 11-12 acupuncture treatments were shown to improve fertility outcomes.🤰

⭐️Acupuncture treatments are weekly or bi-weekly depending on where you are at in your cycle. To achieve the recommended dose of acupuncture, aim to start your treatments 6-8 weeks prior to your egg retrieval or ET.
​
Acupuncture should be continued 5-7 days after ET, and weekly thereafter throughout the first trimester to support a healthy pregnancy.
​
To learn more about my offerings or to book in with me, click here: https://app.outsmartemr.com/online-booking/774/drvandrimmelen

*Reference:
Impact of Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine on In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes

Did you know acupuncture can help to support the following assisted reproduction cycles:

⭐️Intra-uterine inseminations (IUI)
⭐️In vitro fertilization (IVF)
⭐️Intra-cytoplasmic s***m injection (ICSI)
⭐️Frozen embryo transfer (FET)
⭐️Superovulation

If you’d like to book an appointment with me, please call Juniper Health Clinic.

👩🏼‍⚕️ Juniper Family Health
📍 314-1175 Cook Street, Victoria
📞 Tel: 778-265-8340

💫 ​Depending on where you are at in your fertility journey, acupuncture can be used on its own, or as a complementary therapy to fertility treatments such as IVF and IUI.

Here are some of the fertility related conditions acupuncture can help support:

🌸Polycystic ovarian syndrome
🌸Poor ovarian reserve (advanced maternal age)
🌸Endometriosis
🌸Irregular menstrual cycles
🌸Recurrent pregnancy loss
🌸Unexplained infertility

For some folks, ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies) may be what is needed to achieve a family.

I work with individuals undergoing IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and IUI (Intrauterine Inseminations), and am committed to collaborating with your entire healthcare team.

Acupuncture is an effective way to reduce stress associated with ART and it can improve fertility outcomes.

If you’d like to book an appointment with me, please call Juniper Health Clinic, or book online by clicking the link in my bio.

👩🏼‍⚕️ Juniper Family Health
📍 314-1175 Cook Street, Victoria
📞 Tel: 778-265-8340

Did you know acupuncture is a safe and effective way of supporting your family building goals?🤰

Depending on where you are at in your fertility journey, acupuncture can be used on its own, or as a complementary therapy to fertility treatments such as IVF and IUI.

I am passionate about providing comprehensive and compassionate fertility care. 💛

Over the years I have complemented post graduate training by board certified fertility specialist and clinical researcher Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin DAOM, LAc, FABORM, and was fortunate enough to practice alongside fertility expert Dr. Clara Cohen DTCM RAc for the first few years of my practice. I have found success in my clinical practice by combining acupuncture with other evidence-based naturopathic therapies such as diet and lifestyle interventions, herbal medicines, and vitamin and mineral therapies.

Follow along as I discuss some of the fertility related conditions acupuncture can help support this week! 🌸

Are you struggling with eczema? Here are 3 simple steps to follow with the help of your Naturopathic Doctor to naturally ease your eczema! 😊

🌟Step 1: Identify and remove food sensitivities & allergies

Immune reactions to food can cause inflammation in various parts of the body. In the case of eczema, this immune reaction presents as inflammation on the skin.

Once food triggers are identified we often recommend a full elimination for 1- 3 months while we work on healing the intestinal lining, and balancing the immune and digestive system. After these 1-3 months, occasionally these reactive foods can be eaten again in moderation. However, in some individuals long-term elimination is required.

🌟Step 2: Heal the gut

We know that 80% of the immune system surrounds the gut. So it makes sense that any imbalance in our digestive system will lead to immune imbalance and autoimmunity, and contribute to conditions like eczema. A basic protocol for healing the gut involves supplementation with a high dose multi-strain probiotic, omega 3 fish oil, and L-glutamine.

🌟Step 3: Lather your skin with a natural soothing moisturizing cream

While working on healing the skin from the inside out, and addressing the underlying immune imbalance, soothing skin itchiness with a natural moisturizing cream or ointment can be helpful. We often recommend an all-natural chickweed or manuka honey based cream that is applied to problem areas two times per day.

*To read this full article written by me & published in alive Magazine, tap here:
https://www.alive.com/beauty/3-simple-steps-to-ease-eczema/

Are you struggling with eczema?

🌿 A naturopathic approach to easing eczema targets the root cause of skin inflammation, and is a long term answer to managing skin health.

The cause of eczema seems to be the combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Specifically, we know that eczema is associated with a malfunction of the immune system. So, to treat eczema, we are actually targeting the immune system. 🌟

Follow along this week as I discuss 3 simple steps to follow with the help of your Naturopathic Doctor to naturally ease your eczema! 😊

🌟 Developmental checks play a crucial role in tracking your child’s growth and well-being. At Juniper Family Health, we schedule these checks at key developmental milestones, including 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, and annually thereafter. 📆

In addition, we welcome visits as needed at any time between these standard developmental checks. Your child’s well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to support their development every step of the way. 💛

🌿 Naturopathic Support for Babies & Children 👧👦

Start your child's journey to optimal health and wellness with a proactive and preventative approach. From infancy to adolescence, I provide comprehensive naturopathic care for all stages of development. . ✅

I offer developmental milestone checks which include thorough physical exams, developmental anticipatory guidance, nutritional guidance, and an opportunity to discuss any health concerns parents may have.

If health concerns do arise, I use a wide variety of child-friendly natural therapies and lifestyle interventions, I will prescribe conventional medications when appropriate, and will refer to other health care providers when required. 💫

If you are seeking holistic and personalized care for your child's well-being, take the first step by booking online at Juniper Family Health! 🌿✨

📞 Contact Us at Juniper Family Health:
📍 314-1175 Cook Street, Victoria BC
📱 Call 778-265-8340

🧠 Managing Cognitive Changes in Menopause and Optimizing Brain Health: A Step-by-Step Guide 🧠

✨ Address other potential modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline, such as poor sleep, lack of exercise, smoking, high blood pressure, prediabetes/diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, nutrient deficiencies (ie. vitamin B12 and iron) and depression and anxiety.

Incorporate healthy lifestyle changes that can help improve brain function, such as regular exercise, a healthy whole foods diet, and getting enough sleep.

✨ Prioritize mental and social stimulation as a way to stimulate the brain and promote cognitive health.

Examples of mental stimulation include reading, puzzles, and learning a new skill. Be mindful of staying socially active, whether that be through volunteer work, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family.

By taking these steps, I hope you can be empowered to take control of your cognitive and brain health during menopause. 😊

It is essential to work with a healthcare provider who has expertise in mid-life health to help determine the best course of action based on your risk factors and health history. If you would like to learn more, please book a naturopathic appointment at Juniper Family Health. We are here to help! 💛

https://juniperfamilyhealth.com

🧠 Managing Cognitive Changes in Menopause and Optimizing Brain Health: A Step-by-Step Guide 🧠

✨ Understand what cognitive changes are and how they manifest during menopause.

Cognitive changes refer to a decline in cognitive function, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and struggling to recall words and numbers.

✨ Recognize that menopause-related cognitive changes are common, but not everyone experiences them.

It is important to normalize the experience and be reassured that cognitive changes do not necessarily mean they are on the path toward dementia.

✨ Consider hormone therapy as a treatment option, specifically if you have vasomotor symptoms that are contributing to sleep and mood disturbances.

Estrogen plays a vital role in cognitive function, and hormone therapy may improve cognitive function in some women. Discuss the risks and benefits of hormone therapy with your healthcare provider to determine if it's the right option.

Stay tuned as I explain more steps that can empower you to take control of your cognitive and brain health during menopause! 💛

Let’s talk Estrogen!

🧠 Estrogen, a key reproductive hormone, undergoes a decline during menopause and could impact cognitive function.

🌟 Studies suggest that estrogen receptors in the brain are involved in cognitive processes such as memory and attention.

The decrease in estrogen levels may contribute to cognitive difficulties experienced during menopause. ⬇️

Apart from the direct effects on estrogen on the brain, other menopausal symptoms like vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) are known to contribute to sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms in menopause.

😴 Both sleep disturbances and mood changes can influence cognitive function, and these factors collectively contribute to cognitive difficulties during this phase.

Follow along to learn more about managing these cognitive changes, I’ll be providing a step-by-step guide this week! ✅

🧠🌸 Did you know midlife women often encounter cognitive shifts during menopause? From memory challenges to concentration difficulties, these changes, known as ”brain fog,” are common.

🔍 Research shows that the cognitive domains most affected during the transition through menopause are verbal learning and memory. Women may struggle with remembering words and numbers, misplacing items, trouble concentrating, and forgetting appointments.

While these symptoms can be distressing, they are generally within the normal range and should not be confused with dementia.

💫 Follow along as I delve deeper into the hormonal influence on cognition and mood later this week!

Did you know that fatigue is one of the most common health concerns that prompt people to go to their healthcare provider? 😴

🥱 Common causes of fatigue include:

🌟 Hypothyroidism
🌟 Stress & adrenal fatigue
🌟 Nutrient deficiencies (ie. iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D)
🌟 Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone decline in menopause/perimenopause
🌟 Blood sugar imbalances
🌟 Chronic inflammation
🌟 Chronic digestive concerns
🌟 Anxiety & Depression

Identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms is the first step toward helping you regain your energy and sense of wellness.

Through taking a thorough medical intake, understanding your health history, and ordering laboratory testing, I can help you find the root cause of your symptoms, and develop strategies to get you feeling your best once again!

https://www.drvandrimmelen.com/contact

🌙 Importance of Healthy Sleep for Kids 💤

It’s not uncommon to see sleep issues in children. Creating a bedtime routine and making conscious food choices can greatly improve their sleep quality! Here are some tips:

1️⃣ Bedtime Routine: Establishing a consistent routine helps signal to your child’s body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Avoid screens for 1 hour before bed, and incorporate calming activities like reading a book or taking a warm bath to relax their mind and body.

2️⃣ Avoid Caffeine and Limit Sugar: Do not give your child caffeinated drinks, and limit sugary foods later in the day, as both can interfere with your child’s ability to fall asleep and have a restful night. Opt for healthier snacks and beverages instead.

3️⃣ Natural Remedies: Natural remedies can be helpful in promoting healthy sleep patterns in kids. Consider incorporating these options under the guidance of a healthcare professional:

✨Lemon Balm and Valerian Root: Consider kid-friendly teas containing lemon balm and valerian root, known for their nervous-system-relaxing properties.

✨Melatonin: In cases of diagnosed childhood insomnia, melatonin can be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Remember, prioritizing your child’s sleep and incorporating these healthy habits can contribute to their overall well-being and better cognitive function during the day. 💫

PMID: 16487692
PMID: 20028959
PMID: 27076541

Did you know that a self survey might help predict the likelihood of endometriosis? 🤔

According to newer research, this is a groundbreaking development. Why is it so important? Because the average diagnosis of endometriosis takes a staggering 6-10 years! ⏳

A study published in the journal of Scientific Reports sheds light on this exciting breakthrough. This research suggests that a self survey can potentially assist in identifying the probability of endometriosis. Hit the link down below to dive into the details of the study. 📑

Now, let's talk more about endometriosis. This common yet often misunderstood condition affects 5-10% of women worldwide. 🚺

Symptoms can include pelvic pain, painful menstrual periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, pain with in*******se, bloating, IBS symptoms, fatigue, and even difficulties in conceiving.

But with the possibility of a self survey helping in early detection, we can hope for swifter and more accurate diagnoses. Let's spread the word and empower women to take control of their health! Remember, knowledge is power. 💡

If you would like to learn more about naturopathic support for endometriosis, pelvic pain, menstrual cramping or infertility please book a consult at Juniper Family Health. 🌿🩺

https://linktr.ee/drmeghanvandrimmelen

🌟 Research shows that 44% of individuals with unexplained infertility have endometriosis, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making in fertility investigations and treatments, especially for those experiencing pelvic pain. As an ND, I advocate for further investigations in my unexplained infertility patients, and provide endo specific support in those with high suspicion.

These supports include:
1️⃣ Addressing inflammation: Evidence-based anti-inflammatory supplementation and dietary strategies are used to combat inflammation, which plays a significant role in reproductive health.

2️⃣ Enhancing endometrial receptivity: Addressing the uterine microbiome and progesterone resistance, to optimize the environment for successful embryo implantation.

3️⃣ Improving egg quality: Targeted antioxidant therapy to enhance egg quality, a crucial factor in improving fertility outcomes.

Let's empower our bodies with the right care and strategies. If you would like to learn more, please book a naturopathic consult at Juniper Family Health!

https://linktr.ee/drmeghanvandrimmelen

✨ Signs and Symptoms of Late Perimenopause (Approximate Age Range: Late 40s to Early 50s) ✨

Late perimenopause marks the impending transition to menopause, and the symptoms experienced during this phase can vary in severity from woman to woman. 🚺

Understanding the nuances of early and late perimenopause is essential for women as they navigate this significant stage of life. 🗝️ By recognizing the signs and symptoms associated with each phase, individuals can take proactive steps to support their health and well-being during this transformative journey.

Remember, every woman's experience with perimenopause is unique, and seeking guidance from a menopause healthcare provider, including naturopathic doctors, can offer valuable support and individualized care tailored to specific needs. Embracing this stage of life with mindfulness, self-care, and informed decision-making on treatment options can empower women to navigate perimenopause with resilience and vitality. 💫

To access this full blog article with references, tap here: https://juniperfamilyhealth.com/blog/2024/5/9/understanding-perimenopause-early-vs-late-signs-and-symptoms-by-dr-meghan-van-drimmelen-nd

✨ Signs and Symptoms of Early Perimenopause (Approximate Age Range: Late 30s to Early 40s) ✨

During the early stages of perimenopause, women may notice subtle changes in their menstrual cycle and experience symptoms that gradually intensify over time. These may include:

➡️ Irregular periods: Menstrual cycles may become shorter due to a shorter follicular phase, and bleeding may be heavier or lighter than usual.

➡️ Mood swings, irritability and more pronounced PMS: Fluctuating hormone levels can impact emotional well-being.

➡️ Hot flashes and night sweats: Sudden feelings of intense heat, often accompanied by sweating, can be disruptive to daily life. In early perimenopause these vasomotor symptoms may be cyclical and fall in line with the days leading up to menstruation.

➡️ Fatigue and sleep disturbances: Changes in hormone levels can affect sleep patterns and lead to feelings of tiredness.

Early perimenopause serves as a gentle introduction to the changes that lie ahead, providing an opportunity for women to gradually adapt to the evolving hormonal landscape.

⭐️ To access this full blog article with references, tap here: https://juniperfamilyhealth.com/blog/2024/5/9/understanding-perimenopause-early-vs-late-signs-and-symptoms-by-dr-meghan-van-drimmelen-nd

🌸👩‍⚕️As a naturopathic doctor with a passion for women's health, I often encounter patients who are navigating the phase of life known as perimenopause.

This transitional period can bring about various changes in a woman's body, with early and late perimenopause marking distinct stages in the process.

To shed light on this topic, let’s start by providing clarity on perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. ☝️

💫 Follow along as we delve deeper into the signs and symptoms of early and late perimenopause in my upcoming posts!

Because progesterone starts to decline before estrogen, there is a period of time in a woman’s life where there is a relative excess amount of estrogen in relation to progesterone, a phenomenon known as ‘estrogen dominance.’ ⚠️

Common symptoms of estrogen dominance, or progesterone deficiency include:

➡️ Heavy periods
➡️ Menstrual cramping
➡️ PMS
➡️ Insomnia
➡️ Weight gain and bloating
➡️ Breast tenderness
➡️ Fibrocystic breasts
➡️ Fibroids and endometriosis

As we get closer to menopause, estrogen starts to decline, and menstrual periods become further apart, and eventually non-existent.

Common symptoms of estrogen deficiency include:

➡️ Hot flashes
➡️ Night sweats
➡️ Vaginal dryness
➡️ Chronic urinary tract infections
➡️ Poor memory and concentration
➡️ Low libido
➡️ Dry hair and skin
➡️ Depression and/or anxiety
➡️ High cholesterol
➡️ Weight gain

Lifestyle factors that can contribute to hormone dysfunction, and exacerbate hormone imbalance symptoms include exposure to environmental estrogens (xenoestrogens), and chronic stress. Xenoestrogens are found in plastics, pesticides/herbicides, and hormone fed meat products. These compounds act like estrogen in the body, and can contribute to the ‘estrogen dominant’ picture I mentioned above. Chronic stress on the other hand tends to ‘steal’ from our progesterone pool. When we are stressed, our body preferentially produces cortisol (our stress hormone), over progesterone, which again leads to a relative progesterone deficiency or ‘estrogen dominant’ picture.

🌸 If you suspect that your hormones are out of balance, please don't hesitate to book a naturopathic appointment at Juniper Family Health. To access this full blog article with references, tap the link below!

https://linktr.ee/drmeghanvandrimmelen

Estrogen and progesterone are the two main s*x hormones produced by the ovaries in women. These hormones are crucial components of women’s health and wellness. 🚺💫 Not only do they contribute a woman’s menstrual cycle and the ability to conceive, and maintain a pregnancy, they also impact our mood, s*x drive, bone density, skin health, heart health, and immune health.

In cycling women, estrogen rises in the first half of the menstrual cycle, and contributes to the thickening of the uterine wall (endometrium). Progesterone is produced upon ovulation and rises throughout the second half of the cycle; it drops towards the end of the cycle, which causes endometrial shedding/menstrual flow.

Naturally, we see that progesterone starts to slowly decline in our late 30s or early 40’s. 📉 Estrogen on the other hand, starts to decline later, and deficiencies are not often seen until mid to late 40s and 50s, as we get closer to menopause. To fully understand the changes that occur when estrogen and progesterone decline, we must first look at the myriad of functions that these two key hormones have in the body.

➡️ Scroll through to uncover the intricate roles of estrogen and progesterone!

To access this full blog article with references, tap here: https://www.drvandrimmelen.com/single-post/2015/06/08/what-all-women-need-to-know-about-estrogen-and-progesterone

👩🏻‍💻🌿 Did you know that we offer telemedicine at Juniper Family Health?

Our telemedicine service allows you to speak to our naturopathic doctors via a secure video app from the comfort of your home.🏡

This service is being offered to new and existing patients all across British Columbia, and is covered through extended insurance plans.

The platform we use is doxy.me and is very user friendly. You will be sent a link via email to your naturopathic doctor’s online waiting room. At the time of your appointment your naturopathic doctor will start the video call and voila - you’re now speaking face to face! 🙌

This platform can be used on your phone, tablet, or computer as long as you have internet access.

If you have any questions regarding this service or wish to book a telemedicine appointment, please contact the clinic at 778-265-8340 or [email protected]! ✅