Juniper Family Health

The effects of hormone decline in menopause on bone health are significant, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. 📉🦴 Understanding the various risk factors and implementing preventative strategies is crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Here are some preventative strategies for reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

If you are looking for further support in this area, please don’t hesitate to book in with one of our knowledgeable NDs. We are here to help! 🙌

💭Did you know that you have the power to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer?

Scroll through to learn about 7 simple ways you can maintain better breast health.☝️

Join us this month as we come together to make a difference and advocate for early detection, research, and compassionate care. 🎀💕

Source: BC Cancer (www.bccancer.bc.ca)

🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Regular screening mammograms can find breast cancer early, usually before it has spread. Make it part of your regular health routine.

Screening mammograms are available for BC women 40 years and older.

You should get a mammogram if...

✅ You are age 40 to 74 with a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, sister) with breast cancer:

It is recommended that you get a mammogram every year.

✅ You are age 40 to 49 without a family history of breast cancer:

You are encouraged to talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and limitations of mammography. If screening mammography is chosen, it is available every two years.

✅ You are age 50 to 74 without a family history of breast cancer:

‎It is recommended that you get a mammogram every two years.

✅ You are age 75+:

You are encouraged to talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and limitations of mammography. If screening mammography is chosen, it is available every two to three years.

✅ You are at high risk for breast cancer:

Screening mammograms are recommended every year if you are between 30-74 and at least one of the following applies to you:

1️⃣ You are a BRCA1 or BRCA2 carrier;

2️⃣ You are an untested first-degree relative of BRCA1 or BRCA 2 carrier;

3️⃣ You have a very strong family history of breast cancer; or

4️⃣ You have had prior chest wall radiation

Please speak with your healthcare provider for more information and referral.

📞 You can call 1-800-663-9203 directly to book your mammography appointment with BC Cancer Breast Screening.

Source: BC Cancer (www.bccancer.bc.ca)

During menopause, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, which plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density.🦴 Estrogen helps regulate the balance between bone formation and resorption.🔑 As estrogen levels decline, bone resorption increases, leading to a net loss of bone density. This loss of bone mass can increase the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.❗️

In addition to hormone decline, several other risk factors contribute to the development of osteoporosis. These include:

1️⃣ Advanced Age: The risk of osteoporosis increases with age, especially after menopause.

2️⃣ Genetics: A family history of osteoporosis and fractures can increase an individual’s susceptibility.

3️⃣ Smoking: Smoking negatively impacts bone health and increases the risk of fractures.

4️⃣ Thinness: Having a low body weight or a small frame can contribute to lower bone density.

5️⃣Diseases and Medications: Certain medical conditions and medications, such as chronic inflammatory disorders (ie. rheumatoid arthritis), digestive disorders that impact the absorption of nutrients, and corticosteroids, can weaken bones.

🕥🚺 Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life that marks the end of her reproductive years. The definition of menopause is a point of time 12 months after a woman’s last menstrual period and occurs on average at age 51. Alongside common symptoms such as hot flashes that occur during menopause, there are also significant effects on bone health.

The decline in hormones, particularly estrogen, can lead to a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.⚠️🦴

In upcoming posts, we’ll explore how our hormones and other factors impact our bone density, and review what strategies Dr. van Drimmelen regularly recommends in her naturopathic practice for the prevention of osteoporosis.💫 Stay tuned!

🌿 What kind of therapies are used by Naturopathic Doctors to support women during peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause?

When supporting hormone health throughout mid-life, Naturopathic Doctors commonly use Health Canada approved bio-identical hormone therapy, diet & lifestyle recommendations, herbal medicines, vitamin & mineral therapies, and/or acupuncture. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual and are based on current symptoms, medical history, and hormone lab results.

⁉️What’s the difference between Health Canada approved bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones?

The molecular structures of Health Canada approved bioidentical hormones are identical to the hormones that are made in the body, while synthetic hormones are not. Boidentical hormones are often recommended over their synthetic counterparts as numerous studies suggest that they may have a safer side effect profile.

To book an appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor at Juniper Family Health, please contact the clinic at 778-265-8340. 🌸

🌸 Did you know that today is World Menopause Day?

The day was founded by the International Menopause Society (IMS) to raise awareness of menopause and to support options to improve health and well-being for women in midlife and beyond.

The theme for World Menopause Day 2024 is Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT).

It's essential to delve into this topic to understand the benefits and challenges associated with menopause hormone therapy and how it can impact women's health during this life stage.

Join us in commemorating this day by spreading awareness, sharing information, and empowering women to make informed choices regarding their menopausal health journey. 💚

Visit www.imsociety.org if you would like to get involved and show your support! 🌟

😴Fatigue is one of the most common concerns that prompt patients to visit their healthcare provider. Identifying the underlying cause of your fatigue is the first step towards helping you regain your energy.

⬇️ Here are some 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 the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormones, T4 and T3. The thyroid gland is the master gland of metabolism and energy, and it affects almost every cell in the body. Therefore, if your thyroid isn’t working optimally, neither are you!

⚠️Iron Deficiency: Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide.

Individuals who are susceptible include vegans, vegetarians, pregnant women, women with heavy menstrual periods, and individuals with digestive disorders that impede the absorption of nutrients.

⚠️Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for good health. Your body needs vitamin B12 for DNA replication, red blood cell production, and maintaining nerve health.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with a variety of health concerns, including anemia, fatigue, depression, and peripheral neuropathies.

⚠️Stress & Burnout: Chronic stress can lead to hypocortisolism or adrenal fatigue.

This occurs when your adrenal glands cannot keep up with the daily stressors of life, and cortisol, a key stress hormone, declines.

At Juniper Family Health, our naturopathic doctors take a thorough health history and conduct laboratory testing to reveal the root cause(s) of your fatigue. We can then develop strategies to rebalance and help you feel your best once again!

https://juniperfamilyhealth.com

Our naturopathic physicians are experts in the field of complementary and integrative health care and are trained to combine natural treatments with standard diagnosis and prescriptive medications. 💚 ��We provide patient-centred, holistic care, and strive to find the root cause of your health concerns.

Your health is our top priority, and our naturopathic physicians value working in collaboration with your entire healthcare team.

Our naturopathic physicians are accepting new patients for in-person and telemedicine consultations. Please visit the link in our bio to book in. 💫

*Telemedicine services are available for residents across British Columbia.

📧 [email protected]�📲 778-265-8340

🤔 Has inositol been studied in clinical trials?

Yes! ✅

Clinical trials have shown that inositol has many benefits for women with PCOS. For example, inositol has been shown to help women with PCOS have regular periods and a lower body weight.

It has also been shown to improve live birth rates in women with PCOS undergoing IUI cycles with ovulation induction when combined with Metformin. Lastly, inositol has been shown to improve egg and embryo quality in women with PCOS undergoing IVF and/or ICSI and in women over the age of 35 with PCOS undergoing IVF and/or ICSI, has been shown to improve cumulative live birth rates.

Overall, inositol is a natural and helpful treatment option for women with PCOS. It can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce androgen levels, and improve menstrual regulation and fertility outcomes.

If you have PCOS, please don’t hesitate to book a naturopathic appointment at Juniper Family Health to learn about whether inositol could be a good option for you. We are here to help! 💚

💫 Inositol is a member of the B complex family, and is a glucose-like molecule that is naturally synthesized by the human body.

The two main types of inositols are myo-inositol and d-chiro inositol. Myo-inositol is the most abundant inositol in the body and has been shown to be the most important for improving fertility outcomes.

Now…how does inositol improve fertility in women with PCOS?

Inositol is incorporated into cell membranes and plays a key role in the cell signalling pathways of insulin and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Through this mechanism, inositol works by:

🌟 Reducing insulin resistance.
🌟 Improving follicular development and the selection of a dominant follicle.
🌟 Reducing androgens by increasing aromatase activity and increasing s*x hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

These three factors help to improve ovulation, egg quality and fertility outcomes.

Stay tuned to find out if Inositol has been studied in clinical trials! 👀

🤔 How are you navigating the unique challenges of the menopausal transition?

🤔 Have you found yourself struggling with mood swings, irritability, or anxiety? You’re not alone. Many people experience these emotional shifts alongside physical changes. 🧡

This Fall, join Dr. Kelsey Mills and Stephanie Curran to learn tools and practices that can help you move through this midlife change with more ease and balance.

Discover new ways to meet these challenges with gentleness through:

- Stress management techniques
- Mindfulness-based strategies and practices
- Self-care tools for well-being
- Evidence-based information for managing symptoms
- Trusted resources for effective lifestyle modifications

📍 In-person Retreat (Tofino, BC):
📅 November 9-12, 2024 | 8:30am-12:30pm

🖥️ Fall Weekly Online Classes:
📅 Thursdays - October 3rd to November 7th from 7:15pm to 8:45pm

https://www.elementscentre.ca/menopause-wellness-retreat-registration/

🏋️‍♀️ Have you heard about avoiding high-intensity exercises if you have polycystic o***y 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 honour what you need, sometimes this conversation is filled with misinformation and can become another barrier to regular movement.

Stay tuned as we dive into the benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for those with PCOS. 💫

The Mediterranean Diet & PCOS 🌟

The Mediterranean diet is a well-known eating pattern celebrated for its health benefits, especially in reducing the risk of heart disease, improving insulin sensitivity, aiding weight management, and even improving fertility outcomes.

This diet primarily includes:

🥦 Abundance of Fruits and Vegetables: A wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables are the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

🥛 Limited Saturated Fat: Red meat and full-fat dairy products are limited in the Mediterranean diet due to their higher saturated fat content, which is known to increase inflammation and cholesterol levels.

🍟 Avoiding Trans Fats: Processed foods often contain trans fats, which should be avoided as they can contribute to inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease. Instead, focus on whole, unprocessed foods.

🥑 Incorporating Healthy Polyunsaturated Fats: Olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon or mackerel are excellent sources of healthy fats. These polyunsaturated fats have anti-inflammatory properties and help improve insulin sensitivity.

🌾 Incorporating High Fiber Foods and Low Glycemic Index Carbohydrates: Whole grains, legumes, and fiber-rich foods like vegetables and fruits are essential for maintaining healthy digestion, stabilizing blood sugar levels and promoting weight management.

If you would like to learn more about how diet, lifestyle, and supplementation can help with the management of PCOS, please don’t hesitate to book a naturopathic appointment at Juniper Family Health.

Ready to discover how naturopathic doctors treat PCOS? Our comprehensive treatment approach combines various modalities to address the root causes of PCOS. Here's what you can expect:

✅ Diet and Lifestyle: Our naturopathic doctors emphasize the importance of customized diet and lifestyle recommendations. We focus on balancing blood sugar levels, optimizing nutrition, and promoting overall well-being.

✅ Herbal and Nutritional Supplementation: We harness the power of nature to support PCOS management by recommending evidence-based herbs and nutritional supplements. These natural remedies may aid hormonal balance and improve overall reproductive health.

✅ Pharmaceutical Medications: In some cases, pharmaceutical medications may be integrated into treatment plans to address specific PCOS symptoms or underlying conditions. Our naturopathic doctors carefully consider the benefits and potential side effects when prescribing medications.

We tailor treatments to target the following areas:

1️⃣ Addressing Insulin Resistance

2️⃣ Reducing Androgens

3️⃣ Improving Follicular Development

4️⃣ Protecting Endometrial Lining

Ready to take a holistic approach towards managing PCOS? Schedule a consultation with our naturopathic doctors to explore personalized treatment options tailored to your unique needs.

https://juniperfamilyhealth.com/book-now

September is PCOS Awareness Month.📣🎗️

Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine/metabolic disorder that affects millions of women worldwide. PCOS is more common than you might think, affecting 8-13% of women of reproductive age. Up to 50% of women with PCOS go undiagnosed.

PCOS can manifest in various ways, but some common symptoms include:

🩸Irregular menstrual cycles
💇‍♀️Excessive hair growth or hair loss
💥Acne and oily skin
⚖️Weight gain
🥱Fatigue
😔Depression or mood swings
🤰Difficulty in getting pregnant

By raising awareness, we can help empower women to seek appropriate medical care, support one another, and know that those with PCOS are not alone.

If you have questions about PCOS, please don’t hesitate to book a naturopathic consultation at Juniper Family Health. We are here to help!💙

🌺 If you are undergoing IVF or IUI, combining your medical fertility treatments with evidence-based naturopathy may help to improve your fertility success. The use of naturopathic medicine during ART may help to reduce stress, improve blood flow to the uterus, reduce side effects of medications, and enhance egg and s***m quality.

Acupuncture in particular has been shown to significantly increase IVF success rates when performed regularly leading up to IVF treatment, as well as immediately before and after embryo transfer. 💫

Targeted supplementation, along with lifestyle enhancements have also been shown to improve IVF success. ✅

For optimal outcomes, these treatments should start 8-12 weeks leading up to your IVF cycle to best prepare the body.

To learn more about our fertility services or to book a fertility-focused naturopathic appointment.

https://juniperfamilyhealth.com

If you are experiencing challenges achieving or maintaining a pregnancy, working with a naturopathic doctor may help improve your fertility outcomes. 💚

Our naturopathic doctors understand that the quality of eggs and s***m, the uterine environment, body composition and nutrition, and hormone balance all impact fertility success.

Naturopathic fertility treatments include targeted supplementation, fertility diet and lifestyle recommendations, fertility acupuncture, and pharmaceutical medications. Our doctors value working in collaboration with your whole health care team, including your reproductive endocrinologist. 👩‍⚕️

Common fertility concerns seen by our Naturopathic Doctors include:

* PCOS and anovulatory cycles
* Endometriosis
* Poor Ovarian Reserve
* Thyroid disorders
* Male factor infertility (low s***m count, motility or morphology)
* Recurrent pregnancy loss
* Unexplained infertility

🌟 Our team provides compassionate care and personalized treatment plans to support you through your fertility journey. Book in with us today to see how we can help. 💕

🌟 Preconception Care

Preparing for a healthy pregnancy starts in the preconception period, 3 months prior to conception. Our fertility program will help you start out on a healthy path by incorporating fertility specific lifestyle enhancements and natural supplementation to get your mind and body ready for the exciting new stage ahead! 🤰💕

Preconception Support with our Naturopathic Doctors Include:

🔬 Hormone and nutrient laboratory testing
🥗 Fertility diet and exercise recommendations
🌱 Decreasing toxin load
🧘‍♂️ Stress reduction strategies
💪 Optimizing body composition
🌺 Menstrual cycle and basal body temperature charting
💊 Fertility supplement recommendations

Stay tuned as we discuss fertility treatments offered by our Naturopathic Doctors next!

Whether you have just started planning for a family or have been trying to conceive for some time, working with a licensed naturopathic doctor can help guide you toward better health, which may improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes. 🌿

Naturopathic fertility care involves targeting environmental, nutritional, and hormonal factors that can impact reproductive health. 🍏🌸

Depending on where you are in your fertility journey, naturopathic fertility care can be used on its own or as complementary support to Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). 🤰

Stay tuned as we dive into what preconception support with our Naturopathic Doctors includes next week. ✨👩‍⚕️

🍃 Did you know common skin concerns addressed by Naturopaths include…

*Eczema
*Psoriasis
*Acne
*Acne scarring
*Rosacea
*Chronic hives
*Fungal infections
*Fine lines and wrinkles
*Enlarged pores
*Uneven skin tone

🌟 Common Treatments offered by our Naturopathic Physicians:

*Specialized diet, lifestyle and nutrition recommendations
*Nutritional and herbal supplementation
*Topical creams
*Prescriptive medications
*Botox treatments
*Microneedling

Feel free to contact our team for more information or to schedule an appointment and discover how our services can benefit you.

To book an appointment, please call 778-265-8340.

✨Skin Health ✨

Cultivating healthy, glowing, vibrant skin starts from the inside out.

What we eat, how we deal with stress, how our digestive system is functioning, and how our hormones fluctuate, all have an effect on our skin. 🥗

At Juniper Family Health, our naturopathic doctors will help you find the root cause of your skin concerns, and will provide you with a holistic skin care plan that encompasses both internal and external treatments.

If you’d like to book with us, call 778-265-8340. 💚

🌸 Late Perimenopause (Approximate Age Range: late 40s to early 50s) 🌿

As you transition through later perimenopause, the hormonal tides may bring more noticeable changes. From menstrual shifts to cognitive and physical transformations, here's what to expect:

🔥 More pronounced hot flashes and night sweats
🧠 Cognitive changes: memory lapses and trouble concentrating
💧 Vaginal dryness and libido changes
🌸 Changes in skin and hair
🦴 Bone density issues
❤️ Increased heart disease risk

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

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. 💫

Noticing changes in your cycle? Early perimenopause may be the culprit!

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
🔥 Hot flashes and night sweats
😴 Fatigue and sleep disturbances

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.

Understanding the nuances of early 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. 🌼💫

Navigating Perimenopause: A Holistic Approach 🌿

As naturopathic doctors with a passion for women’s health, we often support patients navigating 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 delve deeper into the signs and symptoms of each phase, as well as provide clarity on perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. 🌼

🌟 Perimenopause 🌟�Perimenopause is the stage of transition leading up to menopause, during which a woman’s body gradually shifts from the reproductive years to the non-reproductive years. It can start several years before menopause and usually lasts for around 4 to 8 years.

🌟 Menopause 🌟�Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. It signifies the end of reproductive capacity.

🌟 Postmenopause 🌟�Postmenopause refers to the phase following menopause and encompasses the remaining years of a woman’s life after she has completed the transition. During this stage, some of the symptoms experienced in perimenopause tend to slowly diminish, although new health considerations may arise due to the decline in estrogen levels.

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