Women have a unique set of health concerns that are often misunderstood and treated with a blanket prescription of birth control drugs. Naturopathic Medicine focuses on understanding and treating the root causes of many women’s health conditions including:

• PMS
• Menopausal symptoms: hot flashes, weight gain, irritability, insomnia
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Breast health and cancer prevention plans
• Pre-conception plan
• Fertility concerns
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Thyroid imbalances
• Weight management
• Mood, energy, fatigue

Hormonal imbalances whether from lifestyle, genetic predisposition or exposure to xeno-estrogens can create health challenges that affect mood, energy, metabolism, menstrual cycle, fertility, skin and one's overall sense of well-being.

The first step involves a thorough medical history and intake including assessment of diet, lifestyle, health conditions and cycle patterns. Hormone testing, thyroid panels and iron panels are examples of common medical laboratory testing that may be recommended in the assessment of women's health concerns.

Treatments vary according to individual needs and may include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, supplementation and acupuncture to bring about balance and support detoxification pathways.

DR CARRIE WATKINS | NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR IN VICTORIA BC

VICTORIA MASSAGE THERAPY AND HEALTH SOLUTIONS CLINIC