When preparing for a pregnancy, hormone testing plays a vital role in a comprehensive fertility assessment for the female partner. In my naturopathic practice, I will often recommend hormone testing for those trying to conceive so we can understand baseline numbers, and provide early intervention, guidance and referrals when needed. In this article, we will discuss various hormones relevant to fertility and the significance of testing them. Let's dive in! Hormones in the Fer

What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition that affects approximately one in ten women of reproductive age. This disorder occurs when endometrial tissue that typically grows inside the uterus appears in other parts of the body. This misplaced tissue most commonly grows on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, intestines, and the ligaments and muscles of the pelvis. Since this tissue acts like it would inside the uterus, it thickens, breaks down, and b

Perimenopause is a transitional phase in a woman's life when hormone levels fluctuate as ovarian function declines, leading to various physical and emotional changes. One of the most common concerns I see in naturopathic practice during this phase of life is heavy menstrual bleeding. In this article, I will review the use of cyclical progesterone therapy as an effective option for managing heavy menstrual periods in perimenopause. Understanding Heavy Menstrual Periods in Peri

Written by Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen | Naturopath Victoria BC Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects many women of reproductive age. It is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, high levels of androgens (male hormones), and multiple cysts on the ovaries. PCOS can cause infertility, weight gain, and other health concerns such as insulin resistance and acne. In my naturopathic practice inositol is one of my go-to therapies for treating PCOS. I

Learn all about the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy based on the North American Menopause Society's guidelines.

Learn all about the top 3 nutrients to get tested for optimal fertility outcomes. Naturopath Victoria BC.

Written By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen | Naturopath Victoria BC Preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy starts in the preconception period, 3 months prior to conception. This is the time when the oocytes are maturing, and are particularly vulnerable to nutritional and environmental stressors. During the preconception period, naturopathic doctors recommend targeted lifestyle modifications and fertility supplements to help improve your reproductive success. Preconception care

Written by: Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND | Naturopath Victoria BC The old saying goes, we are what we eat, but does this apply to fertility? Do diet and lifestyle changes really impact fertility outcomes? The short answer is that yes, the evidence suggests that nutrition and lifestyle may play a role in fertility outcomes. However, there are of course caveats to this rule. For instance, if you have structural concerns that are impeding your fertility (ie. blocked fallopian t

Estrogen and progesterone are the two main sex 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, sex 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 o