As a women’s health advocate and menopause provider, I would like to shed light on two conditions that can dramatically impact quality of life and health outcomes for women - premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause. Both of these conditions can bring about challenges, both physically and emotionally, but with proper diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment approach, women can effectively manage their symptoms and preserve their overall health and well-being.
Read moreReviving Intimate Wellness: Understanding Genitourinary Health in Menopause and Perimenopause - By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a prevalent condition that can affect up to 84% of postmenopausal women, but its impact on women going through perimenopause is also significant. While often not discussed openly, GSM manifests with symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, burning, irritation, pain during sexual activities, frequent urination, and a heightened risk of urinary tract infections. The hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, particularly the decrease in estrogen levels, are key contributors to GSM.
Read morePerimenopause & Menopause: A Guide To Bone Health for Women - By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND
During perimenopause and menopause, there is a gradual decline in hormone production, particularly estrogen, which is vital for maintaining bone density. Estrogen plays a crucial role in the balance between bone formation and resorption. As estrogen levels decrease, bone resorption increases, leading to a net loss of bone density. This reduction in bone mass elevates the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
Read moreThe Connection Between Menopause, Mood & Cognitive Function - By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND
While hot flashes and night sweats are commonly associated with menopause, many women also experience cognitive changes, mood swings, and brain fog during this period. In his article I will review the relationship between menopause, mood, and cognitive related symptoms, and will provide a step-by-step guide for optimizing brain health during this phase of life.
Read moreSpotlight on Dr. Chelsea Cole ND - Juniper Family Health
My practice is all about finding ease. Whether it is with food and eating, hormonal shifts and menstrual cycles, or mental wellbeing. I am passionate about helping people experience better periods at all life stages, improved digestion & relationship to food, and improved mental health.
Read moreUnderstanding 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 delve deeper into the signs and symptoms of each phase, as well as provide clarity on perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
Read moreThe Heart of the Matter: How Hormones Affect Women's Cardiovascular Health
For World Menopause Day this year, the International Menopause Society launched a campaign to raise awareness on the effects of hormones on cardiovascular health in women. Specifically, they highlighted the potential cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk associated with various reproductive milestones in a woman’s life. These milestones include menstrual cyclicity, adverse pregnancy outcomes, breast cancer treatments, and menopause itself. This is such an important topic in the sphere of women’s health, and something that I review with my patients regularly. Let’s dive into the details shall we!
Read moreCyclical Progesterone Therapy for Heavy Menstrual Periods in Perimenopause - By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND
Heavy menstrual bleeding in is one of the most common perimenopausal concerns we see in naturopathic practice. In this article, we will explore the use of cyclical progesterone therapy as an effective option for managing heavy menstrual periods in perimenopause.
Read moreUnderstanding the Benefits & Risks of Menopausal Hormone Therapy - By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND
If you are considering hormone replacement therapy for the management of your menopausal symptoms, it’s important to know the benefits and risks. Learn all the details here!
Read moreContraindications to Hormone Replacement Therapy - By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND
While HRT remains the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, it is important to be aware of the contraindications for this therapy. Women who have contraindications for HRT may still benefit from other therapies, such as non-hormonal treatments for VMS or low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
Read moreNaturopathic Support For Menopause - Dr Meghan van Drimmelen
I believe that supporting women throughout mid-life starts with education and empowerment. Helping my patients understand how hormones effect their health and wellbeing, as well as taking the time to go over all hormone testing and treatment options is a HUGE part of my practice. Here are some common questions that come up in my practice around menopause:
Read moreWhat To Expect When Working With A Naturopath During Perimenopause, Menopause & Postmenopause Part II
Learn what symptoms correspond to hormone imbalance, when to seek advise from a naturopathic doctor, and common naturopathic treatments....
Read moreWhat to Expect When Working with a Naturopath During Perimenopause, Menopause & Postmenopause Part I
Learn why women seek out naturopathic care during perimenopause, menopause & postmenopause, what an initial visit with a naturopath looks like, and common treatments NDs prescribe to support women during mid-life (...)
Read moreWomen's Health - The Importance Of Ovulation - Dr. Carla Cashin, ND
Ovulation is a key moment of the menstrual cycle, where a mature egg is released from the ovary. It is an important physiological process obviously for fertility, but plays a fundamental role in women’s health beyond this as well (...)
Read moreFREE SEMINAR: Female Hormones 101 | Naturopathic Doctors Victoria
Come join Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen on July 14th for a comprehensive 1.5-hour seminar on female hormones. Learn how to manage hormone changes (...)
Read more