Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication associated with assisted reproductive therapy (ART). It most often occurs in women who take hormone medications to stimulate egg development in their ovaries. OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) can cause the ovaries to swell and become painful. It’s diagnosed based on a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. While …
Bloated Before Period—Solutions to Manage PMS Bloating
Period bloating is a common and often frustrating symptom of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). It’s that uncomfortable, swollen feeling that makes your jeans feel a bit too tight and leaves you longing for your comfiest pair of yoga pants. It may even make you feel like you’ve had weight gain come out of nowhere, even though you haven’t, and it can …
How to Lose Weight With PCOS
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight is a common symptom of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Because PCOS has a complex metabolic and reproductive hormone imbalance associated with it, the question of how to lose weight with PCOS is more complicated than the standard “eat less and exercise more” many of us hear. Research1 suggests that losing 5 to 10 percent …
The Best and Worst Breakfast Foods for Hormone Health
When it comes to healthy hormone breakfast, this what I share with my patients as a board certified naturopathic endocrinologist to help them optimize their hormonal balance every day. The first meal of the day is a substantial opportunity for you to support insulin sensitivity, reproductive hormones, and reduce stress levels on your body. Research shows a healthy breakfast sets …
Vaginismus: What it is and What to Do About It
Vaginismus is a type of sexual pain disorder characterized by involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor that make vaginal penetration of any kind painful or impossible. Someone with symptoms of vaginismus can’t control these spasms, and the pain can range from mild to extreme. It can seriously disrupt relationships, quality of life, and self-esteem. Painful intercourse is only one …
Ozempic for Weight Loss: Side Effects, Benefits, Risks
Ozempic® for weight loss claims are everywhere—the drug that became popular as a celebrity trend and crossed into the mainstream. The big question I get is, does ozempic work for weight loss or is it just another trend? This is especially true for women with PCOS, hypothyroidism, or those going through perimenopause. Ozempic or Semaglutide is used to treat type …
Holy Basil Benefits & Hormonal Balance
Holy basil is an herb used for hormonal balance, blood sugar support, anxiety, cholesterol, and inflammation by many people. As I’ll explain in this article, research has shown holy basil benefits range from stress and mental/ emotional support to helping with fatigue and providing nutritional support. Holy Basil Benefits: Addressing hormone balance takes a holistic approach, but holy basil is …
What Causes Rosacea on Face: Treating Rosacea Naturally
Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition that affects the face and sometimes the eyes, as well. While not a debilitating condition, it can impact an individual’s confidence and mental health when struggling with persistent red, irritated skin. It’s common for rosacea on face, chest, neck, and ears to be associated with anxiety and depression, as we’ll discuss. We’ve known …
Benefits of Passionflower: How to Calm Anxiety
Passionflower is an herb that has been used for centuries to support a calm state in the nervous system. It is well tolerated by most and has a low side effect profile, making it an ideal gentle herb to create a sense of peace in the body. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is an herbal medicine used to support a healthy emotional …