Hormones & Menopause

Whether you are currently experiencing hot flashes, nervous about approaching the age your mother went into menopause, or just curious about naturopathic tools for support, you have come to the right place.

Our team of experts are equipped with the knowledge and experience to ensure you have a smooth transition through this next stage in life.

For all the things you have heard from other women, it is important to remember that every woman experiences menopause differently. Here are some of the common and not-so-common signs that might be related to menopause:

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Irregular periods

• Low libido

• Vaginal dryness

• Mood swings and irritability

• Mood changes

• depression, anxiety, panic attacks

• Fatigue

• Hair loss

• Insomnia or changes in sleep patterns

• Poor concentration

• Memory lapses

• Dizziness

• Weight changes

• Changes in body odor

• Joint pain, tingling in extremities

• Osteoporosis

• Incontinence

• Allergies

Since we can already link the underlying cause of these concerns to menopause, our goals are to help prepare the body as far in advance as possible, manage the symptoms during the transition and strengthen the body in the prevention of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and gynecological cancers.

Our Naturopathic approach to support in menopause will:

• Begin with changes to diet, lifestyle, exercise and management of stress.

• Find the best vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals to weaken hot flashes,stabilize mood, increase energy, etc.

• Consider acupuncture, as it is an incredibly useful tool to regulate sleep patterns,lower anxiety, improve muscle and joint pain, etc.

• Discuss whether or not you would be a suitable candidate for Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy creams.

Please don’t forget to bring your most recent hormone blood work and list of currentsupplements and medications to your initial visit! Please be aware that your Naturopathic Doctor may request additional blood work if your most recent labs are outdated.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) uses prescription hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the body. When used appropriately, BHRT can help relieve symptoms related to hormonal changes and support overall wellbeing during life stages such as perimenopause and post menopause.

As a licensed naturopathic doctor in Ontario with the right to prescribe BHRT, Dr. Hyun Jung (Katie) Oh, ND can prescribe topical and vaginal forms of bioidentical estrogen and progesterone. If oral progesterone is needed which is often recommended for safety in postmenopausal women using estrogen therapy, that prescription must be obtained through your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or gynecologist. Dr. Katie ND can help you understand when this might be necessary so you feel informed and prepared to speak with your prescribing provider. Dr. Katie’s role includes educating patients about hormone therapy options, providing a thorough risk- benefit assessment to support informed decision-making, and closely monitoring symptoms as your body adjusts. She also supports your overall health and works to reduce long-term risks, helping you feelconfident using hormone therapy safely and effectively.

If you’re considering BHRT, Dr. Katie ND is here to guide you through the process and help determine whether it’s a good fit for your individual health goals.

The thyroid gland is one of the smallest glands in the body, but has some of the most powerful influences on the way a person feels. Conventional medicine relies heavily on the use of labs to diagnose and manage thyroid problems. As Naturopathic Doctors we know there is much more to a diagnosis than just the blood work, and want to ensure our patients receive a full work-up and whole body approach to their treatment.

Some of the major thyroid conditions we treat include:

• General Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism 

• Graves disease 

• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis 

• Nodular thyroid (lump on the thyroid)

Many people are aware of the common thyroid symptoms, which can include changes in weight, energy, appetite and skin. But many of the less common symptoms can include:

• anemia

• dry skin

• edema

• goiter

• hair loss

• high blood pressure (or low blood pressure)

• swelling around the eyes

• poor eyebrow growth

• puffy face

• slow reflexes

The Naturopathic Doctors at Halton Integrative Women’s Health Centre can help make sense of your thyroid condition and get you on the right path to stabilizing thyroid hormone levels and feeling your best again.

Our comprehensive approach may include:

• Additional blood work if your most recent lab work is outdated

• Vitamin and mineral supplementation to address deficiencies that affect thyroid function

• Botanical and herbal medicines for thyroid hormone support

• Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Natural desiccated thyroid hormone

Please don’t forget to bring your most recent thyroid blood work and list of current supplements and medications to your initial visit! Please be aware that your Naturopathic Doctor may request additional blood work if your most recent labs are outdated.

Our team of health experts can help you with a wide range of menstrual concerns including, but not limited to:

• Uterine Fibroids and heavy menstrual bleeding

• Endometriosis

• Menstrual irregularities

• Painful menstrual cycle

• Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (Severe pre-menstrual symptoms with depression, irritability, etc.)

Our goal is to discover the underlying cause of your concerns and treat the whole body, using a variety of natural tools and treatments.

It is highly recommended that you bring your most recent blood work and a list of all current supplements and medications to your initial visit.

Chronic disease has become a hot topic of the medical world, claiming 7 out of 10 deaths each year and encompassing 86% of our nation’s health care costs (CDC,2016). Some of these diseases include:

• High Blood Pressure

• High Cholesterol

• Osteoporosis

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Obesity

• Lung Disease – emphysema and bronchiti

• Cancer

We are passionate about preventative medicine and are privileged to work with so many men and women who have chosen to take charge of their health. It’s never too early or late to make sure you are on the right track and have the proper supports in place just in case you need them.

Our patients are exceptional because they are motivated and dedicated to their treatment plans. They realize that making changes requires time and effort, a strong will, and a supportive team. As health professionals, it is our goal to incorporate our best medical evidence and expertise into an individualized treatment plan to get you back to the things you love most.

At Halton Integrative Women’s Health Centre, your care may begin with one of our Naturopathic Doctors and include treatment from our Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Health Coach, and others.