Radio Naturopath Episode 515: Black Box Warning Gone! Why Hormone Replacement in Menopause May Be Helpful, and Non-Hormonal Alternatives

This week, I talked about the removal of the black box warning on hormone replacement therapy. Evidence shows that supplemental hormones overall provide more benefit than harm, for cardiovascular, sexual, and mental health. There is still a general warning about the risk of endometrial cancer. But it will be left to pharmaceutical companies to provide information, such as on package inserts, about possible risks of taking these medicines. The idea is that the risks that were stated after the Women's Health Initiative Study were overblown, and millions of women since then have been denied information and opportunity to benefit from supplemental hormones during menopause. However, herbalist Susun Weed doesn't agree with this, and believes it's not necessary to use exogenous hormones during menopause. There are definitely many non-hormonal, helpful lifestyle changes to make that can mitigate menopausal symptoms. Where do I fall? Somewhere in the middle. I have definitely seen patients' lives change for the better while using supplemental hormones. I have also seen patients do very well with non-hormonal menopause therapies. Let's sort this out!

Radio Naturopath Episode 478: B Complex and Your Stomach, Menopause and More Comfortable Sex!

This week I talked about B vitamins. Sometimes taking specific B vitamins can cause stomach upset, and you have to figure out which ones are bothering you. Sometimes it's best to take a food based vitamin; sometimes a methylated blend; sometimes specific ones separately; and sometimes just get them from food! We help to sort this out. I then went on to discuss something very important to folks of a certain age: how to make sex more comfortable! Hormones, lubes, restorative activities, we lay it on the table. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 343: Herbs, Exercise, and Healing for Women

It's still International Women's Month! This week we talked more about products and activities that can help with women's health. Herbs for hot flashes, probiotics, estrogen balance, stress reduction. Exercise and healing modalities. And why boron is really good for you! Next week we'll get into Being a Woman in 2022, and Being a Naturopathic Physician in 2022.

Radio Naturopath Episode 341: International Women's Day: Women in Medicine, Women's Health

This week, it's March, and Tuesday is International Women's Day. So I talked about many women who are prominent in medicine, including two of my most admired naturopathic physicians! Clara Barton and Florence Nightingale standing side by side with Tori Hudson and Amy Rothenberg. That's how it should be! I also talked about may items related to women's health: exercise, nutrition, rest, supplements, screenings. I'll expand upon that next week too!

Radio Naturopath Episode 206: Review of Menopausal Symptoms and Natural Treatments

Time to review MENOPAUSE for we menopausal folks. A nice overview of natural supplements for symptoms. Black cohosh and evening primrose for hot flashes; vitamin E and aloe for sexual comfort; damiana and WEIGHT TRAINING for sex drive; and Vitamins A, K and herbs for heavy menses! It's a rough road but SOMEONE'S gotta ride it. 75%  of women in industrialized society, including me! Preferably on a bicycle.

Radio Naturopath Episode 180: Removing Obstacles to Cure, The Healing of the Knee, and MENOPAUSE: HOT FLASH REDUX

This week: we talk about Removing Obstacles to Cure! An important naturopathic principle. Why give you tummy tonics when what you really need to do is simply stop eating dairy? Removing those obstacles can be hard if they're very habitual, but well worth considering and of course, doing. We celebrate the Healing of the Knee, my right one, and how it happened. Ron thinks the most important element was Patience, that I didn't return to pushing too hard with exercise too soon. And all the other stuff, like acupuncture and chiropractic! And, for we menopausal women, a review of how to get less of those pesky hot flashes. Soy is OK! So is evening primrose oil and black cohosh.

Radio Naturopath Episode 179: Prevention in Health, Lichen Sclerosus, Healthy Produce

This week we talk about PREVENTION, the 6th basic principle of naturopathic medicine. You want to try to prevent an illness before it occurs! So you look at a person's medical history, family history, environment, resources. You also want to make sure that the person lives in an healthy environment, and that there are COMMUNITY and WORLD resources so that person can be outdoors, eat good food, exercise, and reduce their stress. Prevention is about the personal and also about the community!

I also talk about lichen sclerosus, an inflammatory skin condition that mostly happens to menopausal women. I've seen a rash (!!) of cases lately! There are some conventional and natural ways to treat it. 

Also a good reminder to eat that summer produce! 

Radio Naturopath Episode 176: Doctor as Teacher. Macadamia Nuts, Gamma Linolenic Acid

I talked about the health benefits of macadamia nuts, and they are surprisingly healthy! Bioflavonoids, antioxidants, high levels of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, and they help with weight loss too! And they are, of course, VEGAN. And the oil is great for sauteeing! The Doctor as Teacher is a really important concept, educating patients about their health as well directing them as to what to do. And how that great essential fat, gamma linolenic acid, can help you!