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25.01.2022 Have your periods gone missing? Wondering why? There can be many reasons for secondary amenorrhea (which is when normally present periods are absent for >6 months when pregnancy or menopause is not the cause). These causes include poor diet or under eating, low body weight, excessive exercise, PCOS, hyperprolactinemia, elevated stress levels, depression or thyroid disorders. ... Two common diagnoses for missing periods are polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA). Both of these conditions present with absent or infrequent periods, however the underlying drivers are quite different. Swipe across to learn the difference between these two conditions. If you are having trouble with missing periods, get in touch to see how naturopathy can help you #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #stress #cortisol #HPAaxis #PCOS #hypothalamicamenorrhea See more

23.01.2022 As we touched on yesterday, . Our mucus membranes within the vagina/vulva rapidly absorb chemicals sprayed on menstrual products. And we use these heavily sprayed tampons or pads full of endocrine disrupting chemicals straight up or around our precious reproductive organs?? No thanks Looking for some healthy alternatives? - Great brands of reusable washable period underwear or pads include ModiBodi, Thinx ...and Hannah pads. - Reusable menstrual cups made from BPA-free plastic are another good choice; ensure these are washed adequately between uses. DivaCup, Lunette, Juju or Pelvi. - If you are sticking with traditional pads and tampons, ensure these are made from organic cotton. Organic brands include Tom’s, Tsuno, Natracare or Juuni. My favourite go to site for clean personal care products and so much more is https://www.nourishedlife.com.au/ Photo by cottonbro from Pexels #naturopathy #naturopath #nutrition #endometriosis #hormonalhealth #EDCs #endocrinedisruptingchemicals #menstrualhealth #menstrualproducts See more

23.01.2022 The underlying drivers of acne are complex, and comprehensive treatment should address all contributing factors. We must be mindful of what we are putting IN our body, as well as what we are putting ON our skin! Penetration is when a chemical makes it into the deep layers of the skin, while absorption is when the chemical makes it into the bloodstream. Every chemical has a different absorption rate, and some chemicals make other compounds more or less absorbable. Transder...mal medications, studies that have found linalool in the bloodstream of people using topical lavender essential oil and children in Oakland with high levels of lead from their polluted environment all confirm that our skin *does* indeed absorb what we put on it and what we breathe. The skin is the body’s largest organ, and what we put on it matters. @nourishedlife is my go to online store for clean beauty without green washing. The following topical treatments can be helpful in the general treatment of acne: - Tea tree oil: antibacterial and helps to fight Propionibacterium acnes bacteria implicated in acne. Apply tea tree oil in rosehip oil to the skin. Rosehip oil reduces inflammation and the appearance of scarring. - Topical Zinc: has antiseptic properties that stop microbial infections, strengthens the skin's barrier function to aid repair and is scientifically proven to reduce excess oil production. - Salicylic acid: clears pores, reduces swelling and redness, and exfoliates the skin when applied topically. Warning: sometimes using salicylic acid can worsen acne before it gets better. - Mineral makeup: loose mineral makeup is a great choice. Zinc oxide protects from sun damage as well as calming inflammation and redness common in acne. - Non comedogenic oils (that don’t block pores): Sea buckthorn, jojoba, argan, rosehip, sunflower, safflower, sweet almond, hemp. As always, see a trained naturopath and holistic beauty therapist/dermatologist before commencing any treatments to ensure they are right for you #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #acne #naturalskincare #skincare Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels See more

22.01.2022 is an adaptogenic herb, which improves the way our body responds to stress. In fact, rhodiola was used by the Vikings to enhance physical strength before heading into a battle - how cool is that! Rhodiola is used: - As an adaptogen, this means it helps your body adapt to stress or minimizes the effects of stress... - To enhance energy, and mental and physical performance - For immune modulation and reducing inflammation - As a whole body tonic for convalescence, improving energy and reducing fatigue - In depression, raising serotonin levels to improve mood. This also helps to reduce pain - To reduce insomnia Rhodiola is useful to support our hormones as it works by: - Supporting our adrenal glands by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, to reduce ACTH and cortisol levels and enhance ability to cope with stress/anxiety Rhodiola ISN’T right for you if: - Are taking stimulants (may have an additive effect) - Have manic episodes or bipolar As always, see a trained naturopath or herbalist before commencing any herbal medicines to ensure they are right for you Image by monicore from Pixabay #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #stress #cortisol #HPAaxis #Rhodiola #rhodiolarosea See more

22.01.2022 Last week we talked about overt stressors, you know the big obvious things in life that contribute to our stress load: finances, busy jobs, caring for families, etc. Today we are going to chat about subliminal stressors, those less obvious health issues that can really contribute to the invisible stress load on our bodies If you need help with reducing or improving these body stressors, get in touch to see how naturopathy can help you ... #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #stress #anxiety #theinvisibleload #drlibbyweaver See more

21.01.2022 Has anyone else ever felt like this?!? Hormone imbalances don’t have to rule your life. Get in touch if you need help with your hormones to see how naturopathy can help you @flowdays @endometriosismemes... #hormones #hormonalhealth #naturopath #naturopathy #nutrition #periodproblems See more

21.01.2022 We’ve been talking a bit lately about hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA), which is where periods are absent for 3-6 months +. A major underlying driver of HA is stress on the body, whether this is emotional, mental or physical. A common thread with HA is excessive exercise, or too much high intensity exercise, often resulting in a low BMI or body fat percentage which is not compatible with menstruation ... Have you ever given thought to how to exercise in accordance with your menstrual cycle? Have you noticed that you feel more energetic during certain phases, and other times you feel more inclined to rest? Another way of looking at the menstrual cycle is by considering the cycle as having different seasons: Spring/follicular phase: this is when we often feel at our best: productive, energetic and enthusiastic Summer/ovulation: often when energy is at its highest, and we feel energised to participate in higher intensity exercise Autumn/fall/luteal: when PMS can come play, and we can feel emotional, the best time in our cycle to focus on strength-building and restorative exercise Winter/menstruation: resting, hibernating and drawing inward Do you exercise in accordance with your phase? Comment below #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #hypothalamicamenorrhea #menstruation #exercise @menstruationqueen

21.01.2022 I read this quote today and it really resonated with me. Can anyone else relate? We often hold onto things that are comfortable and familiar. Even if we have outgrown these things, and even if they no longer serve us. ... It is okay to let go of people, places and things you have outgrown. You have the right to stop spending time with people who you no longer connect with, or investing in relationships that no longer serve you or bring joy. You have the right to quit a job that no longer excites you. You have the right to grow and become the best version of yourself. And for this to occur, it often requires change. I have found myself at times over my life trying to fit myself into situations, places and people I’ve outgrown, and man is it awkward and uncomfortable to do so. For example: - Feeling bad about myself when I can’t fit into jeans that fit me ten years ago (hello, bodies change!) - Hanging out with old friends just because there is a shared history, but no longer any common interests or connection - Re-evaluating long held beliefs, because life is not always black and white People evolve and grow and change and that is a good thing. Personally I am glad I am not the same person I was ten years ago; I’m grateful for the growth. What places have you outgrown? What can you start doing today to encourage growth and become even more you? #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #growth #change #evolve

21.01.2022 PERIOD POVERTY Millions of women across the world are denied the right to manage their monthly periods in a healthy, dignified way. UNICEF ... In 2016, I was lucky enough to travel to Udaipur in India with a bunch of girls from uni and @hands_on_health_australia who partnered with local organisation Jagran Jan Vikas Samiti. Together these two organisations began a pilot Female Health Project to improve menstrual hygiene management in Southern Rajasthan, by utilising female Gunis (traditional healers) as change-makers to improve menstrual health among menstruating women and girls through education and the production of low cost sanitary pads via women’s enterprise development in 25 villages in the surrounding areas of Udaipur, Southern Rajasthan This trip really opened my eyes to the concept of period poverty, and how menstruation is still such a taboo topic in India, even among women. This taboo along with lack of understanding, education and access to menstrual products results in millions of girls dropping out of school, perpetuating the cycle of poverty, not to mention the longstanding health effects of using unsanitary methods to cope with their monthly bleeds (using dirty rags, rocks and leaves). Talk about heart breaking @yourglobalactivism has compiled a fantastic post on the issue, highlighting a few organisations we can support to help to fight period poverty. Empowered women empower women #naturopathy #naturopath #nutrition #hormonalhealth #womenshealth #menstruation #EndPeriodPoverty #empoweringwomen See more

20.01.2022 I don’t know about you, but I have been drinking too much coffee lately The effect of caffeine on our brain chemistry is well documented. Caffeine inhibits the release of GABA (a calming hormone), so this makes us feel more alert, and increases serotonin receptors by up to 30%, and acetylcholine receptors by up to 50%, contributing to the elevated mood and increase in energy after consumption. There are many pros and cons to drinking coffee. But have you ever stopped ...Continue reading

20.01.2022 Viburnum opulus or cramp bark Cramp bark is used: - As a spasmolytic to reduce smooth muscle cramps and period pain - As a mild sedative... - In traditional herbal medicine to reduce muscular cramps in threatened miscarriage - As a hypotensive (a peripheral vasodilator) - As a partus preparator, to prepare the uterus to facilitate childbirth Cramp bark is useful to reduce period pain, as it works on relaxing smooth muscle: - Constituents scopoletin and viopudial have cholinergic effects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, relaxing the tone of smooth muscle in the uterus and reducing inflammation. Cramp bark ISN’T right for you: - As a stand alone treatment for hormonal conditions. While it is great for reducing period pain, the drivers of period pain also need to be addressed - diet, hormone imbalances, detoxification pathways, gut health. - Only use during pregnancy under the guidance of a trained herbalist or naturopath As always, see a trained naturopath or herbalist before commencing any herbal medicines to ensure they are right for you Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #periodpain #crampbark #viburnumopulus See more

20.01.2022 Low carb & ketogenic diets are very popular right now. Keto can be beneficial in epilepsy, obesity, for men (cos they don’t ovulate!) and for some women, at least in the short term. Certain conditions NEED to be mindful of carb intake, including PCOS and diabetes which have an underlying insulin problem. Refined carbs spike blood sugar and insulin, which then spikes androgens, impeding ovulation and fertility. But did you know that ? ... Carbs are not evil; they are necessary for energy, immune and thyroid health, and often contain fibre needed for gut bacteria and to detoxify oestrogen. Restricting carb intake puts stress on the body, increasing cortisol which can negatively affect reproductive hormones and ovulation. Think carefully before restricting carbs below 100g. Some women might be ok with this, but if it causes you to lose your period, rethink your way of eating. Long term low carb diets can: - Increase cortisol - Slow thyroid function, causing constipation and hair loss - Cause insomnia - Cause irregular/absent periods, anovulation and infertility Instead of eliminating carbs, opt for wholefood versions. Replace potatoes, white bread and rice with buckwheat or spelt pasta, quinoa, brown rice and get your carbs from veg like sweet potato or pumpkin. Eat these foods with a source of fat and protein to reduce blood sugar and insulin spikes. Say it with me - moderation. And of course, . Or more specifically fructose, found in soft drinks, sweets, cereal, chocolate and limit so-called healthy sources like fruit, dates and honey. The takeaway: . If you have diabetes or PCOS, be mindful of your carb intake. However, a certain level is needed to ovulate. If a low carb/keto diet causes you to lose your period or hair, rethink your way of eating. Instead focus on swapping refined carbs for wholefood sources, eat in moderation and avoid sugar #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #PCOS #ovulation #hypothalamicamenorrhea #ketodiet #ketogenic #lowcarbdiets #insulinresistance

19.01.2022 Over the last few weeks, I have been trying to practice more gratitude There have been a number of studies researching the effects of gratitude. One study asked participants to write a few sentences each week, with one group writing things they were grateful for, a second group writing about daily irritations and a third group writing about events that affected them (either positive or negative). ... After 10 weeks, those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic, felt better about their lives, exercised more and had fewer visits to doctors than those who focused on the negative What am I grateful for? - For living in a beautiful free country where I have access to clean water, a roof over my head and nutritious food readily available - My husband, who is my best friend, rock and has my back no matter what - That I have had the privilege of education and attending university - The right to vote - Family and friends who love me and support me - For a healthy functioning body; this is something that so many people take for granted (myself included sometimes!) - That I have beautiful patients who trust me and allow me to help them with their health. What an absolute privilege What are you grateful for? #naturopathy #naturopath #nutrition #gratitude #grateful See more

19.01.2022 Hands up who was taught at school that pregnancy was imminent the second you had sex? Cue Coach Carr in Mean Girls telling his sex education class if you have sex, you WILL get pregnant and DIE I don’t know about your school’s sexual education program, but I don’t remember being taught that while a man is fertile EVERY day of the month, a woman is only fertile for 6 DAYS a month; 5 days before ovulation (because that’s how long sperm can live) and one day a...fter ovulation (as an egg only lives 12-24 hours). I was not taught body literacy or how to read ovulation signs. I was led to believe that pregnancy could occur at any time, and that after discontinuing birth control, women could go on to conceive at any time when desired. I was not taught that in reality, one in seven couples will go on to struggle with fertility. For most couples, the chance of getting pregnant in any given month of trying is around 20%. Obviously teen pregnancy is no joke, and as we know teens (and even some adults!) can be reckless and think they are invincible (or impregnable!). And as we have previously discussed, using the fertility awareness method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. It can also take up to 6 years (or even longer) for a teenage girls' cycle to become regular, and it can therefore be difficult to predict ovulation in an irregular cycle. But I do wholeheartedly believe that sex education in schools should include education around body literacy, ovulation signs, and pros and cons around different birth control methods. After all, knowledge = power What was your sexual education like in high school? Were you ever taught about fertility awareness or encouraged to learn about body literacy? #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #fertilityawarenessmethod #fertility #fertilewindow #sexualeducation #bodyliteracy See more

19.01.2022 Have you heard of the term oestrogen dominance or oestrogen excess? And how does this present? Scroll through to learn about oestrogen dominance, and what can be implemented to help treat this imbalance. As always, see a trained naturopath or herbalist before commencing any herbal medicines to ensure they are right for you #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #oestrogendominance #oestrogenexcess

18.01.2022 We’ve been talking lately about ovulation signs or how to know if we ovulate, and one of those signs is by paying attention to cervical mucus. Our cervical mucus changes throughout our menstrual cycle as illustrated by @duvet_days Cervical mucus should be clear, slippery and stretchy like egg white, just BEFORE ovulation. This mucus provides nutrients for sperm to live in and travel to the fallopian tubes for conception and pregnancy to occur. - Not ovulating: dry o...r sticky. - Ovulation may be coming: creamy. - Ovulation is very close: wet and watery. - Ovulating: very wet, stretchy and resembles raw egg white. A woman's fertile window is technically 6 days a month; 5 days before ovulation (because that’s how long sperm can live) and one day after ovulation (as an egg only lives 12-24 hours). If you are trying to conceive, have intercourse either everyday or every other day 5 days leading up to ovulation, and on the day of ovulation when cervical mucus resembles raw egg white. If you are trying to AVOID pregnancy, avoid having unprotected sex on these days, or use a barrier method. Please note: using fertility awareness method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #fertilityawarenessmethod #fertility #cervicalmucus #fertilewindow See more

17.01.2022 Silver lining amongst all of this covid lock down craziness? The increased reach of online consultations I love being able to see people from all over Australia without leaving my home office If you want to see how naturopathy can help you, head over to my website and book a consultation or free 15 minute chat ... #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #womenshealth

17.01.2022 Have you been told to take the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) "to regulate your hormones" or fix your acne? Don’t get me wrong, the OCP can be helpful in reducing acne. However, the OCP doesn't address the to ensure long lasting improvements. Excess sebum is an important contributor in acne development. Sebaceous glands secrete oils or sebum to keep our skin healthy. Too little sebum leads to dry, cracking skin. Too much sebum in a fo...llicle can cause a hardened plug to form, which can then lead to acne. The OCP isn’t a for acne, as it our hormone and sebum production, it doesn't regulate them Birth control pills maintain a high concentration of synthetic oestrogen and progestins in the bloodstream. This then prevents the production and mid-cycle peak of these endogenous hormones and subsequently blocks the release of FSH and LH from our pituitary gland, preventing ovulation. These synthetic oestrogens and progestins help to . So this is why the OCP may be helpful in reducing acne WHILE you are on the pill. However, because the body’s natural sebum production is being suppressed, it up-regulates production in an attempt to find equilibrium. When you STOP taking the OCP, your sebum levels can increase or rebound to be even HIGHER than before you started the pill, and your ovaries may also temporarily increase androgen production while attempting to rebalance. Together this can result in a worsening of your acne, and can actually peak 6 months after stopping the pill If you thinking about coming off the pill, it is important to start natural treatment at least a month beforehand to reduce the severity of post-pill acne Sebum production is one part of the puzzle when it comes to acne. Over the next little while, we will dive into the underlying drivers of acne and other skin conditions, and how naturopathy can help #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #acne #postpillacne #oralcontraceptivepill #ocp See more

17.01.2022 PREACH @larabriden . Couldn't have said it better myself! Carbohydrates are not inherently evil. Women need a certain amount of carbohydrates in order to ovulate and have healthy hormones. Low carb and keto diets might be all the rage at the moment, and might work really well for some people, but may cause others to stop menstruating. ... Keep this in mind next time your well meaning personal trainer, brother's sisters mother or random person at the supermarket gives you dietary advice - there is no one size fits all approach to nutrition. Listen to your body - you know it better than anyone #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #nutrition #lowcarbdiets #ovulation

17.01.2022 So last week we talked about oestrogen dominance or excess, which is when we may have an excessive amount of oestrogen resulting in a hormonal imbalance, and what symptoms this might cause. It’s important to note that oestrogen dominance can also occur even if our oestrogen levels are normal or within range, . Progesterone is our calming, soothing happiness hormone that helps to lighten periods and reduce anxiety plus so much more. It’s... super important to ensure we have adequate progesterone levels! We’ve talked about the symptoms of oestrogen excess, but what are the symptoms of progesterone deficiency? Swipe across to learn. Get in touch if you need help sorting out your hormone puzzle #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #progesterone See more

16.01.2022 We talked yesterday about things that can contribute to our invisible load, that add stress to our body and deplete us of valuable energy One way that we can decrease our invisible load is to use clean personal products on our skin. Skin is the largest organ in the body, we should be very mindful of what we put on it. We talked a few weeks ago about endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and how these wreak havoc with our hormones. EDCs also need to be detoxified by the... liver. This can impact liver function, and studies have even linked EDCs with the development of fatty liver disease. Pictured are a few clean personal products that I use regularly. My go to website for clean beauty and personal products is @nourishedlife - @grantsofaustralia Grants whitening toothpaste - @ethiqueworld Ethique Heali Kiwi Shampoo and The Guardian Conditioner (also plastic free!) - @moogooskincare Moogoo’s Protein Shot leave in conditioner - @blackchickenremedies Black Chicken’s Axilla Deodorant paste - @hurrawbalm Hurraw lip balms (literally THE BEST) - @weledaaustralia Weleda’s Skin Food light, an absolute saviour particularly with the cold weather drying out skin What do you put on your skin? Are you using natural or organic products? Comment below #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #skincare #endocrinedisruptingchemicals See more

15.01.2022 Rosmarinus officinalis or Rosemary Rosemary is used: - As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory - To support both phase 1 and 2 liver detoxification ... - As an antimicrobial against several organisms including E.coli, MRSA and H.Pylori - To promote cognition and memory, which is why people wear sprigs of rosemary for Anzac Day and Remembrance day, to remember - As a digestive carminative or spasmolytic for gastrointestinal upsets. Rosemary is useful in hormonal conditions including oestrogen dominant conditions as it works by: - Inhibiting enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to the more potent hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), implicated in PCOS. - Supporting liver detoxification: by inducing phase one and phase two liver detoxification. This is particularly helpful in oestrogen dominant conditions, by accelerating the hepatic breakdown of oestrogen. Rosemary also inhibits the CYP3A4 pathway, which stops oestrogen being metabolised to 16-OHE-1, a harmful oestrogen metabolite indicated in breast cancer. - Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation: Rosmarinic acid, a constituent of rosemary, may also reduce the expression of the pro-inflammatory gene cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) which is thought to be a risk factor for the development of cancer. Rosemary ISN’T right for you if: - Are taking iron supplements - separate by two hours due to tannin content which can bind iron. - Caution in preconception and pregnancy. - Caution the use of rosemary essential oil in cases of epilepsy or seizure. - Are taking anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs: theoretically, rosemary may increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with these medications. As always, see a trained naturopath or herbalist before commencing any herbal medicines to ensure they are right for you Photo by Nika Akin from Pexels #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #oestrogendominance #oestrogenexcess #rosemary #rosmarinusofficinalis See more

15.01.2022 So we’ve done a bit of a deep dive on stress this week, and different factors that may contribute to it. We know that the role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is to regulate the body’s fight or flight response, to either run away from danger or stand and fight it. The amygdala and hypothalamus in our brain signal the SNS to trigger the adrenal glands, which then produce our stress hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol (the latter in prolonged stressful stat...es). In our modern world, it is increasingly common for people to be stuck in a SNS dominant state. This causes elevated blood pressure, poor digestive capacity and fat storage among other symptoms. There is another arm of our autonomic nervous system called the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS is our rest and digest part of our nervous system, and is responsible for stimulating digestion, slowing the heart rate and repairing our body. We should be spending 80% of our time in a PNS dominant state, and only 20% in the SNS dominant state. But in modern life it is more commonly the other way around. So how can we reduce SNS dominance, and promote the rest and digest arm of our nervous system? One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is to prioritise breath-based exercise. Short sharp and shallow breaths stimulate the SNS; this tells our body that we are on the lookout for danger, whether we are really in a dangerous setting or not. Deep breathing that moves the diaphragm communicates to your body that you are safe. Breath based exercises like yoga, tai chi, meditation and mindfulness help to stimulate the PNS and reduce cortisol and adrenaline. Try breathing in for 5 counts, and exhaling for 5 counts. Do this for 5 minutes. Spending time in nature, swimming in nature, cuddling pets, gardening, having a bath, reading a good book and listening to your favourite music can also be helpful in reducing SNS dominance. Do you do any of these activities to reduce your stress levels? What works for you? Comment below #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #stress #anxiety #selfcare Photo by Simon Migaj on Unsplash See more

13.01.2022 Check out this great illustration by @larabriden showing the difference between an ovulatory cycle and menstrual bleed, versus the pill bleed due to withdrawal from synthetic hormones. There is actually no medical or health reason to have a bleed while on the pill. When the pill was invented in the 1950’s, contraception was not yet legal. To get around this, doctors began prescribing the pill as a ruse to treat female disorders and regulate menstruation. However this le...gacy still persists, with doctors today still prescribing the pill to regulate hormones, however we know that the pill cannot regulate hormones, as it switches them off. Crazy huh? Did you know this about pill bleeds? #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #thepill See more

13.01.2022 Hello everyone! It's been a hot minute since I've posted content on here So I fell victim to the old daylight savings time change booking debacle... silly me, I should have realised Apologies to my clients across the border who have been inconvenienced by this! ... Please note moving forward, all appointments are on QLD time. If this affects you and you need to change your appointment time, please get in touch and we can work out a suitable time. Thanks for your understanding! #cheersdaylightsavings #naturopathy #nutrition #naturopath See more

13.01.2022 " , , : , , ." (Amit Ray) These are some crazy ass times. We also need to extend this compassion, courage, understanding and love to ourselves. Just take it one day at a time, you got this ... #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #stress #anxiety #selfcare See more

13.01.2022 Top tips for reducing period pain #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #periodpain #menstruation

11.01.2022 So we’ve been talking a little bit lately about our hormone cortisol, which is one of our stress hormones. There are actually two categories of stress hormones, adrenaline and noradrenaline, that are made in response to acute stress, and cortisol which is made when the stress response becomes chronic Adrenaline and noradrenaline are life saving hormones, released by our adrenal glands in response to stress. Problems arise when we have long term chronically elevated stre...ss and cortisol. Swipe across to learn about the good, the bad and the ugly of our hormone cortisol. So what can we do to reduce our cortisol and manage our stress? Tune in later this week as we talk about sources of stress and ways we can manage stress levels #naturopathy #naturopath #nutrition #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #cortisol #stress #anxiety #pregnenolonesteal See more

11.01.2022 Top tips for reducing period pain #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #periodpain #menstruation

11.01.2022 Have you made the decision to come off hormonal birth control? Maybe you are a bit nervous, because you originally went on birth control for your acne, and are worried that it will come back with a vengeance? Well, there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is, that post pill acne usually gets worse before it gets better, and can actually be at its worst 6 months after stopping the OCP. This is because several birth control pills suppress androgens, which suppresses ...sebum production in our skin, helping to reduce acne. When we stop the pill, because they have been suppressed for so long, our androgen and sebum production go into overdrive, often resulting in acne. It is also common to have PMS, PCOS, anxiety, amenorrhea and painful, irregular and/or heavy periods develop or return after ceasing hormonal birth control. Depending on what your periods were doing before you started hormonal birth control will also affect how quickly it takes to ovulate again - it could take months and unfortunately in some cases even years. The good news is, there are things we can do to support our bodies and reduce these acne flares and establish a healthy regular cycle. The following is not an extensive list, but helpful to start one month prior to coming off hormonal birth control. As always, see a qualified naturopath or practitioner before implementing the above strategies to make sure they are right for you. #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #hormonalbirthcontrol #ocp #thepill #oralcontraceptivepill See more

11.01.2022 is an adaptogenic herb, which improves the way our body responds to stress. In fact, rhodiola was used by the Vikings to enhance physical strength before heading into a battle - how cool is that! Rhodiola is used: - As an adaptogen, this means it helps your body adapt to stress or minimizes the effects of stress... - To enhance energy, and mental and physical performance - For immune modulation and reducing inflammation - As a whole body tonic for convalescence, improving energy and reducing fatigue - In depression, raising serotonin levels to improve mood. This also helps to reduce pain - To reduce insomnia Rhodiola is useful to support our hormones as it works by: - Supporting our adrenal glands by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, to reduce ACTH and cortisol levels and enhance ability to cope with stress/anxiety Rhodiola ISN’T right for you if: - Are taking stimulants (may have an additive effect) - Have manic episodes or bipolar As always, see a trained naturopath or herbalist before commencing any herbal medicines to ensure they are right for you Image by monicore from Pixabay #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #stress #cortisol #HPAaxis #Rhodiola #rhodiolarosea See more

10.01.2022 This is so important! I’ve recently changed my relationship with exercise and am now exercising because it feels right for my body and because I am enjoying it. A very different approach than exercising because you dislike your body or are punishing yourself in some way. In short - move your body like you love yourself. Well worth the read

10.01.2022 Eleutherococcus senticosus or Siberian ginseng is an adaptogenic herb native to Russia and northern Asia. Siberian ginseng is used: - As an adaptogen, this means it helps your body adapt to stress or minimise the effects of stress... - To enhance both mental and physical performance - For immune modulation (supporting natural killer and T cells) and reducing inflammation - As a general tonic for convalescence, improving energy and reducing fatigue - To support depressive presentations caused by stress (e.g. the death of a loved one) Siberian ginseng is useful to support our hormones as it works by: - Supporting our adrenal glands by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, to reduce ACTH and cortisol levels and enhance ability to cope with stress - Raising cortisol levels when they are too low in exhaustion and chronic fatigue. A randomised double blind placebo controlled study in chronic fatigue patients found a statistically significant improvement in Rand Vitality Index scores in the Siberian ginseng group compared with placebo. Siberian ginseng ISN’T right for you if: - Have an acute infection, as it may be too stimulating to the immune system during this period - Not recommended for long term use As always, see a trained naturopath or herbalist before commencing any herbal medicines to ensure they are right for you #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #stress #anxiety #cortisol #Siberianginseng See more

10.01.2022 I read this quote today and it really resonated with me. Can anyone else relate? We often hold onto things that are comfortable and familiar. Even if we have outgrown these things, and even if they no longer serve us. ... It is okay to let go of people, places and things you have outgrown. You have the right to stop spending time with people who you no longer connect with, or investing in relationships that no longer serve you or bring joy. You have the right to quit a job that no longer excites you. You have the right to grow and become the best version of yourself. And for this to occur, it often requires change. I have found myself at times over my life trying to fit myself into situations, places and people I’ve outgrown, and man is it awkward and uncomfortable to do so. For example: - Feeling bad about myself when I can’t fit into jeans that fit me ten years ago (hello, bodies change!) - Hanging out with old friends just because there is a shared history, but no longer any common interests or connection - Re-evaluating long held beliefs, because life is not always black and white People evolve and grow and change and that is a good thing. Personally I am glad I am not the same person I was ten years ago; I’m grateful for the growth. What places have you outgrown? What can you start doing today to encourage growth and become even more you? #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #growth #change #evolve

09.01.2022 The OCP isn’t a for acne, as it hormone and sebum production - it doesn't regulate them Excess sebum production is an important contributor in the development of acne. Our sebaceous glands secrete oils or sebum to keep our skin healthy. Too little sebum can lead to dry, cracking skin. Too much sebum in a follicle can cause a hardened plug to form, which can then lead to various forms of acne. As we discussed yesterday, the OCP suppresses our h...ormone and sebum production. This often causes a rebound increase in sebum levels which = worse acne than before starting the OCP. Sebum production is also just ONE part of the puzzle when it comes to acne. Over the next little while, we will be diving into the underlying drivers of acne and other skin conditions, and how naturopathy can help Have you ever been told to take the OCP "to regulate/cure your acne"? @larabriden #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #acne #postpillacne #oralcontraceptivepill #ocp

09.01.2022 So we’ve been talking about the dark side of cortisol lately (our chronic stress hormone). But as with everything, it is all about BALANCE. The right amount of cortisol is actually good for us and is necessary Cortisol and melatonin have an inverse relationship - this means that when one is high, the other should be low. Swipe across the read about the dance between these two hormones ... There are lots of lifestyle strategies, food choices and herbal/nutritional supplements that can help with restoring cortisol/melatonin balance. If you need help, get in touch to see how naturopathy can help you #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #cortisol #melatonin See more

09.01.2022 If I had a dollar for every time I heard a patient refer to their pill bleed as a period bleed, I would be rich Let me be clear, this is not a criticism or judgement of my patients by any means, it is merely to point out that a lot of women don’t seem to realise that . In a normal period, there is a cycle that your hormones follow: ... - This phase overlaps with the menstrual phase. At this time, the hypothalamus in the brain signals the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the ovaries to stimulate ovarian follicles that contain immature eggs. The maturing of one of these eggs triggers a surge in oestrogen. This phase can range from 7- 21 days. - Rising oestrogen levels during the follicular phase signals to the pituitary gland to release luteinising hormone (LH) which starts the process of ovulation. This phase, occurring around day 12- 14 of the cycle, is the only point in the cycle in which pregnancy can occur, and typically lasts about 24 hours. - This phase lasts 10-16 days. During the luteal phase, assuming pregnancy does not occur, levels of oestrogen and progesterone will fall, triggering a period. - This phase starts when the released egg is left unfertilised. Levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop because pregnancy has not occurred. A menstrual bleed generally lasts for 3-7 days. Birth control pills maintain a high concentration of synthetic oestrogen and progesterone in the bloodstream. This then prevents the production and mid-cycle peak of these hormones and subsequently blocks the release of FSH and LH from our pituitary gland, preventing ovulation. . The pill typically comes in a 28 day pack and depending on the type of pill, it will have between two and seven pills that have no hormones (sugar pills). , . When the pill was invented in the 1950’s, contraception was not yet legal. To get around this, doctors began prescribing the pill as a ruse to treat female disorders and regulate menstruation. However this legacy still persists, with doctors today still prescribing the pill to regulate hormones, however we know that the pill cannot regulate hormones, as it switches them off. Did you know the difference between a pill bleed and a period? Or is this new information to you? Comment below #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #menstruation #thepill See more

09.01.2022 Over the last few weeks, I have been trying to practice more gratitude There have been a number of studies researching the effects of gratitude. One study asked participants to write a few sentences each week, with one group writing things they were grateful for, a second group writing about daily irritations and a third group writing about events that affected them (either positive or negative). ... After 10 weeks, those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic, felt better about their lives, exercised more and had fewer visits to doctors than those who focused on the negative What am I grateful for? - For living in a beautiful free country where I have access to clean water, a roof over my head and nutritious food readily available - My husband, who is my best friend, rock and has my back no matter what - That I have had the privilege of education and attending university - The right to vote - Family and friends who love me and support me - For a healthy functioning body; this is something that so many people take for granted (myself included sometimes!) - That I have beautiful patients who trust me and allow me to help them with their health. What an absolute privilege What are you grateful for? #naturopathy #naturopath #nutrition #gratitude #grateful See more

08.01.2022 Passiflora incarnata or passionflower I like to say that passionflower single handedly got me through my Health Science degree Passionflower is used: - As an anxiolytic to support the nervous system, reducing anxiety. Studies have shown that passionflower is as effective as oxazepam in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder. ... - For insomnia - As a spasmolytic (muscle spasms) - For pain relief, particularly headaches Passionflower is useful to support our hormones as it works by: - Supporting the GABA pathway: which is one of our inhibitory or calming brain chemicals essential for reducing anxiety and promoting REM sleep. Passionflower ISN’T right for you if: - Are taking sedatives or benzodiazepines (additive effect) As always, see a trained naturopath or herbalist before commencing any herbal medicines to ensure they are right for you Image by 151390 from Pixabay #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #stress #anxiety #passionflower #passifloraincarnata

08.01.2022 A great book I often prescribe as a reading for my patients (particularly my female patients!) is @drlibby The Invisible Load. Carrying on from my post yesterday, there are many different sources of stress in our modern lives; some are easy to identify, others not so much. Dr Libby’s book helps to identify what factors in your life might be contributing to your invisible stress load, including: - The body load: nutrition, hormone, thyroid, liver and gut health - The min...d load: perception of stress, people pleasing, reframing stress, priorities and much more This book is a must read, particularly for females or mums of the family, who often take on the role of rememberer. Have you thought about what invisible load you might be carrying? Are you using any strategies or adjusting your thinking to lighten this load? #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #stress #anxiety #theinvisibleload #drlibbyweaver See more

07.01.2022 In love with my new labels for my beautiful herbies #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth

06.01.2022 Regular exercise is good for our hormonal health. A balance of weight bearing, cardiovascular and stretching/flexibility training is important. Exercise helps to: - Modulate oestrogen levels by encouraging the metabolism of oestrogen through perspiration (perfect in oestrogen dominance or excess), and boosting oestrogen levels in menopause. - Reduce levels of enzyme aromatase. Fat cells contain this enzyme, which converts testosterone to oestrogen. More fat stores = gre...ater oestrogen production, which can lead to oestrogen excess or imbalance. - Increase sex hormone binding globulin (a protein which binds to and deactivates oestrogen). - Modulate or reduce our stress response and cortisol (our stress hormone). - Improves our sensitivity to insulin, so can help with insulin resistant hormone problems like PCOS. - Can reduce chronic inflammation. - Increases our happy hormones like dopamine, serotonin and encourages the release of endorphins to boost mood and reduce anxiety/depression. ? Like with everything, moderation is key. Too much exercise, particularly high intensity interval training (HIIT), can actually be harmful for our hormones. While this type of exercise is great for burning fat, it must be performed in moderation (maximum 2 times per week, and in the morning to prevent cortisol/melatonin imbalance). This is because HIIT workouts cause a spike in the stress hormone cortisol. When cortisol is abnormally elevated, this communicates to our body several things: - , and are not an ideal situation to bring a baby into the world. And even if you are not looking to get pregnant, that is always your bodies’ aim. So if our hypothalamus in the brain senses too much cortisol/stress, this impairs our progesterone production (our pro-gestation hormone essential for pregnancy). This can then cause missing or irregular periods. - . This can actually encourage the storage of fat in anticipation of lean times ahead. This storage of fat is generally the exact opposite to what HIIT workouts are trying to achieve! Exercises that reduce our cortisol levels and stimulates the rest and digest arm of our nervous system (called the parasympathetic nervous system), include breathing and stretching based exercises like yoga, tai chi and pilates. How does exercise make you feel? Does it energise you or deplete you? What kind of exercise do you enjoy? Comment below #naturopathy #naturopath #nutrition #hormonalhealth #hiit

06.01.2022 Hello everyone, sorry it’s been a while between regular posts! 2020, am I right? Introducing... Arctium lappa or burdock, a herb that has been traditionally used to aid detoxification in skin conditions. ... Burdock is used: - For skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and eczema - For rheumatic conditions, cystitis and gout Burdock is useful to support our skin health as it works by: - Acting as a depurative, which means it aids in detoxification and cleanses the body by drawing impurities into blood, relieving lymphatic congestion and promoting elimination. - Bitter properties: studies have shown that acne, psoriasis and eczema sufferers often have low stomach acid (not acidic enough, an elevated pH). As a bitter, burdock helps to improve digestive capacity. - Supporting lymphatic health and reducing inflammation. Burdock ISN’T right for you: - As a stand alone treatment for acne and/or other skin conditions. While there is a long history of empirical use for burdock in treating skin conditions, very little modern research has been undertaken to investigate its efficacy. Burdock is useful for aiding detoxification and improving stomach acidity, however the other drivers of skin conditions also need to be addressed: diet, hormone imbalances, stress levels, detoxification pathways and gut health among others. - If you have an allergy to the asteraceae family group. - May cause contact dermatitis. As always, see a trained naturopath or herbalist before commencing any herbal medicines to ensure they are right for you Photo by Ellie Burgin from Pexels #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #acne #burdock #arctiumlappa See more

06.01.2022 Hello everyone! It's been a hot minute since I've posted content on here So I fell victim to the old daylight savings time change booking debacle... silly me, I should have realised Apologies to my clients across the border who have been inconvenienced by this! ... Please note moving forward, all appointments are on QLD time. If this affects you and you need to change your appointment time, please get in touch and we can work out a suitable time. Thanks for your understanding! #cheersdaylightsavings #naturopathy #nutrition #naturopath See more

05.01.2022 Did you know that % ? A recent study has shown that the average cycle is 29.3 days long, with nearly 65 percent of women participating in the study having cycles that lasted between 25 and 30 days. A healthy menstrual varies between 21 and 35 days: - Follicular phase (day one of bleed): can last anywhere from 7 to 21 days (this accounts for most longer cycle lengths)... - Ovulation: 1 day - Luteal phase: 10 - 16 days (this phase cannot be any longer - this is the lifespan of the corpus luteum which produces progesterone) - The cycle of teenage girls will often be up to 45 days in length, as their follicular phase can be 32 days long Why does this matter? This is important if you are trying to conceive: if your cycle is outside the stereotypical 28 day cycle, this will change the day on which you ovulate; it may not be the typical day 14 of a 28 day cycle. You can monitor when you ovulate via tracking cervical position and mucus changes, temperature charting and ovulation strips that measure luteinizing hormone. Hallmarks of healthy menstruation: - Period is between 21 and 35 days - Period is regular - Period is relatively pain free and appears without significant PMS symptoms - Ovulating each month - Total roughly 50mL of blood loss (two and half tablespoons) - Blood bright red to slightly dark red in colour - Mostly liquid with no or minimal clots (smaller than a 5c piece) - Bleed length of 2 to 7 days (most women report 3-5 days) How is your monthly report card looking? If you need help with regulating your hormones and menstrual cycle, get in touch to see how naturopathy can help you #naturopathy #naturopath #nutrition #hormonalhealth #womenshealth #menstruation See more

05.01.2022 I’m not sure who out there needs to hear this, but say it with me. I AM NOT MY SKIN. I get it - skin conditions are hard. Acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis particularly when they are on your face, they are hard to hide. It often feels like our skin is the one of the first things others notice about us. And when you aren’t having a great skin day, this is not always a good feeling. ... BUT YOU ARE NOT YOUR SKIN. Or your body! But that’s a topic for another day I do not have perfect skin. I have often said whatever is going on in my life literally shows up in my face. I have suffered with acne (though thankfully usually mild) and eczema during my life. Swipe to see the pictures. Not fun. Lucky through diet, naturopathy and lifestyle they are largely under control Healing takes time. I always tell my acne patients that healing will not occur overnight. Cell turnover rate changes throughout life. In your 20’s, the turnover cycle is between 14-21 days, 28-45 days in your 30’s, and up to 60 days in your 40’s. It takes patience and a whole lot of self love and willingness to uncover the driving factors of skin conditions. Nutrition and naturopathy can help, but please note: aspiring for the perfect insta skin will just make you feel bad about yourself. It ain’t real. Normal humans don’t look like filtered barbie dolls. You are not your skin. You are not your body. You are a soul. You are a magnificent product of divine creation. You are a moment of inspiration made manifest in a human body. Yancy Lael Please don’t forget how amazing you really are, both inside and out! And say it with me - I AM NOT MY SKIN #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #acne #eczema #skinhealth See more

04.01.2022 Withania somnifera or Ashwagandha Withania has to be one of my FAVOURITE and commonly used herbs in clinic. Withania is used: - As an adaptogen, which improves the way our body responds to stress - To support the nervous system and reduce anxiety and insomnia ... - For immune modulation - To support thyroid function - As an anti-inflammatory - As a tonic, traditionally used in children with failure to thrive in Ayurvedic medicine Withania is useful to support our hormones by: - Helping to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which plays an important role in the stress response. Withania has been shown to reduce adrenal hypertrophy and modulate cortisol levels. - Supporting the GABA pathway: which is one of our inhibitory or calming brain chemicals essential for sleep. - Supporting the dopamine pathway: dopamine is one of our feel good brain hormones. - Supporting thyroid function by increasing T3 & T4 concentrations. Withania ISN’T right for you if: - Are taking benzodiazepines (additive effect) - Are taking immunosuppressive drugs - Have hyperthyroidism As always, see a trained naturopath or herbalist before commencing any herbal medicines to ensure they are right for you Photo by Bankim Desai on Unsplash #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #stress #cortisol #HPAaxis #withania #withaniasomnifera #ashwagandha See more

02.01.2022 There are many foods and nutrients out there that can positively impact on our hormonal health Today I want to talk about three nutrients I commonly prescribe or suggest my clients prioritise in their diet to help heal their hormones: - Magnesium - Zinc - B6... This is by no means an exhaustive list of nutrients important for hormonal health, but a great place to start #naturopathy #naturopath #nutrition #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #foodasmedicine #magnesium #b6 #zinc See more

01.01.2022 It is amazing how many patients, when I ask them about their stress or anxiety levels, say that they are not stressed. But as they start talking and telling me about their lives and what is going on for them, it's almost like a light bulb flicks on - Oh, maybe I stressed. ! This modern world of ours . And as a naturopath, I know that this can be responsible for so many of our symptoms. Ask yourself - how many times have yo...u gone away on holidays, and your niggling headaches or muscle pain have gone away? Or you finally relax and get your period (that often otherwise goes missing)? Or the one that always seems to happen to me - you go on holidays and get sick? (because you finally allow your body a chance to relax and recover?) Turns out you might be stressed after all Some common overt stressors include: - Financial pressure - Relationships and divorces - The pressure of caring for children or other family members - Death of loved ones - Workload: expectations, targets, taking work home, working long hours, feeling underpaid and/or under appreciated, job insecurity - Exercise: long distance running and excessive HIIT - Nutritional deficiencies: too much sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and not enough nutrient dense wholefoods - Chronic health issues - Traumatic events - Major life changes There are lots of different ways that we can manage or reduce our stress loads where possible, and these will be different for everybody. Some common (but by no means exhaustive) techniques include: - Gentle exercise, particularly breath based exercise that stimulates the ‘rest and digest’ arm of our nervous system. Includes meditation, yoga, tai chi, mindfulness and other breathing exercises. - Re-evaluating what is really important in your life and reaffirming boundaries. - Asking for help and delegating tasks where possible. - Scheduling time for relaxation and spending time in nature or with loved ones. - Scheduling and time management techniques to prioritize those tasks that really do require our attention. - Seeing a counsellor or psychologist to process trauma and become equipped with personalised coping strategies. There are many more subliminal stressors that you may not have realised could be contributing to your stress; we will dive into these next week. What stress management techniques do you find useful? If you need help with lifestyle, nutritional and herbal medicine to help manage your stress, get in touch to see how naturopathy can help you See more

01.01.2022 Viburnum opulus or cramp bark Cramp bark is used: - As a spasmolytic to reduce smooth muscle cramps and period pain - As a mild sedative... - In traditional herbal medicine to reduce muscular cramps in threatened miscarriage - As a hypotensive (a peripheral vasodilator) - As a partus preparator, to prepare the uterus to facilitate childbirth Cramp bark is useful to reduce period pain, as it works on relaxing smooth muscle: - Constituents scopoletin and viopudial have cholinergic effects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, relaxing the tone of smooth muscle in the uterus and reducing inflammation. Cramp bark ISN’T right for you: - As a stand alone treatment for hormonal conditions. While it is great for reducing period pain, the drivers of period pain also need to be addressed - diet, hormone imbalances, detoxification pathways, gut health. - Only use during pregnancy under the guidance of a trained herbalist or naturopath As always, see a trained naturopath or herbalist before commencing any herbal medicines to ensure they are right for you Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #periodpain #crampbark #viburnumopulus See more

01.01.2022 Have your periods gone missing? Wondering why? There can be many reasons for secondary amenorrhea (which is when normally present periods are absent for >6 months when pregnancy or menopause is not the cause). These causes include poor diet or under eating, low body weight, excessive exercise, PCOS, hyperprolactinemia, elevated stress levels, depression or thyroid disorders. ... Two common diagnoses for missing periods are polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA). Both of these conditions present with absent or infrequent periods, however the underlying drivers are quite different. Swipe across to learn the difference between these two conditions. If you are having trouble with missing periods, get in touch to see how naturopathy can help you #naturopathy #naturopath #herbalmedicine #hormonalhealth #stress #cortisol #HPAaxis #PCOS #hypothalamicamenorrhea See more

01.01.2022 PERIOD POVERTY Millions of women across the world are denied the right to manage their monthly periods in a healthy, dignified way. UNICEF ... In 2016, I was lucky enough to travel to Udaipur in India with a bunch of girls from uni and @hands_on_health_australia who partnered with local organisation Jagran Jan Vikas Samiti. Together these two organisations began a pilot Female Health Project to improve menstrual hygiene management in Southern Rajasthan, by utilising female Gunis (traditional healers) as change-makers to improve menstrual health among menstruating women and girls through education and the production of low cost sanitary pads via women’s enterprise development in 25 villages in the surrounding areas of Udaipur, Southern Rajasthan This trip really opened my eyes to the concept of period poverty, and how menstruation is still such a taboo topic in India, even among women. This taboo along with lack of understanding, education and access to menstrual products results in millions of girls dropping out of school, perpetuating the cycle of poverty, not to mention the longstanding health effects of using unsanitary methods to cope with their monthly bleeds (using dirty rags, rocks and leaves). Talk about heart breaking @yourglobalactivism has compiled a fantastic post on the issue, highlighting a few organisations we can support to help to fight period poverty. Empowered women empower women #naturopathy #naturopath #nutrition #hormonalhealth #womenshealth #menstruation #EndPeriodPoverty #empoweringwomen See more

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