Niki Cleuet in Perth, Western Australia | Alternative & holistic health service

Niki Cleuet

Locality: Perth, Western Australia

Phone: +61 8 9285 0998

Address: 1 Oban Road, City Beach 6008 Perth, WA, Australia

Website: https://www.nikicleuet.com

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• Medical and health
• Alternative & holistic health service
• Health & wellness website
• Naturopath
• Nutritionist

25.01.2022 During my time as a naturopath as well as through my personal experience with pregnancy, I have accrued many resources that I like to share with my patients, to ensure they are well-equipped with information throughout their pregnancy and beyond - I have collated some of these resources into a new page on my website so you can find them all in one place. These resources cover birth preparation, as well as general pregnancy information, breastfeeding resources and more. Of co...urse, pregnancy, labour and birth are incredibly personal experiences, and everyone will have a different idea of what their ideal experience entails - that said, information is your greatest tool for making informed decisions and working collaboratively with your healthcare team, so I encourage you to read far and wide, seek reputable sources and discuss your questions, concerns and ideas with your midwife or obstetric team along the way. Please share this page with anyone you know who is expecting or who has recently given birth. I hope you find it helpful x

25.01.2022 A new article on my website, all about high reverse T3 - This one took me a while to write...in between feedings, nappy changes and playing endless games of Peekaboo! That said, I felt it was an important topic to cover as reverse T3 is a topic I get asked about all the time (but is also, in my opinion, one of the least well-understood areas of thyroid health!). Hopefully it answers some of your questions. Do let me know if there are any other topics you would like me to write about in future posts - Niki x

24.01.2022 Ever wondered what a naturopath does? When I tell people Im a naturopath, one of the common questions I get asked is so what does naturopathy really involve? To answer this question, Ive added a new page to my website, looking at some of the key aspects of my role as a naturopath, nutritionist and herbalist, and how these three modes of healthcare come together to support my patients in their health journeys. Read more below x

23.01.2022 This week in clinic consisted of: Supporting a number of patients with autoimmune thyroid issues, including a five-year old girl who was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. Investigating and addressing unexplained iron deficiency Preconception care... Using herbal medicine to manage menopausal symptoms (including hot flushes, menstrual flooding and anxiety) Helping a beautiful lady address a long history of PMDD (severe PMS) Implementing some holistic approaches (including nutritional and herbal medicine, as well as lifestyle strategies) to help a busy mum better manage her anxiety. And of course, addressing a range of digestive issues including bloating, constipation and inflammatory bowel disease. I love my job as a naturopath as it is so rewarding working with my patients to peel back the layers on their health and get to the bottom of their health complaints. On top of this, each day brings a new challenge, a new case to solve and a new lovely person to help. Whether were addressing anxiety, thyroid issues, menstrual irregularities, nutritional concerns, digestive issues or something else entirely, each case is as unique as the individual in front of me, and thus so too is the treatment approach we implement. After all, a personalised, holistic and collaborative approach to treatment is at the core of my philosophy as a naturopath

22.01.2022 New blog post coming soon - this one is all about pregnancy and your thyroid! Stay tuned x

22.01.2022 Hello everyone! There's just a few tickets left for my Healthy School Lunches talk tomorrow evening, so if you were thinking of coming along, now is the time to book in! You can organise your tickets via the link below:

21.01.2022 One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is helping women establish (or re-establish) a healthy menstrual cycle. If you've lost your period because of the pill, PCOS, weight loss, stress, thyroid dysfunction or another reason altogether, I would love to help you get it back on track. Just recently a patient of mine had her first period, after she stopped the pill more than two years ago! Having been on the pill for more than 10 years, we had a lot of work to do, but after ...just a few months of herbal medicine, nutritional advice and stress management, she's back to having a healthy and regular menstrual cycle for the first time in more than a decade! Not only is this a wonderful sign of health, but it is also so important for preservation of bone density long-term It is so empowering for women to re-establish a healthy cycle naturally and holistically, and I am always so grateful to be part of that process! - Niki x See more

20.01.2022 A wonderfully informative post from a lovely naturopath, Lisa Costa Bir Naturopath. If you suffer pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), understanding the mechanisms behind it can provide important insight and understanding into why you might feel this way each month, and of course, enable you to work with a qualified healthcare practitioner to undertake relevant investigations and implement an appropriate treatment strategy x

20.01.2022 OPTIMISING THYROXINE ABSORPTION Thyroxine is one of the most widely prescribed medications worldwide, and yet many patients take this common medication incorrectly, meaning theyre not making the most of their daily dose. Many foods, supplements, medications and other factors can interfere with the absorption of Thyroxine, so its essential to discuss these with a healthcare professional when first commencing thyroid hormone replacement, to ensure optimal absorption and... thus, better bang for your (thyroid) buck! For those whove been on the thyroid bandwagon for a while - if your required Thyroxine dose keeps increasing for no discernible reason, Id encourage you to review these factors with your healthcare provider as well, to determine whether an absorption issue might be to blame. For more information, check out my latest blog on the topic below x

19.01.2022 Is your period missing in action? Have you been told to take the pill, or simply wait for it to return? Did you know there are alternative options? The medical term for a missing period is amenorrhoea. Clinically, amenorrhoea is defined as the absence of a period for 6 months or more. Sometimes this is normal, such as during pregnancy; other times, its not. This is when we need to investigate. As a naturopath specialising in womens health, I can help you investigate the va...rious factors that might be causing or contributing to your missing periods, so we can address the issue holistically (aka, at the cause). I dont do bandaid approaches - My aim is always to identify the cause (or causes), so we can work together to re-establish a healthy and regular cycle. In some cases, amenorrhoea occurs because the body has perceived a threat, such as during times of under-eating, excessive exercise or prolonged stress. For other women, amenorrhoea occurs after stopping the oral contraceptive pill. PCOS, thyroid disorders, coeliac disease, certain medications and premature ovarian failure are other potential causes, and each requires its own approach to case management. In most cases, our investigation will start with a detailed clinical history as well as some blood tests. Occasionally, further investigations such as an ultrasound might be helpful, but this varies on a case-by-case basis. If your period has gone AWOL, we need to find out why so we can help you re-establish a healthy cycle. Regular menstruation is important for SO many aspects of your health, including your bone density, your fertility, your skin and more. Even if you dont intend to have children, women need a regular menstrual cycle to maintain strong bones, and long periods of amenorrhoea can dramatically increase your risk of osteoporosis. If your period is missing, dont get stuck playing the waiting game - act now x

18.01.2022 Naturopath Nutritionist Herbalist Specialising in thyroid disorders and women's health. Learn more about me here www.nikicleuet.com

17.01.2022 Do you have lumpy breasts? Are your breasts sore coming up to a period? Did you know an iodine deficiency could be to blame? Iodine is a nutrient we often think about when it comes to thyroid health, but did you know this nutrient is ESSENTIAL for many aspects of women's health as well, including breast health, ovulation and progesterone production? Read on to learn more about how iodine deficiency has been implicated in conditions such as fibrocystic breast disease and breast cancer, so we can shed a little more light on this oft-forgotten essential nutrient for women's health.

17.01.2022 Did you know Im currently offering out-of-hours consultations? In light of current circumstances (aka new work schedules, home schooling and so on), Ive extended my consulting hours to enable increased flexibility for my patients during this time. Currently, I offer Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays via the booking function on my website, but am more than happy for you to get in touch to discuss an alternate day or time, and I will of course do my best to accommodate wherever possible - Niki x

16.01.2022 Ever wondered what a naturopath does? When I tell people I’m a naturopath, one of the common questions I get asked is so what does naturopathy really involve? To answer this question, I’ve added a new page to my website, looking at some of the key aspects of my role as a naturopath, nutritionist and herbalist, and how these three modes of healthcare come together to support my patients in their health journeys. Read more below x

16.01.2022 ~ F L O W ~ Health is a journey - one that ebbs and flows; one that might move with the tide and sometimes move against. Many of my patients have been on a health journey, whether consciously or unconsciously, for many years. Autoimmune diseases, fertility issues, hormonal problems and digestive issues do not usually develop overnight. Often the seeds of dysfunction were planted years ago, and various factors in our lives (some controllable and others not) have come together ...to help those seeds grow. My job as a naturopath is to help you find these seeds - to seek out the source of dysfunction, so we can address the issue at its cause. This is why I am so passionate about a holistic, collaborative and personalised approach to healthcare - your health is as individual as the journey youve been on, and my aim is to help improve your wellbeing by tracing back these steps, un-peeling the layers and rebuilding your health from the ground up x See more

16.01.2022 Hello everyone, I've been a little quiet here over the last couple months as I'm currently on maternity leave. We welcomed our little boy into the world in late July and have been busy getting to know him since. I will be returning to work in the not too distant future and will be sure to let you know when I do. In the meantime, thank you for all your beautiful messages and congratulations - I look forward to catching up on my return x

16.01.2022 As a naturopath specialising in thyroid issues, I often get questions about Hashimotos disease, as it is one of the most common autoimmune conditions worldwide But did you know that I also treat a large number of patients with Graves disease? Often considered the opposite end of the spectrum to Hashimotos, Graves disease is another autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid. Unlike Hashimotos however, individuals with Graves disease typically present with an over...active thyroid, which can be associated with symptoms like sweating, anxiety, hot flushes, night sweats, menstrual irregularities, heart palpitations and more. Like Hashimotos, Graves disease requires careful management and ongoing monitoring, in order to keep thyroid hormone levels within an optimal range. Fortunately, as a naturopath, there are many wonderful tools at my disposal to help my patients with Graves disease, not only to alleviate symptoms like anxiety and hot flushes, but to manage the autoimmune side of the condition, reduce the risk of flares and ensure their nutritional requirements are being met. It is an incredibly rewarding part of my role helping patients with Graves manage their symptoms, keep their condition at bay and correct potential nutritional issues that can arise with hyperthyroidism. In order to better support my patients with Graves disease, Ive started a new blog series on my website in which Ill be covering some of the key aspects of the condition. The first instalment What is Graves Disease is linked below x

15.01.2022 Have you been diagnosed with Gilberts syndrome? Did you know that despite what were often told, for some individuals, Gilberts syndrome is FAR from asymptomatic? GS is a condition in which the body does not breakdown and eliminate bilirubin effectively, leading to higher than normal bilirubin levels on a blood test (you can check this under the liver function section of your results). For many individuals, Gilberts is considered a benign condition, meaning medically-s...peaking, it isnt associated with any serious complications. But did you know that many patients with Gilberts suffer unpleasant symptoms, such as vague digestive issues, bloating, fatigue, anxiety, brain fog and/or issues associated with oestrogen dominance (like heavy and painful periods, short cycles are more) - For these patients, Gilberts is FAR from asymptomatic! In my experience, many of these patients have had years of unexplained digestive issues without a diagnosis, or perhaps theyve been diagnosed with IBS and are yet to have found any relief! Many of them have also struggled with years of heavy periods, period pain, PMS and more, and this is because the pathway that is normally used to breakdown bilirubin is the same as the one used to breakdown oestrogen, meaning those with Gilberts often have compromised oestrogen clearance as well! If youve been diagnosed with Gilberts syndrome, there is so much we can do nutritionally to support bilirubin clearance and reduce unpleasant symptoms like digestive discomfort, oestrogen dominance and anxiety. For example, one of the best ways we can improve bilirubin clearance via our diet is to increase our consumption of cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. These foods support bilirubin clearance, so can be helpful as part of a holistic approach to Gilbert's syndrome. In addition to dietary changes, there are wonderful nutritional supplements we can use to aid bilirubin excretion, as well certain lifestyle behaviours that can be avoided, as they are known to exacerbate the issue. If you have any of these symptoms and know you have a history of raised bilirubin levels, its quite possible the two are connected, so know that there are things that can be done to help!

15.01.2022 Lets talk about thyroid hormone conversion: Are you taking Thyroxine but not feeling any better? Is your TSH still high despite increasing your dose? Do you have issues with low T3 or high reverse T3? Perhaps youre not converting your thyroid hormone effectively! When we take Thyroxine, we are taking a hormone called T4. This is the main hormone produced by our thyroid gland. Unfortunately, T4 is largely inactive, meaning we rely on our body to convert the medication into i...ts active form. This active form is known as T3 and the conversion process is ESSENTIAL to ensuring you can benefit from your thyroid medication and reduce your symptoms of hypothyroidism. Too often, patients come to me with thyroid issues and yet despite taking Thyroxine on a regular basis, they feel no better than when they started on their thyroid journey. Often, their doctor has only been monitoring TSH and in some cases T4, and yet no one has looked further down the pathway to see if they are effectively converting this T4 through to its active form, T3. This is a major issue and a common cause of persistent hypothyroid symptoms like hair loss, fatigue, weight gain and constipation. There are many factors which can negatively affect our thyroid hormone conversion, including nutritional deficiencies, dieting, stress, certain medications, inflammation and more. For this reason, Ive put together an article exploring some of these factors, in the hopes that it might serve as a discussion point for you and your healthcare provider if youre one of the many individuals who suffers from poor thyroid hormone conversion. I hope you find it helpful! x https://www.nikicleuet.com//factors-affecting-thyroid-horm

14.01.2022 Pregnancy is undoubtedly a time of great change, mentally, emotionally and physically. One often overlooked area of change however is how pregnancy affects your thyroid, especially for individuals with pre-existing thyroid disease. Optimal thyroid function is ESSENTIAL for your babys health and development, as well as for your health and wellbeing throughout pregnancy. As a naturopath specialising in womens health and thyroid disorders, I regularly see the effects of pregnancy on the thyroid and therefore work with women to ensure healthy thyroid function not only throughout their pregnancy, but in their preconception and postpartum care as well. My latest blog takes a closer look at this topic click the link below to read more x

14.01.2022 WHATS BELOW THE SURFACE? One of my main jobs as a naturopath is to look below the surface, to get to the root cause of an issue. Naturopaths adhere to the principal 'tolle causam', meaning treat the cause, so wherever possible, my aim is to investigate, identify and address the cause of a condition or symptom. For example: If you have chronically low iron stores, iron supplementation may be required, but it is equally important to work out why your iron stores are ...low. It could be an issue with intake, absorption or iron losses, but unless the cause or causes are identified and addressed, it is likely you will continue to experience the same problems and as a result, require iron supplements on an ongoing basis. If you have period pain, the most important question is why? Period pain is not normal and is a symptom that something isnt quite right. My job as a naturopath is not only to provide symptomatic relief where required, but to help you investigate the issue so we can address it at its cause. If you have high cholesterol, I want to know why! Familial high cholesterol accounts for less than 1% of high cholesterol cases, so it is likely there are other issues that need to be addressed if your cholesterol is persistently raised. Like iron, we need to consider factors such as dietary intake and (re)absorption from the gut, in addition to your bodys own endogenous cholesterol production, so we can target the problem areas. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is helping my patients uncover the root cause of their symptoms, so we can work together on a plan to bring them to a place of better health. Where necessary, this might involve collaboration with other healthcare providers and/or further investigations to determine where things are going wrong - Its an important step in your health journey, and I love seeing my patients learn more about themselves and their health in the process

14.01.2022 Hello everyone, I've just published the March newsletter for our clinic this week and I wanted to share it here as it contains important information about the current Coronavirus situation, some announcements about our upcoming talks, a DELICIOUS zucchini bread recipe and an article exploring 'what's really in your supplement'. I hope you enjoy! x

13.01.2022 It might not be Monday, but I'm reposting this previous Misconception Monday in light of new research which suggests PCOS is both over and under-diagnosed in Australia - This is a major problem, because any form of menstrual irregularity requires an accurate diagnosis to ensure the correct treatment approach can be implemented! For example, did you know that PCOS cannot be diagnosed via ultrasound alone? Did you know having cysts on your ovaries does not necessarily mean you ...have 'polycystic ovarian syndrome'? Did you know that PCOS and hypothalamic amenorrhoea can share many similarities in their symptoms and the way they present? This is why it is essential to work with a healthcare practitioner who specialises in women's health, who understands the criteria for PCOS diagnosis, and who will work with you to ensure the correct treatment approaches are implemented for your specific, individual situation As a naturopath, I work with women of all ages to correct hormonal imbalances, establish a regular menstrual cycle and minimise symptoms such as acne, hair growth, PMS and menstrual pain. I am passionate about ensuring my patients' symptoms are properly investigated through blood tests or other relevant investigations, so we can target the issue at its cause If your period is missing, irregular, painful or associated with unpleasant symptoms like PMS and acne, I urge you to look into potential underlying causes and work with a healthcare provider who can help you address the underlying cause(s) and get things back on track https://academic.oup.com///10.1093/humrep/deaa005/5754094

13.01.2022 As a naturopath specialising in thyroid issues, I often get questions about Hashimoto’s disease, as it is one of the most common autoimmune conditions worldwide But did you know that I also treat a large number of patients with Graves’ disease? Often considered the ‘opposite end of the spectrum’ to Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease is another autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid. Unlike Hashimoto’s however, individuals with Graves’ disease typically present with an over...active thyroid, which can be associated with symptoms like sweating, anxiety, hot flushes, night sweats, menstrual irregularities, heart palpitations and more. Like Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease requires careful management and ongoing monitoring, in order to keep thyroid hormone levels within an optimal range. Fortunately, as a naturopath, there are many wonderful tools at my disposal to help my patients with Graves’ disease, not only to alleviate symptoms like anxiety and hot flushes, but to manage the autoimmune side of the condition, reduce the risk of flares and ensure their nutritional requirements are being met. It is an incredibly rewarding part of my role helping patients with Graves’ manage their symptoms, keep their condition at bay and correct potential nutritional issues that can arise with hyperthyroidism. In order to better support my patients with Graves’ disease, I’ve started a new blog series on my website in which I’ll be covering some of the key aspects of the condition. The first instalment ‘What is Graves’ Disease’ is linked below x

12.01.2022 Happy Natural Medicine week from all of us at @perthhealthandfertility We love what we do and are honoured to be apart of the natural medicine field in Australia

11.01.2022 As a naturopath, one of my favourite herbs for women’s health is Vitex agnus-castus, also known as Chaste Tree. This is because Vitex is a wonderfully useful herb for symptoms like pre-menstrual mood symptoms, breast tenderness and acne, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a one-size-fits-all herbal medicine. What I mean by this is that whilst Vitex is very useful for some women, it’s not right for everybody. For example, whilst Vitex can be very helpful for irregula...r periods and PMS symptoms, it is not necessarily helpful for women with PCOS. This is because Vitex increases a hormone called luteinizing hormone, which many women with PCOS already have in too high amounts. In this case, Vitex could actually make your symptoms worse! Unfortunately, I see many women with PCOS who have been taking Vitex to no effect, which is why it is so important to work with a naturopath or herbalist first (before taking a herbal medicine), to determine if it is right for you. Other factors like your age, dosing and when you take Vitex can also affect how well it works, which is why I always dose Vitex according to the individual’s requirements and what we’re hoping to achieve. Have you (or do you) use Vitex? What was your experience with it?

11.01.2022 As a naturopath, one of my favourite herbs for womens health is Vitex agnus-castus, also known as Chaste Tree. This is because Vitex is a wonderfully useful herb for symptoms like pre-menstrual mood symptoms, breast tenderness and acne, but its important to remember that its not a one-size-fits-all herbal medicine. What I mean by this is that whilst Vitex is very useful for some women, its not right for everybody. For example, whilst Vitex can be very helpful for irregula...r periods and PMS symptoms, it is not necessarily helpful for women with PCOS. This is because Vitex increases a hormone called luteinizing hormone, which many women with PCOS already have in too high amounts. In this case, Vitex could actually make your symptoms worse! Unfortunately, I see many women with PCOS who have been taking Vitex to no effect, which is why it is so important to work with a naturopath or herbalist first (before taking a herbal medicine), to determine if it is right for you. Other factors like your age, dosing and when you take Vitex can also affect how well it works, which is why I always dose Vitex according to the individuals requirements and what were hoping to achieve. Have you (or do you) use Vitex? What was your experience with it?

09.01.2022 Social distancing is an important measure we can all implement to help slow the spread of COVID-19. One of the ways we are doing that @perthhealthandfertility is by offering our patients phone or Skype consultations. Whether you're self-isolating, social distancing or based interstate, I am grateful to have this option available for all of my patients. We are so fortunate to have this technology at our disposal, as it enables us to continue supporting our patients during these tumultuous times. Simply let us know your preference when booking and we will organise the rest. Stay well, Niki x

09.01.2022 In the last few weeks, I've had an increasing number of enquires from patients (especially concerned parents) regarding Coronavirus and what we can do to support a healthy immune system. During this time I believe it's incredibly important we stay calm, remain informed and follow recommended infection minimisation principles. Importantly, there are things we can all do to support our immune systems, not only in light of COVID-19, but as a general precautionary measure as we h...ead towards winter! Whenever I speak to my patients about immune health, some of the key things to consider include diet, sleep and potential nutritional deficiencies, as well as the research we have on specific nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics and herbal medicines for supporting immune function and reducing susceptibility to infection. Lately, I've also been referring my patients to the article below for some added tips - I hope you find it useful!

09.01.2022 Have you used the EWG Skin Deep Database? This is a great resource for learning more about the ingredients in your personal care products, including their safety rating and whether they have been associated with potentially hazardous side effects like allergies, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity or cancer. At our clinic, many of our patients are trying to reduce their chemical exposure for various reasons, including reproductive health, autoimmunity, allergies and more, and this is an invaluable resource for them. If you're unsure what an ingredient is or whether it's cause for concern, make sure to search for it in the database to see what information exists on it - Niki

08.01.2022 Hello everyone, it’s been a while! As much as I have loved being on maternity leave, I’m excited to announce that I will be returning to work as of January. I’ll be opening up limited hours to begin with, so if you would like to make an appointment, make sure to sign up on my website (www.nikicleuet.com) so you get notified as soon as the online booking feature is open again (or send me a DM and I can add you to the list directly). I can’t wait to see you all back at the clinic! Until then, Niki x

07.01.2022 Do you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding? Perhaps you dread that time of the month, because you associate it with pain, discomfort, flooding and your ongoing iron deficiency?! Did you know that heavy periods such as this could be a sign of thyroid dysfunction? Thyroid hormones play many roles in the body, but one of their important roles in women is to regulate menstrual function. In fact, research suggests up to 70% of women with thyroid issues experience menstrual ab...normalities, including heavy periods, irregular periods, periods that come too frequently or in some cases, missing periods. There are many mechanisms which may account for heavy menstrual bleeding in hypothyroidism, including compromised oestrogen metabolism, abnormal prolactin levels, luteal phase defects and failure to ovulate. All of these factors can contribute to period that are heavy or otherwise irregular. Ultimately, any menstrual bleeding that is too heavy or too prolonged needs to be investigated, to determine the cause at hand. Part of this investigation should include an assessment of thyroid function, in particular, as women of reproductive age are one of the groups most at risk of thyroid disorders. Both underactive and overactive thyroids can be a cause of menstrual abnormalities, so if youre experiencing painful, heavy or otherwise irregular periods, I urge you to investigate further and ensure a comprehensive thyroid function test is included on the list! - Niki

06.01.2022 I thought I would share this post from Perth Health & Fertility, as it's very timely in today's world and an easy tip to put in place whilst socially distancing! Did you know Vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients for your immune system? When we talk about the immune system, we often think of zinc and vitamin C, but adequate vitamin D is essential for your body's immune response and resistance to infection! Not only has vitamin D supplementation been shown to re...Continue reading

06.01.2022 What a lovely idea! x

06.01.2022 Just a small selection of the beautiful @mediherbaus herbal medicines we stock at our clinic. I love using herbal medicine in my treatment plans as it allows me to make an individualised herbal formula tailored specifically to YOU. Patient-centred, individualised healthcare is at the core of my approach as a naturopath and these wonderful herbal medicines are integral to achieving just that! @perthhealthandfertility

05.01.2022 TSH is not the only marker of thyroid function, and its certainly not the only marker of thyroid DYSFUNCTION - did you know you can have a NORMAL TSH and yet your T4 and T3 could be well below the optimal reference range? On the other hand, you could have a normal TSH, and still have thyroid antibodies, suggesting your immune system is attacking your thyroid and potentially causing long-term damage. Too often, I see patients with the classic symptoms of hypothyroidism - fati...gue, weight gain, constipation, hair loss and more, despite their thyroid results being 'normal'. And yet, when we look a little further, we often discover a sub-optimal T4, a sluggish T3 or raised thyroid antibodies. TSH is just ONE marker of thyroid function, and more and more researchers are calling for medical professionals to recognise the utility of T4 and T3 testing in assessing thyroid function, especially in individuals who are symptomatic of thyroid disease with no obvious alternative cause. When I was first diagnosed with Hashimotos, my TSH was very suppressed leading the doctor to believe I had Graves disease. I was anxious, losing weight and certainly not showing the classic symptoms of hypothyroidism. It wasnt until I pushed for further investigation of my T4, T3 and thyroid antibodies that we determined I actually had Hashimotos, and was in a temporary state of swinging between hypo and hyperthyroidism. Without further investigation, I very well could have been prescribed the wrong treatment approach, potentially exacerbating the issue. This is yet another example of why we should not be making diagnoses or clinical decisions on the basis on TSH alone! Just like our ovaries and adrenals, the thyroid operates on a feedback loop with the brain and we need to see the whole feedback mechanism in order to accurately and confidently assess thyroid function

05.01.2022 P A I N F U L ~ P E R I O D S ? Do you dread that time of the month, because of pain, cramping or other discomfort associated with your menstrual cycle? You shouldn't have to! Although period pain is common, it should not be written off as a 'normal' part of being a menstruating woman! Period pain (also known as dysmenorrhoea) is a sign something is not quite right and needs to be investigated and addressed. At our clinic, I work with girls in their teens, who experience... period pain so severe they need to take time off school, or in some cases, experience nausea and vomiting with each monthly bleed. Sadly, I see women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, experiencing such severe discomfort they require multiple doses of pain-killers throughout the day, and in some cases, have to stay home from work. Others choose to take an oral contraceptive pill so they can 'skip their period' each month, to avoid the hassle. I also work with women in their 40s and 50s who suffer so significantly from period pain that they've been offered a hysterectomy to prevent it occurring. Pain to this extent is not normal and it needs to be addressed! No one should have to put up with this degree of discomfort each month. There are many different causes of period pain, and each one needs to be considered and investigated so we can get to the root cause of the issue. Factors like age, family history and medical history can be helpful in narrowing down the issue, along with close consideration of factors such as the timing, nature, intensity and characteristics of the pain itself. Blood tests (timed appropriately within the menstrual cycle) can also provide wonderful insight into possible contributing factors, and in some cases, further investigations such as imaging or laparoscopy might also be warranted. If you, your sister, your mum, your daughter, your colleague or your friend suffer from severe period pain, identifying the cause is essential to implementing an appropriate and holistic treatment approach so you (or they) don't have to suffer through it anymore. Stayed turned for some of my upcoming posts, in which I'll explore some of the most common causes of period pain I see each week in clinic (hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, peri-menopause and endometriosis just to name a few!) x

05.01.2022 Skype, Zoom and phone consultations available - for both new and existing patients x

05.01.2022 Did you know I’m currently offering out-of-hours consultations? In light of current circumstances (aka new work schedules, home schooling and so on), I’ve extended my consulting hours to enable increased flexibility for my patients during this time. Currently, I offer Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays via the booking function on my website, but am more than happy for you to get in touch to discuss an alternate day or time, and I will of course do my best to accommodate wherever possible - Niki x

04.01.2022 My back-to-school workshop is coming up in just two weeks, so if you haven't organised your tickets, now is the time! If you're sick of your children coming home with coughs and colds, if you want to improve their concentration at school, and if you want to support their physical, social and emotional wellbeing through great food and nutrition, come along to my Healthy School Lunches workshop on Wednesday February 26th. In this workshop, I'll be explaining the ins-and-o...uts of great nutrition for children, and giving you heaps of practical, age-appropriate and evidence-based advice to help your children thrive. Geared towards busy parents (including those with fussy eaters!), I understand just how important it is to have lunch options that are quick, easy and, most of all, appealing to kids, so of course this workshop wouldn't be complete without lots of examples and practical advice to make the process as easy and simple as possible! Click the link below for more details and to organise your tickets:

04.01.2022 I'm very excited to announce my upcoming Healthy School Lunches workshop, which I'll be running this February This is always a popular event (especially at the start of a new school year), as we cover easy, practical and healthy options for school lunches, whilst also exploring how you can use food and nutrition to: Promote great concentration at school Support healthy immune function Nourish a growing body... Enhance social and academic wellbeing There is an abundance of research exploring the link between nutrition and wellbeing in school-aged children, and research continues to demonstrate that good nutrition is essential to prevent anxiety, improve focus at school, reduce the risk of coughs and colds and encourage healthy growth and development throughout childhood and puberty! No one likes to see a school lunch box come home untouched at the end of the day (with a tired and hungry child in-tow!), so this talk is designed to give you practical, easy and tasty options that appeal to school kids and that tick all the right nutritional boxes! See below for more details: When: 7 PM, Wednesday February 26th Where: Perth Health and Fertility, 1 Oban Road (City Beach) Tickets: Via Eventbrite (link below) Tickets are limited so book now via Eventbrite, or get in touch if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you there! Niki x

04.01.2022 Thyroid health is one of my biggest areas of interest as a naturopath, and as an individual with Hashimoto's, I am passionate about sharing my interest in and research on the topic, as well as both my personal and clinical experiences with autoimmune hypothyroidism. For this reason, I am very excited to announce my upcoming talk, "Hello Hashimoto's: A holistic approach to understanding and managing autoimmune hypothyroidism". Whether you've been recently diagnosed or have bee...n on the thyroid bandwagon for many years, there is something in this workshop for you. Some of the key topics we'll be exploring include: What it means to have Hashimoto's thyroiditis Diagnosis, symptoms and management The role of the thyroid gland and hormones such as TSH, T4 and T3 Interpreting and understanding your blood test results Reverse T3 (what it is, what it does and how to address reverse T3 issues) Supporting thyroid function nutritionally and with herbal medicine Holistic approaches to lowering thyroid antibodies And so much more! A diagnosis of Hashimoto's is not a life sentence of weight gain, fatigue, dry skin and constipation, and we are fortunate to have an extensive body of research to draw upon when it comes to understanding, managing and addressing the condition holistically. If you've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's, come along to take charge of your health, empower yourself with knowledge and get started on your journey to wellness. For more information, including location, tickets and how to book, click the link below x https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/hello-hashimotos-tickets-97

03.01.2022 There's only three tickets left for my upcoming Hashimoto's talk, so if you've been thinking of coming along now's the time to organise your tickets I've been overwhelmed by the wonderful response to this talk and if there's enough interest, I will definitely look at running it again later this year. Of course, I'm always interested to hear your ideas as to what talk or workshop I should run next (Graves disease, endometriosis and 'managing menopause naturally' are a few of the ones that have been requested so far) so if you have any suggestions I would love to hear them! X

03.01.2022 R E J U V E N A T E Undoubtedly, the last few weeks have been a somewhat unusual and unprecedented time. Many of my patients have reported feeling increased levels of stress and anxiety, and of course, this is very understandable - Many of us are facing new working arrangements, new living arrangements and/or new restrictions on the things we can do in our day-to-day lives. Some are busier than usual, and some have more time on their hands. For many though, this is a t...ime of uncertainty - That said, it also has the potential to be a time of growth, self-reflection, personal development and rejuvenation. Undoubtedly, it will not always be easy - there are new demands being placed on us (such as home schooling or working from home) and many of us are unable to engage in activities we usually enjoy, such as going to the gym or catching up with friends. Where possible though, we can use this time to focus on our health - to go to bed earlier, to have a nourishing breakfast, to spend some time in the sun and to give up habits that no longer serve us. Adversity is never easy, but it can be an avenue for growth. If you have been struggling to adapt to these new circumstances or are experiencing heightened feelings of stress or anxiety, I encourage you to reach out for help - contact a friend, call a family member or speak to a qualified healthcare professional. We dont know where the next few weeks or months will take us, but we have a responsibility to be kind to ourselves and each other, to take advantage of opportunities for growth and to brave this wild weather together x

03.01.2022 A recent blog post I wrote on a topic I'm frequently asked about - Leaky gut, or, as it's more accurately known, 'increased intestinal permeability'. If this topic is of interest to you, or you have digestive issues, an autoimmune disease, or an inflammatory condition like endometriosis, click the link below to find out more:

01.01.2022 Do you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding? Perhaps you dread that ‘time of the month’, because you associate it with pain, discomfort, flooding and your ongoing iron deficiency?! Did you know that heavy periods such as this could be a sign of thyroid dysfunction? Thyroid hormones play many roles in the body, but one of their important roles in women is to regulate menstrual function. In fact, research suggests up to 70% of women with thyroid issues experience menstrual ab...normalities, including heavy periods, irregular periods, periods that come too frequently or in some cases, missing periods. There are many mechanisms which may account for heavy menstrual bleeding in hypothyroidism, including compromised oestrogen metabolism, abnormal prolactin levels, luteal phase defects and failure to ovulate. All of these factors can contribute to period that are heavy or otherwise irregular. Ultimately, any menstrual bleeding that is too heavy or too prolonged needs to be investigated, to determine the cause at hand. Part of this investigation should include an assessment of thyroid function, in particular, as women of reproductive age are one of the groups most at risk of thyroid disorders. Both underactive and overactive thyroids can be a cause of menstrual abnormalities, so if you’re experiencing painful, heavy or otherwise irregular periods, I urge you to investigate further and ensure a comprehensive thyroid function test is included on the list! - Niki