Dr. Lynne Racette Naturopathic Doctor
15930 Old Simcoe Rd L9L 0A2 Port Perry, ON, Canada

The top 3 hormones that can cause acne INSULIN Blood sugar regulation plays a large role in inflammation and acne. When insulin levels spike, it can send a signal to the ovaries to increase testosterone production, leading to acne.... CORTISOL When this stress hormone spikes, it can disrupt the levels of hormones that regulate sebum, causing more breakouts. ANDROGENS Also known as testosterones can trigger more sebum production, inflammation and colonization of hair follicles with the bacteria P. acnes. So it’s not always estrogen and progesterone causing your acne. - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #periodproblems #endometriosis #insulinresistance #insulinresistancesolutions #acne #glowingskin #acnesolutions #hormonalacne #hormonalproblems

The thyroid gland controls a lot of things and when it isn’t functioning optimally we might experience symptoms such as: - fatigue - low mood - weight gain - hair loss... - constipation - heavy periods What a lot of people don’t realize is that our diet and lifestyles can really impact the thyroid, both positively or negatively. Here are some things that are not beneficial for the thyroid gland: - Low carb and keto diets - Intermittent fasting and skipping meals - Under-eating and over-exercising Instead, let’s focus on nourishing our body for proper hormonal functioning. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #periodproblems #endometriosis #insulinresistance #insulinresistancesolutions #brainfog #anxiety #depression #hormonalbalance #thyroidsolutions #hypothyroidism #thyroidproblems #thyroiddiet #hashimotos

If you experience PMS, I am sure you have googled how do I fix my PMS? And google likely provided you with a lot of answers. A lot of them which aren’t likely to be evidence based on beneficial to actually get rid of your PMS. Cleanses and restrictive diets are often at the top of the search results for those who want to balance their hormones but they do anything but that.... As always, be careful where you get your information from. Googling your symptoms or a solution to something will only tell you which ones have the best SEO (search engine optimization)! - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #periodproblems #endometriosis #insulinresistance #insulinresistancesolutions #brainfog #anxiety #depression #hormonalbalance #hormonesolutions #insomnia #sleepproblems #adrenalfatigue #burnoutsolutions #endosolutions #pmsing #pmsproblems #burnout

As a society, we often associate PMS with a singular symptom: mood swings. But there are over 150 different symptoms that can be experiences by women as part of their PMS. PMS doesn’t necessarily happen due to a hormonal imbalance. It can happen when hormones are balanced and well within the normal range. You might be sensitive to the fluctuation of hormone that happens at that time of your cycle.... So if you have ever heard that your hormones are normal but you feel anything butyour symptoms are valid and real. Just because hormones are normal it doesn’t mean that you cannot experience PMS. You are simply sensing the shift in hormones that happens the week leading to your next period. Strategies and protocols are available to help support you through the normal fluctuations of hormones so that the symptoms can be a lot better. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #periodproblems #endometriosis #insulinresistance #insulinresistancesolutions #brainfog #anxiety #depression #hormonalbalance #hormonesolutions #insomnia #sleepproblems #adrenalfatigue #burnoutsolutions #endosolutions #pmsing #pmsproblems #burnout

Let’s continue the cortisol discussion. Symptoms come on when cortisol is too low, too high, or dysregulated (aka not spiking and decreasing at appropriate times). Let’s talk about the morning. Cortisol naturally spikes between 6am-9am. This is what wakes you up in the morning and makes you feel refreshed and ready to take on the day. If you don’t spike high enough in the morning you will feel groggy and tired. If you spike too high, you will feel anxious and overwhelmed upo...n waking. Cortisol at night should be at an all time low to help melatonin levels be produced in high amounts so that you can sleep soundly. If cortisol is too high at night, you will feel tired but wired. We haven’t even touched on the afternoon yet. If your cortisol was too low in the morning, chances are you will be too low for the rest of the day, leading to a mid afternoon slump. You see how complex cortisol can be? It plays such a vital part in how we are feeling throughout the day, yet, it is often not talked about or tested on bloodwork. The infographic offers some information on typical recommendations based on if cortisol is too high or too low. **Please note that I am NOT talking about strategies to support those who have medical conditions linked to high/low cortisol (Addison’s and Cushing’s diseases) but simply talking about functional states of having suboptimal cortisol levels. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #hormonalbalance #endometriosis #pcos #pms #pmsing #periodproblems #adrenalfatigue #burnout #highcortisol #lowcortisol #adrenalfatiguesolutions #burnoutsulutions #menstrualcycleproblems #womenshealthadvocate

Maybe you are tired and stressed or maybe it’s your cortisol. I say this to my patients all of the time: cortisol gets a bad reputation for being seeing as the bad hormone. It isn’t true. ... Cortisol isn’t bad. It’s beneficial for so many important functions in your body. It increases when we are feeling stressed out to help us deal with the stressors happening in our lives. It is also part of our circadian rhythm, regulating our sleep-wake cycle. If we are feeling tired, it can sometimes be a sign of our cortisol being out of balance. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #hormonalbalance #endometriosis #pcos #pms #pmsing #periodproblems #ovulation #ovulatorypain #ovulationproblems #menstrualcycleproblems #womenshealthadvocate #adrenalfatigue #burnout #stressrelief #cortisolmanager #adrenalfatiguerecovery

Your body is always trying to communicate with you. Because your hormones play an integral role in your overall health, an imbalance can lead to such a broad range of signs and symptoms. Common symptoms can include:... - hair loss - headaches - darkening of the skin - skin tags - acne - heavy or irregular periods - insomnia - night sweats - low libido - food cravings - mood swings Depending on your symptoms, diagnostic tests can be done to help identify where the imbalance is coming from. It can be any of the following hormones: - the thyroid? - cortisol - progesterone - estrogen - androgens - insulin - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #hormonalbalance #endometriosis #pcos #pms #pmsing #periodproblems #ovulation #ovulatorypain #ovulationproblems #menstrualcycleproblems #womenshealthadvocate

Period cramps and flow get a lot of publicity as the face of annoying period symptoms. Period poops don’t get any. Yet they are the worst! It’s the time of the month that you get to poop more than you do on all other days. It’s bad enough to have to deal with your period, but to deal with frequent and loose poop on top of that! Typically, the worse are your cramps, the worse are your period poops. The prostaglandins that get released by your uterus and cause cramps can trave...l from your uterus to your large intestines and rectum and cause them to cramp too. More prostaglandins = more frequent and loose poops. Does anyone have any other questions? - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #uxbridgeontario #periodproblems #pmssolutions #periodpoops #periodcramps #periodsymptoms #periodsolutions #menstrualcycle #pmsproblems #bowelmovements #uteruscramps

Spotting is when bleeding happens between menstrual periods. This is usually normal and expected but it can sometimes be a sign that is worth exploring with your healthcare provider. Some of the top causes of spotting are addressed here. One of the more common causes is low progesterone. Progesterone helps to maintain the integrity of the uterine lining and lower levels typically means more spotting. ... Spotting can also be a sign of something more serious. Remember that if it is - new onset - lasts more than 1-2 days - isn’t associated with the start or end of your period Bring it up at your next appointment so that it can be investigated. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #hormonalbalance #endometriosis #pcos #pms #pmsing #periodproblems #periodpain #menstruationproblems #heavyperiods #menorrhagia #dysmenorrhea #thyroidconditions #hypothyroidism #womenshealthadvocate

Are you left with dark marks and spots after your pimple heals? This is called PIH, aka postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Essentially, your acne or pimple caused inflammation and when it was healing, your body overproduced melanin, the pigment in your skin. This leaves you with dark marks and spots for quite some time after the pimple has healed. ... I know how annoying and distressing this can be. Sometimes even just as much as the original pimple that caused it. So here are some ingredients to consider using to help decrease those post acne marks and spots that just won’t fade. - Vitamin C - Lactic acid - Niacinamide - Retinol - Salicylic acid - Hydroquinone - Glycolic acid - SPF Always check in with your skin expert before using a new product to make sure it is appropriate for you. You also will want to use a medical or pharmaceutical grade skincare for this to ensure the concentration is appropriate and effective for your post acne marks and spots. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #periodproblems #pmsproblems #acne #hormonalimbalances #acnescars #acnescarstreatment #acneskincare #acnesolution #glowingskincare #acnemarks

Drop an emoji if you have heard one of these statements before. Unfortunately, insensitive comments made about periods and PMS are far too common. I know I have heard these comments several times over the years when someone was questioning my decisions, behaviours, emotions, and mood. ... - Saying that someone who is showing emotion is PMSing is not okay. - Downplaying the symptoms by saying it’s not that bad why are you complaining minimizes how someone feels - Saying that anything about menstruation or women’s health is gross is just not okay. Ever! Some of these just highlight how misinformed our society is about periods and PMS and how easy it can be to minimize the real impact hormonal symptoms can have on someone’s life. So next time someone jokes or comments on your cycle or symptoms, educate them on why it isn’t appropriate to say these things. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #hormonalbalance #endometriosis #pcos #periodproblems #pmsing #pmssolutions #womensupportingwomen #loveyourself #periodshaming #periodissues

Zinc has been found to be helpful with so many symptoms associated with PCOS. - it can help with hair thinning/hair loss - it can decrease hirsutism, aka unwanted hair growth on the chin, upper lip, or chest - can support the skin and decrease acne... - supports fertility, menstrual cycles, and ovulation - lowers insulin resistance I know it sounds like it does just about everything. The reason why it is so good for those who are diagnosed with PCOS is because it helps regulate excess androgens and helps with blood sugar regulation through supporting the production and response to insulin. It seems that a zinc deficiency is more common in women with PCOS. In fact, a study found that zinc deficiency is a better predictor of PCOS than someone’s BMI. Since zinc and PCOS have such an intricate relationship, making sure you are not deficient is important. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #periodproblems #pmsproblems #acne #hormonalimbalances #pcos #cysters #pcossolutions #hirsutism #hairloss #hormonalbalance #hormonesolutions #stress #insulinresistance

Progesterone might be to blame if you experience: - constipation - fatigue - anxiety... - sleep issues - skin issues - weight gain - infertility - headaches - acne - foggy thinking - PMS There are so many reasons why it is becoming such a common hormonal imbalance. - exposure to xenoestrogens. These are man-made products that have a similar chemical structure to estrogen and can mimic it. - you are stressed. When you are stressed, your hormonal pathways start focusing on producing more cortisol which takes away from the production of progesterone. - not ovulating. This happens for some where there is no ovulation. You might still get a period though but your cycles tend to be longer and irregular. - Over exercising. Exercise is good and healthy but doing too much of a good thing can have a negative impact on your health and hormones. If you think low progesterone is something that might be causing your symptoms, get tested! Serum progesterone is typically checked on bloodwork between days 19-22 of a regular 28 day cycle. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #periodproblems #pmsproblems #acne #hormonalimbalances #estrogendominance #hormonalbalance #hormonesolutions #stress

Adrenal fatigue gets thrown around as a diagnosis all of the time. I am here to tell you that adrenal fatigue IS REAL! But it isn’t a medical diagnosis or a medical condition. Your adrenal glands aren’t diseased and completely unable to produce cortisol.... Adrenal fatigue is a state of sub-optimal function, fatigue, and exhaustion. It’s when your cortisol is still being produced in the wrong amounts at the wrong time of the day. - Too low in the morning (no energy, feels like you haven’t slept) - Too high in the evening (tired but wired, anxious) - Flattened curve instead of a rise and fall (fatigue all day long) If you think you might have sub-optimal adrenal function and cortisol production, have it checked on bloodwork. It is so important to ensure proper diagnosis because a lot of medical conditions can mimic adrenal fatigue. - depression - hypothyroidism - sleep apnea - anxiety - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #adrenalfatigue #burnout #burnoutrecovery #depression #anxiety #hypothyroidism #fatigue #adrenalfatiguesupport #cortisolcurve #lowenergy #stressedout #stress

While we are at it, let’s ditch toxic diet culture. The one that makes you feel guilty The one that makes you categorize food into good and bad groups... - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #hormonalbalance #endometriosis #pcos #pms #pmsing #periodproblems #periodpain #menstruationproblems #heavyperiods #menorrhagia #dysmenorrhea #undiet #ditchdietculture #foodasfuel #nutritiontips #womenshealthadvocate

Estrogen dominance is common, but why does it happen? It’s partly because we are exposed to a lot of xenoestrogens and we are chronically stressed out which decreases our progesterone leading to estrogen being unopposed. So here are the top causes of estrogen dominance:... 1. Gut dysbiosis. Your gut and hormones are absolutely connected. Glucuronidation is one detox pathways in the liver that helps us eliminate hormones. Imbalanced gut microbes can produce an enzyme called beta glucuronidase that can block this detox pathway, causing your estrogen to get reabsorbed, reactivated, and put back into circulation. 2. Sluggish liver detox. As explained above, the liver takes care of clearing estrogen from your body. If our liver is busy processing a whole lot of other things, it may not get the chance to eliminate as much estrogen as it should. 3. Constipation. What do your BMs have to do with estrogen? When you liver detoxes estrogen, it sends it in your poop for elimination out of your body. If you aren’t going every day, estrogen has the chance to be reabsorbed and used again, causing an excess in estrogen 4. Low progesterone. Here is the thing - progesterone helps keep estrogen in check and when it is low, estrogen becomes the dominant hormone, causing a lot of symptoms. 5. Xenoestrogens. I talked about this last month, but xenoestrogens are man-made ingredients often used in skin care and beauty products, or in plastics. They look like estrogen and mimic its action in the body. 6. Elevated stress. This impacts progesterone. The more cortisol you make, the more you take from progesterone and its precursor. This again leaves estrogen unopposed, causing it to become the dominant hormone. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #hormonalbalance #ibs #bloating #weightloss #loveyourbody #weightmanagement #estrogenexcess #hormonalhealth #estrogendominance #leptin

Today, we are decoding your acne. Where your acne appears says a lot about the cause behind it. So if you keep seeing acne and breakouts appear in the same places over and over again, its location could help you pinpoint the underlying cause.... It’s not exact science. It won’t be as accurate as doing further testing and exams. But face mapping is a place to start. - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #hormonalbalance #acne #breakouts #causesofacne #clearskin #glowingskin #holisticskin #acneproblems #estrogendominance

Have you thought about your Christmas shopping yet? I have been giving it some thought already. This year I will be more mindful in how and where I will be spending my money. My plan is to shop locally to support our economy and local small business owners. @picksandgiggles made it so easy to shop intentionally and locally through their Unboxed Christmas Wishbook.... Remember the feeling you used to get looking through the Sears Wishbook growing up? That’s what this brings. Except even better, because it supports businesses in the Durham region. I KNOW that if we all shop locally, we can make a big difference. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #hormonalbalance #glowingskin #holisticskincare #shoplocal #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #shopsmall #shopsmallshop

I am not anti birth control pill. I am anti-one-stop-solution-for-all-things-hormones. Heavy periods are a common concern for women. It is described as having to change your pad/tampon every 1-2 hours because it is soaked (or bleeding more than 40ml during your entire period).... Thyroid issues isn’t the cause for every person who experiences heavy periods, but it is one consideration that is often forgotten about. I won’t rant about thyroid ranges, but just remember normal doesn’t equal optimal. And TSH alone isn’t enough. It absolutely won’t give you enough information to rule out a thyroid condition. So if you find your periods are heavy, or if you bleed for longer than 7 days, or get a period more than once per month, it’s time to have extensive bloodwork and an ultrasound to check in on your uterus lining and ovaries. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #womenshealth #hormonalbalance #endometriosis #pcos #pms #pmsing #periodproblems #periodpain #menstruationproblems #heavyperiods #menorrhagia #dysmenorrhea #thyroidconditions #hypothyroidism #womenshealthadvocate

IV Vitamin Drips You might be wondering what all the hype about IV therapy is. Here are some of the most common benefits:... . IVs bypass the gut and go straight into your bloodstream and cells, with almost 100% absorption. That means you feel the benefits almost immediately and get results quickly . You can get much higher dosages of vitamins without upsetting your stomach. . You get a lot of hydration and fluids. Who doesn’t love feeling well hydrated? Check out my IV menu for bag options and more information by following the link in my bio - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #estrogenexcess #estrogendeficiency #acne #breakouts #ivvitamindrips #ivdrips #ivtherapy #functionalmedicine #naturopathicmedicine #holisticdoctor #highdosevitamin #vitamindrips #vitamininjections #burnout #adrenalfatigue

Mindful eating VS Dieting I get that it is hard to know what to eat, how much to eat, and when to eat. And that most of you find it easier to follow dietary rules. But the latest fad diet will not be the answer you were looking for. ... WHY? Because it won’t fix your relationship with foodand that’s what needs to change. When I am asked what diet someone should follow, my answer is usually it depends on your needs and your lifestyle. Food is a source of nourishment and shouldn’t be a source of stress. Or a source of negative thoughts. But unfortunately for a lot of us it is. Nutrition, diets, foods. It is all so confusing, and the term mindful eating is also very confusing and hard to comprehend and grasp. So here are my tips for you: - Get away from categorizing food as good or bad. Because food is nourishment, and some foods will help support your body and some foods will not do that. - Have freedom with the foods you are eating and try not to forever cut out an entire food group (unless medically necessary) - Eat foods with calories that count! Highly nutritious food with tons of health promoting benefits I know it can be so hard not to follow rules. Start slow and be gentle with yourself and your thoughts and emotions around food. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #pregnancy #momtobe #probiotics #gutbrainaxis #healthypregnancy #gutmicrobiome #microbiome #probioticsupplement #holisticmama #digestivehealth #dietplan #mindfuleating #undiet #nodiets #healthyeating #bodypositive

Cortisol is the control system for hormones. It is well known as the stress hormone, produced by the adrenal gland when we are under pressure or stress. So you’d think that most of us would have elevated cortisol levels due to being overworked, and having way too many obligations.... That’s not always true! Optimal cortisol follows a pattern called the cortisol curve. In a healthy curve, cortisol is high in the morning and tapers off through the day and into the evening. If you feel tired and groggy first thing in the morning, or you feel you need a nap in the afternoon, it could be a sign that your cortisol pattern is disrupted. It’s like a slow-release energy pill that you take in the morning to wake you up and provides you enough energy for the entire day only to wear off just in time for bed. When we are chronically stressed, the body releases cortisol at all hours and the curve turns into a roller coaster. Eventually this can lead to a physiological state called adrenal fatigue. - What if your cortisol spikes too early in the morning? A healthy curve begins to rise around 6am, peaking around 8am. If you routinely wake up between 3-4am in a state of anxiety, your cortisol is spiking too early - What if your cortisol has random spikes throughout the day? It is typical to have cortisol spike throughout the day in response to stressors or too much caffeine, and even a lack of carbs (you heard that right, a LACK of carbs can negatively impact your cortisol). You will feel wired, irritated, and exhausted all at the same time. - What if your cortisol is too high in the evening? Falling asleep will be really difficult and can take 45mins or longer even if you are feeling exhausted. - What if your cortisol is just low all day long? You will be exhausted both physically and mentally. Your mood will be all over the place, and things that used to not stress you out now feel like huge deals. Your adrenal glands have overworked and have slowed down their production of cortisol. Testing your cortisol levels throughout the day is a fantastic way of understanding what is going on. - Bloodwork: Easiest and least expensive, testing cortisol in the morning (8am),

Find my stethoscope It’s hiding somewhere in this shot. Can you spot it? How long did it take you to find it this time? . .... . . . #uxbridgeontario#healthisfun#travelingstethoscope#naturopath#durhamregion#whitby#stethoscope#doctor#womenshealth#livingsimply #findtheobject #durhammoms #hormones #naturopathicdoctor #travelingstethoscope #whereswaldo #womenshealth #durhamregionmoms See more

Probiotics have so many health benefits for moms and infants. Since most of our immune system is in our GI tract and most of our serotonin production happens there too, gut health is so important. Research shows that probiotics are beneficial for moms and moms-to-be. They not only impact the moms, but can also impact the baby during pregnancy and also through breastfeeding.... Take home from thisprobiotics are pretty darn good for a lot of things. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #pregnancy #momtobe #probiotics #gutbrainaxis #healthypregnancy #gutmicrobiome #microbiome #probioticsupplement #holisticmama #digestivehealth #guthealth #naturopath #functionalclinic #IBS #gutproblems #bloating

Struggling with digestive symptoms? It might be SIBO SIBO = Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. The majority of our gut bacteria should be in the large intestine, where they have beneficial and health promoting effects. ... However, various things can cause the bacteria to overgrow into the small intestine, where they should be present in small quantities only. This leads to IBS-like symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, reflux, and bloating. If you have been struggling with digestive symptoms and cannot seem to get improvements by simple lifestyle changes, it might be time to get tested for SIBO. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #estrogenexcess #periodproblems #endometriosis #ibs #guthealth #naturopath #functionalclinic #holisticclinic #SIBO #IBS #SIBOtreatment #SIBOdiet #gutproblems #bloating #foodsensitivities

What the colour of your period says about your health. The blood you see during your period isn’t quite the same as when you cut your finger. What you see is a mixture of blood and uterine lining. How much of each will influence the colour. BRIGHT RED: the brighter red the blood, the more recent the bleeding and the quicker it is passing through. It is normal to see bright red at the start of your period, between days 1-3... DARK RED: the darker it is, the older it is, and the slower the flow. This is typical from days 3-5 PINK: Some people notice that their period is pink. This is common at the beginning or end. It’s usually blood diluted by mucus, but can also be a sign of low estrogen levels. PURPLE or BLUE: This is often a sign that the blood is very clotted or that estrogen levels are a little too high. ORANGE or RUST: It you notice an orangish tint to your period, it might be a sign of an infection. Definitely time to book an appointment to see your doctor. BROWN: This is normal if it happens at the very end of your period for 1-2 days, but it should never be so deep that it is almost black. It might be a sign that your flow was way too slow and the blood stayed in the uterus a little too long. Now that you know all about the colours of your period rainbow, I thought I’d share a fun new fact I learnt about yesterday. Pantone has a new colour, and they named it Period Red, , as a way to normalize periods. I actually had this post planned in advance, with pantone colour swatches as an inspiration and then came across their newest released colour. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #estrogenexcess #estrogendeficiency #benefitsofestrogen #periodproblems #acne #breakouts #clearskin #endometriosis #periodpower #womenshealth #healthyliving #menstruation #menstruationproblems #normalizeperiods #normalizemenstruation

Your diet is the first line of defence against adrenal fatigue. Making sure that you are getting healthy nutrients in your body will help energy levels and stress. The key is consuming a whole foods diet that is highly nutritious, in addition to: - identifying food sensitivities and avoiding them... - eating regularly and at the right times of the day - it is important to eat regularly and not skip any meals - cut down on caffeine and sugar intake - stay hydrated - focus on whole foods that are easy to digest You will see that a lot of the focus is on keeping your blood sugar regular. When you are dealing with adrenal fatigue, we try to avoid too many spikes and dips in blood sugar levels, as that can trigger a cortisol response. There are lots of amazing foods for adrenal fatigue. - green vegetables are packed with nutrients and help balance out blood sugar levels - avocados contain healthy fats and are high in B6, a vitamin that is important for adrenal function - reishi mushrooms are fantastic for the immune system and help with the stress response in our body - ashwagandha can be used in a power form and added to a smoothie or a warm drink. It works as an adaptogen to help us manage stress and supports hormone production - soups and stews are great because they are nutritious and easy to digest which means more energy can go toward healing and other processes - beans and legumes are a great source of protein and fibre, helping you keep your blood sugar regulated. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #estrogenexcess #estrogendeficiency #benefitsofestrogen #periodproblems #acne #breakouts #clearskin #holisticskincare #womenshealth #ibs #guthealth #antiaging #adrenalfatigue #burnout #adrenalfatiguerecovery #stress #anxiety #feelingtired

Post Pill Acne is a common issue for many women who are coming off hormonal birth control. It usually peaks around 4-6 months after coming off of it. It’s also a main reason why a lot of women end up right back on a hormonal birth control pill because their skin flares up. But why does it happen?... - Changes occur to the gut microbiome when taking oral contraception long term, and this in turns impacts how estrogen is excreted from the body. - Sebum production was suppressed while on the pill and now production goes on overdrive to compensate. Excess sebum can block pores and lead to acne. - Testosterone levels rebound and increase, leading to further production of sebum and acne. - The pill depleted important nutrients, such as B vitamins, Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C. All of these are important for skin repair and healing. - Stress response is affected and can increase anxiety, causing even more skin flare ups If you are struggling with acne after coming off birth control, or even while you are on it, don’t hesitate to reach out. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #estrogenexcess #estrogendeficiency #benefitsofestrogen #periodproblems #acne #breakouts #clearskin #holisticskincare #womenshealth #ibs #guthealth #adrenalfatigue #anxiety #depression

Estrogen gets a BAD RAP. It often gets blamed for a lot of ‘hormonal’ symptoms, like mood swings, PMS, headaches, breakouts, cancers, weight gain. Just about everything we can blame, we blame it on estrogen. But she is not all that bad. ... Estrogen is our creative powerhouse. It lubricates our lady parts. And it also helps with all of the following functions: - protects bone density - improves the vagina (less dryness and less atrophy) - protects the brain and memory - reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease - improves mood - optimizes skin moisture and texture, thus reducing wrinkles - increases insulin sensitivity and metabolism. Instead of being afraid of estrogen, let’s make sure it is in balance with your progesterone and harness the benefits it will offer you. For all women over the age of 40, listen up. Estrogen is especially important when you are going through perimenopause and menopause. We are often too scared to use hormone replacement therapies to help us during this stage in our life, that we lose our on the benefits and there can be serious health consequences long term (higher risk of osteoporosis, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and so on). - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #estrogenexcess #estrogendeficiency #benefitsofestrogen #periodproblems #menopause #perimenopause #womenshealth #guthealth #naturopath #functionalclinic #holisticclinic #hairloss #thyroidproblems #stress #pcos #adrenalfatigue #anxiety #depression

Your health plan should be customized to your needs I get asked all the time: what to use for XYZ? Or what diet should I eat? The truth is, it depends. There is no one best option for everyone. Health isn’t a one size fits all. ... I might’ve recommended something to one patient and a completely different plan for someone else with similar concerns. Let’s come up with a really good plan for you and your needs together. Because something that your girlfriend recommended to you that worked for her is not necessarily the best option for you. - - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #estrogenexcess #periodproblems #endometriosis #ibs #guthealth #naturopath #pcos #cysters #cysts #fertility #naturopathicdoctor #healthgoals #hormonalsupport #periodproblems #acne #clearskin

This is in support of all the women who have been told time and time again that their thyroid is ‘fine’. That maybe it’s just stress Or that perhaps the fatigue is just part of being a mom... Well guess what? It might be your thyroid. Chances are, only TSH was tested on bloodwork and it ISN’T ENOUGH. TSH isn’t even made by the thyroid gland. It is made in the pituitary gland and gives instructions to your thyroid whether or not it should produce more hormones. - High TSH indicates that your pituitary is yelling at your thyroid to produce more T4 and T3 to meet your body’s needs. - Low TSH means that your pituitary gland is asking your thyroid to stop or slow down production of thyroid hormones. Sometimes things can go wrong and the pituitary might not be accurate in its response, leading to TSH levels appearing completely normal on bloodwork and you being told that your thyroid is fine. To accurately test and rule out a thyroid condition, a thyroid panel should be performed. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #estrogenexcess #periodproblems #endometriosis #ibs #guthealth #naturopath #functionalclinic #holisticclinic #thyroidproblems #hypothyroidism #thyroidtesting #thyroidsupport #thyroidwarrior #hashimotos #integrativeclinic #ivvitamindrips #ivtherapy

What you need to know about adrenal fatigue is that the term itself is often misleading because it describes a wide variety of states that someone might experience on their way towards burnout. Keep in mind that it is not an actual medical diagnosis though, but more of an explanation for physiological changes that happen to someone who is dealing with chronic stress or a hectic/busy life. Adrenal fatigue comes in 4 different stages, each of them having their own set of sympt...oms and hormonal changes. - stage 1: during the first stage, the body is able to adapt to the stressors but start to feel anxious, restless, nervous, have a racing mind, irritability, feeling wired/on edge. - stage 2: this is when you are really starting to notice the effects of stress and its impact on your energy. There is more fatigue and a feeling of being ‘tired but wired’, weight gain, low mood or anxiety. - stage 3: at this stage your adrenal glands are still compensating and produce your stress hormones at the expense of sex hormones. This means that there typically an impact on PMS, periods, libido. Post exercise recovery is also slowed and starting to be impacted - stage 4: your body eventually runs out of building blocks that it has stored due to overproduction and over compensation. Burnout happens. Extreme tiredness, irritability, depression, anxiety, weight gain or loss, disinterest, changes to periods, intolerance to exercise, frequent colds and flus As you can see, each stage is so different in symptoms and presentation on bloodwork or functional tests. If you think you may have adrenal fatigue, it is so important to first rule out medical conditions that may overlap with symptoms because adrenal fatigue isn’t a condition, but more of a physiological state where your body’s stress response starts impacting your body and causing symptoms. - - - - #uxbridgeon #whitby #hormonalbalance #sibo #functionalmedicine #clarington #oshawa #durhamregion #durhammoms #durhamregionmoms #portperry #scugog #estrogenexcess #periodproblems #endometriosis #ibs #guthealth #naturopath #functionalclinic #holisticclinic #thyroidproblems #stress #pcos #adrenalfatigue #adrenalfatiguerecovery