WOMENS HEALTH
Women are dynamic, and so are their hormones and health needs. Women want to live longer, while retaining their health, energy and vitality. A woman’s specific health needs and concerns can vary from men’s and a personalized and comprehensive medical assessment can address these unique requirements. A naturopathic approach focuses on balancing hormones and reducing risk factors for chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancers and osteoporosis. Customized treatment plans may include positive lifestyle interventions like increased physical activity, nutritional counseling, weight optimization and stress education in addition to herbal and supplement recommendations. The goal is always to identify medical concerns and problems early, when the disease is most easily prevented and managed.
PAP smears at Mint are offered by our naturopathic physicians who aim to educate while screening for cervical cancer.
Peri-Menopause / Menopause
Perimenopause is defined as a woman’s transition from her reproductive years into menopause. During this time, many women experience changes in their menstrual cycles and fluctuation of hormone levels. These natural changes can lead to many debilitating symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, weight gain, depression, incontinence, vaginal dryness and decreased sex drive. Naturopathic treatments work with patients to manage these mental and physical concerns using a patient-centred approach.
Once a woman transitions into her menopausal years, she may continue to be affected by perimenopausal symptoms. During this stage the risk of certain diseases, including osteoporosis, heart disease and some forms of cancer, increases. For these women we focus not only on symptom management, but on proper screening, preventative health and risk factor modification to help patients achieve their optimum health.
Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain is one of the most common conditions affecting reproductive aged women today. Unfortunately, for most women diagnosis and treatment is a long and difficult process and many are left feeling frustrated, alone and hopeless. Up to 16% of women experience a specific type of pain in the genital area called vulvodynia (vulvar pain). Many women with this specific type of pain find that it significantly affects their daily activities (e.g., sitting, walking, exercise) and their intimate relationships. An integrative approach to pain helps to not only uncover the root cause of the pain, but also improve overall quality of life.