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PCOS

AMH and PCOS – another diagnostic tool?

February 20, 2015 By //  by Whitney Young, ND

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is something that we see in our office regularly. Sometimes it’s already been diagnosed and other times it has not. While there is diagnostic criteria for PCOS, there is still some debate as to what definitively confirms PCOS.

A study published in Clinical Endocinology suggests that Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) has potential as another way to determine if PCOS is present. They found that AMH was able to correctly identify PCOS 79% of the time.

What does this mean for you? If you suspect that you have PCOS, here is a list of tests that you might ask to have completed:

  • Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) – typically costs about $65 and is usually an out of pocket expense (your Ontario ND can order this)
  • Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) – this 2 hour test gives a functional value for blood sugar control (PCOS has a 5 fold increase risk of developing diabetes mellitus)
  • DHEA-s and Testosterone – high androgen levels are often elevated in PCOS and gives a good measure for treatment success

Yours in Health,

Kerri Fullerton ND & Whitney Young ND

 

AMH and PCOS – another diagnostic tool?Read More

Filed Under: Fertility

Rooted has a new PCOS tea blend

March 7, 2014 By //  by Whitney Young, ND

There are many different hormonal imbalances involved in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome  (PCOS).  As such, different herbal blends work for different types of PCOS patients.

Dr. Whitney and Dr. Kerri show off their new PCOS tea at the Bridal Show.
Dr. Whitney and Dr. Kerri show off their new PCOS tea at the Bridal Show.

Our tea blend is geared to those women with high androgens (high testosterone and high DHEA) which is what often causes the acne and hair growth.

Spearmint tea helps lower the DHEA, the total testosterone and free testosterone.

Green tea helps to increase the sex hormone-binding globulin which helps to mop up the extra testosterone.  Green tea has also been linked to a two-fold increase in fertility.

The studies to reduce the hormones were done over two months so don’t expect to drink just one cup every once in a while to see the changes.  Two cups per day is required for this therapeutic effect.

That said, it’s a tasty tea that can be enjoyed by anybody anytime.

PCOS blend is available at Simply Tea and Chocolate downtown Barrie and at Rooted Naturopathic Clinic

STC SqLogo

 

Rooted has a new PCOS tea blendRead More

Filed Under: Fertility, General News, Naturopathic Medicine, Pics of Us

What you need to know about testing women’s hormones

February 28, 2014 By //  by Whitney Young, ND

When a woman goes to the doctor and says “I think my hormones are all messed up” she may be given a requisition to test her hormones.  When she’s told that her hormones are fine and brings the results to us, we often ask her to do them again.  Here’s why:

  1. The day of your cycle has everything to do with when you go to the lab.  Hormones vary with your cycle and they peak at different times.
  • Day 3 is when you test estrogen
  • Day 21 (or 7 days before your expected period) is when you test progesterone
  • This means that you need two requisitions
  1. TSH (thyroid hormone) can be tested at any time during your cycle.  If it is a repeat test, go at the same time of day as you went last time as the hormone can vary during the day.
  2. FSH (follicular stimulating hormone) should also be tested on Day3.
  3. Androgens, like testosterone and DHEA are tested to determine if PCOS is an issue.  DHEA and Testosterone can be tested at any point in your cycle.  We want to see free testosterone though as bound testosterone isn’t actively causing symptoms.

What you need to know about testing women’s hormonesRead More

Filed Under: Fertility, Tests

What is PCOS?

January 29, 2014 By //  by Whitney Young, ND

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, PCOS, is a hormonal condition that affects a women’s ability to ovulate.

The cause of PCOS is unknown, however  we know that there is a strong relationship with dysfunctional sugar metabolism – namely insulin resistance or diabetes.   Also, the use of valproic acid for seizures or bipolar disorder has been linked to an increased risk of developing PCOS.

What symptoms do we see with PCOS and why?

Insulin resistance causes too much insulin to be in the blood stream.  Insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce too much of the hormones called androgens – DHEA and testosterone.  Insulin also stops another hormone, sex-hormone-binding-globulin, from working properly.  The end result is that too many androgens are freely flowing through the blood.

All of these extra hormones cause:

  • Acne
  • Hirsutism – male patterned hair growth in women (facial and lower abdominal)
  • Male patterned baldness

Irregular periods or absent periods is one of the most common symptoms.  This leads to:

  • Infertility
  • Progesterone deficiency
  • Thickened endometrial lining (thereby increasing the risk of uterine cancer)

PCOS is also associated with:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Eating disorders, especially binge eating disorder

If the insulin resistance associated with PCOS is not managed, there is an increased risk of developing:

  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease due to the cholesterol increase
  • Sleep apnea
  • Fatty liver

By restoring proper sugar metabolism, most of the symptoms of PCOS can be managed.  This is why diet and exercise are two key components to any PCOS treatment plan.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

A woman must have two of the three features listed below, and have other conditions that may cause the symptoms excluded.

1.  Irregular or absent periods

2.  Clinical signs of high androgens or biochemical signs (lab work)

3.  Polycystic ovaries

 

How is PCOS treated?

Since virtually every part of PCOS is better when insulin resistance is managed, that is where you want to start.

A low GI diet and daily exercise are the foundation to a good treatment plan.

There have been many studies to support the use of natural therapies in the treatment of PCOS.  Many different supplements and herbs can help increase ovulation, decrease insulin resistance, and reduce androgen excess.

The ‘trick’ to these therapies working is two-fold.  Choosing supplements that are appropriate for you and taking them in the doses necessary.

Also, most of the studies have been done over the course of two to six cycles.  Patience is surely needed on everyone’s part.

So if you’ve been surfing the web trying to figure out what you should take, you can stop now.  Book your assessment and let us figure out which supplements have been researched and are most suited to you.

What is PCOS?Read More

Filed Under: Fertility

Why don’t I get a regular period?

October 9, 2013 By //  by Whitney Young, ND

Many women who skip months without a period have a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS.

PCOS is a condition that includes:

  • high testosterone and DHEA-s levels causing acne, unwanted hair growth, and male patterned baldness
  • ovarian dysfunction with often results in lack of ovulation, hence the long periods of time between periods and often the associated infertility
  • weight gain occurs in many women due to the insulin insensitivity that is often part of PCOS

If you suspect that you may have PCOS, you need to have some blood work done to rule out other reasons for symptoms.  If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, remember that it’s a life-long condition.  You want to make sure that you are being taken care of with respect to the long term risks:

  • diabetes
  • cardiovascular disease
  • endometrial cancer
  • mood disorders

Naturopathic Medicine can not only help you manage PCOS symptoms like acne and infertility, but it can also help reduce your long-term health risks.

Book your assessment today or have your questions asked during our free 15 minute meet-the-doctor.

Why don’t I get a regular period?Read More

Filed Under: Fertility, Naturopathic Medicine

How do you test for PCOS?

October 4, 2013 By //  by Whitney Young, ND

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition and diagnosis involves a few tests.

Firstly, we want to know how many androgens you have floating through your blood.  These are hormones that are typically higher in men like testosterone and DHEA-s.  These hormones are responsible for the symptoms of:

  • acne
  • hirsutism (coarse hair on your face, abdomen or chest/back)
  • male patterned balding

These hormones are elevated in 50-90% of women with PCOS with or without the symptoms above.

Ask for free testosterone to be checked, not total testosterone.  This is because high insulin is often found in women with PCOS.  When insulin is high, it stops another hormone from working properly, sex-hormone binding globulin.  This hormone usually binds extra testosterone so that it doesn’t cause symptoms.  Total testosterone levels measure both the bound and unbound hormone.  This can result in a normal reading even though you may have too much free testosterone causing symptoms.

Secondly, we want to know if you ovulate and how often.  This can be done by tracking your periods using a basal body chart or having your cycle monitored at a clinic.

Thirdly, we want to know what your ovaries look like.  This can be done via ultrasound.  Polycystic ovaries are not found in all women with PCOS.

If you are not sure if you have PCOS and would like to be assessed, you can book an appointment with one of our doctors online.

How do you test for PCOS?Read More

Filed Under: Fertility, Tests

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This year I bought golf clubs for my birthday and This year I bought golf clubs for my birthday and decided this was the year I was taking up golf officially. 

It was time to build this skill so I could spend more time with my mom and stepdad. The byproduct is creating new memories with other friends who also like the game and making new friends. 

This Friday we golfed in the 5th annual Mike Gilbertson Memorial tournament. I’ve sponsored a hole for a few years for @carlaynegilbertson and @seasonscentreforgrieving but this is the first year I golfed. It was so much fun for a great cause. I’m excited to see how much the event raised for these special kids. 

What activities do you do to connect with the people you love?

#connection #womensupportingwomen #golflifestyle #community
Katie @your.thyroid.nd and I are really happy to o Katie @your.thyroid.nd and I are really happy to once again be a corporate sponsor for Bridgets Run. This is us last fall. 

We would love for you to join our team and walk or run with us on Saturday, October 21 at Centennial Beach Park in Barrie. The run starts at 10 AM. Click the link in bio to learn more to register. 

@bridgetsbunnies @rooted_naturopathic_clinic #infantloss #miscarriage #infertility #miscarriageawareness #miscarriagesupport
Play isn't just for kids—it's a powerful tool fo Play isn't just for kids—it's a powerful tool for enhancing your well-being at any age. As a naturopathic doctor, I know that integrating play into your routine can lead to a healthier, happier life.

**Physical Fitness:** From sports to dancing, play keeps you moving. It's not just fun – it's a boost for your heart, muscles, and coordination. I've been jumping on the trampoline with my kids, random dance parties, and throwing the ball to our dog-sitting pupils. 

**Stress Relief:** Need to unwind? Play triggers the release of natural stress-busters, helping you relax and recharge.

**Cognitive Stimulation:** Puzzles, games, and creative activities keep your mind sharp. Get ready to boost memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. We love a good board game at my house. What's your favourite?

**Social Interaction:** Play often happens with others, promoting social bonds, better communication, and a sense of belonging.

**Emotional Well-being:** Laughter and accomplishment are byproducts of play. They combat anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

No matter your age, play has a place in your life. As your doctor, I encourage you to embrace play for a healthier you. Remember, the prescription for play is a prescription for a better life. #PlayForHealth #WellnessJourney #naturopathicdoctor #childrenshealth #barrie #playmore
15 years! I graduated from the Toronto naturopat 15 years! 

I graduated from the Toronto naturopathic college @myccnm 15 years ago with the hope of helping as many people as possible. 

First I had humble beginnings with renting a room at The Healing Oasis with a lovely team of practitioners. From there, I took over The Healing Oasis for a few years before moving to Bell Farm Road  to be part-owner of @rooted_naturopathic_clinic

I’ve been here for over 10 years now.

I’m so grateful for the many people I have worked with and proud of the steps they’ve taken to improve their health. 

Who knows what the next 15 years brings? For now, I’ll mark this moment and celebrate. 

#naturopathicmedicine #barrie #barriend #barrieontario #naturopathontario #ndsuccess #ndlife #naturopathicdoctor
🌿💚 Hey there, parents! Dr. Whitney here, you 🌿💚 Hey there, parents! Dr. Whitney here, your friendly naturopathic doctor with a special focus in children's health. 

🧒Whether it's tackling eczema, soothing tummy troubles like constipation or diarrhea, easing anxiety, or ensuring a happy and healthy start for your little ones, I'm here to support you every step of the way. 

🌈✨ From well baby checks to guiding you through the exciting journey of solid food introduction and food allergy prevention, my mission is to nurture your child's well-being naturally. 

🙌🌿 Let's work together to create a vibrant, joyful, and allergy-free future for your little superheroes! 🌟🦸‍♀️ 

#ChildrensHealth #NaturopathicDoctor #HealthyKids #HappyLittleOnes #NaturalSolutions #wellnessjourneywarrior
Doing a happy dance for this family! Their toddl Doing a happy dance for this family! 

Their toddlers eczema is 95% better! He doesn’t scratch his back on his high chair every time he sits down for meal time anymore. His hair is growing back where he was scratching. He’s a happier guy!! 

Know anyone who’s child is suffering with eczema? Share this with them. I’d be happy to help. 

#naturaleczemarelief #eczemarelief #eczemahealing #babyeczema #babydoctor #naturopathicmedicine
Here’s a few of my tips that I use at home to re Here’s a few of my tips that I use at home to remember to take my supplements everyday. 

1️⃣ put them in the pantry cupboard that is easily accessible and that I open often for other things. 

2️⃣ Keep them in the door of the refrigerator, not at the back of the fridge, so they don’t get lost. 

3️⃣ portion out everyday in the morning when I make my lunch to go to work. Therefore, I remember to take my supplements because I’ve paired them with eating lunch or making my lunch in the morning. Thanks to #AtomicHabits for that one. 

#supplements #habits #healthhabits #remembering #healthhacks #healthyhabits
Resilience is getting out of bed when you don’t Resilience is getting out of bed when you don’t want to and going to work knowing that it will help your mood (even if I’d rather stay at home and mope).

Did it. Success. Best day ever? No. 
But my mood improved from this morning and I made a difference and gave hope to one new family. 

Keep going. 

#resilience #keepgoing #keepgoingforward
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