What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where there is an abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. Common places for this to occur include the outside of the pouch of douglas, uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, however, endometriosis has been found to occur in many places in the body.
The cause of endometriosis is unclear although there is evidence of the immune system and inflammation playing a key role. High oestrogen levels are also a common occurrence in women with endometriosis.
Women with endometriosis may experience severe pain with their period as the endometrial tissue responds to hormonal influences and bleeds along with the endometrial lining in the uterus, causing inflammation and discomfort in the area affected.
Treatment of endometriosis is aimed at reducing pain and discomfort, balancing hormonal levels, improving immune function and reducing inflammation.
Fertility can also be affected by endometriosis, so if pregnancy is desired then Katherine will work towards preparing your body for pregnancy while also addressing the underlying factors that may contribute to the endometriosis development.
Further information on endometriosis and support groups can be found on the Queensland Endometriosis Association (QENDO) website.
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS is a disease in which some or all of the following symptoms can occur:
- Cysts on one or both ovaries
- Male pattern excessive hair growth (Hirsutism)
- Insulin resistance
- High androgen levels (hyperandrogenemia)
- Acne
- Failure to ovulate (anovulation)
- Painful or irregular periods
- Infertility
PCOS is a common disorder, affecting up to 12% of all women, with some sources saying up to 21% of women at some stage of their lives.
Treatment of PCOS with naturopathy involves treatments and strategies which aim to reduce symptoms such as hair growth and insulin resistance, reduce the occurrence of cysts and balance hormonal levels. Naturopathy is well matched to treat PCOS as it can address the multiple factors that lead to development. Healing takes some time, but with perseverance, most cases are able to be resolved.
There are many subtypes of PCOS, with insulin-resistant PCOS being one of the most common. Katherine uses quality herbal medicines and nutritional supplements which are effective in reducing insulin resistance. By reducing insulin resistance, hormonal balance is more easily achieved.
Another sub-type that is often overlooked is thyroid-related PCOS, where thyroid dysfunction plays a key role. In these women, without addressing the thyroid it is difficult for the PCOS to correct itself.
Katherine does not have a specific naturopathic protocol that she uses for PCOS as she finds that it is more useful to treat each woman individually, as everyone has different needs.
Naturopathic PCOS treatment aims range from reducing insulin resistance, reducing androgen levels, assisting with weight loss, reducing hair, and improving fertility. After your first consultation with Katherine, you will be informed of which of these aims are the most important in treatment to improve your condition.
Before seeing Katherine I had been diagnosed with PCOS by my doctor who placed me on The Pill, believing that my body would normalise itself after 2 years. I did what I was told but began to worry when my period still had yet to return after about 6 months of stopping The Pill.
My blood hormone levels were still abnormal and I felt generally unwell, so I knew I had to do something. My doctor and a specialist I was referred to were unable to help, so I began looking for an alternative. I came across Katherine’s webpage when searching for an experienced naturopath in the Brisbane area.
After an extremely thorough initial consultation, I was prescribed herbal liquid formulas specifically tailored to my personal condition and supplements, as well as lifestyle advice. After about 8 months of consultations with Katherine, I am at the stage where I am now averaging approximately 30-day menstrual cycles and all my initial blood test results have since returned to within the normal ranges. I have also learned a lot more about my body and in addition to helping me naturally regulate my hormones, Katherine has also helped me to get a better night’s sleep and deal with the stress in my life.
I am someone who thought I would only ever rely on conventional medical therapies, but I am so pleased to have decided to try naturopathy. I still believe there is definitely a place for pharmaceutical therapies, but taking a natural approach to my health has been one of the best decisions I have made recently. Thank you Katherine for your persistent help and concern for my health.
Fertility Naturopath Brisbane
Supporting couples with infertility
Infertility is the term used when a couple has been actively trying to conceive without results for 6 months or more. Katherine does not see couples as infertile, rather than their health is not optimum enough for conception to take place.
What are the causes of infertility?
Infertility, or sub-optimum fertility, can be due to many factors. Conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids, and adenomyosis are major causes of infertility. But sometimes all of this can be ruled out and a couple can still not get pregnant.
Hormonal imbalances, which lead to irregular cycles, painful periods, heavy periods, and problems with ovulation can also reduce fertility.
Nutrient deficiencies play a large role in conception, from the development of the ova and sperm right through to maintaining a pregnancy. A deficiency in one of the nutrients involved in the reproductive cycle can lead to the inability to conceive.
How does natural fertility management work?
Natural fertility management works by regulating hormonal imbalances, correcting nutritional deficiencies, and improving general health and wellbeing so that your body is in a better state to allow conception to occur.
If there is an underlying cause of infertility, such as PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid disease, this will be treated as part of your natural fertility management program.
Each couple is assessed individually, with management plans tailored to each individuals needs for the best results.
Studies have shown that this method of fertility management works for up to 81% of clients trying to conceive. When used in combination with IVF it has been shown to double the chances of a successful IVF cycle.
The 81% of women studied using natural fertility methods conceived with no miscarriages, perinatal deaths, birth defects, or admissions into intensive care.
The principles used by Katherine are in line with the ones used in this study, involving herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, lifestyle coaching, and dietary advice.
What are the benefits of natural fertility management?
There are many benefits of natural fertility management, including:
- Regulating your menstrual cycle
- Regulating hormonal levels
- Improving egg and sperm quality
- Increased chance of pregnancy
- Reduced risk of miscarriage
- Reduced risk of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia
- Increased energy while pregnant
- The reduced risk or birth defects or malformation
