Let’s talk about sex—specially sexual health. So much about sexual health is kept quiet, but if you read my articles or follow me on Instagram, you know I’m all about open conversations about sex and intimacy—and that includes the not-so-fun topic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We need to be more open about safer sex because awareness and education are …
Vaginal dryness is a women’s health symptom that often goes overlooked. Women may feel uncomfortable discussing dryness with their partner or provider and suffer in silence. Or they may believe vaginal dryness to be a normal part of being a woman or getting older. If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, you are not alone. It is widespread, affecting up to …
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reason for anovulatory infertility1 (when an egg isn’t released from the ovaries). But having PCOS doesn’t mean that you can’t get pregnant. PCOS could make it harder to conceive because lack of ovulation is at the core of this condition. Without any egg for sperm to fertilize, there can be no pregnancy, …
Every time I speak to patients about nutrition for hormone balance, I remind them how important it is to include a variety of nutrients in their diet for optimal health. So many factors contribute to hormone balance and overall health, and no one food or supplement will be a “magic bullet.” But one nutrient has so many health benefits for …
Researchers are discovering more and more every year that links our overall health to our gut microbiome. A balanced and diverse gut is key to healthy digestion, immunity, and more. It’s even more important from the lens of women’s health, as your gut biome is linked to vaginal health, hormone balance, and so much more. One of the best ways …
There’s no way around it—discussing fertility is delicate. For some, the journey is simple; for others, it’s a very sensitive topic because the journey hasn’t been as easy. So it’s frustrating when I see marketing for fertility supplements that target couples struggling to conceive that aren’t backed by science. Fertility is multi-dimensional. Some of it is absolutely in our control, …
There’s a lot of debate surrounding low-carb diets and whether they are helpful or harmful. As low-carb diets have become increasingly popular, it’s an important question to ask. Low-carb diets are often touted as a tool to kick start weight loss or balance blood sugar. It’s true that some people benefit from restricting carbs, but low-carb diets aren’t always the …
Millions of women are affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—up to 20 percent worldwide1. And often I hear from patients and readers looking for options in managing their PCOS. This is one reason why supplements like inositol are growing in popularity. Inositol, often called vitamin B8 (although it’s actually not a vitamin because the body can make it), is found …
Inositol is a vitamin-like compound found throughout the body, where it plays a significant role in cellular signaling. It’s also used as a supplement to improve fertility, help with PCOS symptoms, support thyroid health, and more. I’ve seen inositol work wonders for my patients when used in combination with other lifestyle changes. The problem is that not all supplements are …