Articles

“Why am I so angry?”—understanding Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

When it comes to PMS and other menstrual disorders, women are often frustrated with the lack of understanding and proper care they receive from conventional sources. “One week before my period, I’m so irritable I could rip my husband’s head off” is a frequent statement. Oral contraceptives seem to be the one-stop treatment of choice for many of these complaints and although... Read More

Natural Relief for Vaginal Yeast Infections

Most women will have experienced the itching discomfort of a vaginal yeast infection. In fact, about 75% of women will experience this fungal infection at least once, and some will have repeated bouts of it without significant relief with medications. It can be the cause of much discomfort and frustration, not just for the woman but also her partner as sexual intimacy often suffers... Read More

The Hidden Menace – Part 2 – Improving oestrogen balance: How to rid the body of “bad” oestrogen metabolites

I was quite pleased with myself for being in the Zeitgeist when SBS aired a program called “Men in Danger” after I posted last week’s blog. The program directly addressed the topic of the blog: environmental chemicals like phthalates causing all kinds of mayhem, including dropping men’s sperm count by 50% in the last 50 years! The next day I received a post from my US Naturopathic... Read More

The hidden menace: are you at increased risk of hormonal imbalances and breast cancer? – part 1

In my clinic, I see women and men alike who suffer from the effects of hormonal disregulation. Oestrogen imbalances are particularly common and can be a factor in premenstrual tension (PMT), irregular periods, breast cancer, prostate or libido issues. In short, hormonal imbalances have a major effect on health and wellbeing. Did you know many chemicals can contribute to this imbalance,... Read More

Five natural tips For hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a common affliction of western countries. These protrusions of the rectal vascular tissues (blood vessels) are classified into 2 categories: internal and external. Typically, external hemorrhoids are visible outside the anus, and internal hemorrhoids are non-visible protrusions above the anal sphincter. These are further graded based on severity of prolapse. Causes Among... Read More

Male infertility: what you don’t hear in the media

It is no secret that infertility in women is a commonly reported issue, mainly because women are typically waiting longer to have children and then find that they have difficulty conceiving.  In my Brisbane clinic I’m seeing more and more women who ask for pre-conceptual and infertility care. But we don’t hear too much about the male factors in infertile couples.  This is... Read More

Natural Approaches to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is divided into two main categories: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This article will provide a general overview of these two disorders and offer some possible treatment options. It can in no way cover the entire spectrum of treatment options and is intended as an introduction only. IBD is characterized by inflammation in specific... Read More

Natural Therapies for Osteoarthritis

Are there any natural treatments for the aches and pains that come with old age? Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degeneration of the joint itself and is characterized by loss of cartilage and alterations of the bone below. Any joint can be affected but weight bearing joints (knees, hip, spine) are most commonly involved. The hands are also often affected and can develop the classic... Read More

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition primarily characterized by musculoskeletal pain with specific tender points, sleep disturbances and fatigue. Other symptoms often include poor memory and concentration, headaches, depression and digestive symptoms. Many patients are frustrated because their lab results will be completely normal, yet they feel terrible. Some studies show that viruses,... Read More

Allergies can respond to natural therapies

Allergy season is upon us again – a time for itchy eyes, runny nose and headaches. The good news is that allergies can respond very well to natural therapies without leaving you drowsy or wired. Before we start the discussion of natural remedies, let’s begin by looking at what happens to the body during an allergy attack. Airborne allergens enter the sinuses, or come into... Read More