FAQ

When during my fertility journey should I see a naturopathic doctor?

It is best to start seeing a naturopathic doctor 3-6 months prior to trying to conceive. It takes about 90-120 days for oogonia (immature egg) to become a dominant follicle (mature egg), so we need this amount of time to have an impact on egg quality. Sperm take approximately 90 days to mature, so it requires a similar timeline. 6 months also allows us to investigate and treat any nutrient deficiencies and underlying conditions that could impact fertility and the health of your pregnancy.

I’m not planning to conceive soon, but I’m concerned about my hormonal health. Can I still book an appointment?

I always love this question. The answer is yes! You absolutely can and should address your hormonal health as soon as possible. You deserve to have answers now so you aren’t surprised later. I help women optimize their health and manage hormonal conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid concerns, menstrual pain and irregularities, and PMS/PMDD even if they aren’t trying to conceive.

Is it safe to see a naturopathic doctor while I’m doing fertility treatments?

It is not only safe, but recommended, to see a naturopathic doctor if you are undergoing fertility treatments. There is lots that can help, but also hurt, your IVF/IUI success rates, so it is best to work with a practitioner with experience in this area that can make safe and effective recommendations for you.

I start IVF/IUI in 2 weeks. Is it too late to see a naturopathic doctor?

It’s never too late to start! In an ideal world, we would start interventions at least 3 months prior to starting fertility treatments. That said, there is some research that shows improved IVF outcomes in as little as 5 days.

How can a naturopathic doctor help someone trying to conceive?

I take an evidence-based approach to assess all aspects of a person’s health and address the root cause of hormonal and fertility concerns. I will always begin with the fundamentals of health including diet, movement, sleep and stress reduction. I often prescribe research-backed supplements to support egg/sperm quality and acupuncture treatments to prepare the uterus for implantation.

How many appointments will I need?

The general treatment structure begins with three appointments. The initial appointment is 75-90 minutes and involves a deep dive into your health history. I often requisition blood work and preliminary treatment recommendations are made in this appointment. A 45-minute follow up occurs 2-3 weeks after the initial appointment and is used to go over any lab work, ask further questions, and finalize your initial treatment plan. The third appointment is 30 minutes and is scheduled 4-6 weeks after the previous appointment. This appointment is used to assess your initial response to treatment and gives you an opportunity to ask any clarifying questions about your treatment plan.

The number of follows ups after this are case-specific and vary from person-to-person. If acupuncture is part of your treatment plan and/or you are currently undergoing fertility treatments, you will likely require more frequent follow-ups.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation for you to get to know me, my practice style, and ask any pressing questions before booking your first appointment.