Woman’s Health

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate metabolism, mood, fertility, sleep, energy, appetite, brain function, bone health, and hundreds of other physiological processes.

Hormonal balance is not the most functional term; I prefer the term hormonal dynamics because hormones are in constant flux and change, which is not pathological. When hormones are “out of balance” this can refer to a multitude of dysfunctions or diseases within the body that may include sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), metabolic hormones (insulin), thyroid hormones or other.

The endocrine system is the network of glands that produces hormones, including the ovaries, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and pituitary gland, coordinating communication throughout the body.

Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries essential for menstrual cycles, bone density, cardiovascular health, vaginal tissue, skin, brain function, and temperature regulation.

Progesterone is primarily produced after ovulation by the corpus luteum and supports menstrual cycles, pregnancy, sleep quality, mood regulation, and protection of the uterine lining.

Women naturally produce testosterone in their ovaries, which contributes to libido, muscle mass, bone strength, motivation, cognitive function, and overall vitality.

Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone and plays key roles in metabolism, blood sugar regulation, immune function, inflammation, and the stress response.

Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary and is considered an important indicator of healthy reproductive hormone function. Ovulation stops after menopause is reached.

The menstrual cycle is a coordinated hormonal process involving the brain, ovaries, and uterus that prepares the body for pregnancy approximately every month.

The follicular phase begins with menstruation and is characterized by rising estrogen levels that stimulate follicle development and prepare for ovulation.

The luteal phase comes after ovulation and is dominated by progesterone production, influencing mood, body temperature, sleep, and menstrual symptoms.

Fertility refers to the ability to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy and is influenced by hormonal, anatomical, metabolic, and lifestyle factors.

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause when ovarian hormone production becomes increasingly unpredictable, often causing changes in menstrual cycles and new symptoms. This period of time may last anywhere from 3-10 years and cannot be predicted. Learn more in my online workshop.

Menopause is diagnosed after twelve consecutive months without a menstrual period and marks the permanent end of ovarian reproductive function. If you do not bleed (you may have had a hysterectomy, ablation, IUD or other procedure which stops bleeding) you can confirm menopause by testing FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) in the blood.

Postmenopause is the stage following menopause when symptoms may improve but attention shifts toward maintaining bone, cardiovascular, metabolic, brain, and vaginal health.

Hot flashes are sudden sensations of heat caused by changes in the brain's temperature regulation due to declining estrogen during menopause.

Night sweats are episodes of excessive nighttime sweating that commonly occur during perimenopause and menopause and may significantly disrupt sleep.

Brain fog describes difficulties with concentration, memory, word finding, and mental clarity that often accompany hormonal transitions.

GSM describes changes to the vaginal, vulvar and urinary tissues caused by lower estrogen, such as dryness, irritation, painful sex, urinary urgency and more frequent urinary tract infections.

Bone health involves maintaining bone density and strength throughout life, particularly during and after menopause when estrogen naturally declines.

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones lose density and become more fragile, raising the risk of fractures. The risk increases after menopause as estrogen declines.

Cardiovascular health refers to the proper function of the heart and blood vessels, with hormone changes during menopause influencing long term cardiovascular risk.

Premenstrual Syndrome refers to physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms that occur during the luteal phase and improve shortly after menstruation begins.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a severe form of PMS involving significant mood changes that interfere with daily functioning and relationships.

PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) is the new proposed name for PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). It is a hormonal condition characterized by irregular ovulation, elevated androgens, insulin resistance, and reproductive or metabolic symptoms.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, pelvic pain, painful periods, and fertility challenges.

Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, commonly causing heavy bleeding, painful periods, and pelvic discomfort.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the muscle of the uterus. Depending on their size and location, they can cause heavy or painful periods, pelvic pressure or frequent urination.

Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance of the normal bacteria in the vagina that can cause a thin discharge and an unusual odour. It can come back after treatment.

A vaginal yeast infection is an overgrowth of Candida yeast that can cause itching, burning and a thick white discharge.

A UTI is an infection anywhere in the urinary tract, most often the bladder, causing burning, urgency and frequent urination. Recurrent UTIs become more common after menopause.

Hormonal migraines are migraines linked to hormone shifts, often around a period, ovulation, pregnancy or perimenopause, when estrogen levels drop or fluctuate.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. It is the most common cause of an underactive thyroid.

Low libido is a reduced interest in sex. It can be influenced by hormones, stress, sleep, pain, medications, relationship factors and mental health.

Burnout is a state of prolonged physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion resulting from chronic stress that can affect nearly every body system.

Gut health refers to the proper digestion, absorption, immune regulation, and barrier function of the digestive tract, all of which influence overall wellbeing.

The microbiome is the community of microorganisms living primarily in the intestines that influences digestion, immunity, hormone metabolism, and mental health.

IBS is a functional digestive disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or alternating bowel habits without structural disease.

IBD includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, autoimmune conditions involving chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease occurs when stomach contents repeatedly flow into the esophagus, causing heartburn, irritation, and chronic reflux symptoms.

SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) means there are too many bacteria in the small intestine, which can cause bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which eating gluten damages the lining of the small intestine.

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause pain, nausea or a feeling of fullness after eating.

Metabolic health reflects how efficiently the body regulates blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, body composition, and energy production.

Insulin resistance occurs when cells respond poorly to insulin, increasing the risk of weight gain, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Prediabetes means blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the range of type 2 diabetes.

Chronic low grade inflammation is an ongoing immune response associated with many chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.

Thyroid health refers to the normal function of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, body temperature, energy production, menstrual health, and mood.

A nutritional deficiency occurs when the body lacks sufficient vitamins, minerals, protein, or other nutrients needed for optimal physiological function.

Sleep health refers to obtaining consistent, restorative sleep that supports hormone regulation, immune function, memory, recovery, and mental wellbeing.

FSH is a hormone made by the pituitary gland that stimulates the ovaries. Levels rise as ovarian function declines, and a blood test can help confirm menopause when periods can't be tracked.

Estradiol is the main and most potent form of estrogen during the reproductive years. It can be measured with a blood test.

AMH is made by developing follicles in the ovaries. A blood test gives an estimate of ovarian reserve (the remaining egg supply), but it doesn't predict fertility on its own.

TSH is the usual first test of thyroid function. A high TSH can point to an underactive thyroid, and a low TSH to an overactive one.

Ferritin is the protein that stores iron in the body. Low ferritin means low iron stores, which is common with heavy periods.

Vitamin D supports bone health, immune function and muscle strength. Levels are often lower in winter, when there is less sunlight.

Vitamin B12 is needed for healthy nerves, red blood cells and energy. Plant-based diets and some medications can lower B12 levels.

HbA1c is a blood test that reflects your average blood sugar over the past two to three months.

A Pap test collects cells from the cervix to check for changes that could lead to cervical cancer. In British Columbia, cervical screening is coordinated by BC Cancer.

A DEXA scan is a low-dose x-ray that measures bone density and is used to diagnose osteoporosis.

Urine hormone testing measures cortisol, sex hormones and their metabolites from urine samples to give a picture of how hormones are produced and broken down.

Microbiome testing is a stool test that looks at gut bacteria, yeast, parasites and markers of digestion and inflammation.

Environmental allergy testing is an in-office scratch test that checks for reactions to pollens, trees, grasses, molds and dust.

Menopause Hormone Therapy uses estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, or a combination of these to relieve menopausal symptoms while helping preserve bone health and improve quality of life in appropriate candidates.

Bioidentical hormones are compounds that are chemically identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body and may be used as part of menopause hormone therapy.

Vaginal estrogen is a low-dose estrogen applied in the vagina, as a cream, tablet or ring, to treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause. It acts mainly on the local tissues.

An IUD is a small T-shaped device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal IUDs can also reduce heavy bleeding and may be used to protect the uterine lining during menopause hormone therapy.

Nexplanon is a small, flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm that releases a progestin to prevent pregnancy for up to three years.

An ultrasound-guided IUD insertion uses ultrasound imaging during placement to see the uterus and confirm the IUD's position. Dr. Alex Dragan offers insertions with local anaesthetic, no referral needed.

Acupuncture uses fine needles placed at specific points on the body to support nervous system regulation, pain relief, circulation, and overall wellbeing.

IV nutrient therapy delivers vitamins, minerals, and fluids directly into the bloodstream when clinically appropriate to support specific health goals.

Vitamin injections deliver vitamins, such as vitamin B12, directly into a muscle.

Clinical nutrition applies evidence based dietary strategies to prevent disease, improve health outcomes, and support individualized treatment plans.

Botanical medicine is the use of plants and plant extracts, as teas, capsules or tinctures, as part of a treatment plan.

Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts made by steeping plants in alcohol or glycerin. They can be blended to suit an individual's needs.

Nutraceuticals are vitamins, minerals and other supplements used in targeted doses as part of a treatment plan.

Botox is a neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes targeted muscles to soften the look of wrinkles.

Microneedling uses tiny needles to create micro-channels in the skin that stimulate collagen, and is used for acne scars, texture and pigmentation.

Cosmetic acupuncture is a facial acupuncture treatment that places fine needles in the face and body to support skin tone and complexion.

Gua sha uses a smooth tool gently stroked over the skin. On the face, it is used as a lymphatic massage to relax and tone facial muscles.

Naturopathic medicine is a form of primary healthcare that combines modern medical research with nutrition, lifestyle medicine, clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and prescription therapies when appropriate. Its goal is to identify and address the root causes of illness while supporting long term health and prevention.

A Naturopathic Doctor is a regulated primary care provider who has completed a four-year naturopathic medical program after university studies and passed board exams. In British Columbia, NDs can order lab tests, perform physical exams and, with additional certification, prescribe medications.

Dr. Alex Dragan is a Naturopathic Doctor and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner focused on women's health, hormones, perimenopause and menopause. She offers 1 to 1 care, online workshops and free resources, and teaches at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Read more about Dr. Dragan or book 1 to 1 care.

MSCP is a credential from The Menopause Society for clinicians who have passed an exam demonstrating knowledge in menopause care. Dr. Alex Dragan holds this certification.

The Menopause Society, formerly the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), is a non-profit organization that promotes women's health during midlife and beyond through research, education and clinical guidance.

CCNM is a naturopathic medical school offering a four-year naturopathic medicine program, with campuses in Ontario and British Columbia. Dr. Alex Dragan teaches there as a contracted faculty member.

Women's health focuses on the unique hormonal, reproductive, metabolic, and preventive healthcare needs of women throughout every stage of life, from puberty to postmenopause.

Lifestyle medicine emphasizes nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and healthy habits as core foundations of disease prevention and treatment.

Root cause medicine seeks to identify the underlying contributors to symptoms instead of focusing solely on symptom suppression.

Evidence based medicine combines high quality scientific research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide healthcare decisions.

Personalized medicine tailors healthcare recommendations according to an individual's symptoms, health history, genetics, lifestyle, and personal goals.

Preventive medicine focuses on reducing disease risk through screening, education, nutrition, exercise, vaccinations when appropriate, and healthy lifestyle practices.

Patient education empowers individuals with trustworthy, evidence based information so they can better understand their health, actively participate in care, and make informed decisions alongside their healthcare provider.

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