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SERVICES
From my years and training in the natural and integrative health space, I can tell you with confidence that there are three ingredients you need to defeat your most persistent health challenges. Whether digestive symptoms are getting in the way of family night, heavy periods are showing up in early perimenopause, or heavy fatigue is clouding every day, you need the same three ingredients to get through: EDUCATION, MOTIVATION and ACCOUNTABILITY.
These three ingredients make or break your success.
Through a series of naturopathic medical visits, I teach you about the underlying changes triggering your symptoms and guide you through labwork, using data to create a plan that targets your biggest health concerns. I keep your treatment plan reasonable, achievable and I provide the gentle accountability you need to stay on track. Working with me can be your ticket to establishing consistency. It's about making your life easier, not complicating things.
Dr. Despina's Perimenopause Method
Women have been in the dark about perimenopause for too long. Most of the symptoms that show up during perimenopause and menopause are treatable! Let's break it down:
Get Clear on Hormone Replacement Therapy
I constantly get questions like: Should I use hormone replacement therapy? When should I start it? What are the safest forms? What are all my options? Hormone replacement therapy is a valuable therapeutic tool in late perimenopause and menopause, BUT it's not a cure-all. Whether or not you decide to use it, you have options! I'm here to discuss its benefits and limitations with you.
Get Insights Into Your Hormones
Our hormone levels matter, influencing various body systems, from our brain to our bones and blood vessels. Maybe you've been told you're too young to be perimenopausal, or you're not sure where you are in the perimenopause transition. Testing sex hormones plus other hormones like thyroid, cortisol and insulin gives us powerful insights to get you feeling better. Other labs including inflammatory measurements, gut and liver health measurements, blood sugar, cholesterol panel and nutrients help us get clear on our strategy for you.
Hit Snooze on 3AM Wake-Ups
Staring at the ceiling at night, waking up at ungodly hours and feeling like a zombie in the morning isn't going to make perimenopause better for anyone. I take sleep quality very seriously and if this is you, I pledge to provide you with my best tools to help you get to the bottom of your sleep struggles.
Get Your Mood and Brain Back
If you feel like your mental resilience has been replaced by moodiness, unusual anxieties, brain fog and a short fuse, then you're far from alone. Brain and mood-related symptoms are among the most common in perimenopause, far outnumbering hot flashes and night sweats.
Get A Handle On Your Periods
Perimenopause typically means that periods become less regular, but they can also become heavier and more painful, risking anemia from the bleeding - not to mention persistent bloating and water retention, increased headaches, and reduced productivity from pain. We explore your treatment options together so that you can achieve healthier cycles, even during transitional years. You don't want to rely on Tylenol and you don't have to!
Reclaim Your Energy
I get it - you want to show up for yourself, your family, your loved ones and your work, but to your own disappointment, you walk through each day feeling drained and relying on coffee. In my experience, getting your energy back online requires a gradual approach, but it's very achievable!
Get Proactive About Your Metabolic Health
You might be noticing your clothes fitting more tightly (or not fitting at all) despite no changes to your eating or exercise habits. Your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar may be creeping up. These metabolic changes relate to the other symptoms of menopause and are one of the keys to addressing your symptoms now, while also reducing future risks.
Beat incontinence, vaginal changes and urinary tract infections
Incontinence and repeated urinary infections aren't just an inconvenience. I strongly recommend treatment because these have real long-term health consequences. Let's discuss your choices so that you're not left in the dark.
IMPORTANT BILLING INFORMATION:
Every visit is billed individually, even for my Perimenopause Method.
Coverage is available through most extended health plans. The amount of coverage available to you will depend on your particular plan.
Receipts are provided for insurance reimbursement.
Direct billing is only available for certain plans on request.
FAQ:
Are you going to make me go on a restrictive diet?
Probably not! While I sometimes make use of temporary elimination of certain foods, I believe most people feel better without heavily restrictive diets or intense lifestyle regimens.
I'm a busy person. How can I contact you / book with you?
Through Jane app, I offer flexible scheduling with virtual and in-person appointments to accommodate your needs. You can easily set up your own account! Otherwise, please see the Contact section for my preferred email and phone number. I genuinely look forward to hearing from you.
Do you have prescribing authority in Ontario?
Yes! In addition to my naturopathic medical license, I've also met the standard of practice for prescribing in Ontario. I offer certain prescriptions - namely bioidentical hormones (topical / local estrogen and progesterone), natural desiccated thyroid, nebulized N-acetylcysteine, nebulized glutathione, high-dose vitamin D therapy, and guidance around higher dose vitamin K, vitamin A and activated folate supplementation. Vitamin D injections and methylated B12 injections will be added to my offerings soon!
What exactly does a naturopathic doctor do?
A naturopathic doctor (ND) works with you through an in-depth analysis of your health history, goals and lab testing. We then build a realistic plan for your biggest health concerns. Each ND practices a bit differently, but our main tools include dietary and lifestyle therapies, optimizing your use of supplements and herbs, and certain physical therapies like acupuncture for patients who want hands-on support. We also safely integrate our plan with medications, depending on each patient's needs and preferences.
Do I need to pay for visit packages?
Nope, patients are always billed per single visit, at the end of each visit.
Do you work with a nurse practitioner?
As a matter of fact, I do! I collaborate with a nurse practitioner when it's suitable for the patient's case.
Are your services OHIP-covered?
No, naturopathic services are not covered by OHIP in Ontario.
Are your services covered by my benefits?
Many extended health plans offer at least partial coverage for naturopathic visits, but please verify with your insurance provider. Lab testing through your naturopathic doctor is typically NOT covered. However, even if naturopathic services aren't fully covered by your plan, the level of care you receive and the capacity to transform your health far outweighs the cost.
Do you offer direct billing?
Currently, I don't have an automated direct billing system. Instead, I provide detailed receipts that you can easily submit to insurance for reimbursement. On request, I may be able to manually direct bill for certain plans.
What sets you apart as a provider?
Let me tell you, I'm a perfectionist and continuing education nerd. I'm wholeheartedly dedicated to seeing my patients succeed. I've also been in the trenches with my own health, which gives me the kind of understanding that no textbook can teach - a balance between hope, gentleness, empathy and a fighting spirit.