Welcome back to the Advanced Women’s Health Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Lauryn, one of our talented naturopathic doctors practicing both in Kingston and virtually across Ontario. We dive deep into what makes Dr. Lauryn tick, the unique insights she brings into her practice, and how she helps empower women through personalized, evidence-informed care. We talk about her journey into naturopathic medicine, the importance of understanding the whole story behind a patient’s symptoms, and how women can reclaim trust in their bodies. If you’ve ever wanted to know what makes Dr. Lauryn’s approach special—or if you’re simply looking to feel seen and understood in your healthcare journey—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

1. Dr. Lauryn’s Journey into Naturopathic Medicine: We kick things off by exploring how Dr. Lauryn’s background in psychiatry opened her eyes to the world of naturopathic medicine. She shares the pivotal moment when a psychiatrist suggested she consider this field, sparking a path that led her to holistic, patient-centered care. We also chat about the importance of informed consent and how she ensures her patients feel supported every step of the way.

2. Connecting the Dots Between Health and Hormones: One of the most compelling parts of our discussion involves breaking down how hormonal health is connected to seemingly unrelated factors like inflammation, insulin, and the nervous system. Dr. Lauryn and I discuss the brain’s complex communication with the ovaries, what disrupts these signals, and why simply treating symptoms isn’t enough. We explain why understanding your body's “why” is essential and how we tailor treatments accordingly to empower you.

3. The Art of Listening to Your Body and Building Trust: In a world that often dismisses women’s health concerns, Dr. Lauryn emphasizes the power of listening to your body and taking your intuition seriously. We talk about how our clinic works to break down barriers between doctors and patients and why creating a warm, non-hierarchical environment is crucial for effective healing. This segment is a powerful reminder to trust yourself and to not settle when it comes to your well-being.

If you enjoyed this conversation and want to hear more, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach more women and continue creating content that inspires and empowers. And remember, sharing is caring—if someone in your life needs to hear this episode, be sure to pass it along. For all your women’s health needs, visit us at Advanced Women’s Health Kingston, and stay tuned for more episodes full of insights and stories that can transform your health journey. Thank you for listening, and see you next time!

• Book an Appointment with Dr. Lauryn: Visit Advanced Women’s Health Kingston to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lauryn and experience her compassionate, evidence-informed approach firsthand.

• Follow Advanced Women’s Health: Stay connected for updates, resources, and more insights into women’s health.

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In this episode of The Advanced Women's Health Podcast, we dive into a sensitive yet vital topic: pain with intercourse, also known medically as dyspareunia. Dr. Sarah is joined by Dr. Lauryn and Dr. Aless for a candid discussion about the complexities behind this issue and how it's far more common than most realize.

Whether the pain is at the point of insertion or due to deep penetration, it often indicates underlying health concerns such as hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, infections, or even stress-related pelvic floor issues. Pain with intercourse is not something you should “just live with”—and this episode is all about normalizing the conversation while offering actionable solutions for those suffering in silence.

We explore:

• The different types of pain during intercourse and their underlying causes, from hormonal imbalances to physical conditions like endometriosis or vaginismus.

• The connection between pelvic pain and emotional health, particularly how stress and trauma can exacerbate the condition.

• Why lubricants and pelvic floor therapy can be helpful, especially for postpartum and perimenopausal women.

• The importance of asking your practitioner detailed questions about pain with sex and how this "cardinal symptom" can lead to more comprehensive health diagnostics.

Dr. Sarah and her colleagues break down complex medical terms into simple language and reassure listeners that they are not alone in their experiences. They discuss real-world examples from their practices and how they guide their patients through treatment options.

So, if you're someone who has experienced discomfort during sex or is simply curious about the subject, this episode is filled with practical advice, insight, and empathy.

In this episode, Dr. Sarah leads an in-depth clinical discussion on the nervous system and stress responses, providing a masterclass in understanding stress from both biochemical and emotional perspectives. You'll gain insight into how internal and external stressors impact health, the four major stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn), and effective treatment strategies to support nervous system resilience.

Key Takeaways:

1. Stress Isn’t Just Emotional: Stress includes biochemical factors like blood sugar dysregulation, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies, all of which impact your body’s resilience.
2. Resilience and Homeostasis: Learn how stress disrupts the body’s balance and how to support your system in bouncing back from stress effectively.
3. Sympathetic Patterns: Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses each manifest differently in the body and require targeted treatment strategies.
4. Herbal and Supplement Solutions: A breakdown of the best products for supporting stress relief, such as Valerian, Ashwagandha, GABA, and more.
5. Methodical Stress Management: The importance of addressing stress methodically by tackling root causes like blood sugar imbalances and mitochondrial dysfunction.