Evolving CARE

There is one thing I have learnt over more than 2 decades in naturopathic healthCARE and that is that the needs of patients and the complexity of their health complaint are continually changing.

Over the past six months, alongside my continued focus in integrative oncology, I have undertaken further self paced study in several emerging and highly relevant areas of care. These topics reflect what I am increasingly seeing in clinic: patients navigating hormonal transitions, metabolic change, significant medical interventions, prevention planning and those patients (and families) needing end-of-life support.

The areas I have recently focused on include:

Libido and Sexual Wellbeing - Understanding sexual wellbeing through the interconnected lenses of hormones, stress physiology, metabolic health, emotional wellbeing and evidence-based herbal and nutritional support. Libido is rarely just a hormonal issue; it is influenced by nervous system load, relationship context, sleep quality, body composition and life stage transitions. A structured, personalised approach can help identify the underlying drivers and create realistic, supportive strategies that restore confidence and vitality.

GLP-1 Medications & Metabolic Care - Including the growing need to support individuals using semaglutide and related medications with nutrient preservation, digestive support, side-effect management and complementary strategies that strengthen metabolic resilience in the short and longer term. While these medications can be powerful tools, they also alter appetite, gut motility and nutrient intake, requiring thoughtful monitoring and proactive care. Integrative strategies help protect muscle mass, energy, micronutrient status and long-term metabolic health beyond the initial weight loss phase.

Supporting Bariatric Surgery Patients - Providing integrative pre- and post-surgical care including nutrient optimisation, microbiome considerations, digestive adaptation and long term metabolic health. Bariatric procedures significantly alter digestion, absorption and appetite regulation, making structured nutritional planning essential. Ongoing support can improve tolerance to foods, prevent deficiencies and assist with sustainable metabolic and psychological adjustment in the years following surgery.

Complementary Medicine in Palliative Care - I have explored the safe and collaborative role of complementary medicine in symptom relief, comfort care, sleep, nutrition and quality-of-life support alongside medical teams in the palliative care setting. When delivered respectfully, evidence informed, complementary strategies may help ease nausea, pain, anxiety, digestive discomfort, fatigue and much more. The focus remains on dignity, comfort and working carefully within the broader medical care plan, alongside supporting other family members or loved ones.

Cancer Prevention - Strategies for individuals wanting to actively reduce their cancer risk using evidence-informed approaches, particularly those (like myself) with a known family history of hereditary cancers. Modern research into epigenetics shows us that genes are not destiny. Through thoughtful assessment including consideration of appropriate genetic or epigenetic insights where relevant; we can develop personalised strategies around diet, lifestyle, metabolic health and targeted nutraceutical support. These interventions are well researched and allow a structured, proactive plan to be created, supporting long-term risk reduction and empowering individuals to take meaningful action for their future health.

The Andropause Shift - Andropause occurs in men from 30 but more commonlu from 40 to 60 years old. My learning involved recognising and managing midlife hormonal, metabolic and cardiovascular changes in men through structured assessment and personalised, evidence-informed support. This phase can involve shifts in testosterone dynamics, body composition, insulin sensitivity, mood, sleep and cardiovascular risk, often subtle at first, yet clinically significant over time. With appropriate evaluation and targeted strategies across nutrition, lifestyle, herbal and nutraceutical medicine, men can be supported to restore energy, protect long-term health and navigate midlife with clarity and confidence.

I am currently welcoming patients who would like integrative, evidence-informed support in any of these areas. For appointment options please Click Here

For Practiioner's looking for training in these evolving areas of evidence informed complementary medicine you may be interested in my Learn With Me: Evolving Concepts of Care practitioner training.