FEEL MORE LIKE YOURSELF AGAIN, STEP BY STEP.
Naturopathic Medicine at Anchor Health Co.
Evidence-informed, patient-centred care that helps you make sense of your perimenopause and menopause symptoms so your next steps feel clearer and more manageable.
1:1 NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Naturopathic care isn’t about “trends” or “fixing you”, it’s about taking the time to understand your symptoms in context and supporting them in a way that’s practical and sustainable.
Many patients come to us feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure where to turn next. Together, we assess the factors influencing your energy, hormones, digestion, mood, sleep and stress, and develop a plan that fits your life. We have a clinical focus on supporting patients experiencing menopause and perimenopause.
What Naturopathic Care Can Support
Naturopathic medicine may be helpful if you’re experiencing:
→ Perimenopause and Menopause
→ Period concerns (heavy or painful periods, PMS)
→ Fatigue or brain fog
→ Digestive concerns
→ Stress, burnout, or sleep disruption
→ Feeling “off” without clear answers
→ A desire for more coordinated, whole-person care
You’ll leave our visits with clarity around your symptoms and a plan for what comes next.
Our Approach
Naturopathic care at Anchor Health Co. is:
→ Evidence-informed: Rooted in current research and clinical best practices
→ Comprehensive: Including lab testing, prescriptions, nutrition guidance, lifestyle recommendations, and supplements only when indicated
→ Collaborative: We work with other practitioners in the clinic (and wider community) when appropriate or necessary for transformational support
→ Realistic: Our care plans are designed to fit into daily life, not overhaul it
What’s Involved & Appointment Types
Initial Naturopathic Visit
60 minutes
Your first appointment focuses on understanding your health history, lifestyle, and goals. This may include:
A detailed discussion of your symptoms, past health history, lifestyle, and health goals
Education on how your health concerns relate to possible underlying factors
Review of any previous lab results and/or recommendations for tests to guide your treatment plan
A brief, targeted physical assessment as clinically indicated.
Explanation of your preliminary treatment plan
Second Naturopathic Visit
45 minutes
An extended follow-up visit focused on reviewing progress and lab results, and refining your care plan. This appointment may include:
A check-in on how your plan is feeling and fitting into your daily life
Review of lab results or testing, if completed
Adjustments to your treatment plan to best support your goals
Ongoing Naturopathic Visits
30 minutes
Designed to support continued progress and ongoing care. These visits may include:
Monitoring symptoms and overall progress
Fine-tuning your treatment plan as your needs evolve
Prescription refills, when indicated
Space to discuss new or returning concerns
If you’d like to explore multiple concerns in more depth or revisit your plan more fully, an extended visit is recommended.
Extended Naturopathic Visit
45 minutes
An option for when you need extra time and support, or haven’t been in to see your ND for 6 months or more. This visit is ideal for:
Discussing new, multiple, or complex concerns
Reviewing your plan in greater depth
Making thoughtful updates without feeling rushed
What You May Notice Over Time
Evidence-informed naturopathic care focuses on supporting your body in a way that builds gradually and sustainably. While everyone’s experience is different, many patients begin to notice:
Clearer understanding of hormonal changes, including perimenopause and menopause symptoms, or PMS
Reduced symptom intensity and frequency over time
Improved digestion, with less bloating, discomfort, or irregularity
More stable energy, fewer crashes, and improved focus
Better sleep quality and more consistent sleep patterns
Improved mood and stress resilience, with fewer ups and downs
Greater confidence in managing your health, with less guesswork
Progress is often gradual, and plans are adjusted as your body responds. The goal isn’t quick fixes, it’s helping you feel like yourself again.
Your Questions, Answered
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Your first visit is 60 minutes and designed to feel thorough, supportive, and clear. You’ll have time to discuss your health concerns, goals, and medical history without feeling rushed.
Your ND will explain what may be contributing to your symptoms in plain language and outline next steps. If lab testing is recommended, we’ll explain why and provide clear guidance. When appropriate, lab requisitions through LifeLabs are provided.
Before the visit ends, you’ll review an initial care plan together. This may include nutrition or lifestyle guidance, targeted supplements, and prescription medications when indicated. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what to expect next, and you’ll receive a digital summary of your personalized plan after your visit.
Please note: Lab tests ordered by naturopathic doctors in BC are paid privately, though many extended health plans offer reimbursement.
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Short answer: very unlikely.
At Anchor Health Co., we aim to limit unnecessary restriction and focus on realistic, sustainable changes. For most people, favourite foods and daily habits — including coffee — can stay.
In certain situations, specific foods or caffeine may temporarily be reduced if they’re clearly aggravating symptoms. When this happens, we’ll explain why, how long it’s for, and what the goal is. Restrictions are used thoughtfully and only when they meaningfully support your health.
Strict or long-term eliminations are recommended only when medically necessary, such as in celiac disease or confirmed food allergies.
Our priority is improving how you feel without sacrificing quality of life — because care that isn’t livable isn’t effective.
(Yes, your morning latte is usually safe.)
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Yes. Naturopathic doctors at Anchor Health Co. can order lab tests when it’s clinically appropriate to help guide your care. .This includes bloodwork and many other diagnostic tests that can clarify what’s happening in your body and help us create a personalized, evidence-informed treatment plan.
We’ll always explain why a test is recommended, what it can show, and how results will guide your care. In BC, lab tests ordered by NDs are paid privately, though many extended health plans offer partial reimbursement.
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Your ND can collaborate with your medical doctor (MD) or nurse practitioner (NP) to make sure your care is coordinated and safe. With your consent, we can share relevant information, lab results, and treatment plans so that all your providers are on the same page.
This teamwork helps avoid duplication, ensures recommendations complement each other, and makes your overall care feel connected rather than fragmented.
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Yes. Naturopathic doctors in BC are licensed to prescribe most medications within their scope of practice. Your ND may recommend prescription medications when they’re appropriate and safe, often alongside lifestyle, nutrition, or supplement strategies.
We always explain why a medication is recommended, how it works, and how it fits into your overall care plan — so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
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Many symptoms women notice in their 30s–50s — like insomnia, mood changes, hot flashes, joint pain, or dry skin and eyes — can be related to perimenopause. However, similar symptoms can also be caused by other health factors, including nutrient deficiencies, stress, thyroid issues, or lifestyle changes.
A naturopathic doctor at Anchor Health Co. can help you figure out what’s happening by reviewing your history, lifestyle, labs, and overall health. Together, we can create a personalized, evidence-informed plan to manage your symptoms, support hormone balance, and improve your overall well-being.
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Not usually. Most period- and menopause-related symptoms can be assessed and addressed based on your history, lifestyle, and overall health.
Hormone testing is only recommended in specific situations to guide treatment or rule out other conditions. Your ND will explain if testing is helpful for you, but it’s often not required to start a personalized, evidence-informed plan to support your symptoms and well-being.
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You don’t need to wait until your periods have completely stopped to start MHT. Naturopathic doctors can help determine if MHT is appropriate for you during perimenopause or menopause, based on your symptoms, health history, and goals.
The duration of MHT varies by individual. Some people use it short-term to manage bothersome symptoms, while others may benefit from longer-term use under regular monitoring. Your ND will review your progress, adjust dosing as needed, and discuss a plan that supports your health safely over time.
TAKE THE QUIZ
What’s Your Perimenopause Score?
Take this quick quiz to understand how ready you are for perimenopause, and where small, proactive steps could help you feel better.
Meet Your Naturopathic Doctor
Annie Gibson
ND, BSc, MSCP
Naturopathic Doctor, Co-Founder
I’m Annie, a naturopathic doctor and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner supporting women through the hormonal shifts of midlife. I work with women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who feel exhausted, foggy, moody, or just not like themselves (and want clear answers and practical support).
After navigating my own postpartum hormonal changes, I began to truly understand how disruptive these hormonal transitions can feel. My approach combines evidence-based care, nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and, when appropriate, prescriptions, including menopausal hormone therapy.
I focus on small, realistic steps that help women feel steady, capable, and more like themselves again.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP FOR IMPROVED HEALTH
You don’t have to figure it out all on your own.
Evidence-informed care helps active adults manage pain, hormonal changes, and everyday health challenges. Start working with an Anchor Health Co. practitioner today