1.What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

A naturopath is a doctor who is trained in medicine.  Naturopathic Doctors are trained to assess patients using physical examination and standard laboratory testing, just as a medical doctor does.  Some of our testing methods fall outside of the testing that is covered under standard care.  The main difference between a Naturopathic Doctor and a Medical doctor is in our treatment approach and in the way in which we look at illness, especially chronic disease. “Medically Trained, Naturally focused” really embodies what a naturopath is and what we do.

 

2. How do Naturopaths Treat?

We have a number of tools in our arsenal to help improve a patient’s health.  We look very closely at diet and lifestyle and help patients make changes here.  We use nutritional supplements, botanical medicines, acupuncture and chinese medicine and homeopathic remedies to help patients get better.  In Ontario Naturopathic doctors do have the right to limited prescription medications, which may also be used as a treatment option.

 

3. Can a naturopath prescribe medication?

In some provinces naturopaths have a larger scope of practice where they can prescribe a number of medications.  In Ontario Naturopaths do have prescribing rights but the medications that can be prescribed are limited.  Included are bio-identical hormones (topical estrogen, topical progesterone and natural thyroid), Vitamin D in doses greater than 1000IU and injectable vitamins.  Naturopaths that have the right to prescribe will have taken an exam that allows them to do this.

 

4. What are Bio-identical hormones or BHRT (bio-identical hormone replacement therapy)?

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are made from plant sources that are chemically identical to the hormones that are found in our body (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA).  The body responds to these hormones in the same manner as they would if they were naturally produced.

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5. What do Naturopaths treat?

We treat a wide array of conditions but Dr. Armstrong, ND has a few areas that she likes to focus on and has extensive experience treating the following: Woman’s health concerns (PMS, perimenopause, menopause, fertility), food sensitivities, gastrointestinal issues (Crohn’s, colitis, IBS, celiac, GERD), adrenal fatigue.