Assessment and Treatment of Irregular Periods and Amenorrhea

Regular ovulatory menstrual cycles are both an expression of underlying health and a source of valuable ovarian hormones. In this presentation, experienced naturopathic doctor Lara Briden will provide a new framework for understanding menstruation as an important and integral part of human physiology. She’ll discuss the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommendation that menstruation should be regarded as a vital sign and explore testing and treatment protocols for irregular menstruation due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothalamic amenorrhea.

• Why ovulation is an important barometer of health or “monthly report card.”

• Pathology testing for irregular periods and amenorrhea.

• Differentiating between PCOS and hypothalamic amenorrhea and knowing when to refer.

• Nutritional and herbal medicine protocols for PCOS and hypothalamic amenorrhea.

• Discussion of the presenter’s peer-reviewed paper “The central role of ovulatory disturbances in the etiology of androgenic polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—Evidence for treatment with cyclic progesterone.”

• Treatments with cyclic progesterone and the crucial difference between progesterone and progestins.

• Understanding the time frame for re-establishing regular menstruation.  

About Dr. Briden

Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and bestselling author of the books Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual — practical guides to treating period problems with nutrition, supplements, and body-identical hormones.

A graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (1997) and the University of Calgary (evolutionary biology), Lara serves on several scientific advisory committees including The Centre for Ovulation and Menstruation Research (CeMCOR) at the University of British Columbia. She is a popular speaker and has delivered keynote presentations for the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA), the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), the University of Otago, Endometriosis New Zealand, Endometriosis Association of Queensland (QENDO), and the Evolutionary Health Society of New Zealand (EHA).

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Lara currently has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems.
 

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Clinical Education with Dr. Paul Anderson

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Dr. Anderson, bringing over 30 years of medical and teaching experience, will dive into a series of topics related to immunology/autoimmunity and IV therapies. 

Dr. Anderson is a recognized educator and clinician in integrative and naturopathic medicine with a focus on complex infectious, chronic, and oncologic illness. In addition to three decades clinical experience, he also was head of the interventional arm of a US-NIH funded human research trial using IV and integrative therapies in cancer patients.

He founded Advanced Medical Therapies in Seattle, Washington, a clinic focusing on cancer and chronic diseases and now focuses his time in collaboration with clinics and hospitals in the US and other countries. Former positions include multiple medical school posts, Professor of Pharmacology and Clinical Medicine at Bastyr University and Chief of IV Services for Bastyr Oncology Research Center.

He is co-author of the Hay House book “Outside the Box Cancer Therapies” with Dr. Mark Stengler as well as a co-author with Jack Canfield in the anthology “Success Breakthroughs” and the Lioncrest Publishing book “Cancer… The Journey from Diagnosis to Empowerment.”

Dr. Anderson has been involved in integrative oncology for the past three decades.  In 2009 he joined the Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Center as Chief of IV services and began to put his years of experience into a formal cancer research program.  During the years of that National Institutes of Health funded research he was able to formalize many protocols he had used in the past as well as pioneer new and innovative IV and other therapies.  During this first research he and colleagues (including Dr. Leanna Standish) saw improved quality of life as well as improved overall survival in some advanced cancers.

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During this time period Dr. Anderson was able to design more “body friendly” IV therapies for patients with advanced cancers and developed cancer therapies that had never been applied in the United States previously.  He also published the only global research review showing that ascorbic acid (vitamin c) and most all standard oncology therapies are actually synergistic with one another.  In addition he was able to pioneer some intravenous natural substances that are now showing promise in cancer therapy.

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Menopause Hormone Prescribing Essentials and Research Updates

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Dr. Tori Hudson, Naturopathic Physician, graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1984 and has since served the college in many capacities including Professor, Medical Director, Associate Academic Dean, and Academic Dean. She is currently an adjunct clinical professor at NUNM, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Bastyr University. Dr. Hudson has been in practice for more than 30 years, is the medical director of her clinic, A Woman’s Time, in Portland, OR, and is the director of product research and education for Vitanica.  She is also the founder and co-director of Naturopathic Education and Research Consortium, a nonprofit for accredited naturopathic residencies.

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Dr. Hudson has recently been appointed as a faculty member of the Fellowship in Integrative Health and Medicine, Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine.

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Dr. Hudson was awarded the 1990 President’s Award from the American Association of Naturopathic Physician’s  for her research in the field of women’s health care, the 1999 prestigious Naturopathic Physician of the Year award, the 2003 NCNM Alumni Pioneer Award and the 2009 Natural Products Association NW Pioneer Award.  In 2012, she was inducted into the NCNM Hall of Fame and in 2016 the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physician awarded her the Living Legend Award.  Most recently, in May 2021, she was awarded the honorary Fredi Kronenberg Excellence in Research and Education in Botanicals for Women’s Health Award from the American Botanical Council.  This award is presented to a researcher, educator, and/or clinician who furthers the scientific study, education, and clinical use of medicinal plants and phytomedicines for women’s health conditions.

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She is a nationally recognized author, speaker, educator, researcher and clinician.   Dr. Hudson serves on several editorial boards, advisory panels and as a consultant to the natural products industry.

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Dr. Hudson is the Program Director for the Institute of Women’s Health and Integrative Medicine.

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Thank you to our Partners at NFH for supporting her presentation.

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Probiotics & Whole Body Health: Evidence for GI Health, Immune and the Aging Brain

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Over recent years, there has been an explosion of probiotic options on the market. Shelf-stable formulations, unique ingredient combinations  and condition-oriented claims – how is a practitioner to choose?
Please join us as Dr. Jacs Cooper, ND distinguishes fact from myth when it comes to probiotics and highlights the compelling emerging evidence showing the impact probiotics can have on cognitive health, immune function, mood, and the aging brain.
Dr. Cooper will provide a solid case as to why probiotics should be considered as a key foundational component of any health regimen by:

• Identifying mechanisms for how probiotics support whole body health and improve the function of organ systems traditionally considered beyond the scope of probiotic intervention

• Highlighting the difference between shelf-stable and refrigerated probiotics and identify the three most common mistakes made when choosing a probiotic

• Reviewing research on the ability of specific strains to deliver system-wide benefits (namely increased immune resiliency, cognitive support and improvements in GI health)

• Presenting a clinical case that demonstrates when to couple probiotics with cranberry vs garlic in the context of urinary tract infections

About Dr. Cooper 

Dr. Jacqueline Cooper, ND

Director of Field Training and Education, Professional Brands

A retained advisor to Genestra Brands®, Pure Encapsulations® and Douglas Laboratories®.

Jacs earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2012 and a Bachelor of Science from Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario.  

Jacs considers herself an avid, life-long learner who is passionate about the intersection of physical and psychological well-being. Jacs values quality education as a means of empowering others with respect to their health.

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Webinars are for educational purposes only and are intended for licensed health care practitioners. These therapies are not substitutes for standard medical care. The information provided by speakers in this educational program, together with any written material, do not necessarily represent the views of Genestra Brands®, Pure Encapsulations® and Douglas Laboratories® and are not intended as medical advice.gy, and this investment in R&D continues to break new ground.

Eliminating Headaches, Migraines, and Other Physical Symptoms While Improving Performance After Brain Injury with Precision-Tinted Irlen Spectral Filters

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1. Hidden Stressors: Environmental stress can affect thinking, feeling and performance.

2. Understand the Impact: Understand the mind-body-performance connection and the signs and symptoms.

3. Familiarity with the Solution: Learn about the Irlen Method and how it helps you protect yourself and improve overall health, wellbeing, and performance.

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Encouraged by the results with her students and realizing their potential once this barrier was removed, Terry elected to be trained as an Irlen® Screener in 2008. In 2011, she trained as an Irlen® Diagnostician, which enabled her to administer Irlen® Spectral Filters, as well as train other educators and care givers as Irlen® Screeners. Terry has since retired from the public school system to dedicate her work to identifying and supporting clients who will benefit from the Irlen® Method. Her passion for learning and teaching continues to serve her in this new chapter of her career.

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Terry Carlson, owner of Irlen® Services Northwest,LLC, has a Masters in Special Education/Endorsement in Reading and had been teaching in the public school systems; in secondary Special Education Literacy Programs; for over 20 years. While teaching in the public school system, Terry was introduced to Irlen® overlays by the literacy coach while searching for specific interventions when student’s progress had stalled. She noticed an immediate improvement with reading comprehension. Students often told her, “the words don’t move anymore, I can see the words clearly now.”

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Enhance Fertility - Naturally 

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At present, one-in-eight couples of childbearing age in the U.S are experiencing a delay in conception or diagnosis of sub/infertility.  As this prevalence continues to rise, along with increased reliance on expensive advanced reproductive technology (ART), integrative practitioners can expect to see more of these couples seeking our guidance.  This presentation will provide strategies to help get the most out of the preconception period, including methods of evaluating the endocrine system prior to conception, and some "red flags" to watch out for during the patient interview and your clinical evaluation.  Dr. Nishek will discuss a variety of underlying causes of both female & male factor infertility, along with treatment strategies and protocols.  Time permitting, integrative strategies for enhancing ART outcomes will also be included.

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Learning Objectives:

• Review how common issues, like endocrine disrupting chemicals, hormone imbalance, nutrient deficiencies and thyroid dysfunction are compromising fertility.
   

• Discuss how to assess and enhance female fertility.
   

• Understand how to assess and enhance male fertility.
   

• Gain confidence in your ability to improve fertility outcomes naturally and/or alongside conventional reproductive medicine techniques.

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Stephanie Nishek ND, CLEC
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND), Certified Lactation Educator/Counselor (CLEC)

Dr. Nishek is a North Dakota native, having grown up in Minot and Valley City. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UND in 2006, a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences in 2010 and her CLEC Certification from the University of San Diego Extension in 2015.

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Dr. Nishek offers naturopathic consultations to all ages and genders. Helping couples overcome infertility to establish and maintain pregnancy, supporting women through the prenatal process and guiding moms through postnatal changes and the breastfeeding relationship are her passion. She has advanced training in those areas, as well as in managing PCOS and other hormonal/

menstrual cycle irregularities, from puberty through menopause. She also provides acupuncture treatments and a number of functional laboratory testing options to help navigate hormone issues, digestive dysfunction, mood disorders, sleep disorders and more.

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Dr. Nishek is the mother of two wild and free children and has been happily married to her adventurous, hilarious and creative husband since 2011. They spend their family time checking out the dinosaur bones at the Heritage Center & State Museum, swimming at the YMCA and watching every Disney/Pixar movie ever created.

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Translating Pharmacogenomics Research into Clinical Implementation 

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Dr. Karen Brown, PharmD, Dr. Karen Brown, PharmD, Postdoctoral Fellow at the The Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation (SIHI) at the University of Montana (learn more...) SIHI is poised to be the first in the US to implement pharmacogenetic testing in rural and tribal populations and will provide the expertise and infrastructure to support widespread implementation for health systems and healthcare providers across the state of Montana.

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The Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation at the University of Montana: Translating Pharmacogenomics Research into Clinical Implementation

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• The development of the Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation

• Current research: preliminary data on variables affecting vitamin D and

• Polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations in members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

• Services: the development of a statewide pharmacogenomic testing and consultation program

•  An overview of pharmacogenomics

•  Translating relevant recommendations to the natural substance formulary list

•  Considerations for utilizing commercial laboratories offering pharmacogenomics,

• Nutrigenomics, lipidomics, proteomics

•  Additional resources for clinicians

•  Clinical case examples

Karen graduated from the University of Montana Skaggs School of Pharmacy in 2020, where she worked with Dr. Erica Woodahl on the Precision Medicine Project for several years. The Woodahl Lab’s primary research focus is on precision medicine and pharmacogenomics to identify sources of interindividual variability in treatment response and disease prevention (e.g., genes, environment, and lifestyle). 

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For several years, Karen guided community-based participatory research and implementation science to inform the development of a centralized pharmacogenomic consultation service. In 2020, the Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation (SIHI) was developed to serve Montana as a statewide hub for health education, research and outreach to improve access to healthcare for all Montanans, particularly those living in rural and tribal communities. 

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Karen’s fellowship is focused on championing the launch of a statewide pharmacogenomic consulting service deployed via telehealth services. Her current research is focused on evaluating the impact of pharmacogenomic testing with expert-consultation on clinical outcomes and healthcare utilization.​