Women's health services include annual exams, contraception, menopausal care and fertility treatment.

Women's Health Care at Bastyr Center: Caring, Natural and Holistic

Can a naturopathic doctor serve as my primary care provider?

Yes, in Washington and 15 other states, naturopathic doctors (NDs) are licensed as primary care physicians.

What women’s health services are available at Bastyr Center for Natural Health?

Among other services, Women’s Wellness Care practitioners at Bastyr Center are trained to:

• Perform your annual gynecological and breast exams.
  
  
• Prescribe birth control, including placement of intrauterine devices (IUDs).
  
  
• Offer supportive care for menopause and osteoporosis.
  
  
• Offer care for menstrual disorders, vaginal disorders, abnormal pap smears, PMS and pelvic pain.
  
  
• Support fertility issues.
  
  
• Screen for and treat sexually transmitted infections.

Why should I choose a naturopathic doctor for my women’s health care needs?

In addition to treating any specific health care needs, a naturopathic doctor also will take the time to get to know you and to treat you as a whole person.

“Especially for more of the chronic conditions, including PMS, chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis, we’re able to spend a lot of time to try to find a holistic treatment that works,” says Laurie Cullen, ND a practitioner at Bastyr Center.

“We try not to just focus on one body part,” says Jane Guiltinan, ND, dean of the School of Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University. “We try to always look at the whole person to help Women’s Health Care at Bastyr Center: Caring, Natural and Holistic the patient understand how to be well, stay well and take responsibility for their health and wellness.”

How would a naturopathic doctor treat menopause?

If you’ve decided against hormone replacement therapy and are looking for other ways to treat your menopause symptoms, naturopathic doctors can discuss a variety of natural health treatments with you.

Lifestyle changes such as exercising more or changing your diet can help improve hot flashes, mood swings and other symptoms. Dr. Cullen says some of her treatments have included adding more soy foods and recommending changes to a patient’s daily routine, including exercise, herbal or nutritional supplements, homeopathy and, for some, hormone replacement therapy.

Can I treat fertility issues with natural medicine?

In many cases, fertility issues can be successfully treated with natural therapies, including diet, exercise, herbs and nutrients, according to Dr. Cullen.

“I treat infertility by improving ovulatory function, primarily with patients affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),” she says. PCOS, a hormonal imbalance, is believed to be one of the leading causes of fertility problems in women.

What can I expect at my annual exam?

Similar to a gynecological exam at a conventional doctor’s office, your exam will include a pap smear, breast exam, a general wellness checkup and plenty of time for you to ask questions. If any irregularities are discovered, Bastyr Center practitioners will provide a follow-up checkup or refer you to a specialist.

To make an appointment at Bastyr Center, call 206.834.4100 or submit our quick contact form.