Candice sits down with naturopathic physician, Samantha LeVine to discuss individualized care, particularly as it pertains to women’s health. Dr. Sam tells us about the moment when, at age seven, she realized she would become a doctor specializing in women’s health. She describes naturopathic medicine, what differentiates it from a conventional practice, and how regulations vary from state to state. Candice shares how Dr. Sam’s approach was a real game-changer for her own personal journey of health and self-care. She shares about the mysterious stroke-like symptoms she experienced in her twenties and early thirties, and how most medical professionals she encountered failed to take her mental health into account when suggesting diagnosis and treatment. The two discuss other examples of how emotional landscapes can impact physical health, and Dr. Sam emphasizes how essential it is to be physiologically informed when it comes to emotional challenges. Dr. Sam offers a fascinating explanation of how sugar, both positively and negatively, impacts the brain and whether or not there is a difference between medicine and medication. The episode wraps up with some very practical guidance regarding peri-menopausal and post-menopausal considerations. Dr. Sam tells us how to better prepare the body for this ‘change of life’ using proper testing and then talks candidly about whether or not hormone replacement therapy is a good idea.
Samantha LeVine, ND is a board-certified naturopathic physician practicing general care in Portland, OR. She’s been in private practice for nearly 20 years and loves to support community members of all ages. Specialties include women’s health and hormones, thyroid support, nutrition, gastrointestinal complaints, mood imbalance, sleep support etc. Doc Sam trained in midwifery in graduate school (NCNM, now called NUNM) and loves to really treat the whole person in her approach to healing. In addition to being a small business owner, Doc Sam enjoys time with her two children, ages 13 and 21, gardening, reading, hiking, dancing, and cooking. Web: docerenaturopathicwellness.com
April 6, 2022
