Dr Megan Coad

20/02/2025

Vitex agnus-castus, or Chaste tree, is used in the management of menstrual cycle regulation, for cases in women’s health and infertility.

It is known to have a progesterogenic effect, (ie. our pro-gestation hormone). Therefore, is particularly indicated to boost the second half of the cycle - and lower the chances of threatened miscarriage for women hoping to be pregnant.

But even outside of fertility, Vitex helps in PMS - especially where there are sore breasts, Erratic/absent ovulation, Acne, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, Dysfunctional/heavy uterine bleeding, Cystic hyperplasia of the endometrium, and in higher therapeutic doses: Endometriosis and Fibroids.

It is also a dopamine agonist, helping in mood, sleep and executive function, and therefore supports PND.

Vitex should not be used with the contraceptive pill or HRT, and only used as part of a wider holistic plan, under the guidance of your health professional.

Currently consulting naturopathic patients on selected Saturdays by Telehealth. Bookings limited.

MC 🌱

01/09/2024

08/03/2024

International Women’s Day. Honouring the superhumans that women are, and recognising the ongoing need to band together and close the gap on inequality. Girl power 💥

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Bayleaf Wellness

25/02/2024

😍 Organic! In my element. 🍓Conventional berries are notorious for pesticide contamination, many of which are known hormone disrupters… leading to an array of health consequences. And so when we find progressive businesses like this who value nets over sprays and use regenerative practices, I’m a big fan!

Big shout out to Dave and Christine for their approach and commitment to clean farm produce. The kids (and us parents) had such a fun time berry-picking last month - there in Drysdale. Both the blueberries and strawberries had a sweet juicy FLAVOUR that was out-of-this-world. Such a wholesome way to spend the day away from devices, with yummy cafe choices and wholefood grocery onsite. We will be back 👩‍🌾

🌱 MC



Bayleaf Wellness

22/02/2024

Endometritis is inflammation of the uterine lining due to an infection. It can be acute - like after childbirth or miscarriage; or it can be chronic following infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or BV related bugs.

Typically there will be abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain and swelling, and fever. However, chronic Endometritis is often silent, or might only present with minor changes to discharge. Untreated Endometritis can lead to a more complex pelvic infections, PID, or system-wide sepsis. And importantly Endometritis is linked to infertility.

This is NOT the same as Endometriosis, a condition in which the uterine tissue grows in places outside of the uterus without an infection.

In either case, if something doesn’t seem right about your periods or your gynaecological symptoms have changed, see your GP for tests and screening.

MC 🌱



Bayleaf Wellness

05/02/2024

Affecting an estimated 1 in 10 women, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is associated with higher levels of insulin and androgens (male-type hormones) in the body. The ‘cysts’ on the ovaries -usually seen by ultrasound- are actually eggs that haven’t developed correctly. However, it’s important to understand from the outset that PCOS is a systemic hormonal condition.

Women may present with:

• Disrupted menstrual cycles, causing irregular periods and sub fertility.

• Excess hair (hirsutism), particularly to the face and body, due to the increased androgens circulating.

• Hair loss or alopecia, often as male-pattern thinning.

• Acne and pimples, due to the higher levels of androgens which can enlarge oil-producing glands in the skin.

• Weight gain and insulin resistance making it difficult to manage weight.

• Stress, anxiety and depression.

Natural medicines aim to work preventatively. By helping to clear excess androgens and regulate insulin, dramatic improvements to the PCOS symptom-picture can be achieved. ☀️



Bayleaf Wellness

23/01/2024

Often women suffer quietly, told and conditioned to believe that their painful periods are ‘normal’. No. Any pain that prevents regular function in daily activities - is not normal. Any pain that is harsh enough to cause work or school absence, or excessive analgesic use - is not normal.

It’s important to have full and thorough investigations, as very often, something else is going on. That something-else cannot be treated unless women first speak to their practitioner. If this resonates with you, make an appointment with your doctor and speak up. And keep speaking up until you have some answers 🙏

MC 🌱



Bayleaf Wellness

06/01/2024

Last day of my coastal holiday and I haven’t been able to put this book down! Lots of metabolic understandings made easy to understand, with simple hacks to flatten our glucose spikes… and big reasons to do so. A key recommendation for all of my patients, but particularly those with PCOS and insulin resistance.

MC 🌱



Bayleaf Wellness

15/10/2023

Fibroids & Heavy Menstrual Bleeding🩸
If you have HMB and your fibroid/s are located outside of the uterus (subserosal or intramural), the fibroid tissue is likely NOT the cause.
Women with fibroids often have excess oestrogen. This causes a thicker endometrial (inner) lining. Each month, shedding of the thicker lining leads to …heavier bleeds, often with clots. 😞

My job is to consider the root cause. Why is the oestrogen in ‘excess’ to begin with? Is there an oestrogen clearance issue? Or low relative progesterone, leaving oestrogen unopposed? Is there another endocrine imbalance, like thyroid or adrenal? Are there Xenoestrogens causing havoc?

Most medical practitioners will explain that fibroids are nothing to worry about, will shrink after menopause, and surgery is reserved as a last resort - only for very large fibroids or those rare submucosal ones that might be linked to infertility or miscarriage… use a hormonal contraceptive to control the bleeding and take some pain killers.

But I think addressing the root cause is far wider reaching than just the fibroid alone. Oestrogen is systemic, other systems and symptoms are interweaved. And why shouldn’t women naturally have relief and better quality of life during their reproductive years? 🤔

MC

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Bayleaf Wellness

02/07/2023

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a well researched serotonergic herb used in the treatment of mild-moderate depression.

It’s known to be more effective than a placebo (an inactive substance) and as effective as standard antidepressant medications in mild-moderate cases.

However due to interactions, St John’s Wort cannot be taken alongside antidepressants … doing so may lead to Serotonin syndrome, a complex and risky side effect.

I love St John’s alongside sufficient nutrients like Mg, Bs, Zinc - the building blocks for serotonin, as well as working on gut microbiome - as so many of our serotonin receptors are located in the GIT. Plus, I consider vitamin D for seasonal winter blues.

Always consult your health care practitioner before commencing herbal medicines for the correct active-constituents and correct doses. And speak to your doctor before ceasing medication.

MC

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Bayleaf Wellness

08/06/2023

This powerhouse high-achieving friend of mine has been such incredible support in the past 2 years. Big credit to for all things women’s health, IUS… and so much more 😉
No doubt, women need women, and I’m so lucky to have this treasured and authentic soul sharing in my world and work. Here’s to kicking more goals 🥂


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Bayleaf Wellness

14/05/2023

Our house has been a domino of pretty unwell people in the past week and this is the yummy recipe that my hubby threw together …. It made all the difference.
Also a huge thank you to my beautiful friend for her Italian risoni too! We have been so well cared for.

Full recipe available at https://cookieandkate.com/best-lentil-soup-recipe/

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