Perth Health & Fertility

26/05/2025

The va**nal microbiome refers to all the microorganisms that live in the va**na. Unlike the gut microbiome, in which diversity is considered a sign of health, the va**nal microbiome is unusual in that it should be a ‘low diversity environment’, heavily dominated by lactobacillus species.

These lactobacilli produce acidic compounds like lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which maintain va**nal pH and help protect the va**na from colonisation by other types of bacteria.

In pregnancy, a healthy va**nal microbiome serves a critical role in the defence of the mother and baby against infection.

Unfortunately, va**nal dysbiosis (or the colonisation of the va**na with non-Lactobacilli species such as Gardnerella va**nalis, Enterococcus faecalis and Ureaplasma parvum) has been associated with many adverse fertility and pregnancy outcomes, including unexplained infertility, recurrent implantation failure, miscarriage, chorioamnionitis (infection of the membranes) and preterm birth.

It is for this reason we strongly recommend comprehensive screening of the va**nal microbiome prior to pregnancy in the context of preconception care, as well as using tailored prebiotic and/or probiotic support for a healthy va**nal microbiome throughout pregnancy, under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

At PHF, all of our naturopaths have extensive training in the area of va**nal health and dysbiosis and this is central to much of our work in holistic fertility and pregnancy care.
cleuet_naturopath

12/05/2025

Vaginal dryness is one of the most common yet least talked about symptoms of menopause.

It affects one in two postmenopausal women and often begins in perimenopause—research suggests that one in five women aged 40–45 experience it.

Despite how common it is, many women don’t seek help, either assuming it’s just part of aging or feeling too uncomfortable
to bring it up with their doctor. It’s often considered the last taboo of menopause—but it doesn’t have to be.

Symptoms can go beyond just dryness. Women may experience itching, soreness, burning, pain during s*x, increased UTIs, nighttime trips to the bathroom (nocturia), thinning or splitting skin, discomfort wearing tight clothing like jeans, and even reduced s*xual sensation.

Vaginal dryness doesn’t tend to improve on its own—it often worsens with age. That’s why it’s so important to talk about it and find solutions.

The good news?

Unlike some of the more challenging symptoms of menopause, many women find va**nal dryness improves with the right approach. From specialist moisturisers to topical therapeutics to va**nal probiotics, there are numerous solutions.

The first step is talking to a healthcare provider to understand exactly what’s happening (and rule out other conditions such as thrush or lichen sclerosus). From there, you can choose a plan of action.

The sooner you seek help, the better. Please don’t suffer in silence.

Bobbie X

05/05/2025

Vaginal health is an essential - but often overlooked - part of overall wellbeing. At PHF, we believe it deserves the same care and attention as any other part of the body, especially given its impact on fertility, comfort, and quality of life. The va**na is a self-regulating environment, but its delicate balance can be influenced by hormones, pH, microbiome, lubrication, hygiene, and s*xual activity. When that balance is disrupted, it can lead to discomfort, infections and even reproductive challenges.

This month, we’re diving into the va**nal microbiome, mucus, lubrication, and more - helping you understand what’s normal, what’s not, and how naturopathic support can make a difference.

02/04/2025

Bircher muesli is a super-satisfying, quick and easy breakfast that can be made up to three days in advance, to save time preparing a healthy breakfast each morning.

This is a basic recipe, that can be adjusted according to your own preferences, as well as what ingredients you have on hand. For example, you can substitute pecans for the almonds, or add in optional extras, like h**p seeds or coconut.

Each morning, just take a dollop out and serve topped with fresh fruit, for a high-fibre, protein-rich breakfast. 

You can read the full recipe at the link in our bio 🌿

17/03/2025

We’ve all heard eating too much sugar suppresses our immune system, but what does the research say?

Interestingly, the research is pretty clear on this one - the higher our blood sugars, the worse our immune function and the more susceptible we are to infections.
This is why it is ESSENTIAL we are all taking the steps necessary to keep our blood sugars stable throughout the day.

But first, let’s look at why:
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cells that engulf and digest the bugs and viruses responsible for infection.

Essentially, they ‘neutralise’ potential pathogens (bugs and germs) and are a key component of the body’s immune response.

When we consume simple sugars (like those found in white sugar, juice or honey), our blood sugars start to rise quickly. As our blood sugars rise, our neutrophil activity declines, meaning they are less responsive to bugs and germs.

In fact, researchers have found that consuming just half a glass of orange juice by itself impairs immune responses by up to 50%, and that full immune function does not recover for up to five hours!

Unfortunately, jam on toast, a sugar in your tea, a cookie from the work kitchenette or a bowl of ice-cream after dinner are not just a sweet treat - sadly, they impair your body’s ability to fight infection.

In the current climate, we need our immune systems firing and certainly can’t have them functioning at only 50%. So how can we anchor our blood sugars? We’ve listed some key steps for you ->

PHF 🌿

20/02/2025

21/01/2025

Deeply grateful for every story, every transformation, and every person who has trusted us with their health journey. Your success is our greatest reward 🌿

Thankyou for all of your kind words, it doesn’t go unnoticed and helps to get the word out about naturopathy and the positive impact it has 🌿

- The Perth Health and Fertility Team 💚🌿

16/01/2025

A staggering 40% of midlife women suffer from dry skin. Are you one of them?

Oestrogen helps with collagen, healing and the ability to hang on to water (i.e. hydration). So, when oestrogen levels drop, our skin changes - often becoming thinner, drier and itchier.

Today we’re talking thirsty skin. Here are my top tips:

🧼 Avoid foaming face and body washes which deplete the skin barrier  .aus all do inexpensive, gentle cleansers that can be washed off (stay away from abrasive brushes, flannels or cloths).

🚿 Avoid long, hot showers and baths. If you’re washing your face in the shower, turn it down so it’s just tepid.

🌰 Include plenty of healthy fats in your diet: avocados, EVOO, flaxseeds, chia, yoghurt, nuts and eggs.

💊 Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is important for ceramide production. Ceramides are hygroscopic ie. they help retain moisture. The Ordinary does a good 10% niacinamide serum which you can layer under your moisturiser. B3 food sources include anchovies, chicken, tuna, salmon, pork, avocado, peanuts, brown rice and green peas. All B vits are important for skin health and can be got through diet but be aware they’re easily degraded by heat (cooking), stress and alcohol.

🫐 Think ACE: vitamins A, C and E, lycopene from orange and red foods, selenium from 2 nuts and flavanols from plant foods like berries, green tea and dark chocolate.

🐟 Omega 3 EFAs help maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevent moisture loss. Find them in oily fish - salmon, pilchards, sardines, mackerel - and (to a lesser degree) in walnuts, chia, h**p, flax.

🥝 Studies suggest your gut bacteria can positively influence skin health. Your gut bugs thrive on fibre, so feed them: adding in live bacteria from things like sauerkraut and kefir may help.

💧 Hydration is key too...but you knew that already 😉 
 

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12/12/2024

Vitamin A is one of the most essential nutrients for skin health playing a pivotal role in maintaining skin’s structure, promoting cell turnover, and protecting against damage from environmental stressors. It is often a go to for acne, signs of aging and general skin appearance and tone.

While you need a professional (like us!) to ascertain whether therapeutic levels of vitamin A are suitable and safe for you, and have them monitor you and guide you as to dose and timing, you CAN safely go about seeking the precursor to vitamin A, beta-carotene in your diet.

Here are some skin loving A grade betacarotene ideas —>

🥕🧈🍳🍠🎃🥭🍑🧡

- Emma x

19/11/2024

Excess sugar creates harmful molecules called AGEs (advanced glycation end-products) that damage collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to so-called ‘sugar sag’.

AGEs form when proteins or fats in the body are exposed to sugars and change in structure. Sugar accelerates skin ageing. The higher your blood sugars are, the more wrinkles you are going to get!

Glycation isn’t something we can stop, it’s just part of life, but we can slow it down through the food choices we make. Here’s a few things to consider:

🐟 Keep blood sugars stable by including some protein with every meal (eg. tempeh, lentils, salmon, tofu, chicken) and snack (e.g. a few almonds with an apple or hummus on oat cakes).

🧃 Keep an eye on how much sugar you are eating. Even natural sugars like those in dates, bliss balls, raw paleo treats, fruit juice and sugary alcoholic drinks, will increase AGEs.

🥩 Avoid foods naturally high in AGEs: processed foods, sugary foods and animal products cooked at high temps. When you see blackened meat, you are looking at AGEs. Cook meat low and slow or marinate meat first in an acidic or citrus based sauce.

🫘 Eat a variety of vegetarian proteins: eggs, legumes, lentils, tofu, nuts & seeds. These have lower levels of AGEs.

🫐 Add lots of brightly coloured veggies or fruit to every meal to mop up any damage from the AGEs: blueberries, cranberries, pomegranate, kiwi, grapes, cherries and plums.

🍵 Polyphenols are protective: green tea, dark chocolate, ginger, turmeric and olive oil.

⏰ Fasting can be helpful too. When you fast your body activates sirtuins, an anti-ageing substance. If you are new to fasting, start simply with 12 hours overnight. If you tend to graze all day, try not to eat between meals.

11/11/2024

This month, our team of naturopaths is diving deep into all things skin.

From the foods that help boost your glow, to lifestyle tweaks and natural remedies, we’ll be sharing practical, science-backed tips to support your skin from the inside out✨

Healthy skin isn’t just about what we put on it—it’s also about what we nourish it with and how we support it day to day.

We’re here to help you get to know your skin better, so you can glow with confidence! 🌞

Keep an eye on this space for advice that’s not just about looking good but feeling great in your skin too.

Bobbie X

21/10/2024

Have you heard of Blue Zones? 🔵🔵

🔵Blue Zones are regions of the world where people tend to live longer lives but also enjoy a good quality of life in their old age. Importantly, this increased lifespan can be attributed to certain cultural, dietary and lifestyle factors that are believed to contribute to good health and longevity. —> More in the slides 🔵🔵

🔵Overall, whilst research into Blue Zones is ongoing, we can draw on this information to incorporate these health-promoting habits into our daily lives. Whether it’s replacing a few meals a week with a plant-based option, incorporating more movement into your days or making time to catch up with a friend in person, these are simple yet powerful habits that can improve our health and wellbeing in more ways than one.

Niki cleuet_naturopath