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Monday 9am - 4pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm Thursday 9am - 5:30pm Friday 9am - 5:30pm Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday 9am - 2pm

Vital Aspects

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Australia
Tanunda, SA
Vital Aspects

Helping women to understand infertility, hormone imbalances and optimise preconception and pregnancy outcomes.

Root-cause, evidence-based approaches - going beyond “normal”.

22/07/2025

Those that know me, know that magnesium is my favourite. It has got me through some pretty difficult times and it is a daily non-negotiable for me (in decent doses!).

Let me paint a picture that’s probably familiar...

It’s 2am. You’re exhausted but your mind is racing. Your muscles are tense. Your heart feels like it’s beating out of your chest.

You’ve tried everything: ✓ Chamomile tea ✓ Meditation apps
✓ Blue light glasses ✓ Cool room temperature ✓ No caffeine after 2pm

Yet here you are, staring at the ceiling AGAIN.

Here’s what no one tells you: Your nervous system might be literally misfiring due to magnesium deficiency.

After analysing thousands of comprehensive mineral assessments, I can tell you that most women I see are running on empty when it comes to this crucial mineral.

But here’s the thing- most are taking magnesium supplements that barely absorb! 👉🏻Magnesium oxide (the most common form) has a 4% absorption rate. You’re basically flushing money down the toilet.

The women who finally break the cycle of being ‘wired but tired’?

They understand: 🧠 Which forms actually cross the blood-brain barrier ⏰ The exact timing that optimises absorption
🔬 Why testing is crucial💪 How stress, caffeine, and exercise deplete it faster than you can replace it

Your anxiety isn’t ‘all in your head.’ Your sleep issues aren’t just ‘stress.’ Your muscle cramps aren’t normal.

Your nervous system is starving for the mineral it needs to function properly.

Magnesium is likely responsible for the calm, grounded energy you’re seeking? The deep, restorative sleep you crave? It might be simpler than you think.

So, sort your magnesium out! Your nervous system (and hormones) will thank you 🙏

Have you ever suspected magnesium deficiency? What symptoms made you wonder? Let me know below! 👇

Megan xo

”

21/07/2025

A long overdue check-in and apology 💕

I’ve been notably absent these past few weeks, and while I had every intention of maintaining consistency, reality had other plans. We’ve essentially been sick for the entire winter (like lots of other people here in the Barossa) - a “lovely” reminder that the best-laid plans often meet their match in everyday life.

All the advice is to batch your content and have a back log for these times and while I’m all for strategic planning, it turns out that juggling motherhood and running a business doesn’t always align with neat schedules and content calendars. Sometimes life just happens.

My product launches have taken longer than anticipated, and I genuinely appreciate your patience as I navigate this. Your understanding means a lot to me.

Fun fact: Anyone who knows me knows I despise the cold with a passion. Turns out my solution of keeping the heater on full blast all Winter may have backfired. I knew our nutrient levels were solid from regular testing and daily supps, and I’d recently done gut testing so I knew that wasn’t a factor, so it had to be environmental. (And honestly, the fact that my eyes were constantly hurting should have been the giveaway). I know overly dry air compromises our mucous membranes, making us much more susceptible to bugs entering our airways 🦠 - I just forgot to consider it in my quest to stay warm!
So now we’re living in a freezing house, but the snot is all gone! 🤧➡️✨

The best part through all of this? My toddler is a little trooper and even when he’s sick, you wouldn’t know. Kids are just built different, I swear.

Thanks for being patient with me during this crazy time. We’re getting better, and I can’t wait to get back to bringing you more fun and educational content soon.

Have you managed to avoid the bugs this winter?

Megan xo

14/07/2025

The gut-hormone axis that’s controlling your entire endocrine system (and why your bowel movements are the ultimate hormone biomarker) ⬇️

Right, let’s discuss something that most of us aren’t even aware is affecting our hormones.

Your elimination patterns are providing real-time feedback about your oestrogen clearance pathways and overall hormone balance.

Here’s the reality: If you’re not achieving complete daily bowel movements, you’re experiencing the recirculation of hormones.

Translation? Your body is literally recycling used oestrogen instead of eliminating it properly.

The downstream effects I see in practice: 🔸 Elevated oestradiol-to-progesterone ratios 🔸 Dysregulated Phase II liver detoxification 🔸 Compromised gut microbiome diversity 🔸 Systemic inflammatory cascade 🔸 Disrupted HPA axis function

Which manifests as the symptoms you actually feel: 🔸 Periods that resemble a crime scene 🔸 PMS that starts way too early in the cycle🔸 Adult acne that’s definitely not “just stress” 🔸 Stubborn fat tissue around gynoid distribution areas 🔸Extreme mood volatility

Here’s where it gets fascinating from a functional medicine perspective:
The average woman consumes 20g dietary fibre daily. But for optimal phase III detoxification and healthy enterocyte function? We’re looking at 35-40g minimum.

Your gut microbiome isn’t just processing food - it’s your body’s secondary hormone manufacturing facility. These bacterial communities are producing neurotransmitters, modulating immune function, and directly influencing your entire endocrine cascade.

After analysing comprehensive stool analyses and hormone panels for so many women, the correlation is without a doubt there: Optimise gut ecology, normalise hormone metabolism.

(Plus we have a concerningly high rate of bowel cancer in Australia - so increase that fibre!)

What’s been your most puzzling hormone symptom? Let me know below 👇

Megan xo

09/07/2025

Working with women who have PCOS and helping them feel at home in their bodies again brings me so much joy 💕

There’s something special about supporting someone on their path to motherhood when they’ve been told it might not happen.

I’ll never forget my first PCOS patient during my final year of clinical training. The mix of hormone imbalances, metabolic issues, and all the misinformation out there really drew me in. I knew right then this would become a big part of my work.

And it has.

After years of supporting so many women — each with different symptoms, triggers, and goals — I’ve seen how powerful the right, personalised approach can be.

PCOS isn’t just about reproduction. It affects hormones, insulin, inflammation, ovulation, metabolism, mood, and more.

Yet too many women are still being told to “just go on the pill” or “lose weight and come back when you want to try IVF.”

We can do so much better.

This testimonial means the world to me. A woman told she’d likely never conceive naturally — now a mum of two. I’m just grateful I got to be part of that story.

There’s a lot of confusion around PCOS, so let me clear up some common myths:

👉 You can get pregnant naturally with PCOS
👉 You don’t need ovarian cysts to be diagnosed
👉 You don’t have to be overweight
👉 There are four main types, and each needs a different approach:

✨Insulin resistant (often comes with blood sugar ups and downs and cravings)
✨Post-pill (can look like PCOS after stopping hormonal contraception)
✨Adrenal (linked to chronic stress and high DHEA)
✨Inflammatory (often missed, but driven by gut and immune issues)

The key is figuring out which type — or types — you’re dealing with, because what works for one woman won’t necessarily work for another.

PCOS is complex, but it’s not a life sentence. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed — reach out. There’s so much we can do with the right support 🤍

Megan xo

08/07/2025

Your standard GP check-up is missing 80% of what is actually wrong with your hormones.

I need to share something that genuinely breaks my heart as a practitioner specialising in women’s health...

Women coming to me with textbook hormone dysfunction symptoms - exhausted despite sleeping, weight gain despite eating well, periods from hell, mood swings that feel out of control - but they’ve been told their blood work is ‘completely normal.’

I see the relief in their eyes when I finally validate what they’ve been feeling. You’re not going crazy. You’re not being dramatic. Something IS wrong, and we’re going to find it.

Here’s what’s really happening: Your GP is testing maybe 5% of what they should be testing.

The clinical reality I see daily:
🔬 TSH ‘normal’ at 3.8 (should be under 2.0)
🔬 Single cortisol reading at 9am (missing circadian dysfunction)
🔬 Random hormone testing (timing is everything!)
🔬 No nutrient assessment (can’t make hormones without raw materials)

Meanwhile, comprehensive functional testing reveals:
👉🏻Thyroid conversion issues (T4 not converting to active T3)
👉🏻Adrenal dysfunction patterns affecting sleep and energy
👉🏻Nutrient deficiencies sabotaging hormone production
👉🏻Insulin resistance driving PCOS symptoms
👉🏻Autoimmune antibodies attacking your thyroid
👉🏻Liver detox pathways overwhelmed with hormone waste

After analysing over countless hormone panels, 94% of women had significant dysfunction that standard testing completely missed.

Your symptoms aren’t in your head. You deserve to feel vibrant and healthy.

You just need the RIGHT tests at the RIGHT time with the RIGHT interpretation.

Your symptoms deserve proper investigation, and you deserve answers. 🔬

What’s the most frustrating thing you’ve been told about your ‘normal’ results? 👇

Megan xo

05/07/2025

Firstly, can we just take a moment to visualise this happening in human form…it’s TOO funny. Respect, dragonflies. Respect.

Secondly, let’s talk libido.

It’s not uncommon to go through periods where you’re not in the mood, but if you notice dramatic changes to your s*x drive, it’s worth investigating.

Stress—messes with everything. Chronic stress spikes cortisol, depletes nutrients, and throws hormones out of whack. Your body basically says “survival mode activated—romance can wait!”

Hypothyroidism—a sluggish metabolism slows reproductive hormones. Your thyroid is the master regulator, so comprehensive testing (TSH, T3, T4, reverse T3) is crucial.

Ageing—testosterone gradually decreases, and women experience hormonal shifts across life stages. But good nutrition and lifestyle habits can support healthy hormones at any age.

Mental health—depression/anxiety can make you not feel like doing much. Your microbiome influences mood and hormones via the gut-brain axis. Happy gut, happy…(you get it!).

Relationship issues—communication is key. If dissatisfaction or disconnection is stopping intimacy, talk it out, experiment, or seek support.

Diet + lifestyle—exercise boosts circulation to the “important” areas. Focus on anti-inflammatory foods, healthy fats, B vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin D. While alcohol might get you into bed, it disrupts sleep and detox pathways (and can interfere with the important part at the end…😉).

Root cause approach: Consider blood and hormone testing, food sensitivities, and nutrient deficiencies.

What foods help? Oysters (zinc for testosterone) + watermelon 🍉 (citrulline for better blood flow).

Sometimes we all need to channel our inner dragonfly, but getting to the root cause helps restore libido.

No playing dead required.

Megan xo

30/06/2025

Now let’s talk about what happens when I review vitamin D results with my patients.... the reaction is always the same.

“Hang on... my level of 55 is ‘normal’ but I still feel terrible?!”

“My doctor said I don’t need to supplement because I’m above 50!”

“I’ve been taking 1000 IU for months but my levels haven’t budged!”

Here’s the thing: Most people think “normal” vitamin D is enough - but the reference range is 50-150… so 51 and 149 are considered the same 😬

👉🏻 The reality? Your “sufficient” 55 nmol/L is nowhere near the 100-150 nmol/L your hormones actually need.
👉🏻 That basic multivitamin with 400 IU? Won’t move the needle if you’re deficient.

But here’s what’s really concerning me as a practitioner...

The hormonal disruption I’m seeing from suboptimal vitamin D is real:
🔴 Insulin resistance developing (vitamin D controls insulin sensitivity)
🔴 Thyroid dysfunction getting worse (vitamin D receptors are in your thyroid)
🔴 Cortisol staying elevated (vitamin D modulates stress response)
🔴 Cycles becoming irregular (vitamin D controls reproductive hormones)
🔴 Fertility declining (your ovaries are packed with vitamin D receptors)
🔴 Mood crashes and seasonal depression (vitamin D affects serotonin)

Your constant fatigue isn’t normal. Your hormonal rollercoaster isn’t normal. Your struggle to conceive despite “perfect” blood work isn’t unexplained.

It’s suboptimal vitamin D affecting your entire endocrine system.

And here’s the crazy thing: Medicare restrictions mean most women can’t even access regular testing. Since 2014, they’ve limited vitamin D testing to “high-risk” groups only (to cut $150M+ annual spending). Crazy due to Vitamin D’s role in preventing so many diseases......)

The women who optimise their vitamin D report hormonal balance they haven’t felt in years, regular cycles, stable energy, and fertility improvements within 8-12 weeks.

What was your last result?

Megan xo

28/06/2025

Hormonal imbalances and infertility are the #1 reason women walk through my clinic doors every week.

Let’s talk about hidden endocrine disruptors messing with your hormones and fertility.

Here’s what’s happening: Your hormones have specific spots they need to land on (think parking spots). But synthetic chemicals from everyday products? They steal those spots, leaving your natural hormones nowhere to go.

Result? Your hormones can’t function properly AND build up in high levels in your system.

The symptoms:
• Painful PMS & tender breasts
• Persistent acne & poor sleep• Mood swings & stubborn weight gain
• Irregular periods & fertility struggles
• Declining s***m counts

Your hormones are chemical messengers influencing almost EVERY cell and function. When synthetic chemicals disrupt this system, everything goes sideways.

For teens, this is ESPECIALLY critical during puberty when hormone systems are developing. Early exposure sets the stage for lifelong hormonal issues.

Avoid these biggest offenders:
🚫 Phthalates (fragrances, soft plastics)
🚫 BPA/BPS (plastic bottles, receipts)
🚫 Parabens (cosmetics, skincare)
🚫 Triclosan (antibacterial soaps)
🚫 Synthetic fragrances (perfumes, candles)
🚫 PFAS (non-stick cookware)

Focus on swapping products that touch your skin most:
✖️ Conventional perfumes & makeup
✖️ Toxic skincare & haircare
✖️ Non-organic sanitary products
✖️ Harsh cleaning products & BPA plastics

Pro tip: Use the EWG Skin Deep Database to check your products before buying!

One swap at a time is enough to start shifting your hormonal health. Your future self will thank you 💕

What’s your first swap?

Megan x

25/06/2025

“I’m so wired but so tired” - sound familiar? 😴

This wake up pattern is SO common in my patients. The “How can I not sleep when I only got 4 hours last night?” “I lie there with my mind racing” “I’m so tired, but I’m so wired” and my favorite “I fall asleep and have the best sleep just before my alarm goes off...”

Then I discover they’re:
🔸 Doom-scrolling until midnight
🔸 Having wine “to relax” most evenings
🔸 Skipping meals during busy workdays
🔸 Working out at 8pm
🔸 Bedroom’s like a sauna with light streaming in

(And wondering why their hormones are a mess 😅)

Here’s what’s REALLY happening:
👉🏻Your cortisol should be lowest at 2-4am. 👉🏻Your blood sugar naturally dips overnight, and a well-functioning liver should buffer that drop with stored glycogen.

But when you’re chronically stressed (emotionally, physically, metabolically), those stores get tapped out. So your adrenals step in with a big hit of cortisol and adrenaline.

🔥Cue: your body thinking it’s in danger and you waking up in full fight-or-flight mode.

Your 3am wake-up? That’s your adrenals dumping cortisol because your blood sugar dropped and your liver couldn’t keep up.

The racing mind? Blue light from your phone suppressing melatonin for hours.

The tired-but-wired feeling? Your circadian rhythm completely out of sync.

Our modern lifestyle is fighting 200,000 years of human biology. Your body thinks it’s in constant danger, keeping you alert when you should be resting.

The women who follow my evening routine advice report:
✨ Falling asleep within 20 minutes
✨ Sleeping through the night consistently
✨ Waking up actually refreshed
✨ Stable energy without caffeine crashes
✨ Better mood, clearer skin, easier weight management

Ready to sleep through the night without 3am panic wake-ups?

Tell me your biggest sleep struggle below 👇

Megan xo

23/06/2025

Right, let’s talk about something that happens in EVERY single consultation I have...

When we properly analyse what my patients are actually eating (not what they think they’re eating), the moment is quite eye opening!

“Hang on... this 200g bit of chicken is only 50g of protein?! I thought it was 200g!”

“My Greek yoghurt only has 15g protein but I’ve been counting it as a proper meal!”

“I have meat with lunch and dinner - how am I only getting 40g protein in total?!”

Here’s the thing: Most people think 100g of meat = 100g of protein.
👉🏻The reality? Even lean chicken breast is only 75% protein by calories.
👉🏻That “high protein” cereal bar? Usually under 10% (and full of other sh*t)

But here’s what’s really concerning me as a practitioner...

The hormonal chaos I’m seeing from chronic protein deficiency is staggering:
🔴 Cortisol staying elevated all day (your body thinks it’s starving)
🔴 Insulin resistance developing from constant blood sugar crashes
🔴 Thyroid function declining (conversion of thyroid hormones needs amino acids)
🔴 Sleep disrupted because serotonin production is compromised
🔴 Oestrogen and progesterone becoming imbalanced

Your afternoon energy crash isn’t normal. Your monthly hormonal rollercoaster isn’t normal. Your inability to build lean muscle despite training isn’t genetic.

It’s inadequate protein disrupting your entire endocrine system.

The women who focus on this report hormonal balance they haven’t felt in years, stable energy for 12+ hours, and body composition changes that finally stick within as little as 2-4 weeks.

Ready to sort your protein strategy once and for all?

Comment or DM me “PROTEIN” below and I’ll send you my free Protein Guide which includes my favourite protein powders and heaps of other info.

Your hormones will thank you 💕

What shocked you most about protein content? Let me know below 👇

Megan xo

”

01/02/2024

I’m excited announce (more publicly) that I have returned to face to face consultations in my office in Tanunda. It's very hard to believe that I have an almost 15-month-old and I often wonder where the days have gone, he’s a massive time waster, but just the best 🥰 and I don't think I could possibly kiss his squishy little cheeks anymore 😘

Throughout my maternity leave, I have continued to invest heavily in and undergo mentoring by some of our industry's leaders; keeping up-to-date, challenged and stimulated. My practice will still focus heavily on pathology interpretation and functional medicine in the areas of fertility, women's health, gut health and those tricky conditions that are typically harder to figure out.

I find great satisfaction professionally, personally and emotionally in these areas and feel that there continues to be a great divide between alternative and mainstream medicine (especially within regional areas) that I will continue to work on minimising, with the ideal of us all working together to benefit you, the patient. Not the bottom line.

A few things of note.
• I will be consulting on Thursdays either in clinic, online or via phone.
• Due to my limited availability, all appointments will be require a 50% deposit to be paid for when booking
• There are now rebates available for eligible NDIS patients.
• A new logo and slight name tweak to better reflect the practice - removing Nutrition and Wellness and incorporating Nutritional and Functional Medicine. I feel that both the terms wellness and nutrition are so widely used, that they don't accurately reflect the level of qualification, time spent and detail in my work.

I am really excited to be returning in a greater capacity and can't wait to either embark or continue on your health journey with you,

In health,

Megan xx

04/06/2023

Well, it's been a long time between posts for me and to be honest, I don't even know where the last 6 and a half months have gone. I now truly understand the saying that the days are long, but the years are short! It feels like only yesterday I was still pregnant and seeing people in clinic!

What a rollercoaster, a challenge and a gift.

With this new chapter, I have made the decision to close the online store and we are therefore heavily discounting everything by 50% off until sold out. Just use the code 50OFF at checkout.

With regards to the clinic, I have had an overwhelming number of enquiries and registrations on the waitlist and had planned to be back consulting already, but a little certain someone had other ideas. (Plus, he is a bit funny and cute and I kind of like being around him!) However, in saying that, it is time to start doing a little something for me again. My brain needs to be nurtured and I need to continue to help people and help facilitate the changes that our medical system needs.

I am just in the process of finalising some back-end bits and pieces, and aim to be seeing patients again before the end of June. At this stage I will be seeing limited patients and will be based online until returning to face to face a little later in the year. I will let everyone know when bookings are open.

The waitlist is available on our website if you need.

Happy shopping and for those of you I'll see soon as patients, I can't wait.

Megan xx

Address

Tanunda, SA

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5:30pm
Thursday	9am - 5:30pm
Friday	9am - 5:30pm
Saturday	9am - 4pm
Sunday	9am - 2pm

Telephone

+61881667561

Website

http://www.vitalaspects.com.au/

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Why Nutritional Medicine?

Nutritional Medicine utilises a holistic approach, incorporating both mind and body and treats the person as a whole and not a disease state.

Treatment approaches draw on an in-depth, evidence-based understanding of the body’s underlying biochemistry and which of theses processes may not be functioning correctly. This in-depth understanding allows us to individualise and target treatment specifically to the individual, leading to a reduction in symptoms and alleviation of presenting conditions.

Nutrient deficiencies, digestive disturbances, genetics, environment, stress and state of mind can all disrupt these processes. By working with your diet, lifestyle and supplementation when required, we can facilitate the body to restore optimum functioning of these processes and return the body to a state of equilibrium. In turn, symptoms reduce and disease states improve, optimising your health and overall wellbeing.

When required; general, functional and genetic testing can be utilised to assist us in achieving a greater understanding of your individual make up and unique underlying biochemistry.