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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Dr Nicole Shortt, ND - Integrative Fertility and Hormonal Health

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Vernon, BC
Dr Nicole Shortt, ND - Integrative Fertility and Hormonal Health

My passion is educating women about their bodies. I specialize in fertility and hormone support.

I am passionate about naturopathic medicine and the choices it gives people in healthcare. So many women experience fertility struggles, PMS, painful periods, hormonal imbalances, PCOS, thyroid issues, and struggle with extreme stress. I am here to help bring clarity to confusion and guide you on your journey to optimal health. Visit https://linktr.ee/drnicoleshortt to see the services I offer, educational resources, and to learn more about my practice.

10/31/2025

When it comes to sleep quality, timing your meals can make a real difference. Research suggests that eating your main meal about 4–6 hours before bed supports more restful sleep.

Eating a large, carbohydrate-rich meal too close to bedtime can lead to blood sugar fluctuations and a temporary rise in body temperature - both of which can interfere with falling and staying asleep.

That said, for some people, a small, balanced evening snack can actually help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent those middle-of-the-night wakeups. The key is keeping it light and nutrient-dense.

One of my personal favorites is a small handful of pumpkin seeds before bed. They provide a gentle source of protein, healthy fats, and magnesium, which can help regulate blood sugar and support relaxation without feeling heavy on your digestion.

Sleep is such a foundational part of overall wellbeing, and supporting it effectively for your body and lifestyle requires a personalized approach.

I’m currently accepting new patients at my clinic .

If you’d like a tailored plan to improve your sleep and optimize your health before the holidays, you can book an initial consultation with me today through the link in my bio.

10/27/2025

“I just don’t feel like myself.”

“Things I used to handle easily now make me anxious and irritable.”

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

The menopause transition is a significant period in a woman’s life - one that comes with an increased risk of mood disorders.

Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, along with very low levels of estradiol and progesterone, can have a profound impact on the central nervous system. These neuroendocrine changes can disrupt the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain, contributing to symptoms like hot flashes, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

Women in midlife are particularly vulnerable to mood changes not only because of hormonal shifts, but also due to a combination of social, emotional, and lifestyle factors.

I love this graphic because it captures just how complex the root causes of these changes truly are.

Hormone therapy can be incredibly helpful but it’s not the only piece of the puzzle.

Supporting women in midlife means addressing the whole person: hormones, nutrition, stress, sleep, mental health, and lifestyle.

For comprehensive, whole-person health guidance during midlife, follow along here, subscribe to my newsletter, or book an appointment (link in bio or DM for more information).

Image inspired by Fidecicchi et al., Maturitas, 2024.

10/23/2025

Burnout, brain fog, and low energy are common but often overlooked signs that your nervous system may need support.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I take a whole-body approach to helping you restore balance and resilience.

Acupuncture is one of the tools I use to encourage deep rest, regulate the nervous system, and support adrenal function.

When combined with individualized naturopathic recommendations such as nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and targeted supplements, acupuncture becomes part of a comprehensive plan to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and help you feel grounded again.

I am currently accepting new patients, so if you are feeling overwhelmed, sluggish, or burnt out, booking an initial consultation with me at Balance Natural Health Clinic in Vernon, BC could be your first step toward a sustainable, whole-body reset.

Click the link in my bio to book in. Now is a great time to focus on your health before the holidays!

10/17/2025

So many couples I work with feel like they’re stuck in limbo right now - waiting in that middle-of-the-road place where they don’t know if they can afford IVF or not.

They want to move forward with their lives and their families, but they’re waiting with fingers crossed for help with a medical condition. (*Insert rant about how infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss are medical conditions that people in Canada still have to pay to treat privately - but I digress!)

But here’s the thing - you don’t have to just wait and do nothing.

There are several things you can do to optimize your health and fertility while you wait

1. Nourish yourself.
Eat regularly and keep your meals balanced with adequate protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Eat plenty of vegetables and follow a Mediterranean-style diet.

2. Address any inflammatory conditions.
Chronic inflammation can impact egg and s***m quality. Make sure any conditions like IBD, IBS, asthma, arthritis, or skin issues are being managed as best as possible using the approach that feels aligned for you.

3. Get adequate sleep.
Aim for 7–9 hours per night (ideally at least 8 hours for women).

4. Build your stress management toolkit.
This isn’t about someone telling you to “just relax.” Managing stress is a skill we all need to practice continuously. Our world is busy and overwhelming, so make sure you have tools to regulate your nervous system and recognize when you’re stressed (and how to pull yourself back).

5. Move your body regularly in ways that are safe and supportive for you.

6. Support your microbiome.
Eat fermented foods and consider probiotics when appropriate. Speak with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

7. Support egg and s***m quality.
Use supplements tailored to your unique needs.

If you want additional support for your body and mind during this time, I’m currently accepting new patients. Head to the link in my bio to book a consultation to get started.

10/14/2025

Did you know that your thyroid, adrenal glands, and s*x hormones function as an interconnected system?

When stress suppresses thyroid activity, symptoms such as worsened PMS or perimenopausal discomfort may appear.

Stress can also interfere with ovulation which lowers progesterone and can worsen hormone related symptoms.

Naturopathic medicine treats the whole system rather than isolated symptoms. This comprehensive approach helps identify root causes, improves hormone balance, and promotes lasting wellness.

If you’re experiencing hormone-related symptoms, a full system assessment can provide clarity and a tailored treatment plan.

Reach out to schedule a consultation to create a health plan just for you.

I am currently accepting new patients in Vernon, BC at my clinic

10/08/2025

Supporting your hormones does not require a complete diet overhaul.

Simply including these foods regularly can make a significant impact on your overall health and energy.

✔️Flax seeds for fibre and support estrogen balance
✔️Avocados for healthy fats needed in hormone production
✔️Leafy greens to aid liver detoxification
✔️Protein for blood sugar balance and reducing cortisol spikes

Food is only one part of hormone health. Testing, sleep, stress management, and lifestyle choices all play important roles.

If you’re curious to find out more about your hormonal health, please reach out and book a consultation. I am accepting new patients at Balance Natural Health Clinic in Vernon, BC.

09/09/2025

Did you know that your cycle gives you so much information?

Over the course of your cycle, I encourage you to notice subtle changes in skin, sleep, or energy levels that reveal what your hormones are doing.

For example, increased social energy around ovulation, needing extra sleep in the luteal phase, or bloating and joint stiffness before your period.

Recognizing these clues can help you understand your cycle as a guide to your overall health.

Is there anything that stands out for you as a pattern you recognize within your cycle? Let’s chat in the comments below!

*PS - If you are TTC, my Cycle Tracking for Fertility Online Course is available (link in bio!)

09/02/2025

When you think of fiber, what comes to mind?

Your grandparents and metamucil?

Probably! But did you know that fiber does SO much more than keep things moving?

Fiber 👇
•Supports healthy digestion
•Helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol
•Feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut which impacts everything from mood to immunity

A high-fiber diet is also linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers.

It’s truly one of the simplest ways to support long-term health.

Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains all offer different types of fiber.

The key is variety. A plant-forward, diverse diet gives your gut what it needs to thrive.

Not sure if you’re getting enough or the right kinds? Start with small changes, and focus on adding more color and texture to your meals. Your gut will thank you. ☺️

08/19/2025

Before using ovulation strips or temperature tracking, I always assess these foundational factors:

✔️Thyroid health: essential for ovulation and maintaining pregnancy

✔️Nutrient levels: including iron, B12, vitamin D, and folate

✔️Adrenal health: because cortisol influences hormone cycles and rhythms

This thorough review helps create a personalized fertility care plan.

If you are trying to conceive, booking a comprehensive hormone review with your Naturopathic Doctor is an important first step.

Curious to learn more about cycle tracking? Click the link in my bio to get immediate access to my “Cycle Tracking for Fertility” online course!

08/12/2025

If you think your mood is unpredictable (or others in your life suggest that may be the case😬), stress may not be the only reason.

Deficiencies in specific nutrients can disrupt mood and mental clarity.

Here are three key nutrients to consider:

1️⃣ Vitamin B12 and Folate support brain function and nervous system health.

2️⃣ Magnesium helps calm the nervous system and promotes better sleep.

3️⃣Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and support brain health.

These nutrients are often depleted during times of stress, postpartum, or perimenopause.

Testing and personalized supplementation can make a real difference.

What symptoms listed above are you currently struggling with the most right now? Let me know in the comments below.

08/05/2025

Most women are told that menopause is the end of something, but in reality, it marks the beginning of a new and often powerful chapter.

Yes, hormone levels change. Estrogen and progesterone remain low, and that shift can affect almost every system in the body. But with the right support, this stage does not have to feel like a slow unraveling.

Here’s what may be happening in the body after menopause:
Some of the more challenging changes include disrupted sleep, brain fog, slower metabolism, mood shifts, vaginal dryness, and an increased need to support bone and heart health.

But there is another side to this story👇
Many women find a sense of emotional clarity. There is relief from the hormonal highs and lows of the monthly cycle. There is often a stronger connection to purpose and self. This time can bring more focus, creativity, and the opportunity to care for your body and mind in a new way.

Here is something that is rarely discussed: After menopause, the adrenal glands take over part of the hormonal workload. They begin producing small amounts of estrogen and manage your stress hormones. If your adrenals are already overworked due to chronic stress or burnout, the body will struggle more with this transition.

This is one reason why supporting adrenal health with rest, nourishing food, adaptogenic herbs, and lifestyle changes can make such a difference in how women feel after menopause.

It is not just about hormones. It is about the health of the whole system. With the right support, women can feel strong, balanced, and well in this next phase of life.

What do you wish someone had told you about life after menopause? I would love to hear your thoughts.

07/29/2025

This is one of my go-to breakfasts when I want to feel nourished, balanced, and supported for the day ahead.

Here’s what’s in it:
🥚 2 soft-boiled eggs
🥑 ½ avocado, sliced
🥬 A handful of arugula tossed in olive oil and lemon
🍠 ½ cup roasted sweet potato
…plus a sprinkle of h**p hearts and sea salt

Why it supports hormone health:
- Healthy fats (from avocado and olive oil) help build hormones
- Protein (from eggs) stabilizes blood sugar, which supports balanced estrogen and cortisol
- Greens and fiber (from arugula and sweet potato) help the liver process estrogen
- H**p hearts provide omega-3s and minerals like zinc and magnesium

It only takes about 10 minutes if you pre-roast your sweet potatoes.

Curious for more hormone-supportive meals? Check out the recipe blog via the link in bio 🍳

Address

3105 36th Avenue
Vernon, BC
V1T2V7

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.balancenaturalhealthclinic.ca/

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