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Tanya Borowski Nutrition & Functional Medicine, The Candlemakers, West Street, Lewes (2025)

02/09/2025

I've been reading a fascinating book over the summer by evolutionary biologist Dr. Deena Emera. One of the many topics that sparked a "well, this makes so much sense" moment for me was her discussion of research explaining why many women in the west experience the notorious symptoms during the life stages of perimenopause and menopause—such as hot flushes, weight gain, and brain fog.

Looking around the globe, rates of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis & obesity (diseases where rates increase in menopause) differ in different cultures & societies. Women in hunter-gatherer & more traditional populations hardly experience these diseases or symptoms compared to women in the West.

Japanese women experience menopause so differently from Western women that their language had no word for hot flushes. Only 25-50% of Japanese women report hot flushes compared to 75% in the West. Japanese women also enjoy significantly lower rates of heart disease, osteoporosis & breast cancer after menopause, while maintaining the world's longest life expectancy.

Chinese women present another striking example, particularly how their experiences vary by lifestyle: rural Chinese women who maintain traditional farming practices report fewer symptoms than urban professionals. This is a fascinating concept Emera presents - how diet & lifestyle practices across reproductive years correlates to the degree of symptoms & diseases experienced in the menopause transition decades & it’s all centred around oestrogen levels.

Hunter-gatherer & traditional population women:
Have multiple pregnancies & Breastfeed for longer
Move more consistently
Eat high levels of fibre

All of which lower oestrogen levels, thereby sustaining lower baseline oestrogen levels throughout their reproductive years compared to Western women. If we prime the body to expect higher levels at the receptor level, it stands to reason that when levels drop during late-stage perimenopause, the withdrawal symptoms are going to be worse!

This evolutionary mismatch theory suggests our modern lifestyle may be intensifying menopausal symptoms by creating a greater hormonal "drop" than our bodies evolved to handle. Fascinating!

28/08/2025

The dream team behind Beyond the Lesions is coming together ready to enhance your knowledge as a practitioner, so you feel best equipped to empower and support your clients , ensuring their voices are heard, their concerns are validated, and their needs are never dismissed in their endometriosis journey.

I'm thrilled to introduce the incredible partners and expert panel speakers making our October 15th endometriosis masterclass possible. This isn't about monetary sponsorship - these are partners in healthCARE. Individuals and companies with whom I’ve built personal relationships and genuine trust with over the many years I’ve been in this space, who share my vision of moving beyond symptom management to truly understanding and addressing the interconnected systems at play in endometriosis.

Swipe to find out more about each of our partners align to support women >>>

🐟 Bare Biology
🌿 Amrita Nutrition UK
🧬 KBMO Diagnostics
🔬 Regenerus Labs UK
💊 Invivo Healthcare
🧬 Lifecode Gx
🌼 The Organic Alchemist

⭐️ NEW Expert Panel guest - - through decades of lived experience of both cancer and severe endometriosis resulting in a radical hysterectomy at age 39, dedicated clinical work as a NT, self-directed learning, continuing study, copious research, academic lecturing and public speaking - having Dawn on the expert panel, is truly an honour.

When you join us at Hawthbush Farm, you'll have the opportunity to connect directly with these industry leaders, explore their latest innovations, and discover how their tools can transform your clinical practice.

Early bird pricing ends 12th Sept - just over 2 weeks left to secure your spot at this discounted rate. Secure your place now to surround yourself for a day with the best experts in integrative women's health.

AND…. check out stories for a bonus virtual Q&A for all delegates with no other than on 23rd October

🚨 PLUS - if you’re tempted to join but can’t travel on the day or have commitments, we now will be offering access to the recordings for you to purchase.

It’s the masterclass that just keeps on giving!

Link in bio 🔗

Tanya x

27/08/2025

Chronic inflammation doesn't just affect our body - it fundamentally alters our brain & mental health. For women with endometriosis & adenomyosis, research featured in the New Scientist offers crucial insights into why these conditions impact women beyond physical pain. It reveals a concept we're familiar with in FM: chronic inflammatory signals - cytokines break down the blood-brain barrier, allowing them to "sneak" into the brain where they disrupt neurotransmitters like dopamine & serotonin.

This isn't theoretical - researchers found that people with chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis have almost double the risk of anxiety & depression.

This validates what many women with endometriosis & adenomyosis have suspected but struggled to articulate: these aren't “just period problems" or pain conditions - they're systemic inflammatory dis-eases that affects how our brain functions.

The research (which discussed RA as the inflammatory condition) shows us that this ongoing inflammatory state:
Disrupts brain chemistry
Breaks down protective barriers
Triggers brain immune responses
Affects motivation circuits

>>> swipe for details

What the research reveals is that these psychological impacts aren't just "reactions" to having a chronic condition. They're direct neurobiological consequences of chronic inflammation affecting brain circuits.

This research demands a shift in how we approach endometriosis & adenomyosis treatment. We need: medical recognition, Mental health integration, Validation of experience & research investment

If you're living with endometriosis or adenomyosis & struggling with mental health, know this: your experience is real, it's biological & not your fault. The fog, fatigue, mood changes, loss of motivation - aren't signs of weakness. They're signs of a brain responding to chronic inflammatory signals.

The research gives scientific validation of the complex, whole-body nature of inflammatory conditions like endometriosis & adenomyosis. It's time we stop treating the mind & body as separate entities & start recognising these conditions for what they are - systemic diseases that deserve comprehensive, compassionate care.

26/08/2025

Just as we get ready for returning back to school / uni and autumn routines, I’m currently preparing for the return of the Best in Women’s Health podcast - season 6 is coming your way soon 🎧

After five seasons of expert interviews, this season I wanted to incorporate more voices directly from the women sitting across from you in clinics every day. It’s time to give these women a voice and share their perspective on the challenges that come with women’s health diagnosis, treatment and the journey towards their optimal health.

So amongst the fabulous interviews this season, here is a taste of what’s to come:

🔍An HRT overprescription story - What happens when hormones are prescribed without proper investigation, and the practitioner-patient journey back to health

🦴 An Osteoporosis success story - a fabulous woman’s journey from diagnosis, management and road to recovery ( it’s not me 😉)

♀️A truly inspirational conversation from a lived experience of endometriosis- as you’ll hear it took 20 years for her to receive a formal diagnosis! We discuss in great detail the much less talked about psychological impact of endo & adeno

🌿 A naturopathic doctor's perspective on the conversations we need to be having about women's health beyond 2025.

🤼 A double trouble 3 way interview with two of my besties where we open up the mic for a truly open and frank conversation!

Every woman who walks into our clinics has a story. Understanding their journey - the dismissals, the quick fixes, the moments they decided to seek better care - makes us more compassionate AND effective practitioners.

These aren't just patient stories. They're insights into what women are really experiencing in our healthcare system and how a more holistic lens can map and provide scaffolding to the gaps in the system.

Watch out for Season 6 - first episode dropping early September available on your preferred platform ⬇️
🍎 Apple Podcasts
🗣 Google Podcasts:
🎧 Spotify

Tanya xx

21/08/2025

These are all common dismissive reasons women are given for pain instead of investigating endometriosis >>> swipe

These dismissals delay diagnosis by 7-12 years on average, during which the condition worsens & daily life becomes significantly impacted. From relationships, to social occasions reluctantly declined, to parenting or feeling valued in work environments - this list is endless.

⏰ The average diagnosis time in the UK in 2025 is 8 years 10 months (INCREASED from 8 years in 2020). Why does this matter? A diagnosis provides women with validation for their pain. Dismissing pain as "normal for a woman" has become an unacceptable narrative echoing from GPs across the country.

The Journey of Dismissal:
🏥 74% attended 5+ GP appointments before diagnosis was suspected
🚨 47% visited their GP 10+ times with symptoms
💊 78% were told they were "making a fuss about nothing" ⬆️ from 69% in 2020
🆘 52% ended up in A&E with severe symptoms

Nothing about these numbers is acceptable! (I'm more than a little fired up about this!)

🎯 Only 10% of GPs suspected endometriosis at 1st/2nd appointment
📖 Widespread lack of awareness amongst health practitioners
🤐 Societal dismissal of pelvic pain as "normal"

The pain & mental health impacts occurring as direct results of dismissal are NOT "normal". In 2025, at the pinnacle of tech & medical breakthroughs, women deserve better.

GPs need extensive training in women's health & our education system requires a fundamental reframe. Let's teach young women about the power of the menstrual cycle, equipping them with informed dialogue to take to their GP & dismantle barriers of dismissal.

50% of tickets are sold - only 25 remain for Beyond the Lesions: Unravelling the Endometriosis Puzzle Masterclass for practitioners on 15th Oct. We'll spend an entire day mapping underlying causes, pathologies & personalised integrative & medical approaches for endometriosis.

The more I research & interview remarkable people to be a part of this masterclass, the more I realise I've never been more passionate about a masterclass - that's saying something, considering I'm pretty passionate about what I do at the best of times! 😉

20/08/2025

I was wandering through M&S food hall last week & thought I'd take a closer look at some of their heavily marketed "Eat Well" branded products.

The term "high protein choice" really does seem to make a splash within this range, like the pictured 20g protein vanilla (this rings alarm bells already 😬) milkshake.

We know the benefits of getting adequate protein in our diet but a quick reminder: protein builds muscle & bone, supports immune resilience, stabilises blood sugar, increases satiety & provides essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein) for hormones & neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, melatonin & thyroid hormones. Research suggests adults 50+ need 1.2–1.6 grams of protein per kg of body weight per day. So if you weigh 60kg: 60kg × 1.2g = 72 grams protein per day or 96 grams per day (upper end).

To achieve optimal protein goals per meal = getting 25–32 grams of pure protein at each meal. A "protein milkshake" claiming to deliver 20g is quite appealing, right? Let's review what's actually in this "Eat Well" product (which I threw down the sink as tasted revolting🥴). Swipe to see the full ingredients >>>

In truth, the "flavourings" and "stabilisers" are CRAP—colourless, refined, & processed.

The claimed 20.7g of protein in this product, delivered from the skimmed milk, doesn't stack up. When I look at M&S skimmed milk range, 100ml contains 6.3g of protein. This protein milkshake is 235ml, which would provide approximately 15g of protein, not the claimed 20g. More importantly, this protein comes surrounded by CRAP and is completely devoid of fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

A far better way to get a quick and easy 15–20g of protein is to have two boiled eggs, providing around 155 calories (if you're counting) vs 141 in this product, plus 12 grams of protein together with vitamin D, B12, iron, choline, selenium, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

Mother nature has a far cheaper and effective way of providing quality and nutritious food to allow you to “Eat Well” and be well! No thanks M&S. I’ll save my pennies and boil a couple of eggs!

19/08/2025

Endometriosis is riddled with misinformation - from it's description to patients, to its route to diagnosis & how best to provide support to women, as each woman's route to pain is unique.

The terminology used by well-meaning healthcare providers when explaining endometriosis to patients is all too frequently incorrect. The common narrative I've heard countless clients receive includes these inaccurate descriptions:
🗣️ "Endometriosis is a condition directly related to your periods"
🗣️ "Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue (the lining of the womb) has 'gone rogue'"

Both explanations are medically inaccurate & can mislead women about their condition. (My upcoming masterclass in October will explore these misconceptions in much greater detail.)

The Accurate Definition: Endometriosis is a systemic, inflammatory condition characterised by the presence of endometrium-like tissue found outside of the uterine cavity.

Endometrium-”like” is vital here... Endometriosis cells are similar to those of the endometrium but as you'll learn in Oct at my masterclass, they are different in behaviour, appearance & structure - therefore "treatment" needs to appreciate this!

One of the biggest misunderstandings is that endometrial cells accumulate each month & like the endometrium shed & bleed cyclically with the monthly period. Yet as they are "trapped" in cavities outside of the uterus, they cannot exit & this is what causes the pain. This is NOT the case - endometriosis lesions generate their very own oestrogen supply via an enzyme (HSD17β1) converting inactive E1 to E2. This now active oestrogen (E2) fuels various inflammatory cytokines which in turn stimulates aromatase to synthesise MORE oestrogen! Thereby generating a vicious loop of proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation & pain.

Want to know more? Join my masterclass in Oct to learn from experts & patients who've lived the endometriosis journey. Together, we'll share deeper insights to empower you with the knowledge your clients need - helping them seek the right support & informed care. We're raising the bar in women's health - and I’m firing on ALL cylinders to deliver the absolute best education for you!

14/08/2025

Everything you think you know about endometriosis is about to change this autumn…

We're done with the old narratives. Done with "just period pain." Done with "chronic incurable condition."

On 15th October at Hawthbush Farm I'm bringing together an incredible group of educational voices in endometriosis for a day that will completely transform your practice.

This is Beyond the Lesions - because endometriosis isn't just about rogue tissue. It's about:
🧬 Immune system chaos
🦠 LPS-driven inflammation
🧠 Nervous system trauma loops
🔄 Interconnected system failures

Along with a stellar panel of experts, I’ve also invited two special guest speakers who will create sparks and change your thinking:
tackling nervous system dysregulationrandell exposing the microbiomes( gut and reproductive) connection

Here's what's different: we're not over simplifying or just adding another supplement to the mix. We're rebuilding your entire knowledge foundation from the ground up. I’ve built the retreat to be a paradigm shift that will change how you see and support women with endometriosis forever.

⭐️ PLUS 1 - my team will be busy in the background nurturing you too - with refreshing drinks and grounding work, to the most delicious and nutritious lunch in the stunning East Sussex countryside.

⭐️ PLUS 2 - a virtual bonus session following the event with soon to announced infamous Women’s Health Naturopath based in New Zealand - can you guess who 🤓

Women deserve more practitioners who understand the REAL drivers of this condition. Early bird ends August 31st ⏰ Book now - link in bio

12/08/2025

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are indeed a hot topic in the weight management arena - but emerging research shows they may negatively impact bone density, especially if users do not include regular exercise in their health plan.

Since GLP-1 medications were approved for weight loss, there has been significant concern about the relative higher rate of lean muscle mass loss compared to traditional weight loss approaches. However, excitingly research shows that adequate protein intake, specifically branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) combined with weight lifting can help preserve muscle mass and bone density >>> swipe for more details

A study in JAMA Network Open found that people who combined GLP-1 medications with exercise preserved their bone density even with significant weight (and corresponding muscle) loss.

The researchers followed 195 people (average age 43, mostly women) who were obese for over a year. Everyone first did an 8-week crash diet (only 800 calories/day), then were split into 4 groups for 52 weeks:

1️⃣ Exercise only
2️⃣ Liraglutide only - a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic
3️⃣ Exercise + Liraglutide combo
4️⃣ Placebo

Weight Loss Results
Placebo group: Lost 15.5 lbs
Exercise only: Lost 24.7 lbs
Liraglutide only: Lost 30.3 lbs
Combo group: Lost 37.2 lbs (most weight loss)

🎯 Key Discovery: The combo group (exercise + liraglutide) had NO bone loss at the hip or spine - their bone density stayed the same as the placebo group.

⚠️ Concerning Finding: People taking liraglutide WITHOUT exercise had significant bone loss compared to those who exercised:
Hip bones: Lost more bone density
Spine bones: Lost more bone density

This study proves that exercise is the game-changer. You can lose the most weight AND protect your bones by combining GLP-1 medication with exercise. Taking the medication alone puts your bones at risk, even though you'll lose more weight than exercise alone.

The takeaway: If you're on a GLP-1 medication, exercise isn't optional - it's essential for bone health. Combining adequate BCAA-rich protein intake with resistance training is crucial for maintaining muscle mass while losing weight.

07/08/2025

A paper( 🔗 on image) that was publised six years ago! challenged the routine surgical removal of superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SPE) - the most common type, accounting for ~80% of all endometriosis cases.

As a recap, endometriosis is characterized by endometrial-like tissue (known as 'lesions') growing outside the uterus. Medical professionals have identified three distinct subtypes of these lesions: superficial peritoneal lesions, ovarian lesions (called endometriomas or 'chocolate cysts'), and deep lesions. Current endometriosis treatment guidelines for women with any of these subtypes, include surgical removal of the lesions and medical therapy using ovarian suppressive medications.

The concerns the researchers raised with this approach was 3 fold:

🧱Weak foundation
📊Poor long-term data
🌏Real-world concerns

>>> swipe for all details

The authors urgently called for a large, high-quality randomized trial to determine if surgical removal of SPE actually helps women with chronic pelvic pain. They suggest that if surgery proves ineffective, women might be better served by:

➡️Avoiding diagnostic laparoscopy altogether
➡️Assuming a "working diagnosis" of endometriosis
➡️ Starting early pain management (medications, hormones, physiotherapy, psychological support)

So, I was thrilled to see that The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists' Faculty of Pain Medicine just released a game-changing statement that's turning endometriosis treatment on its head!

We are calling for a complete shift to whole-person care that addresses the complex nature of persistent pelvic pain - whether endometriosis is present or not.

This isn't about dismissing endometriosis as a condition, but recognizing that pelvic pain is far more complex than we realized. It's time for a treatment approach that validates women's experiences and focuses on comprehensive pain management.

All to be discussed and dissected (metaphorically speaking) at my Beyond The Lesions: Unravelling the Endometriosis Puzzle Masterclass.- Details for this all day education packed day on endometriosis in linktree. Tanya x

05/08/2025

This study caught my attention last week (🔗 on image) because it goes a long way to explain why the eat less move more approach works for some people but not others.

What this paper is saying is obesity might actually be 11 different biological conditions masquerading as one.
In the largest study of its kind, researchers analyzed the genetics of over 2 million people from around the globe, hunting for clues about how our genes influence weight. They discovered 743 genetic regions linked to obesity—with 86 being completely new discoveries.

But here's where it gets … ohhhhhh interesting: these genes don't work randomly, they cluster into 11 distinct biological pathways, each telling a different story about why someone might struggle with weight.

The research revealed these distinct "endotypes" (think of them as biological fingerprints) - see image👆

This research is fascinating because it represents a major leap forward in understanding individual biological differences. It helps explain why one person can lose 20 pounds on a diet that produces no results for another, or why some people see remarkable success with medications like Ozempic while others experience little to no benefit.

What makes this work so significant is that it brings us much closer to a truly holistic understanding of human biology. Rather than treating everyone the same, we're beginning to recognize that we're literally dealing with fundamentally different biological conditions from person to person.

I have to admit, my geek side is lighting up right now... because as a Nutritional Therapist using Metabolics Nutrigenomic Report, this is exactly how we've been approaching things for years. Their Metabolics Report looks at genetic variants (SNPs) within the following pathways —how your body handles fats, controls appetite, processes sugar, burns fuel at the cellular level, and manages inflammation through antioxidant capacity and predisposition to a higher inflammatory set-point . It's like we've been ahead of the curve without even realizing it 😉

Maybe.. The obesity puzzle is finally starting to make sense, one gene variant at a time!

Tanya Borowski Nutrition & Functional Medicine

02/09/2025

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