Dr Natalie Chaitan - OBGYN

10/03/2025

Re-posting this wonderful information by

Menopausal Depression: A Distinct, Hormone-
Driven Condition
Menopausal depression is biologically different from
traditional depression, and growing research confirms that
fluctuating hormones during perimenopause directly impact
brain chemistry — often years before physical symptoms like
hot flashes even begin.
During the menopause transition, fluctuating estrogen
and progesterone disrupt serotonin, dopamine, and GABA
signaling, particularly in brain areas involved in mood
regulation, memory, and stress response. Estrogen, for
example, helps regulate serotonin receptor density, serotonin
transport, and dopamine function - all of which decline as
hormone levels drop. This creates a perfect neurochemical
storm, increasing the risk of anxiety, irritability, depression,
and cognitive struggles.
Lower DHEA-S levels - an adrenal hormone that also
supports GABA and serotonin signaling are linked to higher
rates of depression in midlife women, compounding the
effects of estrogen decline.
A Unlike typical major depressive disorder, menopausal
depression is directly tied to these hormonal disruptions —
which is why SSRIs alone often fail in this population. Several
studies have shown that adding estradiol to antidepressants
enhances their efficacy, and in some cases, transdermal
estradiol alone significantly improves depressive symptoms.
Current guidelines from major menopause societies still
recommend SSRIs as first-line treatment, despite mounting
evidence that hormone therapy (MHT) — particularly
transdermal estradiol with micronized progesterone —
directly addresses the hormonal root cause of menopausal
depression.
Menopausal depression is real, biological, and treatable -
but it requires a fundamentally different approach than
standard depression care.
Reference: Kulkarni et al., 2024, Frontiers in Psychiatry

10/03/2025

This morning, I had the privilege of performing surgery for a patient preparing for her fertility treatments—a step closer to making her dream of motherhood a reality. ✨👶🏽💙

Blessed to use my hands and heart to HELP women on their journey to parenthood. Grateful every day to wake up and do what I love.
This patient required removal of her tubes and fibroids

💕

06/03/2025

Back to the grind after our long Carnival weekend! Kicking things off with surgery—there’s nothing more humbling than being able to definitively solve a longstanding problem for a patient.

Today’s case: fibroids that had been affecting her quality of life for far too long. But guess what? That will never be a problem for her again! Blessed, humble, and grateful to do what I do every day.

15/02/2025

15/02/2025

Saturday Mornings in My Happy Place

There’s something special about settling into my office on a Saturday morning—the quiet hum of a new day beginning, the warm sunshine streaming through the window, and the deep gratitude I feel for the work I get to do.

Being an OB-GYN is more than a career; it’s a calling. Every patient who walks through my door reminds me why I chose this path—to listen, to support, to heal, and to empower. Whether it’s guiding a new mother through her pregnancy, helping someone find answers to their concerns, or simply offering reassurance, I am honored to be part of their journey.

Today, like every day, I am grateful—for my patients, for my team, and for the opportunity to wake up and do what I love.

See you soon, Saturday patients! Let’s make it a great day.

— Dr. Natalie Chaiton, OB-GYN

13/02/2025

Back on Social Media – But Never Stopped Learning!

To my patients and followers, I know I’ve been quiet on here for the month of January, but it was time well spent in continued medical education. As an OB-GYN, I firmly believe that to be the best in my field, continuous learning and improvement must be a necessity—not an option.

I’m incredibly thankful to Trinidad and Tobago IVF for hosting their first annual conference this January. It was a privilege to attend, and the knowledge shared was truly invaluable.

I also want to express my gratitude to cellmaconnect for allowing me to be part of the movement towards electronic medical notes in Trinidad and Tobago. The future of healthcare is digital, and I look forward to seeing this venture become a reality in the near future.

I believe in forward movement—in both technology and medical education—so that I can continue providing the best quality of care to my patients. Thank you all for your support, and I’m excited to be back online sharing more with you!

13/02/2025

PCOS: A Chronic Condition That Needs a Smarter Approach

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic condition—just like diabetes or hypertension—and should be managed with that in mind. Too often, the first line of treatment is hormonal medication like the birth control pill, but addressing the root cause is just as important.

The foundation of PCOS management should start with diet and lifestyle changes, which can help regulate hormones, improve metabolic health, and support long-term well-being. As an OB-GYN, I strongly believe that working alongside a dietitian can make all the difference in getting real, lasting results.

At First Call Medical Services, there is a dedicated dietitian on staff, ready to work with you to create a personalized plan tailored to your needs. Don’t let PCOS control your life—take charge of your health today!

Let’s tackle PCOS the right way—together!

13/02/2025

PCOS: A Chronic Condition That Needs a Smarter Approach

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic condition—just like diabetes or hypertension—and should be managed with that in mind. Too often, the first line of treatment is hormonal medication like the birth control pill, but addressing the root cause is just as important.

The foundation of PCOS management should start with diet and lifestyle changes, which can help regulate hormones, improve metabolic health, and support long-term well-being. As an OB-GYN, I strongly believe that working alongside a dietitian can make all the difference in getting real, lasting results.

At First Call Medical Services, there is a dedicated dietitian on staff, ready to work with you to create a personalized plan tailored to your needs. Don’t let PCOS control your life—take charge of your health today!

Let’s tackle PCOS the right way—together!

13/02/2025

PCOS: A Chronic Condition That Needs a Smarter Approach

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic condition—just like diabetes or hypertension—and should be managed with that in mind. Too often, the first line of treatment is hormonal medication like the birth control pill, but addressing the root cause is just as important.

The foundation of PCOS management should start with diet and lifestyle changes, which can help regulate hormones, improve metabolic health, and support long-term well-being. As an OB-GYN, I strongly believe that working alongside a dietitian can make all the difference in getting real, lasting results.

At First Call Medical Services, there is a dedicated dietitian on staff, ready to work with you to create a personalized plan tailored to your needs. Don’t let PCOS control your life—take charge of your health today!

Let’s tackle PCOS the right way—together!

17/01/2025

💜 Cervical Cancer: A Preventable Tragedy 💜

Did you know that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers? It’s caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)—a virus transmitted through sexual contact.

Here’s the good news:
1️⃣ Vaccination works. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers.
2️⃣ Screening saves lives. Routine Pap smears (and HPV testing) can detect changes early—before they develop into cancer.

Why is this important?
Cervical cancer often shows no symptoms until it’s advanced, making screening and prevention essential. No woman should die from this disease when prevention tools are readily available.

Let’s normalize:
✔️ Talking about HPV and cervical health
✔️ Getting vaccinated
✔️ Keeping up with scheduled Pap smears

Together, we can make cervical cancer a thing of the past. Share this to spread awareness—it could save a life!