Anne Marie Moore - WHNP - BC

07/24/2025

"Each one of us has lived through some devastation, some loneliness, some weather superstorm or spiritual superstorm, when we look at each other we must say, I understand. I understand how you feel because I have been there myself. We must support each other and empathize with each other because each of us is more alike than we are unalike."

07/23/2025

Feeling Stressed or Anxious? You're Not Alone — and There Are Ways to Feel Better. 💛

Stress and anxiety are common, but they don’t have to run the show. Whether it’s the weight of responsibilities, health concerns, or just the constant “go-go-go” of life, your nervous system needs support too.

Here are some of my favorite, evidence-based strategies to help manage stress and anxiety — both in the moment and over the long haul:

Quick Calm Techniques
– Try 4-7-8 breathing: Inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8
– Use the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding tool to reconnect with the present
– Move your body, even if it’s just a 10-minute walk
– Practice progressive muscle relaxation from head to toe

Daily Habits That Make a Difference
– Exercise regularly (whatever you enjoy)
– Prioritize sleep and create a calming bedtime routine
– Eat well: limit sugar, alcohol, and caffeine
– Meditate or use mindfulness apps like Headspace or Insight Timer
– Journal to clear mental clutter or express gratitude
– Set healthy boundaries with screen time and social media

When to Reach Out
Sometimes talking with a professional—whether for counseling, support groups, or medication—is the most empowering next step. You don’t have to “just deal with it.”

Your mental health is part of your overall health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I’m here to help you create a personalized, compassionate plan that works with your life.

📞 Call or text my office if you’d like to talk more about how to care for your emotional wellness: 541-238-2905

You're not weak for feeling anxious. You're human. 💚

07/11/2025

Creatine is no longer just a performance-enhancing compound for skeletal muscle. It also plays a critical role in brain energy metabolism.

In a recent clinical study, Alzheimer’s patients supplementing with 20g/day of creatine experienced:

An 11% increase in brain creatine levels

~5% improvement in cognitive performance

Measurable gains in memory, focus, and processing speed

Creatine supports ATP regeneration in neurons, which may be especially relevant in aging and neurodegenerative conditions where brain energy deficits are common.

This research marks a major step in repositioning creatine as a neuroprotective compound and a potential intervention for cognitive decline. Dr. Ryan Lowry

07/05/2025

People keep asking why I made these cookies. The short answer is, "To make you ask questions." The long answer is more complicated. Im not going to list every reason, but here are some big ones.

♡ theres a lot of shame and secrecy around menstruation, that shame and secrecy keeps people from understanding how their bodies work, understanding how pregnancy happens, and protects abusers.

♡ politicians and judiciaries want to regulate womens bodies and constantly work to remove access to health care under the guise of being pro-life when really what they are is pro-birth and pro-control.

♡ Christianity often teaches abstinence instead of educating kids about their bodies, leading to gaps in communication and education that directly cause unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted STDs, and a lack of empowerment and agency. In that gap, consent drowns and coercion blossoms.

♡ religion taught me thay anyone who bled was "unclean" and tied the idea of sin to my identity as a woman. That ick factor came out in force in my decorating reels with vomit emojis and pearl clutching middle aged women asking, "Why, just why??"

♡ there is a huge disparity between research on erectile dysfunction & perimenopause, links between adhd & PMDD, hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, and so many other things as they relate to AFAB people. This disparity leads to inadequate care, misdiagnosis, and even death.

♡ the more we normalize periods, menstruation, etc, the more educated our children will be, and the more empowered they will grow to become.

And finally, as I enter my 40s after having been in perimenopause for a good 7 years, Ive come to learn that the field of gynecology is lightyears behind where they should be. There are very few providers who are up to date on what perimenopause actually looks like, how early it can begin, how it can affect mental health on a neurotransmitter level, how a drop in estrogen affects neurodivergent differently than neurotypical people, and how any fluctuations, reports of pain or inconsistent periods can be chalked up to being fat, lead to misdiagnosis of PCOS, and a general lack of care when it comes to improving the lives of people who are suffering.

When I went in for my tubal ligation and discussed my reasons, I was worried I would be denied because I was only 35. When the GYN asked me why I wanted a ligation I told him honestly and directly, "If I get pregnant again I will kill myself." Sounds dramatic, and it was. I knew a second pregnancy would be devastating to my physically, financially, and emotionally but I went through with it any way and was the most unwell I had ever been in the first 5 years post partum. I was suicidal, I started drinking in the evening to keep myself from getting onto my car and driving off a bridge or jumping into the ocean. A third pregnancy would have robbed my children of their mother, I'm positive. Roe V. Wade being overturned means that that reality will be someone elses reality because of being unable to access abortion care. If even one person goes through that because they're forced to carry a pregnancy they dont want, its too many.

That GYN dismissed my concerns about perimenopause and hormonal imbalances and diagnosed me with PCOS. He confidently and arrogantly told me he'd confirm it during my surgery. He sent me home and told me to read up on it because I would need to manage it with diet and livestyle changes. Spoiler alert, I did not have PCOS and in trying to understand what was happening with my body I had already read up on PCOS and what little could be found about perimenopause. I had religiously documented my symptoms for two years before that appointment but none of that mattered. Its shameful that a GYN, the person meant to handle these exact issues completely abdicated his job, misdiagnosed me, and withheld proper treatment. Yes, I am still raw do***ng perimenopause in case you were wondering. 😆

To the people who were rude and demanded to know why I would make these cookies, I just want to say that that reaction specifically is why. If you dont already get it, what a privilege for you.

07/04/2025

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06/28/2025

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06/28/2025

🎂✨ It’s my birthday today! 🎉
Grateful for another year of serving women in our community with care, compassion, and a whole lotta estrogen support. 😄

If you’ve been meaning to schedule your annual exam, talk menopause, hormones, pelvic floor issues — or just want a provider who actually listens — I’m here. 💕

Here’s to strong women, better sleep, balanced hormones, and never skipping your self-care. 🩺💃

📞 Call, message, or book online — and help me celebrate by taking care of you.

🎉

06/05/2025

Ferritin, your body's iron storage, is crucial for producing thyroid hormones like T3 and T4. When ferritin levels dip too low, it can disrupt how well your thyroid functions—even if your thyroid labs look “normal.”

Here’s the kicker: Functional medicine aims for optimal ferritin levels of 70-110 ng/mL, far beyond the standard reference range. Staying in this range could be the game-changer you need for better energy, mental clarity, and overall health.

Here are some practical ways to optimize ferritin for thyroid health:
Check your labs: Make sure ferritin is included alongside TSH, Free T3, and Free T4.
Address deficiencies: Incorporate more iron-rich foods like red meat or spinach, and combine them with vitamin C to maximize absorption.
Consider supplements: A gentle, bioavailable iron supplement can help tackle significant deficiencies without upsetting your stomach.
Don’t ignore vitamin D: Low levels often go hand-in-hand with ferritin issues, so aim for 60+ ng/mL to support thyroid and overall health.

Want to learn more? Check out Elite NP latest blog!

Learn how optimizing ferritin for thyroid patients can enhance energy levels and improve overall health outcomes.

05/06/2025

Happy National Nurses Week 2025. This pic was taken in June 2006 after I had graduated from the Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program - Drexel University. Philadelphia, PA ... Planned Parenthood Federation of America. I was a member of the last graduating class for that program.
I graduated from nursing school as an RN June 1983 at the ripe old age of 19. Prior to that I had been an LPN for a year, and a CNA the year prior to that. I also had a very brief stint as an EMT 1. My first RN job was evening charge nurse of a poorly conceived combination adult substance abuse/ adolescent psychiatry unit at the now defunct Riverside Psychiatric Hospital in Sellwood, OR. After that I went on to become the Director of Nursing at a private psychiatric facility for Veterans. Eventually I went to work @ St. Vincent's Hospital in Beaverton as a relief charge nurse/staff nurse on an adult psychiatric unit.
In 1994 I graduated with honors from Lewis and Clark College with a Master's of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology. I had plans to pursue a doctorate in psychology, but enrolled in the pre-med program @ Portland State where I became very interested (borderline obsessed) endocrinology/hormonal balance in women. After a year of pre-med I decided that I am a nurse at heart so I changed gears and decided to become a nurse practitioner.
In 2004 I graduated with a Master's of Science degree from the University of Wyoming emphasis nursing education and rural health. I was on the Dean's list and was invited to join Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
I truly believe what Confucius said “Choose a job you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life”. I feel honored to have worked with wonderful nurses throughout the years. I've encouraged several of my friends to pursue careers in nursing (I hope that they have forgiven me...lol). I have a great deal of respect for my patients, and all that they have taught me.

04/13/2025

Credit to Wishing you a restful & relaxing weekend!🌼 Remember to chill out and try not to push yourself. Weekend recovery time is so important for people with chronic illness & disabilities!

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04/11/2025

Women's Health procedures don't have to be painful. Why are IUD insertions painful...Steps of IUD Insertion:

Preparation:

The patient is positioned on the exam table like during a pelvic exam.
A speculum is inserted to visualize the cervix.
The cervix may be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.

Measuring the Uterus:
A tenaculum (a grasping instrument) may be used to stabilize the cervix. See picture below.
A uterine sound (a thin measuring instrument) is gently inserted to determine the depth and position of the uterus. See picture below.

IUD Placement:
The IUD, preloaded in an applicator tube, is inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
The arms of the IUD open into a T-shape once inside.
The inserter is withdrawn, leaving the IUD in place.
The strings of the IUD extend into the va**na and are trimmed to a length of about 3–4 cm.

After the Procedure:
The speculum is removed, and the patient is given time to rest if needed.
Some cramping and spotting may occur for a few hours or days.
A follow-up check is often recommended after a few weeks.

What to Expect During and After:
Discomfort: Some patients experience mild to severe cramping during insertion.
Recovery: Most resume normal activities the same day, though some prefer to rest.
Possible Side Effects: Spotting, cramping, and changes in menstrual cycles are common, depending on the type of IUD.

Some providers do not give their patients anything for pain control beyond Ibuprofen. I provide my patient's regional anesthesia called a paracervical block. It involves injecting a local anesthetic (e.g., lidocaine or bupivacaine) into the paracervical area, which is the tissue surrounding the cervix.
How It Works:
The local anesthetic blocks nerve signals from the cervix and lower uterus. It also helps the internal opening to the uterus to relax.
This reduces pain perception, making procedures more tolerable.
The numbing effect typically lasts 30–60 minutes.

There is a new product from Switzerland that is designed to replace the tenaculum with a suction device called Carevix. Unfortunately it's not available in the US at this time, but as soon as it is guess who getting some. See picture below.

BTW here is a real Google review from one of my patients:
"Got my IUD replaced and Anne-Marie was amazing. I had a bad experience with the last two insertions, so I’ve been understandable nervous. She and Kelly have outstanding bedside manner and know how to put you at ease. Anne-Marie is empathetic, caring, gentle, funny, and light-hearted when it all counts immensely. Highly recommend her, AND Kelly. I feel so taken care of, safe, and listened to after going here."

04/10/2025

I can't begin to tell you how many times I have diagnosed and treated Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Hashimoto's disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) is significantly more common in women than men, with women being 5 to 10 times more likely to develop the condition. This great letter sums it up.

Hi. My name is Hashimoto's. I'm an invisible autoimmune disease that attacks your thyroid gland causing you to become hypothyroid.
I am now velcroed to you for life. If you have hypothyroidism, you probably have me. I am the number one cause of it in the U.S. and many other places around the world.
I'm so sneaky--I don't always show up in your blood work.
Others around you can't see me or hear me, but YOUR body feels me.
I can attack you anywhere and any way I please.
I can cause severe pain or, if I'm in a good mood, I can just cause you to ache all over.
Remember when you and energy ran around together and had fun?
I took energy from you, and gave you exhaustion. Try to have fun now.
I can take good sleep from you and in its place, give you brain fog and lack of concentration.
I can make you want to sleep 24/7, and I can also cause insomnia.
I can make you tremble internally or make you feel cold or hot when everyone else feels normal.
I can also give you swollen hands and feet, swollen face and eyelids, swollen everything.
I can make you feel very anxious with panic attacks or very depressed. I can also cause other mental health problems. You know crazy mood swings? That's me. Crying for no reason? Angry for no reason? That's probably me too.
I can make your hair fall out, become dry and brittle, cause acne, cause dry skin, the sky is the limit with me.
I can make you gain weight and no matter what you eat or how much you exercise, I can keep that weight on you. I can also make you lose weight. I don't discriminate.
Some of my other autoimmune disease friends often join me, giving you even more to deal with.
If you have something planned, or are looking forward to a great day, I can take that away from you. You didn't ask for me. I chose you for various reasons:
That virus or viruses you had that you never really recovered from, or that car accident, or maybe it was the years of abuse and trauma (I thrive on stress.) You may have a family history of me. Whatever the cause, I'm here to stay.
I hear you're going to see a doctor to try and get rid of me. That makes me laugh. Just try. You will have to go to many, many doctors until you find one who can help you effectively.
You will be put on the wrong medication for you, pain pills, sleeping pills, energy pills, told you are suffering from anxiety or depression, given anti-anxiety pills and antidepressants.
There are so many other ways I can make you sick and miserable, the list is endless - that high cholesterol, gall bladder issue, blood pressure issue, blood sugar issue, heart issue among others? That's probably me.
Can't get pregnant, or have had a miscarriage?
That's probably me too.
Shortness of breath or "air hunger?" Yep, probably me.
Liver enzymes elevated? Yep, probably me.
Teeth and gum problems? TMJ?
Hives? Yep, probably me.
I told you the list was endless.
You may be given a TENs unit, get massaged, told if you just sleep and exercise properly I will go away.
You'll be told to think positively, you'll be poked, prodded, and MOST OF ALL, not taken seriously when you try to explain to the endless number of doctors you've seen, just how debilitating I am and how ill and exhausted you really feel. In all probability you will get a referral from these 'understanding' (clueless) doctors, to see a psychiatrist.
Your family, friends and co-workers will all listen to you until they just get tired of hearing about how I make you feel, and just how debilitating I can be.
Some of them will say things like "Oh, you are just having a bad day" or "Well, remember, you can't do the things you use to do 20 YEARS ago", not hearing that you said 20 DAYS ago.
They'll also say things like, "if you just get up and move, get outside and do things, you'll feel better." They won't understand that I take away the 'gas' that powers your body and mind to ENABLE you to do those things.
Some will start talking behind your back, they'll call you a hypochondriac, while you slowly feel that you are losing your dignity trying to make them understand, especially if you are in the middle of a conversation with a "normal" person, and can't remember what you were going to say next. You'll be told things like, "Oh, my grandmother had that, and she's fine on her medication" when you desperately want to explain that I don't impose myself upon everyone in the exact same way, and just because that grandmother is fine on the medication SHE'S taking, doesn't mean it will work for you.
They will not understand that having this disease impacts your body from the top of your head to the tip of your toes, and that every cell and every body system and organ requires the proper amount and the right kind of of thyroid hormone medication for YOU.
Not what works for someone else.
The only place you will get the kind of support and understanding in dealing with me is with other people that have me. They are really the only ones who can truly understand.
I am Hashimoto's Disease.

" Source of letter Thyroid Sexy "

Anne Marie Moore, WHNP has a wealth of experience with patient care. Anne Marie loves serving her community with compassionate, patient-centered care. Anne Marie is a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner.