Dr. Corina Dunlap

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Portland, ME
Dr. Corina Dunlap

Naturopathic Doc | Researcher
Women's Hormones, Mood, and Gut Health

09/10/2025

PCOS is not just an o***y problem—it’s a whole-body condition. That’s why the symptoms show up in so many different ways, involving your hormones, metabolism, skin, hair, mood, and cycles.

Here are some of the most common ways PCOS can show up in the body (even though there are many different presentations):
〰️ Irregular or missed periods – Skipped ovulation means low/no progesterone, which can affect mood, sleep, skin, fatigue, headaches, bloating, and more.
〰️ Heavy or prolonged bleeding – Irregular ovulation causes the uterine lining to build up, leading to heavier periods.
〰️ Excess hair growth (face, chest, abdomen, back, upper thighs) – Elevated androgens like testosterone can drive unwanted hair growth.
〰️ Thinning hair or scalp hair loss – The same hormone imbalances that cause excess hair elsewhere can thin scalp hair.
〰️ Persistent acne or oily skin – Androgens overstimulate oil glands, leading to stubborn breakouts.
〰️ Weight gain or difficulty losing weight – Insulin resistance makes it harder to regulate blood sugar and metabolism.
〰️ Darkened skin patches (neck or underarms) – Called acanthosis nigricans, this is a visible sign of insulin resistance.
〰️ Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound – Not every woman with PCOS has ovarian cysts—this is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle.

The good news? PCOS isn’t a life sentence. When you address root causes like blood sugar, inflammation, gut health, and stress, your body can heal with steadier cycles, clearer skin, balanced hormones, better energy, and a lifted mood.

Healing PCOS isn’t about quick fixes or covering up symptoms. It’s about creating lasting change by supporting your whole body.

Want to know which labs actually matter for uncovering PCOS root causes? I put together a complete PCOS Labs Checklist to guide you.

Comment ‘PCOSLABS’ below and I’ll send it straight to you.👇🏼

09/09/2025

If you’ve been told PCOS is just an o***y problem… you haven’t been given the whole story.

Most women hear that PCOS is about cysts on the ovaries, but the truth is, PCOS is a whole-body condition that involves so many bodywide systems, especially your metabolism, hormones, gut, and adrenals.

👉🏼 Insulin resistance is one of the biggest drivers, pushing up testosterone and disrupting ovulation.
👉🏼 Chronic inflammation fans the flame, making it harder to manage weight, energy, and cravings.
👉🏼 Gut imbalances can impact nutrient absorption, blood sugar, and even mood regulation.
👉🏼 And cortisol (stress hormone) dysregulation can throw off cycles, worsen fatigue, and block healing.

This is why so many women with PCOS struggle with symptoms that go far beyond their ovaries—irregular periods, acne, unwanted hair growth, fatigue, weight resistance, mood swings, and fertility challenges.

When we start addressing the root causes—balancing blood sugar, calming inflammation, healing the gut, and supporting stress resilience—everything begins to shift:
✔ Cycles regulate
✔ Energy returns
✔ Skin clears
✔ Mood improves
✔ Hormones come back into balance

Healing PCOS isn’t about quick fixes or endless prescriptions. It’s about restoring balance, step by step, with daily habits and a root-cause approach that supports your whole body.  Want to know which labs actually matter for uncovering PCOS root causes? Stay tuned… something new is dropping tomorrow. 👀 You won’t want to miss it.  

09/08/2025

Your hormones don’t exist in isolation—they’re influenced daily by your blood sugar, liver health, nutrient status, and stress response. The beauty of seasonal eating is that nature provides exactly what our bodies need to stay in rhythm.

Here are 6 September superfoods for hormone balance (and why they matter):
🎃 Pumpkin – High in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Adequate vitamin A is essential for progesterone production and thyroid hormone metabolism.

🍠 Sweet Potatoes – Rich in complex carbs and fiber, helping stabilize blood sugar and reduce insulin spikes. Stable insulin = steadier ovulation and fewer energy crashes.

🥦 Broccoli – A cruciferous veggie packed with sulforaphane, which supports liver detoxification—key for breaking down and clearing excess estrogen.

🌱 Brussels Sprouts – High in fiber and indole-3-carbinol, compounds that help shift estrogen metabolism toward more protective pathways.

🍎 Apples – One medium apple provides around 4g of fiber, which binds to excess estrogen in the gut for elimination while also supporting steady blood sugar.

🍐 Pears – Gentle on digestion yet rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and copper, helping calm inflammation that can disrupt hormone balance.

When you build meals around seasonal foods, you’re not only eating fresher—you’re supporting hormone pathways that regulate your energy, mood, skin, and cycles.

👉🏼 Try it this week: roasted pumpkin soup, baked sweet potato bowls, sautéed Brussels or broccoli, and fresh apple or pear snacks. Your hormones will thank you.

Save this post for your next grocery run and share your favorite recipes in the comments!

[hormone balance, metabolic health, blood sugar balance, fertility nutrition, women’s health tips, fall seasonal foods, holistic health]

09/06/2025

Balance isn’t built overnight. It’s created through the small, intentional habits we return to daily.

When you care for your body with nourishing food, strength, and rest… anchor your mind with routines and reflection… and honor your spirit with mindfulness and self-connection… everything starts to shift. Your energy steadies, your clarity returns, and life begins to feel lighter, more grounded, and more aligned.

The truth is…lasting change doesn’t come from restriction, quick fixes, or pushing harder. It comes from simplifying—showing up for yourself in small but powerful ways that build momentum day after day.

I’d love to know, which one habit are you focusing on this month to create more balance? Drop it in the comments so we can cheer you on. 👇🏼 

09/05/2025

While supplements can be helpful, they’re just one piece of the puzzle.

Real hormone balance comes from the foundations that support your body every single day:
🥑 Nutrient-rich foods that build and clear hormones
🧘🏻‍♀️ Stress regulation that calms cortisol and restores cycles
🤝🏼 Gut and liver support to detox excess hormones
💤 Deep, consistent sleep that anchors your rhythms
💪🏼 Movement that strengthens instead of depletes

Supplements can enhance the process, but they can’t replace it. True balance requires a full-body approach.

👉🏼 Supplements are a tool. Naturopathic by Design is your foundation. Ready to step inside? Comment “CALL” to book a free discovery call with me.

[Balance hormones naturally, gut and liver detox support, stress and cortisol regulation, holistic women’s health, natural hormone foundations]

Address

254 Commercial Street, Ste 258
Portland, ME
04101

Website

https://www.naturopathicbydesign.com/

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