Naturopathy for Women

A pink lotus flower and two lily pads float on a calm pond.

Naturopathy is a system of health care that supports your body’s natural ability to heal itself. At the Center for Women’s Health, our naturopathic doctors work hand in hand with the full range of specialists and providers at OHSU.

Important things to know:

  • We take a whole-body approach to treatment.
  • Treatments include nutrition, lifestyle changes, herbal medicine and dietary supplements.
  • We may recommend counseling to encourage overall wellness.
  • Naturopathy may be especially helpful as you age.
  • You can use naturopathy alone or together with other medical care.

What is naturopathy?

Naturopathic doctors treat the whole person rather than the disease. We see a connection between emotional and physical health and look first to diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes before considering herbal supplements.

First do no harm. This is central to all medical practice. Naturopathy looks first to find natural treatments that are the least invasive.

The healing power of nature. Naturopathic doctors understand that the body has a natural ability to heal. They strive to support this path to wellness.

Identify and treat the causes. Rather than focus on reducing symptoms, naturopathic doctors look to identify the causes of illness and unease.

Doctor as teacher. Naturopathic doctors strive to educate patients rather than simply prescribe. They work with their patients to understand how best to achieve a happy and healthy life.

Treat the whole person. Our health is impacted by our bodies, our environment and our lifestyle. Naturopathic doctors look at all aspects of your life as they consider treatment options.

Prevention. It’s better to prevent illness and suffering than to treat it. Naturopathic medicine helps patients stay well by supporting areas of strength and finding potential areas of concern.

What to expect

At the Center for Women’s Health, your visit with a naturopathic doctor will typically take more time than with a conventional provider. You can expect an hour for an initial visit.

We will take a complete history to get to know you and learn about your diet, exercise, digestion, energy level, sleep, lifestyle, menstrual cycles, hobbies, work, mood, health concerns, medicines, supplements and more.

This information helps us understand your strengths and weaknesses and figure out where natural medicine might help.

We take a holistic approach to treatment. If you have a migraine headache, for example, we won’t just write a prescription. We will look at your diet, physical activity, sleep patterns and mental health to find the best options for healing.

We work closely with your conventional providers. Naturopathy can complement your treatment by:

  • Treating side effects of conventional medicine.
  • Adding to the effectiveness of conventional medicine.
  • Helping you reduce your dose of conventional medicine.
  • Treating conditions that don’t respond to conventional medicine.

For patients

Call 503-418-4500 to make an appointment.

Location

OHSU Center for Women’s Health, Marquam Hill

Kohler Pavilion, seventh floor
808 S.W. Campus Drive
Portland, OR 97239

Free parking for patients and visitors

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Integrative medicine

Find alternative medicine options at OHSU:

Conditions we treat

Naturopathic medicine focuses on wellness and vitality. At the Center for Women’s Health, our naturopathic doctor has specific expertise in:

  • Aging
  • Perimenopause
  • Menopause
  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Gut issues like irritable bowel syndrome
  • Diet and weight control
  • Supplement management
  • Neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and dementia

Hormone balancing

The changes brought on by menstruation, pregnancy and menopause are different for each person. By looking at your diet, stress and exercise, naturopathy can help you stay healthy during these life stages.

Healthy aging

The naturopathic approach to prevention may help you notice risk factors for cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer’s. We also support you to protect your brain function through a healthy diet, good sleep and regular exercise for the body and the mind.

Supplements

Supplements are a useful tool, but it’s important to have a knowledgeable guide. We make recommendations based on your unique situation.

Learn more

Our team

Dr. Lynne Shinto is a naturopathic doctor with special interests in neurology and women’s health. She is an expert in managing symptoms and protecting your brain through aging and hormone changes. Patients facing a range of health concerns can benefit from her holistic approach to a healthy mind and body.