Dr. Elena Fenske, ND

Happy ’ to everyone who identifies as a woman . As a female naturopathic Doctor whose passion & primary focus in practice is woman’s health, I have the honour of serving many women in their unique paths to health and wellness as they transition into different stages of life. ... I have the privilege to hear their most intimate stories (sometimes told for the first time to another being) enriched with pain, triumphs, heartaches, lessons & growths. My patients are My Teachers, My Passion and My Why . They teach me daily what it means to be resilient, fierce & to take up space all the while being comfortable showing their emotions, softness & authentictiy! My goal in working with my patients is to to help them discover and understand their bodies better & to empower them to be their own advocate for health & to demand better health care ! Here are a few lessons I have learned so far from my female patients: Women are fiercely vulnerable! They live, love and fight for justice passionately! Women are a force of nature! When they are empowered, they are truly the best advocate for themselves! Women deserve to be heard, seen and cared for! Women’s concerns are valid and warrant proper assessment, investigation and treatment. Women are deeply intuitive, and this gift comes from a wise and ancient place deeply rooted into our beings, and is passed on from grandmothers to mothers to daughters! Womanhood is not defined by having the burning desire or possessing the ability to have one’s own offsprings. Nurturing and motherhood is not one and the same! Women can love and nurture other beings without ever having their own children. This is a non-negotiable point for me! Women are beautiful and worthy in all sizes, shapes, colours, and during all life stages ! Sending you all warmth & love today and everyday, Dr. E See more

! It’s so heartwarming to see how many individuals in our communities are participating in #wearpinkwednesday by wearing a pink shirt in solidarity with #antibullyingday today! Shadow & I decided to show our support by decking out in pink for our walk around the Lafarge Lake . Shadow comes from a kennel where he was picked on, and bullied by multiple dogs , and you can see the mental and emotional toll this has taken on this two year old rescue... pup of ours . That’s one of the areas we are actively working on with him to reassure him he is safe & he doesn’t have to worry every time he meets a new dog . My hope is that we can choose and celebrate kindness every single day ! I hope we can feel empowered enough to step in and stand up to bullies if we witness someone in need who could use our love and compassion. Love & Kindness Always, Dr. E See more

Everyone meet , our new rescue dog that we officially adopted as of yesterday ! I finally got my lifelong wish of having a Valentine’s puppy this year . After having to say goodbye to our first fur baby, Sherlock the beagle, almost three years ago, it was time to open our hearts and home to a new loving dog that deserves the best of lives. I have been soaking up every minute of being with him when I am not at work this past week, so been a bit quiet on here.... Like any rescue, it is going to take a while before he is at home and shares all of his wonderful personality and quirks with us, but it was definitely love at first sight when we finally got to meet him in person . Anyone here who lives in Coquitlam, and has pets has any favorite groomers, Trainers and Daycares? Looking for suggestions and would love to support local businesses in our new city ! Let me know in the comments please . See more

is the month of , but it is also the ! So, I’m taking this opportunity to raise awareness about long-term impacts of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome on cardiovascular health & what you can do to advocate for yourself. Dyslipedemia (high lipid levels). Three key players involved in developing this condition include: insulin resistance, hypernadrogenism and obesity (specifically abdominal obesity). In a nutshell, this trifecta will tu...rn on expression of some genes that will lead to increased production of TG and LDL-C while promoting the breakdown of protective HDL-C. promotes fat accumulation in the body especially viscerally, which is an independent risk factor for increased cardiovascular events. Also, IR is associated with reduction in Nitric Oxide (vasodilator), which will lead to vascular stiffness. Your heart in return, has to work so much harder to send blood to the rest of your body because your blood vessels are sticky and less efficient. (High Testosterone) plays a role in dyslipedemia by worsening insulin resistance and speeding the breakdown of the protective cholesterol (HDL-C), which results in blood vessels getting clogged up. (high blood pressure) due to salt retention due to higher levels of a hormone called aldosterone. This plus reduced NO needed for opening up blood vessels will lead to higher blood pressures compared to average. , ? 1. Ask for to check for these risk factors or monitor progress! 2. Have an - with a PCOS-informed health professional such as myself ! 3. Once you know what are, then you and your health provider can come up with an evidence-informed protocol that’s tailored to your health goals. 4. ! You deserve to be heard and cared for! Reach out if you want to work with me . See more

January is in the U.S, so I wanted to highlight the important role this little butterfly shaped gland plays in fertility. Subclinical, clinical and autoimmune related hypothyroidisms or thyroid dysfunction have been associated with increased risk of fertility challenges as well as higher incidents of early miscarriage rates. This is due to thyroid’s important role in hormonal regulations and metabolic rate. Women wi...th hypothyroidism (with elevated TSH lab values and reduced thyroid hormones (T4 & T3 levels)) may experience variety of symptoms related to their menstrual cycle including but not limited to having infrequent or sometimes even absent periods, heavy periods, shorter cycle lengths (fewer days between each period), and spotting in between cycles. Some women may experience no ovulation despite having seemingly regular periods (as confirmed either by blood work through their doctor or by using a at home ovulation predictor test kits). Additionally, women with high levels of auto-antibodies due to either Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism or Grave’s disease are at higher risk for experiencing spontaneous miscarriages or preterm labor’s due to high levels of antibodies in their bodies independent from their thyroid hormone levels. Part of my work up/ assessment for my new patients who are struggling with getting pregnant or maintaining their pregnancies looks something like this to rule out thyroid ias a culprit: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)- Levels of 2 mlU/L and lower are associated with better pregnancy outcomes T4 (Thyroxine) T3 (Triiodothyronine) Anti-TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody) TRAb (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Receptor Antibody) TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin) ** Please note that this is only part of my comprehensive work up based on the person sitting in front of me. Hope this was helpful. Please tag someone who could benefit from this post & comment with questions you may have! Refs below. See more

Happy New Year my dear IG community! We welcomed the much anticipated 2021 last night ! For many of us, 2020 was full of challenges, heartaches, losses, and isolations from loved ones. But, amidst the challenges, this was a year of collective awakening, learning, unlearning, growing, shedding limiting beliefs, and expanding our horizons in pursuit of justice, equity and truth. ... My intention for this year is to expand on the lessons that 2020 has taught me to continue to grow as a citizen of this world and as a health professional. I hope to challenge the status quo and to fight for justice, and to stand up for those in need. What was the most valuable lesson 2020 has taught you? Do you set intentions for the new year? What are your intentions for 2021 if you said yes to above question? Wishing you health, peace and happiness in 2021, Dr. E Thanks to my dear friend @artisticeyephotography for a fun 2021 themed image ! See more

Wishing you a happy, healthy & safe holiday season! This year certainly has made the holidays look a lot different for many of us, so it is okay not to feel festive or even happy . In case you need a reminder like I did: Your feelings are valid, your experiences are valid, and it is ok for you to feel all the feels without having to attach guilt or shame to the said feelings ! Today, I am thinking of those who live apart from family and friends, and don’t get to s...ee the said loved ones. Those who lost a loved one recently, and are feeling the weight of this loss today more heavily. Those who are triggered by the festivities due to unhappy memories associated with it, and those who simply don’t celebrate or resonate with any of the holidays celebrated during this time of the year . Your feelings matter ! Here is hoping that this time in 2021 will look a bit differently, and that we can see our loved ones once again and celebrate togetherness with hugs and snuggles . Love, Dr. E Ps. How many Grogus (aka. Baby Yoda/ The Child) can you spot on my tree ? See more

& to all my fellow humans who celebrate this special night. Traditionally, in Iran, this night is intended as a celebration of transitioning from longer nights and shorter days back to longer days, which bring new light and hope to us all. Iranian Families across the globe usually use this time to spend the longest night of the year to celebrate family, unity and love. This year, of course puts a damper on this special celebration, but the sp...irit of this special night lives on. I love spending this night reflecting on the passing of the year I just had, celebrating successes, reassessing decisions, and setting new intentions for the upcoming year ahead . What are some of your that you celebrate during winter months. I would love to learn . credit: https://pin.it/5rjhrm4 See more

@MomFlailsPodcast @Lift.With.Leanne and the incredible women in small biz from the MOM FLAILS CLUB Facebook group have locked arms to present to you... - A NEVER SEEN BEFORE SPECIAL HOLIDAY -... GIVEAWAY - Join our GIVEAWAY and you’ll be entered to WIN 1 of 3 unreal baskets worth OVER $1,000 EACH! - We’ve loaded the baskets with everything from health and wellness goodies, relaxation products, to courses and books, gift cards and meals, virtual biz courses, travel, and even social media tools. These are magical baskets like you’ve never seen before. - Who’s ready to WIN! .- ENTER HERE: x - Follow @momflailspodcast Follow @lift.with.leanne Follow @dr.elena.nd LIKE this post, TAG 3+ Friends, & SHARE this post to your story or feed. Comment on this post when done WIN - Contest entry NOW open- ends midnight Dec 10th. Join us LIVE on Dec 11th when we announce the 3 lucky winners! - (Please note: No purchase necessary to enter - Making a purchase with any of our sponsors does not increase your chances to win - The live draw will take place Dec 11th on Instagram and administered by Laura Fox of @momflailspodcast and Leanne Ens of @lift.with.leanne. Instagram did not sponsor or endorse this giveaway.) - MOM FLAILS CLUB SPONSORS: @momflailspodcast @lift.with.leanne @ema_langley @cleverfoxstudio @movebetterwithmarla @shenequa.pierre @cooking.amid.the.chaos @girlife_langley_bc @dr.elena.nd @pixjonasson @teacherselfcare @shaheen.shinydoll @marissa.rehder @inspire.by.laura @girlife_langley_bc @missdenisio @wemblelw @tamararobson @kinder_crazy_with_mrs.cassady @boujee_baubles_ @recklessbeautyco @soulmadejewellery @octo_mommybook @guiding_path_life_coaching @hippotravelmb - GOOD LUCK LADIES * * #supportwomeninsmallbiz * * * * * #womeninsmallbiz #giftgiveaway #holidaygiveaways #ladiescontests #supportwomeninbusiness #supportwomenentrepreneurs #supportivewomen #supportwomeninbusiness #momlife #womenlifefreedom #giftbasketideas #giftbasketgiveaway #christmasbaskets #giftideasforher #vancouverbccanada See more

http:// & // Anytime I find myself in a bit of a creativity slump, I find that it’s due to me being too much in my head, and not tuning into my body and its needs. Those also correlate with the times that I have swayed from my commitment to my daily meditation and mindfulness practice. In a society, where we are told to measure people’s success by how busy they are, and how many projects they have going on at a given time, to slow down so th...at you may tune into your needs may seem weak. Taking time and space to get rid of all the background noise, to intentionally choose slowness, and to connect to your breath may not seem easy or manageable, but I am here to remind you that it is absolutely necessary. Good news is that by showing yourself this act of kindness daily, not only you may enhance your health and wellness, you will also level up your productivity, decision making, vision clarity and improve your ability to reach your desired outcomes. A cohort study looked at the possible effects of mindfulness on work experience of various corporations. This study concluded that after completing the intervention period where participants were asked to complete a daily mindfulness practice (for at least 10 minutes per day), all participants reported total reduction in burnout and perceived stress, improvement in personal performance, team projects and overall harmony amongst the co-workers. PMID: 29541039 Do you have a meditation/prayer/ mindfulness practice? Do you find it challenging to do this practice daily? Do you have apps/ resources you use already? Would you like to learn more about resources that I use to support me and my patients? Drop an answer below ! See more

http:// // To say 2020 has been a tough year for most people is an understatement of the year . Many of us had to pivot the way we conduct our businesses and lives. We continue to face many obstacles along the way, learn from the mistakes we have made while navigating our new realities, troubleshoot unforeseen problems and keep pushing forward. Today was a good reminder of this for me: I went downstairs to do my usual morning treadmill run at my building... gym before coming back home to do some weight training. I found out that the gym is closed out of respect for the new orders from the provincial health ministry and Dr. Bonnie Henry . I looked outside, and of course it’s coming down with the first snow of the season . Instead of giving up on my workout plan, or getting frustrated, I thanked my building manager for implementing guidelines to keep my community safe . Then I did something I hadn’t done before , which is to chose to run up and down my 14 story building (including basement and rooftop floors which are not numbered ). This is something I wouldn’t have been able to do in July of this year, and I was so happy with the progress I have made in my fitness by simply showing up for myself and prioritizing my health (Mind and Body ). What are some of your goals (health, finance, professional or anything else) that you have been working on before the end of this year? Have you identified any obstacles to reaching those goals? , . See more

http:// Celebrating 2 Years of Being an ND in BC// Hi there ! Thank you for joining my page, and continuing to support me! I’ve noticed quite a few new faces on here, so I thought it would be a good time to reintroduce myself and celebrate this special day, which marks my 2nd year in private practice with you all . ... My name is Dr. Elena, and I am a Naturopathic Doctor in the beautiful East Vancouver, British Columbia Tonume Integrated Health. I have a general family practice with a focus and passion for womxn’s health. I welcome and support people of all ages and backgrounds in my practice, but majority of my time is spent helping womxn understand their bodies better by helping them figure out what is going on and what seems to be out of balance for them. We look at how everything is connected. As a team, each patient and I plan out a mind map that breaks down their health care needs into tangible steps that are necessary to help them reach their optimal health. Throughout this process, we will optimize digestive system, balance hormones, support the nervous system, elevate mental health, reduce inflammation & chronic pain, and reestablish the mind-body connection, so that these positive changes have a long lasting effect. My goal is to empower you to reach your version of sustainable health, so that you can share your unique light with the world ! When I am not in clinic seeing patients or learning/ researching, I love to run, lift weights, cook and bake delicious recipes, tend to my ever growing plant babies, read, and be creative. My passion is you, so I would love to hear from you ! So please comment below : What drew you to this page? What type of content would you like to see more of ? See more

http:// // I have been quiet on social media lately, but I have been busy working on a few passion projects so I can continue to share my love for Naturopathic Medicine and more with you all. I am excited to share one of these projects with you since it’s finally completed . Please check out my new website by clicking the linktree on my bio or by clicking the following link: ... www.drelenafenske.com This is where I will be sharing my longer blog posts, recipes & vlogs on various health and wellness topics with you . Starting in November, I will also be sending monthly newsletters to my patients and anyone interested if they subscribe to my newsletter on my new site . I also wanted to give a huge shoutout to my wonderful team who worked so patiently with me to bring my vision into reality ! @susan.evisionmedia thank you for your patience, guidance and flexibility! I love my new website ! @coloursoflifephotography thank you for the beautiful headshots you took of me, and I can’t wait for our future collaborations together soon ! While on this topic, do you have any topics you would like to learn more about ? I love creating content based on what you like to see as well as what I see and treat in my practice . See more

Naturopathic Conversations Part 1: Join Dr. kaur @femalewholifts and I as we discuss the interplay of mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health in development and progression of PCOS, a complex multi systemic neuro-endocrine and metabolic condition that affects many women and non-binary, transgender people. Leaves your questions in the comment section and follow along in the second episode posted on my page.

: Have you been told to eat less and exercise more to lose weight with PCOS? OR, you should stick to 1000 calories per day? ... OR, PCOS patients should limit their carbohydrate intake because they are at a higher risk for developing insulin resistance, Type 2 Diabetes or Gestational Diabetes? OR, you should eat two fruits per day max and avoid nuts, seeds and legumes if you want to lose weight? Well, I am here to help clear out this misinformation. 1) Pulses (including split-peas, dry beans, lentils & chickpeas) were more effective in improving cardio metabolic disease risk factors in womxn with PCOS than TLC (therapeutic Lifestyle Diet, which focuses on low fat, lean meats). These risk modifications include lowering postprandial blood glucose, total insulin, total lipid profile (including LDL (aka bad cholesterol) & blood pressure readings). This is due to the high fiber and complex carbohydrates with low GI (glycemic index) found in these legumes PMID: 30274344 2) Natural antioxidants found in high concentrations in fruits and vegetables are found to be effective in improving fertility issues related to oxidative stress seen in womxn with PCOS& endometriosis while reducing risk of developing Gestational Diabetes, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions & miscarriages as well as pre-term labour. PMID: 32935256 3) Another randomized controlled trial compared the effectiveness of 5 different therapeutic diets for weight loss in overweight people. Its important to note that they all had low fat, low glycemic index pattern in common) including: Vegan, Vegetarian, Peso-vegetarian, Semi-vegetarian, or omnivorous. The results showed a bigger overall weight reduction and total saturated fat composition in the vegan group compared to other categories. PMID: 25592014 So, why am I sharing this with you? Because I want you to know that while well-intentioned, your doctor may be following outdated guidelines when it comes to nutrition in PCOS . I want you to be empowered, so you can make a well-informed decision about your health. AND, you dont have to do this alone ! See more

I am so excited to announce that the legendary @femalewholifts & I will be going live this coming Sunday Sep20th at 1PM PST to chat about all things PCOS. The goal is to have a mind- body look at this complex chronic condition that affects so many womxns lives. Knowing our personalities, this will be a fun, light-hearted and interactive session, so grab your cup of tea and join us ! ... If you have questions, feel free to submit them to either of us ahead of time, and we will be sure to include them in the mix. Until then, wishing you a healthy and happy week! Love, Dr. Elena See more

: Womxn with PCOS have a greater risk of developing several chronic health conditions, including some life-threatening diseases including: & - More than 50 percent of womxn with PCOS will have diabetes or pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) before they turn 40! ... - The risk of heart attack is 4 to 7 times higher in people with PCOS than those of the same age without PCOS. - PCOS patients are at greater risk of having high blood pressure. - People with PCOS have higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol & triglycerides, and low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. - Womxn with PCOS can develop sleep apnea. This is when breathing stops for short periods of time during sleep, and leads to many chronic health issues down the road. This rate is specially higher in those with bigger waist to hip ratio. - PCOS patients may also suffer from anxiety and depression, and are more at risk of suicidal ideations. If this resonates with you, please reach out privately, and I would be more than happy to connect you to useful resources/ help. - Womxn with PCOS are at higher risk due to their infrequent & irregular periods due to lack of ovulation $ progesterone deficiency, which is the hormone that allows for shedding of endometrium (uterus lining). Over time, if left unresolved, this can lead to endometrial hyperplasia, and eventually cancer. This is why its important to get to your period health back on track! I truly believe information is empowering: the more you know about your potential health risks, the more actively you can take preventative measures to take charge of your health. Best part is they are PCOS educated health practitioners who would love to help you out ! Just reach out, and lets get you on that holistic healing train. See more

: PCOS is a complex chronic condition that affects multiple systems of body (Mind-Body Connection). Did you know that it may take an average of 5 years and 3 doctors for someone to be diagnosed with PCOS! I have grouped some of the most common symptoms I have personally experienced and/or have seen in practice for your reference. Over the next few weeks, I am going to have a more detailed look at some of these concerns along some... of my go-to supplements, herbs, nutrition and lifestyle modifications that may be helpful in managing symptoms and improving your quality of life ! So, Stay tuned! / : Anxiety Depression OCD Body Dysmorphia Eating Disorders Low self-esteem & self-worth Sleep Onset or Maintenance Insomnia : Fertility Challenges (either, unable to get pregnant or frequent miscarriages). Did you know that PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility? Infrequent, absent, and/or irregular menstrual periods (9 or fewer periods per year) Chronic Pelvic Pain Acne (generally oily skin) Hirsutism (Excess+unwanted hair growth on face, neck, chest, back, toes, below belly button) Hair Loss or Thinning (especially male pattern) Dandruff Unintentional Weight Gain or Obesity (usually with extra weight around the waistline) Acanthosis nigricans (Patches of skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs that are thick and dark brown or black) Skin tags (excess flaps of skin in the armpits, neck or chest areas) Sleep apnea (when breathing stops for short periods of time while asleep) especially in those with a higher waist to hip ratio Chronic Fatigue This is not an exhaustive list & you may be experiencing other symptoms ! Stay tuned for tomorrows post on some inflammatory/ autoimmune conditions that can go along with PCOS & some cardiovascular risk factors that you want to know if you have Type A or B PCOS! See more

: PCOS has been categorized into 4 distinct phenotypes based on the presence/ absence of the following three characteristics: Hyperandrogenism (clinical presentation or lab evaluations), Ovulatory Dysfunction (Irregular Periods (9 or less/ year)) & Polycystic Ovaries (PCO) on Ultrasound. ( )- this is the most common presentation of this complex condition. It is characterized by presence of al...l three features: Hyperandrogenism, Ovulatory Dysfunction & PCO ( - )- which presents with Hyperandrogenism & Ovulatory Dysfunction ( )- this group has normal ovulation, but presents with Hyperandrogenism & PCO ( - )- the most controversial type. No Hyperandrogenism signs, but have Ovulatory Dysfunction & PCO. This phenotype sometimes gets excluded from PCOS diagnosis as they dont show many of the metabolic and androgenic clinical presentation, but they still experience many of the other common problems including infertility, mood disorders & sleep issues. , ? PCOS patients are at a higher risk for certain complications including infertility, metabolic and cardiovascular conditions. PCOS Type A & B have an elevated risk for these adverse cardio-metabolic outcomes while Type D is more at risk for fertility complications. Knowing the type of PCOS you personally are dealing with and working with a PCOS knowledgeable practitioner will hopefully empower you to take the right steps that are unique in healing your body and reducing negative outcomes. ? Follow along with me as I will continue to share about this complex condition based on my own personal experience & clinical expertise. PMID:31641635

: & ? September is # , which is a condition near and dear to my heart , so I am going to be sharing information, research, and resources about this condition based on what I have learned and what I have seen in practice over the upcoming weeks. , ?... PCOS stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome, which is a very misleading name since many people do not have cysts in their ovaries despite having other signs and symptoms of this condition. While, the cause is still unknown for this complex condition, we see an interplay of hormonal imbalance (no or very few and irregular periods) metabolic issues (insulin resistance, diabetes, high cholesterol & weight gain), and mental health concerns (insomnia, anxiety & depression). ? It is estimated that about 10 million womxn are affected with this condition worldwide, but I think due to the complexity of this condition and lack of access to proper medical evaluation, this number is an underestimation. ? Sadly, it takes PCOS patients an average of 3 doctors to be diagnosed....! Partly because this complex condition may mimic other conditions, as it affects all aspects of ones health (physical, mental and emotional), and partly due to lack of funding for research in this field. Currently, clinicians use the to assess and diagnose PCOS, which requires the presence of two of the following three for official diagnosis: Oligo/anovulation- few or no ovulation Hyperandrogenism- either high testosterone lab values OR physical appearance of high testosterone (hirsutism (excess facial and body hair), acne & hair loss) Presence of cyst(s) in the ovaries Next time, I will be delving into various signs, symptoms and labs that I look for and run for my patients who I am suspecting of having PCOS. If you have PCOS, or if you are just curious and have specific questions on this topic that would like answered, please reach out privately . Until next time, Dr. E Credit: Colours of Life Photography See more

I had so much fun continuing the conversation on holistic thyroid health with Joney from Rain or Shine Therapy. This time, I discussed the labs I lime to run for patients with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, and some of the most common physical exam findings she sees in her patients. We each also shared some tips and tricks to help you now while you are waiting to hear about your test results, or preparing to come see us or your other health care providers. Agai...n, this is not considered medical advice! Please advise your doctor or ND before changing your medications, supplements, diet etc or message me privately if you currently dont have an ND. Feel free to comment below with any questions you may have that we didnt answer, or any other topics you would like to learn more about ! Feel free to share these videos with anyone in your life who is struggling with thyroid issues.

You guys asked, so I have added one more evening shift to my schedule ! This is for those of you who work a 9-5 job, or for my stay at home moms who would like to come see me, but can only leave the house after your partner comes back from work. I got you covered ! So, come in for a relaxing evening acupuncture or an IV session or an initial consult to get a jumpstart on your health goals before the chaos of the holiday season . Feel free to reach out to me directly... here if you want to book in, or call @tonumeintegratedhealth reception at or visit my booking page at: https://tonume.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/69 I am here for you and all your health goals . See more

I had so much fun continuing the conversation on holistic thyroid health with Joney Rain or Shine Therapy. This time, we dived into the most common sings and symptoms we each see in our respective practices that show up in our patients with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Feel free to comment with any questions you may have that we didnt answer ! Next week, we will share how we each go about helping patients with thyroid disease !... Until then !

? In my practice, I have many of my patients bring their children to my office, so that they can truly be proactive with their kids health and wellness. One of my patients calls it a whole family affair ! I love helping parents establish sustainable foundations of health for their young ones, so that they can have robust minds and bodies as they start to navigate their lives into teens and beyond. ... Some of the most common reasons I see parents consulting with me are as followed: Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Colic and digestive discomfort Food sensitivities and Intolerances Sleep Challenges Mood Support (eg. Anxiety, Depression, Mood Swings) Behavioural Challenges School Performance, Productivity and Focus Headaches Low Energy Optimal Nutrition Consult Immune System Optimization Prescribing safe & indicated Herbs, Supplements, and Medications as necessary for acute issues such as ear infection, strep throat, travellers diarrhea and more I have an integrative approach to health care, and I am a huge fan of collaborating with other health care professionals such as your childs current Paediatrician. Curious about working with me as your family Naturopathic Physician? Shoot me a DM to set up a complimentary discovery call to see if we would be a great fit to work together . See more

Here is the link to the Facebook Live I just did with Rain or Shine Therapy in case you missed it, but was hoping to watch later . This is the first of a three part series on holistic healing for your thyroid (Mind-Body-Spirit Approach).

http:// // Resting is so essential for regulating our natural hormone production and maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm. This is why proper rest and sleep is one of the 5 pillars of health. Setting a functional and sustainable resting ritual and sleep hygiene is a conversation I have with all my patients at various points during our work together. In a culture, where hustle and bustle is rewarded and resting is considered an act of weakness,... I am here to remind you that RESTING & DECOMPRESSING is Absolutely ESSENTIAL & REQUIRED! So, today as we begin a new week with our goals and checklists, I want to ask you if you have prioritized resting in your busy schedule? If not, I ask you to reassess your list and to PRIORITIZE some you time to fill your cup. GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO TO MORE HUSTLE, AND TO MORE REPAIR AND HEALING WITHOUT FEELING GUILTY FOR DOING SO! Love, Dr. Elena See more

http:// // My heart is filled with so much gratitude ! Thank you so much for all the phone calls, emails, text messages and private and public messages on my social media for the past two days ! I am so lucky to have so many wonderful coworkers, friends,and family (near and far) thinking about me on my birthday . I am super excited for a few projects I have been working on, and I cant wait to share more detai...ls about them with you all soon! This is a face of one happy girl after spending the hottest day of summer today with a wonderful photographer @taishalee.photography having some professional headshots as well as other fun shots done. Cant wait to share these images with you soon. Thank you friends! I am truly excited for the next revolution around the sun ! See more

Hi friends , I am excited to announce that I'll be sharing my knowledge and passion about holistic thyroid health with you all as part of an educational mini series. I will be collaborating with Joney from Rain or Shine Therapy doing a facebook live this coming Monday, Aug 17th at 1:30pm PST about our thyroid, emotional & spiritual health. ... Join us by following our pages Dr. Elena Fenske, ND & Rain or Shine Therapy as the live will be hosted there.

: I am excited to announce that Taisha from @taishalee.photography and I are partnering up for a fun and candid chat about some common things patients wish they knew before seeing a Naturopathic Doctor for the first time . Have you always wondered what goes on in an initial naturopathic visit? What treatments are offered? And more? Then, you want to tune into this one . ... Feel free to send me any burning questions you may already have, and I be sure to include them if they are not already covered . See you in two short days ! See more

! Last week I celebrated my one year anniversary at this beautiful clinic I call my second home @tonumeintegratedhealth! This past year has brought up so much learning, unlearning and growth, but I feel so blessed to have been going through it all with my amazing team of holistic and likeminded practitioners who continue to lift me up ! ... ? ? These are some of the questions I ask all my patients on our first meeting. I ask them because job satisfaction is huge for mental health. When you look forward to going to work, this changes your whole chemistry and neurotransmitter production, which in turn influence your mood, outlook in life and overall quality of life ! Its okay to have to think things through, and it may take some time to find the right fit. Sometimes, it requires a complete career change as in my own story. I started full time Naturopathic medical school after 4 years of full time UBC athletic management experience all within a span of short three months. It was crazy scary to take that leap of faith, and leave the stable income, pension and other amazing benefits to pursue naturopathic medicine, but you know what? It was also exhilarating and oddly peaceful ! I took that forward step, and I have never looked back with regret through ups and downs! When you know, you know . , , : ? See more

As we enjoy these sunny, warmer days in Vancouver, I thought it was crucial to discuss the importance of choosing the right sunscreen for our health. To read the full article where u discuss different types of sunscreen currently available on market, pros and cons with each, and ultimately which one has the most evidence supporting its long term safety for humans and environment, please read my blog. The , ... Physical filters seem to be a far safer mode of broad-spectrum UV protection as compared to traditional organic counterparts. Physical barriers such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and staying in shade during the peak hours are still super important. Dont forget to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours and right after a swim or outdoor workout or towel drying your body even if the label claims that the products is sport proof. : https://www.drelenafenske.com//is-your-sunscreen-harming-y Questions? Feel free to comment below or DM me . PMID: 31939224, 29981751 See more

http:// & // Reading this quote evoked a sense of self reflection in me, and I wanted to share with you some of the questions that popped into my head yesterday. Feel free to share your thoughts with me, so we can collectively learn from each other and our unique experiences . Where would you put your current relationship with nature? ... How do you feel when you walk through a forest or hike a mountain? Do you think there is reciprocity between you and your environment? How do you see your current role as an individual to protect the Earth and other livings? Are there steps you can take in your professional life to advocate for sustainable and respectful relationship with our environment? For me, some of the answers came quickly and naturally while for some i have to research and dig deeper, but I am excited to grow my relationship to Earth deeper. What are your thoughts? Any other questions you would add to this list? Would love to hear from you ! See more

http:// // I am taking a couple of days off from clinic to attend a virtual womens health conference hosted by #instituteofwomenshealthandintegrativemedicine. Day 1 has been great so far ! ... Reviewed key herbs in supporting patients with mood disorders Learned about the role of sex hormones in autoimmunity development & their role in treatment Dived into Ayurvedic Medicine in supporting immunity and common chronic conditions I see in practice & so much more ... As a Naturopathic Doctor, continuing education is a key part of my practice. I do this to keep learning, and to stay up to date about the most recent evidence based treatments and new diagnostic approaches to make me more efficient at helping my patients in practice! I cant wait to share some of the information from this weekend with you guys . Do you prefer IG posts or Short IGTV videos? Let me know below . See more

#challengeaccepted Thank you for nominating me @withjuliajb ! I feel so privileged to be part of such a beautiful, resilient community of womxn who uplift me, support me and inspire me daily! One of my biggest passions is to empower, support and elevate other womxn as they continue to navigate their own paths ! ... I invite any of the beautiful womxn following this account to consider this an open invitation (if they feel inclined to do so) to share your favorite black and white picture too! Thanks @thebirdspapaya for the inspiration on open invitation. We are all worth it, We are all beautiful, We are Womxn ! Love, Dr. Elena See more

http:// // I am excited to announce that Joney from @rainorshinetherapy and I will be going live to discuss how emotions may be stored in our bodies, and how they can influence our health and wellness. On Wednesday July 22nd, we will be chatting specifically about the Thyroid, the little butterfly shaped endocrine gland that sits in front of our necks . Join us to learn about this topic, and to ask us any questions . ... Hope you can join us . See more

http://: // Today, I wanted to share about my own personal favorite superhero: Glutathione (aka GSH). Our bodies normally produce this amazing compound... But, certain genetic (deficiencies in enzymes involved in its production) , lifestyle (poor diets filled with saturated fats and simple carbs, dyes, flavouring & chemical additives) and environmental factors (toxins, certain drugs and alcohol) can hinder bodys natural ability to produce an...d maintain adequate GSH concentrations. Studies that have looked into insufficient concentrations of GSH in the liver specifically have discovered an increase in occurrence of various liver pathologies including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), & drug-induced injury (DILI). Since liver is critical in metabolizing and detoxifying ingested foods & drugs, its being constantly exposed to oxidative stress due to certain foods (Egan high fructose corn syrup, trans fats), drugs (eg. acetaminophen) and others. This oxidative damage is usually counteracted by our liver cells, which produce GSH as a protective mechanism. So naturally, inability of these cells to make sufficient amounts of this wonderful substance may contribute to further liver injury and damage. There is also a growing body of research to support its potential role in helping with conditions such as Allergic Rhinitis, Chronic rhinosinusitis, Chronic Ear Infections, Tonsillitis, Ménières disease, Laryngeal conditions, Chronic Cough, COPD, and various Autoimmune and Neurological conditions such as Diabetes, Autoimmune Hepatitis, MS, Parkinsons Disease and more In practice, I like to follow a vitamin/ mineral/ amino acid IV (see my last post) with a glutathione push for maximizing the benefit. I also frequently prescribe glutathione intramuscularly , or as a nebulized form or as a dietary supplement depending on what my patients and I are working on. Have questions? Comment below . I would love to help answer them for you! PMIDs: 27622960, 24842957, 23856494 See more

I felt called to share this gentle reminder with you today . Healing is not linear by Hana Shafi. ... This is a conversation I have daily with patients. While we celebrate all the wins and milestones together, it is important to remember that true healing takes time. There are some good days, some average days as well as some challenging ones that can make you question things or even lose hope. The important thing is to be patient, trust the healing process, and keep moving forward one step at a time . See more

http://Intravenous Nutrient Therapy // I have been getting a lot of inquiries about IV nutrient therapy since my Instagram story a couple of weeks ago, so I decided to do a quick introduction of what it is and some of the most common conditions I see in practice that it may benefit. What is it?... Intravenous nutrient therapy/ IV is a customized infusion of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants into the bloodstream. It bypasses the digestive system, which can be beneficial for many people with compromised digestive tracts. This method allows 100% of the nutrients to reach the cells directly without having to worry about absorption issues in the gut. What is in the bag? This therapy is individualized to each patient based on their current health and nutritional status. As such, each bag is unique to each person. This is why I like to review your most recent labs before your first IV session. Basic Myers IV include: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Calcium and B vitamins. Other nutrients that I commonly use include: Zinc, Selenium, Methyl folate (B9), Methylcobalamin (B12), trace minerals, amino acids such as Tryptophan, Glycine, Taurine and antioxidants such as Glutathione. Some common conditions that I treat in practice that IV therapy may be helpful for include: * Insomnia * HPA Axis Dysregulation * Low Immune Function (Frequent Cold & Flus or Slow Recovery) * Anxiety/ Depression * Chronic Fatigue * Fibromyalgia * Headaches/ Migraines * Celiac Disease * Chrons/ Ulcerative Colitis * Nutrient Deficiencies due to Other Malabsorption Issues * Hormonal imbalances (PMS/ Cramps/ Absent or Irregular Periods) * Hair/ Skin Concerns (Hirsutism, Acne, Alopecia) * Fertility Support (eg. Enhancing Egg and Sperm Quality) * Allergies (Seasonal and otherwise) * Liver Disease(NAFLD) * Detoxification & Metabolism Support * Post Sport Event Rehydration/ Recovery Have questions? Would like to know whether this therapy is right for you? DM me . I would love to help. https://www.instagram.com/p/CCrH-JyB_PS/

I am still reminiscing over past weekend family getaway to West Kelowna for a much needed R & R ! I am so grateful to have had this time to reconnect with my family and make new memories together. As much as I loved this past weekend, I am so happy to be back seeing new, and returning patients, full time once again @tonumeintegratedhealth ! ... I am going to slowly restart sharing medical content on this account, but I will also continue sharing snip-its from my personal/ family life as well as re-sharing content from my favourite BIPOC accounts . If you have suggestions on topics you are interested in seeing/learning more about, please share them below . I will do my best to include the suggested topics over the next few months along with others I have already been planning on sharing with you . Credit: Jenny Fenske Brandt

Happy Canada Day Everyone ! While we celebrate this beautiful country today, I would like to acknowledge that as a Naturopathic Doctor who serves the greater Vancouver, I feel privileged to work and live on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples swxwú7mesh (Squamish), selílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xmkym (Musqueam) nations.

http:// // There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. I wanted to share this quote with you by Maya Angelou from her autobiography, because it seemed like a timely and relevant reminder these days. ... In this quote, she shares with her readers about the pain caused by being silent and not speaking your truth. She then shares her own unique story of her inability to speak for 5 years after being sexually assaulted by her step father. It was not until she was encouraged to read poetry out loud that she regained her voice and began her healing . Maya was an inspiration and a beacon of light for many POC in marginalized communities. She shared her voice and her stories to fight for civil rights . Today, we all need to listen to her and use our voices for the betterment of our world . See more

http:// // In honour of naturopathic medicine week, I wanted to share with you one of my favourite quotes by Hippocrates as it relates to one of the the 6 guiding principles of #naturopathicmedicine, the healing power of nature. This principle recognizes bodys inherent ability to heal itself by having precise & pre-determined mechanisms in place to remove and replace damaged tissues resulting from an acute injury or chronic or repetitive damage. ... That said, throughout the course of our lives, certain factors dictated by our unique genetics or environment we live in (eg. environmental toxins, poor nutrition, poor stress management, toxic relationships, inadequate sleep and lack of physical activity) can slow or prevent our bodies optimal healing ability. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I focus on identifying and removing these obstacles to your recovery that are individual to you and your unique circumstance, so that body can utilize its optimal natural healing abilities. As an ND, it is my honour and privilege to work with each patient, and assist them to tap into their bodys inherent potential to achieve optimal health and wellness, which include physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. See more

http:// // Week of May 24th to 30th is marked as the naturopathic medicine week. This years celebrations look a bit different since we cannot hold any in person events such as talks, workshops and open houses due to this pandemic. That said, I am still excited to share lots of posts highlighting various aspects of #natmed written by myself and my ND colleagues to celebrate this wonderful profession. I also wanted to let you know about a wond...erful opportunity to win a free initial visit with a BC ND courtesy of our professional association #bcna : . Enter the contest by clicking the link on my profile , and then the top link labeled BCNA Naturopathic Medicine Week Daily Contest Link. . Once one the site, please watch the short daily video and answer the question next to it. . Every day, all eligible entrants who have successfully answered the daily quiz question will be entered in a draw. Each day, one entrant will win a $175 voucher for a visit to a naturopathic doctor in BC. . There are seven prizes available, one for each day of Naturopathic Medicine Week. Everyone who enters (and didnt win) is entered for an eighth draw, for a $175 grand prize. *Reminder that this is a , so please visit the page and complete the quiz every day for a chance to win a free consult . Questions? Send me DM. See more

http:// // Yesterday was my first day back in clinic, and it was so nice to be back and see some patients in person ! I will continue to offer telemedicine visits to my regular patients as well as new patients since many of my patients have been loving the convenience of staying in the comfort of their homes during our sessions. That said, I wanted to be there for patients who absolutely require an in-person appointment (acupuncture, cupping, laser, Injections ...etc). My schedule has been modified to accommodate patients for both in person and telemedicine consults for the next few weeks: Tuesdays: 3-7PM (clinic) Wednesdays:11AM-4PM (telemedicine) Thursdays: 3-7PM (clinic) Fridays: 11AM-7PM (clinic and online) @tonumeintegratedhealth has taken extensive precautionary measures to ensure safety of our patients and practitioners. Some of these steps include: prescreening questionnaire to be completed 24 hours before each visit Temperature check at the front desk for all staff and patients upon entering the clinic Face mask while in clinic for everyone gloves, lab coat & googles/ face shields worn by practitioners during the visit as necessary Staggered appointment times and limited number of practitioners per shift to ensure less traffic in between patient visits Frequent sanitizing (before/ in between/ after each patient visit) of all surface areas in the treatment room and common areas For a detailed list of all precautionary steps implemented by clinic and myself, please check out the link in my bio. I am here to address all your health concerns during these challenging times . Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the new setup or my style of practice. See more

As we slowly transition into the reopening phase of this pandemic, our collective is experiencing yet another mix of emotions, which at times, may make us feel alienated and lonely. I found this poem really comforting and wanted to share it with you as we navigate these times. You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees... for a hundred miles through the desert repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers. Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again. Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting over and over announcing your place in the family of things. Mary Oliver- "Wild Geese" See more

http://Nourishing & Rejuvenating Oil for Dry Hands/// Anyone elses hands feel as dry & sensitive as mine due to using hand sanitizers or hand washing more frequently ? If you are with me, then this fun DYI hand oil blend is just what your hands (and nose because this blend smell amazing) need . ... Ingredients: Avocado oil- 2tsp Jojoba oil- 10 drops Carrot oil- 10 drops Evening primrose oil- 10 drops Vitamin E- 1/2tsp (or break open 2 capsules if thats what you have on hand) Rose E.O- 4 drops Lemon E.O- 2 drops GeraniumE.O- 1 drop Frankincense E.O- 2 drops Direction: Place all ingredient in a small mason jar or glass container and mix well. Apply a small amount of this blend to your hands 2-4 times daily as needed (depending on how dry and/ or cracked your hands feel). Caution- please avoid eyelids and eyes, and dont ingest any of the essential oils. In case of known sensitivity and/or allergy, please avoid those ingredients and replace with another oil. Disclaimer- this is not meant as a medical advice, so please consult your healthcare provider before using any new natural health products. See more

http://Monday Motivational Quote// to heal you have to get to the root ... of the wound and kiss it all the way up . . . Another great poem by Rupi Kaur that really resonated with me this week. True healing happens when we spend the time needed to look at the root cause of the problem as this poem suggests. This takes time, patience and resilience as we have to look at all the parts that make us whole including our physical, mental and spiritual health. It will be painful at times, but oh so worth it at the end. See more

Happy Mothers Day to all the women who continue to play a maternal role in someone elses life. Happy Mothers Day to birth moms, surrogate moms, step moms, adopted moms, grieving moms, single moms, expecting moms, mom-in-laws and those who long to be moms. And a special Happy Mothers Day to my very own mom Poury Joon! You may live in a different continent and a different time zone, and I may not have had the privilege to hold you in my arms for 4 years, but... your unconditional and unwavering love is palpable even from afar. I love you and cherish our shared memories, and all your teachings and life lessons. And last but not least, sending love and compassion who find days like today painful due to their own unique losses, severed bonds, and abandonment memories. Your stories and feelings are just as valid . See more

http:// // While it is important to address and treat the root cause of menstrual health concerns including dysmenorrhea (aka painful period), it is also helpful to reach some degree of pain relief in the meantime. The following herbs are some of my favourite herbs that I use regularly in clinic to support my patients with dysmenorrhea, in combination with other herbs, nutraceutical and lifestyle interventions based on their unique health c...oncerns and individual needs. Zingiber officinalis (Ginger)- Oleo-resins found in this herb may have anti-inflammatory properties by acting as an antagonist for substance P & acetylcholine receptors. Its volatile oils may have an anti-spasmodic and analgesic effects. Vibernum opulus (Crampbark)- Coumarins found in this herb are a skeletal and smooth muscle relaxant and antispasmodic with an affinity for uterus and blood vessels. Its Salicylate contents has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, which may further help with reducing cramps and back pain during the first few days of menstrual cycle. Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon)- its volatile oils may have an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory role by inhibiting cyclooxygenase & lipooxygenase. Valeriana officinalis (Valerian)- its volatile oils are responsible for its sedative & antispasmodic properties while valerenic acid plays a part in smooth & skeletal muscle relaxation. Rosa damascene (Damask rose)- the flavonoids found in this flower may delay arachidonic acid metabolism of cyclooxygenase explaining its efficacy as an analgesic both topically and orally. Angelica sinensis (Dong quai)- combination of volatile oils & phytosterols make this herb a widely popular female tonic to address various gynaecological concerns including painful cramps. I like to use it as a long-term herbal option and not acutely as it increases the blood flow, which may increase menstrual bleeding in the first few days of the cycle. Disclaimer: content provided here is for information purpose only, and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a licence health professional for your individual health concerns. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. PMID: 22781186, 27647013, 30396627, 26023350, 27502800, 24719710, 21959068