Dr Tori Hudson Women’s Health Resource Centre
The diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of womens’ health issues exists as a high priority for Nutritional Fundamentals for Health Inc. As such, we are pleased to announce the launch of Dr Tori Hudson Women’s Health Resource Centre.
Dr Hudson is a nationally recognized author, speaker, educator, researcher, clinician, and the first woman in the United States to become a full professor of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr Hudson serves on several editorial boards, advisory panels, and as a respected medical advisor to Nutritional Fundamentals for Health.
Intended to serve as a trusted reference library for active practitioners seeking the latest evidence-based guidance on prevention and management of women’s health issues, the Women’s Health Resource Centre is an organized collection of multimedia resources researched and written by Dr Tori Hudson as well as other leading experts in natural medicine for women.
INDEX
Clinical handbook: Women’s Health Overview
Clinical Management of Womens’ Health by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of womens’ health issues exists as a high priority for health care professionals. This priority is shared by our team at Nutritional Fundamentals for Health where we offer a cluster of products aimed at providing natural medicine heath care to women.
Dr Tori Hudson’s Research Favorites in Womens’ Health
Women’s Health Update: Lifestyle Habits That Make a Difference by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Positive outcomes of Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Air, Rest, Nature, Avoid harmful substances, Mental/Emotional health and support, and Trust in a greater power than our own.
Recent Research Highlights by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Another list of selected research studies in gynecological and primary care for women.
Research Favorites- Recent Research Highlights by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Several studies in gynecological and primary care for women.
Perimenopause, Menopause, and Hormone Therapy
Perimenopause/Menopause Symptom Management- Hot flashes, Sleep disturbances, Depression, and Anxiety by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
This webinar intends to enhance your skills in helping women with Vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbances, and mood changes which are among the most common symptoms in perimenopause/menopause
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Major Depression in Perimenopausal/ Menopausal Women by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Omega‑3 fatty acids can be effective to decrease hot flash frequency and improve quality of life.
Managing difficult cases in menopause by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Perimenopause/Menopause case management, common to complex.
St John’s Wort Extract May Help Manage Postmenopausal Symptoms and Depression by Dr Peter Alphonse, PhD
A clinical study highlighting the effects of St John’s wort extract on hot flashes, menopausal symptoms, and depression in postmenopausal women.
Dr Tori’s Commentary:
From this study, it’s a fair conclusion that SJW significantly improved both the frequency and severity of hot flashes, general menopausal symptoms, and mild to moderate depression. I would be more comfortable if the study was at least 12 weeks. This study is consistent with other positive studies for St John’s Wort in mild to moderate depression, and at least one other study in perimenopausal women, and one study in postmenopausal women, using SJW for hot flashes in menopausal women. Given that hot flashes and mood changes such as depression are a common perimenopause/menopause experience, I would have SJW as a top choice in addressing both of these symptoms. And don’t forget about those two past SJW/black cohosh studies as well.
Probiotics Reduce Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Obese Post-Menopausal Women by Dr David Lescheid, ND, PhD
Potential adjunctive therapeutic use of Probiotics in cardiovascular disease risk management.
Dr Tori’s Commentary:
Probiotics continue to be the recent and current darling of nutraceutical research… And for good reason. The continued expanded clinical uses, and the deeper understanding of the species and strains needed for therapeutic impact and optimal benefit based on the organ system or clinical condition being treated, will be even more important moving forward. In time, for as many clinical conditions as possible, we will want to know: What dose? What species? What strain? What duration? What outcome to expect?
Ashwagandha for Improving Sleep Quality By Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Difficulty sleeping/insomnia is one of the most common issues women face, and is one of the most common complaints of women going through the menopause transition and the most common sleep disorder in the general population. Ashwagandha is one of those plants that has possibilities. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine to help with sleep, anxiety and insomnia for generations.
Fertility
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Infertility: Additions to Natural Medicine Adjunctive Care by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
An interesting study looking at the clinical utility of black cohosh in inducing ovulation in women with PCOS.
The Efficacy of Melatonin in the Treatment of Endometriosis by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
The effects of melatonin on endometriosis-associated pelvic pain, brain-derived neurotrophic factor level, and sleep quality.
N-Acetylcysteine and Endometriosis by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
An observational cohort study designed to compare the progression of ovarian endometriomas in N‑acetylcysteine (NAC) treated patients and untreated control patients.
Uterine Fibroids: An Overview, and Select Natural Therapies by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Two studies on natural therapies demonstrating potential use in both shrinking uterine fibroids and reducing symptoms-green tea extract and black cohosh.
Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis
Select Treatments for Osteoarthritis in Women by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
The use of botanicals in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.
Thyroid Issues
Myo-inositol and Selenium combination Reverses Thyroid Antibodies in Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Chronic autoimmune hypothyroidism is one of the most common autoimmune diseases affecting more than 10% of women and 2% of men.
Uterine Fibroids Maybe Reduced with Green Tea Plus Vitamin D By Dr Tori Hudson, ND
The current study, along with support of the small amount of previous data on vitamin D and EGCG supports the possibility that a simple and safe approach could at least offer something more than wait and watch, and possibly for some, may spare them a surgery and improve their myoma symptoms and quality of life…
Pregnancy and Childbirth
DHA/EPA Supplementation During Pregnancy is Effective in Reducing Preterm Birth by Dr Bruce Holub, PhD
Recent analysis demonstrating the potential benefits of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids DHA/EPA to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Dr Tori’s Commentary:
I’m very happy to see this Cochrane Review on this topic because the literature has been mixed and it has been hard to come to a conclusion as to whether or not omega-3 fish oils will reduce pre-term deliveries. One can only hope that even with more robust dosing than was generally used, we would see even better outcomes with gestational age, as has been seen with select individual studies within this Cochrane Review.
Importance of High DHA supplementation in Childbearing-Age, Pregnant and lactating Women by Dr Bruce Holub, PhD
Improved nutritional education of childbearing-age and pregnant women is needed to ensure adequate dietary intakes of omega-3 fatty acids for optimal health of mother and child.
Dr. Tori’s Commentary:
The low intake of fish/seafood and from nutrient supplementation continues to wreak havoc in women’s health, as well as their offspring. Implications in women’s health span a wide swath including the pregnancy related outcomes and peri-natal death, but also postpartum mood disorders, chronic depression, primary dysmenorrhea, select autoimmune disorders, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, migraines, cardiovascular disease, NAFLD, chronic skin disorders, and even more.
Probiotic supplementation reduces bone loss in older women with low bone mineral density by David Lescheid, ND, PhD
Can Probiotics be considered as an adjunctive therapy to help prevent bone loss and osteoporosis during aging in postmenopausal women?
Dr Tori’s Commentary:
While I’m pleased to see this study and intrigued by yet another role for probiotics in women’s health, measuring the bone mineral density of the tibia and ensuing values is not a current determinant of measuring bone density or assessing fracture risk. A future critical evaluation to really determine the role of probiotics as a supplement for reducing bone loss, will need to be a study that assess lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck bone mineral density, and includes whether or not probiotics actually reduce the risk of fracture. That is the key determinant of any intervention for bone loss in postmenopausal women. This kind of study would need to span far longer than 12 months.
Botanicals for Women’s Health by Dr Jodie Peacock, ND
A webinar focusing on botanicals and nutrients that have a direct impact on women’s health.
Dr Tori’s Commentary
I enjoyed Dr Peacock’s reporting on these studies as I too find most of them quite useful in my clinical practice. Practitioners viewing this might be interested in the additional impressive studies on lavender extract in general anxiety disorder as well and co-existing anxiety-depression. Lavender extract supplementation is my main go to product for general anxiety disorder. It is intended to be taken daily and is not an as needed kind of quick acting product. I would caution folks about black cohosh and think of black cohosh as NOT having any kind of estrogenic effect. It is not classified as a phytoestrogen nor as having any estrogen effect or estrogen balancing effect from the modern research of the last 10-20 years.
A question came up in this webinar about sage for hot flashes. I heard about the historical use of sage for hot flashes long ago but never tried it. Then I came across two studies, although I have no experience in prescribing it. In one, a tablet of fresh sage leaves was given daily for 8 weeks. In the treatment group, there was a significant decrease in the total score of the mean number of intensity-rated hot flushes (TSIRHF) by 50% within 4 weeks and by 64% within 8 weeks (P<0.0001). The mean total number of hot flushes per day decreased significantly each week from week 1 to 8. The mean number of mild, moderate, severe, and very severe flushes decreased by 46%, 62%, 79%, and 100% over 8 weeks, respectively. The menopause rating scale (MRS) and its somato-vegetative, psychological, and urogenital subscales decreased significantly by 43%, 43%, 47%, and 20% respectively.
Reference: Bommer, S, Klein P, Suter A. First time proof of sage’s tolerability and efficacy in menopausal women with hot flushes. Advances in Therapy 2011; volume 28: 490–500
In an older and smaller study, extracts of the leaves of Salvia officinalis (sage) and Medicago sativa (alfalfa) in the treatment of hot flushes was tested in 30 menopausal women with these symptoms. Hot flushes and night sweating completely disappeared in 20 women: four women showed good improvement and the other six showed a reduction in symptoms. (the article is in Italian so I do not have additional information as to the dose and duration).
Reference De Leo V, Lanzetta D, Cazzavacca R, Morgante G. [Treatment of neurovegetative menopausal symptoms with a phytotherapeutic agent]. Minerva Ginecol. 1998 May;50(5):207-11.
Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, and Other Female Cancers
Can the COVID-19 Vaccine Affect Mammogram Results? By Dr Tori Hudson, ND
This blog explains how the COVID-19 vaccine can temporarily affect lymph nodes that then can give a false result on the mammogram.
Breast Related Issues by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Fibrocystic Breast Changes and Nutrient Solutions. How to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Green Tea and Reduction of Breast Cancer Risk and Recurrence by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate green tea consumption and breast cancer risk, recurrence, and risk in relationship to menopause status.
Mushroom Medicine in Women’s Health by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Webinar on Mushrooms used in health care for treating both simple and complex diseases.
Women and Heart Disease
Berberine Improves Lipids by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
A meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of berberine’s influence on lipids.
Multivitamin–Mineral Use Associated with Lower Risk of Death from Cardiovascular Disease in U.S. Women by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Two randomized clinical trials on whether or not vitamin and mineral supplements are effective for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Green Tea Effects on Weight Reduction by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Green tea has been studied for its beneficial effects on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Access The Complete NFH Library
For almost 20 years, we’ve been inviting top international experts in academic clinical research, as well as leaders in naturopathic medicine, to contribute white papers, clinical guidelines, and evidence-based research to our library. We make this library available free to registered health professionals.
Key Nutraceutical Therapies
Ginger in Women’s Health Care: Menstrual Cramps, Heavy Menses, Nausea of Pregnancy, Acute Migraines by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Recent research in using ginger for problems of great importance to women including menstrual cramps, heavy menses, nausea/vomiting of pregnancy, and migraine pains.
Effect of N-acetylcysteine on Bronchiectasis by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) a dietary supplement used to reduce the number of exacerbations, the volume of sputum, and improve quality of life.
The Effect of Ginger Extract on Nausea due to Chemotherapy by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
The association of ginger with better chemotherapy induced nausea related quality of life and less cancer related fatigue.
Two Nutrients for the Aging Brain by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Botanicals and nutraceuticals could have a potential role in slowing progression of cognitive impairment and/or dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, improving cognition and memory, and improve behavior in those with dementia.
Consider Saffron for Fibromyalgia by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial compared the effects of saffron and duloxetine on symptoms in patients with FM.
Make the Ringing Stop: Melatonin for the Treatment of Chronic Tinnitus in Adults by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
The results of using melatonin for the treatment of chronic tinnitus in adults.
Burning Mouth Syndrome— A New Study on alpha-Lipoic Acid by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrated the efficacy of ALA as one of the most effective treatments for burning mouth syndrome.
Effects of Fish oil and Vitamin B1 on Primary Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps) by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
A study shows that we can use vitamin B1, fish oil, or a combination, and expect improvement over one or two menstrual cycles.
Ginger in Women’s Health Care: Menstrual Cramps, Heavy Menses, Nausea of Pregnancy, Acute Migraines by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Recent research in using ginger for problems of great importance to women including menstrual cramps, heavy menses, nausea/vomiting of pregnancy, and migraine pains.
Top 5 herbs in women’s health by Dr Tori Hudson by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Chaste Tree, Black Cohosh, St John’s Wort, Ginger and Green tea in covering most territory in treating women.
Melatonin- More Than A Sleep Aid; Clinical Uses in Primary Care and Women’s Health by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Webinar discussing Melatonin expanded uses in treating cancer, reproductive conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and many other health issues.
Dry Eye Syndrome in Women by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Information about Dry Eye Syndrome and treatment.
Turmeric and Cirrhosis- Yet Another Use for this Remarkable Medicine by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Turmeric and it’s main bioactive component, curcumin has previously reported benefits in liver injury and cirrhosis. In this critical review, Dr Tori Hudson discusses a recent randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial that investigated the effects of curcumin supplementation on health-related quality of life in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Green Tea with Antibiotics for Simple Bladder Infections By Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Bladder infections in otherwise healthy pre-menopausal and non-pregnant women tend to be uncomplicated and are classified as lower urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are amongst the most common infections in women and Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the organism that is the most common, responsible for about 75-95% of uncomplicated UTIs.
Vitamin D supplementation May Help Primary Dysmenorrhea (your average case of menstrual cramps, not caused by endometriosis)
Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as menstrual pain without any pelvic pathology. This is the most common menstrual symptom in adolescent girls and young women. The onset of menstrual pain usually occurs just before or at the first onset of the menstrual flow and typically lasts 0.5-3 days. Some women have additional symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and even nausea/vomiting and diarrhea.
Valerian Root for Sleep Disorders- A Further Understanding By Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Valerian root is one herb that has a long tradition of use for sleep disorders. The results of studies have been mixed. The current paper is a systematic review and meta-analysis with the hope of bringing some clarity as to efficacy and to offer possible explanations for the inconsistent research…
The Effect of N-acetyl cysteine on Uterine Fibroids By Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Uterine fibroids (aka leiomyomas) are a common benign uterine tumor that originates from the smooth muscle of the uterus. They are not cancerous growths. The incidence in general, in US women is about 9.6% of the female population, but it is more common in black women with an incidence of 18.5% (and possibly other nonwhite women) …
Cranberry and UTI Prophylaxis in Susceptible Individuals – A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis by Dr Tori Hudson, ND
The current systematic review and meta-analysis was done to evaluate the effects of cranberry intake for preventing and treating UTIs in susceptible populations…
Theanine – Simple, Safe, My Favorite Uses By Dr Tori Hudson, ND
Most of my experience with using L-theanine is in general anxiety disorders, co-existing depression-anxiety, stress, and to a lesser degree, cognitive function. I will focus on those…
Mental Health
The Effect of N-acetyl cysteine on Uterine Fibroids By Dr Tori Hudson, ND
While some readers may already have experience with art and/or music therapy, most of us are likely unfamiliar with the increasing number of randomized controlled trials (RCT) and two Cochrane systematic reviews on the effect of music therapy for depression. An overall result is that music therapy provides short term benefits for individuals with depression and is more effective than treatment as usual (TAU).
Sexual Health, Birth Control, and Gynecology
Check back soon for new updated resources on these topics.
