Conditions
Explore conditions Dr. Sanika treats with personalized, evidence-based naturopathic care.
Acne & Hormonal Skin Issues
Acne is a common skin condition affecting approximately 50 million Americans annually, characterized by clogged pores, pimples, cysts, and inflammation. While often dismissed as a cosmetic issue, acne can significantly impact self-esteem and quality of life. Acne results from complex interactions between hormones, sebum production, bacterial overgrowth (particularly Cutibacterium acnes), inflammation, and pore blockage. Hormonal acne, particularly common in women, is driven by androgen hormones stimulating excess sebum production. Addressing acne requires understanding the underlying drivers including hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, gut health, inflammation, and dietary factors.
Anxiety & Stress Disorders
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions, affecting approximately 40 million American adults. While occasional anxiety is a normal response to stress, anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry and fear that interfere with daily activities. Anxiety manifests through both psychological symptoms like worry and fear, and physical symptoms including rapid heartbeat, sweating, and muscle tension. The mind-body connection in anxiety is profound, with gut health, hormone balance, nutrition, and lifestyle factors significantly influencing anxiety symptoms.
Bloating & Digestive Discomfort
Bloating is characterized by a feeling of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the abdomen, often accompanied by visible abdominal distension. It is one of the most common digestive complaints, affecting up to 30% of the general population. Bloating can significantly impact quality of life and may indicate underlying digestive dysfunction such as dysbiosis, food sensitivities, SIBO, or impaired gut motility.
Constipation & Bowel Irregularity
Constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements (typically fewer than three per week), difficulty passing stools, or a sense of incomplete evacuation. It affects approximately 16% of adults worldwide and up to 33% of people over age 60. Chronic constipation can significantly impact quality of life and may indicate underlying issues with gut motility, microbiome balance, thyroid function, or lifestyle factors including inadequate fiber, hydration, or physical activity.
Depression & Mood Disorders
Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a serious mood disorder affecting how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It affects approximately 21 million American adults and is characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a range of emotional and physical problems. Depression involves complex interactions between brain chemistry, hormones, inflammation, gut health, nutritional status, and environmental factors. While conventional treatment focuses on medication and psychotherapy, comprehensive naturopathic approaches address underlying physiological imbalances contributing to depression.
Diabetes & Pre-Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production (Type 1) or insulin resistance (Type 2). Pre-diabetes is an intermediate state where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range. Type 2 diabetes affects over 37 million Americans, while approximately 96 million adults have pre-diabetes. Without intervention, up to 70% of people with pre-diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes. These conditions increase risk for cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, neuropathy, vision loss, and other serious complications.
Eczema & Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, inflamed skin. It affects approximately 31 million Americans, with onset commonly occurring in childhood though it can develop at any age. Eczema involves a complex interaction between genetic predisposition, immune dysfunction, skin barrier impairment, environmental triggers, and allergies. The condition often coexists with other atopic diseases including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergies, suggesting shared underlying immune dysregulation.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic tissues. This misplaced tissue responds to hormonal cycles, causing inflammation, scarring, and adhesions. Affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age (190 million worldwide), endometriosis is a leading cause of pelvic pain and infertility. Symptoms often begin in adolescence but diagnosis is frequently delayed by an average of 7-10 years.
Chronic Fatigue & Adrenal Dysfunction
Chronic fatigue and adrenal dysfunction encompass persistent tiredness that is not relieved by rest and often worsens with physical or mental exertion. Adrenal dysfunction, sometimes referred to as HPA axis dysregulation, occurs when the body's stress response system becomes imbalanced due to chronic stress, leading to abnormal cortisol patterns and widespread symptoms affecting energy, mood, sleep, and immune function. This condition affects millions of people, particularly women juggling multiple responsibilities.
Fibroids
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. Composed of smooth muscle and connective tissue, fibroids can range from seedling-sized to large masses that can distort the uterine shape. They are remarkably common, affecting 70-80% of women by age 50, with higher prevalence among African American women. While many fibroids are asymptomatic, approximately 25-30% of women experience significant symptoms requiring treatment. Size, number, and location determine symptom severity and treatment approaches.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to chronic inflammation and gradual destruction of thyroid tissue. This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States, affecting approximately 14 million Americans. Women are seven times more likely to develop Hashimoto's than men, with peak incidence occurring between ages 30-50.
Heartburn & GERD
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic, more severe form of acid reflux occurring at least twice weekly. GERD affects approximately 20% of Americans and can lead to complications including esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and increased esophageal cancer risk if left untreated. While often treated with acid-suppressing medications, addressing root causes provides more sustainable relief.
High Cholesterol & Dyslipidemia
Dyslipidemia refers to abnormal levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, including elevated LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high triglycerides. High cholesterol affects approximately 93 million American adults and is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. While genetics play a role, diet, lifestyle, and metabolic factors significantly influence cholesterol levels. Understanding the complexity beyond total cholesterol—including particle size, oxidation status, and inflammatory markers—is essential for cardiovascular risk assessment.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high, typically defined as 130/80 mmHg or higher. It affects nearly half of American adults and is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health complications. Often called the 'silent killer' because it typically has no symptoms, hypertension develops over years and is influenced by genetics, diet, lifestyle, stress, and underlying metabolic dysfunction.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body's metabolic needs. This underactive thyroid can slow down metabolic processes, leading to fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and cognitive difficulties. It affects approximately 5% of the general population, with women being significantly more likely to develop the condition, especially during and after menopause.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits including diarrhea, constipation, or both. It affects approximately 10-15% of the global population, with women being twice as likely to develop IBS as men. While IBS does not cause structural damage to the digestive tract, it significantly impacts quality of life. The condition involves complex interactions between the gut microbiome, gut-brain axis, intestinal motility, and visceral sensitivity.
Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, affecting approximately 50% of women at some point in their lives, with prevalence increasing with age, childbirth, and menopause. Types include stress incontinence (leakage with coughing, sneezing, exercise), urge incontinence (sudden strong urge followed by leakage), and mixed incontinence (combination of both). While extremely common, incontinence is not a normal part of aging and significantly impacts quality of life, physical activity, social engagement, and emotional wellbeing. Many women suffer in silence, unaware that effective treatments exist.
Indigestion & Acid Reflux
Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, refers to discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen often associated with eating. Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation. These conditions affect approximately 20% of the population and can significantly impact quality of life. While occasional indigestion is common, persistent symptoms may indicate underlying issues such as low stomach acid, H. pylori infection, hiatal hernia, or stress-related digestive dysfunction.
Infertility Support
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (or 6 months for women over 35). Affecting approximately 1 in 8 couples, infertility can result from female factors, male factors, or a combination of both. Common causes include ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, uterine abnormalities, poor egg or sperm quality, age-related decline in fertility, and unexplained infertility where no specific cause is identified. The emotional toll of infertility is significant, often involving grief, anxiety, relationship stress, and financial burden. Comprehensive naturopathic support can address underlying factors, optimize fertility potential, and support couples through their conception journey whether pursuing natural conception or assisted reproductive technologies.
Mood Imbalances & Emotional Health
Mood imbalances encompass a range of emotional fluctuations and dysregulation that don't necessarily meet criteria for major depression or anxiety disorders but significantly impact quality of life. These include irritability, emotional reactivity, low motivation, mood swings, and general emotional instability. Mood regulation involves complex interactions between neurotransmitters, hormones, blood sugar, gut health, inflammation, sleep, and stress. Women are particularly susceptible to mood fluctuations related to hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.
Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain is persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis lasting six months or longer. It affects approximately 15% of women of reproductive age and can significantly impact quality of life, relationships, and daily functioning. Pelvic pain can stem from gynecological conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, urological issues, musculoskeletal dysfunction, or nerve sensitization. Many cases involve multiple overlapping conditions. The pain may be constant or intermittent, sharp or dull, and may worsen with certain activities, positions, or during specific times in the menstrual cycle.
Perimenopause & Menopause
Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause when ovarian function gradually declines and hormonal fluctuations intensify. Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without menstruation, marking the end of reproductive years. The menopausal transition typically begins in the mid-40s and lasts 4-8 years, though timing varies widely. During this time, declining estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect multiple body systems. Approximately 75% of women experience vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats), while many others face sleep disturbances, mood changes, cognitive shifts, and metabolic changes.
PMS/PMDD
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are hormone-related conditions affecting women in the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. While PMS involves mild to moderate physical and emotional symptoms, PMDD is a severe form causing significant mood disturbances, depression, irritability, and anxiety that can interfere with daily functioning. Studies suggest PMS affects up to 75% of menstruating women, while PMDD affects approximately 5-8% of women of reproductive age.
Postpartum Recovery
Postpartum recovery encompasses the physical, hormonal, and emotional transition following childbirth, traditionally known as the "fourth trimester." This critical period involves profound physiological changes as the body returns to a non-pregnant state, including uterine involution, hormone shifts, tissue healing, establishment of milk supply, and musculoskeletal recovery. Beyond the standard 6-week postpartum check, comprehensive recovery typically requires 6-12 months or longer. Common challenges include fatigue, mood changes, pelvic floor dysfunction, diastasis recti, pain, difficulty breastfeeding, and difficulty regaining pre-pregnancy fitness or body composition. Many women feel unsupported during this vulnerable transition, struggling with unrealistic expectations while managing the demands of newborn care.
Preconception Care
Preconception care focuses on optimizing health and wellness before pregnancy to support fertility, healthy conception, and the best possible pregnancy outcomes. This proactive approach addresses nutritional status, hormonal balance, detoxification pathways, and lifestyle factors that influence egg and sperm quality, implantation success, and fetal development. Ideally beginning 3-6 months before attempting conception, preconception care creates the optimal internal environment for pregnancy. This period allows time to address nutrient deficiencies, balance hormones, reduce toxic burden, establish healthy habits, and resolve underlying health conditions that could affect fertility or pregnancy health.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting approximately 8 million Americans, characterized by rapid skin cell turnover leading to thick, scaly plaques. While psoriasis manifests in the skin, it is a systemic inflammatory condition with genetic, immune, and environmental components. The condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, accelerating their production cycle from about 28 days to just 3-4 days. This rapid turnover causes cells to accumulate on the skin surface, forming characteristic raised, red, scaly patches. Psoriasis often coexists with other inflammatory conditions including psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and increased cardiovascular risk.
Recurrent UTIs
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are defined as two or more infections within six months or three or more within one year. Affecting millions of women annually, recurrent UTIs significantly impact quality of life, sexual health, and emotional wellbeing. While acute UTIs are common, experiencing frequent recurrences suggests underlying factors that need to be addressed beyond antibiotic treatment alone. Contributing factors may include incomplete bladder emptying, hormonal changes affecting the urinary tract lining, disrupted vaginal microbiome, structural abnormalities, or lifestyle factors. Chronic antibiotic use for recurrent UTIs can further disrupt beneficial bacteria and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting approximately 16 million Americans, characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps. While the exact cause remains unclear, rosacea involves vascular dysfunction, inflammatory processes, immune dysregulation, and microbiome alterations. The condition typically affects the central face including cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Rosacea is more common in fair-skinned individuals and often begins after age 30. Beyond cosmetic concerns, rosacea can cause burning sensations, eye irritation, and psychological distress impacting quality of life.
Sexual Dysfunction
Female sexual dysfunction encompasses a range of concerns affecting desire, arousal, orgasm, or causing pain during sexual activity. Studies suggest that 30-45% of women experience some form of sexual concern at various points in their lives, with prevalence increasing with age. Sexual health is an important component of overall wellbeing and relationship satisfaction. Common presentations include low libido, difficulty with arousal or lubrication, inability to reach orgasm, or pain during intercourse (dyspareunia or vaginismus). Sexual dysfunction often has multiple contributing factors spanning physical, hormonal, psychological, and relational domains that benefit from comprehensive assessment and treatment.
Sleep Disorders & Insomnia
Sleep disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or achieve restorative sleep. Insomnia, the most common sleep disorder, affects approximately 30% of adults and is characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, or non-restorative sleep despite adequate opportunity for rest. Chronic sleep deprivation impacts every aspect of health including hormone balance, immune function, metabolism, cognitive performance, and emotional wellbeing.
Weight Management & Metabolic Health
Weight management encompasses achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight that supports overall health and reduces disease risk. Approximately 42% of American adults have obesity, with another 32% classified as overweight. Excess weight, particularly visceral abdominal fat, significantly increases risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, sleep apnea, and numerous other conditions. Effective weight management requires addressing complex interactions between metabolism, hormones, gut health, sleep, stress, genetics, and environmental factors beyond simple calorie restriction.