AboutJacqueline Jacques, ND Expertise I can answer any question related to conditions treated by naturopathic medicine and how they might be approached. These would include (but are not limited to) allergies, arthritis, depression/anxiety, autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel, PMS, menopause, hormone dysfunction, chemical sensitivity, headache, and chronic pain. I am also happy to discuss naturopathic therpaies including herbal/botanical medicine, medical nutrition, diet therapy, detoxification, manipulation, hydrotherapy, and natural hormone replacement. I would also welcome questions on naturopathic philosophy, licensure, scope of practice and education
Experience I am a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) with ten years of experience. The focus of my work has been in women's health, obesity and pain, but I have treated all conditions. I currently see private patients, consult in the natural products industry, own part of a medical nutrition company, write for several publications, and speak across North America. I additionaly serve on the medical advisory board of several companies and non-profit organizations.
Organizations California Naturopathic Doctors Association (member and past board member)
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (member)
National Nutritional Foods Association (member)
Obesity Actional Coalition (Medical Advisory Board)
Samueli Canter for Integrative Medicine at University of California, Irvine (Board Member)
Publications Nutrition and the MD, Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Bariatric Times, Today's Dietitian, Integrative Health Retailer
Education/Credentials Lewis and Clark College
National College of Naturopathic Medicine
Awards and Honors Health Professional of the Year (2004) - Bariatric Support Centers International
Question QUESTION: Please forgive me as I ramble on. It is very hard to explain my feeelings. Right now I am very depressed, cry frequently, my moods change almost by the hour, from happy, angry, irritated, crying, and at times wondering why I am here. I have been this way for many years, even as a teen, but it is getting worse. I am 29, and have a 2 year old. I did a saliva test last year, which said estrogen dominance, but could not afford the treatment offered at the time (custom cream)still cant afford it, since they want me to retest, but I need to do something. I started to take birth control, but I feel worse, and am going to stop. I do feel better the first 5 or 6 days after my period starts, then it is a rollercoaster, progressivly getting worse to the last week which is almost untollerable now. I read another post here about progesterone cream, wondering an OTC version would help me(since it is much more affordable) or any other supplements/diet that could help. Oh yes, I have always struggled with weight/eating finally got to down 210 last year, then back up to 250 now, I feel better when I eat, probably like smokers do that smoke, and it is like an addiction....food is. I do not know when I am full, and always reach for food for comfort. I can't stop. Was wondering too if the hormone imbalance was part of the weight problem. Thank you for reading and for any suggestions.
ANSWER: Dear Michelle,
While hormones can be part of both depression and weight gain, I think you have a more serious problem than what would normally be explained by a hormonal imbalance - especially given your young age. I would initially advise you to to a few things, especially since you have a 2 year old at home and need to be able to be healthy and functional for your child.
1) Go talk to someone immediately about your depression. I would call your primary care doctor right away, and start getting some treatment for your depression. Once you are feeling better, then you can start to explore the causes - but it is not healthy for you to feel this depressed while you try to figure it out. You will be much more capable of making a good treatment choice when you feel better as well.
2) After you get started with a treatment for depression, then go back and revisit your hormones. I would suggest a thyroid test in addition to what you have alrady had done.
3) If weight gain is a concern for you (and it sounds like it is) find a good caring specialist who can talk to you about weight gain and realistic weight loss options. You can find a weight loss specialist (a bariatrician) through www.asbp.org. Remember that weight gain, and eating to soothe our emotions, is a very common sign of depression - so this is not surprising if you have struggled with this since your teens.
You need to know that there is likely a good cause for the way that you feel, but you could hurt yourself more by waiting for treatment. If you need an antidepressant in the short-term to get you feeling more stable, that will only help your health in the long run.
Please feel free to contact me again if you have more questions or concerns. But I really encourage you to make the call to your doctor as soon as you can. If cost is a concern, go through an emergency room at a county hospital - they cannot refuse you.
In Health,
Dr. Jacques
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QUESTION: Just wanted to let you know that I did see a dr today. I was surprised ( a good surprise) that she understood what I was saying, and she took the time to help me understand alot of things. She does want me to keep on the birth control for a few months, to see if it evens things out, and also gave me Paroxetine (Paxil), and another visit in 4 weeks to see how that is working. Didn't get a blood test just yet, with no insurance it is expensive, but once things get a little better then will do that ( to figure out what is really wrong) so I don't (hopefully ) have to take the meds for ever. Just need to be, like you said, feeling better then sort the rest out. Thank you very much for the extra push to go see her. I am feeling better just having talked about it more. Thank you.
Answer Michelle,
I am sorry I was out of touch for a couple of days, but I am SO glad you saw a doctor and have started the process of getting back on track. Keep going back - and then, when you are feeling better, please contact me again. There is no reason to believe that you have to be on medication forever, especially if that is your goal. But as a tool to help you now, this is the right choice. When you are feeling emotionally well again, you will be so much better able to think and make good choices about your hormones and your weight and your other health issues.
I did not suggest it earlier, but there is a really good book that you might look for. It is called Eating in the Light of the Moon by Dr Anita Johnston. With some of the things you said in your first email, I think you will really get a lot from this book, and find some help and comfort in it.
