Last weekend, my husband insisted that I visit Pharmaca to look for some natural, over the counter products to alleviate my insomnia. (Poor guy, my insomnia keeps him up too). Pharmaca positions itself as an integrated pharmacy, combining traditional prescription services with natural remedies. Elephant, which offers an herbal pharmacy, is another chain in this category. What I like about this type of store are their knowledgeable employees who can help whittle down the selection of products to those that would have the greatest likelihood of helping you. At Pharmaca in Mill Valley (CA) I met Shaila Schwartz, a naturopathic doctor who works there part time. After talking with me, she suggested that before purchasing anything, I should have a hormone panel done to determine what kind of supplement I should take. I appreciated the advice since I already have bottles of OTC stuff at home I don’t use. I’ve made an appointment to visit her at a clinic that specializes in integrated medicine in San Francisco this week. It will be the first time working with a Naturopath and I’m open to alternative solutions to HRT. I’d be interested in hearing from anyone who has consulted a Naturopathic doctor to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
