Blog - Dr. Alexandra MacKillop

How to Naturally Increase Fertility

If you’re wondering how to naturally increase fertility, the most important thing you should know is that fertility isn’t just about the reproductive organs—it’s a whole-body indicator of health. As a functional medicine doctor, I’ve helped countless patients learn how to naturally increase fertility by addressing imbalances across all systems…
Functional Medicine PCOS Treatment

PCOS is one of the most common concerns shared by my patients when we start talking about hormones and reproductive health. PCOS—or polycystic ovarian syndrome—is one of the most common endocrine disorders, and so it makes sense that so many women have concerns about it (and that they are looking…
Herbs for Estrogen Dominance and Hormonal Balance

Have you heard of estrogen dominance? Or maybe, you already know you’re dealing with this hormone imbalance. Excess estrogen (or deficient progesterone) disrupts hormonal balance, triggering symptoms such as weight gain, mood swings, heavy periods, and fatigue. Functional medicine targets root causes with precision, and understanding why you have estrogen…
Risk of Blood Clots and Other Dangers of Hormonal Birth Control

Before I dive into the details of this post, I want to make very clear that this post is not meant to judge or shame anyone for their contraceptive choice. This is a very personal topic, and my goal is simply to present some of the less-talked-about health risks created…
How to Test Progesterone Levels at Home

Progesterone is quite the buzz word these days. Whether you’re in perimenopause and considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you’re newly pregnant and having levels tested, or you’re experiencing some menstrual irregularities attributed to imbalances between estrogen and progesterone, the term has likely come up for you. But, what is progesterone?…
Natural Letrozole Alternatives: Holistic Fertility Treatment Through Functional Medicine

One of the most common conditions I treat as a functional medicine doctor is infertility, with countless women looking for ways to avoid fertility treatments. This could include IVF, or simply looking for natural alternatives to fertility drugs, such as natural alternatives to letrozole. For many women, prescription fertility medications…
Treating Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome with Functional Medicine

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide, presenting a variety of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, acne, weight gain, and infertility. Traditional approaches often focus on symptom management, but functional medicine offers a deeper, more sustainable solution by targeting the root causes of PCOS. Rather than simply masking…
Functional Medicine for Graves’ Disease (Hyperthyroidism)

Resources abound for hypothyroidism online. After all, it is one of the leading hormonal imbalances affecting women, and rates are rising faster than ever. But for those dealing with a different condition—or really, quite the opposite condition—of hyperthyroidism caused by Graves’ Disease, it can feel lonely and isolating when nobody…