Q&A with Dr. Danielle Descroche, ND

Dr. Danielle Desroche is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor that focuses on women’s health. With over a decade of experience in the wellness community, Danielle helps her patients address their individual needs through leveraging research-backed natural strategies.

If Dr. Desroche’s strategy resonates with you and you would like to learn more, you can visit her website and Instagram (@doctor.danielle_).

What does your practice focus on?

My focus as a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) is to educate and empower women to take control of their health. Specifically, I help women optimize their hormones, fertility and skin health using well-researched, natural therapies. My practice is entirely virtual, allowing my patients to have access to this medicine from the comfort of their home.

What was your education path to becoming an ND?

I earned my Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. Following graduation I completed my residency in primary care, with a special focus in Women’s Health and Pediatrics. I earned by Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences from the University of Vermont. During my undergraduate studies I completed numerous internships with a focus in weight management and sports nutrition.

When did you decide you wanted to become an ND?

I discovered naturopathic medicine after my career in ballet ended with a long struggle of disordered eating.

When I left the ballet world I was experiencing severe symptoms hormonal and digestive imbalance, and was newly diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. I felt dismissed by my primary care provider as I desperately searched for answers to begin healing, both mentally and physically. I enrolled in the University of Vermont’s nutrition program and gained a respect for the human body that I was missing during my years as a ballet dancer.

I heard the term naturopathic medicine for the first time during my senior year and immediately fell in the love with the philosophy of this medicine.

What treatment strategies do you generally turn to for your clients?

I address diet and lifestyle with every patient. Our daily choices have such a significant impact on our health!

Beyond the foods we eat, I use high-quality nutritional supplements and botanical medicine when additional support is needed.

I am also trained in Biotherapeutic Drainage, a system of medicine that supports detoxification at the cellular level and restores balance in the body.

What can new clients expect during their first few visits?

The initial visit is spent getting to know you. We will complete a comprehensive intake  focusing on your medical history, current symptoms and health goals. We then review previous lab results from other providers and determine if additional lab work is needed. Finally, a wellness plan is created that is individualized to meet your needs and goals.

I meet with my patients once per month to assess progress, new concerns, and adjust the wellness plan as needed. Once a patient is feeling well, we may extend our visits to every 3-6 months.

How do you like to communicate with your patients in between sessions?

I am available via email, or through a secure messaging system in the patient portal.

What are your favorite tips and tricks for managing a hormonal imbalance?

Good nutrition is non-negotiable when it comes to optimizing hormones. What we eat affects everything from insulin and blood sugar levels to how our body metabolizes estrogen. It’s no secret many women have a complicated relationship with food. I believe by teaching women how they can use food as medicine to support their health and hormones, our relationship with food can begin to heal.

What are the challenge areas in today’s health system for women trying to manage their hormonal health?

Thanks to social media there is a constant flow of information available to us. As a consumer, it can be confusing and overwhelming to know what sources to trust. When seeking out support around hormonal health, I strongly recommend working with a credible health care provider including a board-certified naturopathic physician, registered dietitian, or certified functional medicine doctor.

Additionally, there is no one- size-fits-all approach to healing! This is why it is important to have someone qualified and experienced on your team, so they can guide you in determining the best course of treatment for you.

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