Dr. Jennifer Nevels is a licensed naturopathic medical doctor in the state of Arizona. She is a general family practitioner and is considered an expert in women’s health. Dr. Nevels primarily focuses on patient care at one of the largest naturopathic medical centers in East Mesa.
Dr. Nevels received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) in 2003 after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Arizona. After obtaining her doctorate she completed a year residency specializing in women’s medicine. She became a faculty member at SCNM and acted as the Interim Chair of the Women’s Department where she was involved in teaching gynecology, supervising medical students at the medical center, and research topics like Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy and Herbal Formulations for Menopausal symptoms. Now she focuses all her energy on taking care of her patients at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors.
The following conditions are some of the things that she addresses
WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUES
Irregular cycles, PMS, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, painful periods, weight changes, Interstitial cystitis, vaginal infections, infertility, and sexually transmitted infections are just some of the common female conditions that she treats. Treatment is dependent upon each individual but may include: Herbal and vitamin supplements, detoxification, and dietary recommendations.
MENOPAUSE
Hot flashes, insomnia, low libido, weight gain, anxiety, and depression are common symptoms that are associated with menopause. The fluctuation in hormones or decline in their presence can contribute or cause these and many other symptoms. Bio-identical hormone therapy and botanicals are extremely effective.
BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS
Dr. Nevels has become extremely passionate about Breast Implant illness as she has seen in her practice more women falling ill to this complex condition and feels convicted to help re-set and guide the body to heal post explant.
MOOD DISORDERS
Both depression and anxiety can be debilitating. Neurotransmitter herbal support can help to balance out the most common brain chemicals that allow us to feel peaceful, like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. Ultimately looking for any underlying issues is a more solid approach to feeling even better. Investigating hormonal imbalances, infections, imbalanced intestinal flora, and/or environmental toxicants such as mercury and lead or mold exposure, can sometimes explain why someone doesn’t feel like themselves. Testing for any likely concerns will help determine what additional approach to take.
HYPOTHYROIDISM
The thyroid gland is a master gland of the body. It is involved in managing energy, metabolism, mood, and hormone balance. Hashimoto’s is one of the common causes of hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s can be diagnosed based on an elevation of Anti-TPO and/or Anti-thyroglobulin Anti-bodies. Investigating more deeply as to why the immune system is attacking the thyroid is one of Dr. Nevels favorite things to assess and address. Some common factors in triggering Hashimoto’s are:
- Poor Intestinal Health
- Food Sensitivities
- Nutrient Deficiencies
- Viral Infections
- Stress
- Adrenal Dysfunction
FATIGUE
Fatigue can be multi-factorial. It can be caused by food allergies, candida overgrowth in the intestinal tract, infections (viral, Lyme, bacterial), and poor detoxification as well as thyroid and adrenal exhaustion. The goal is to determine the underlying cause or causes and treat accordingly. This typically involves lab work, a specialized diet, and supplement regime.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE
Autoimmune conditions are on the rise and the prevalence is growing. Lupus, Sjogren’s, Rheumatoid arthritis, Celiac Disease, and Hashimoto’s are some examples of diseases that are becoming more prevalent. Triggers like environmental toxicities (mold, heavy metals), intestinal health imbalance and poor digestion, food sensitivities, Lyme disease, viral illnesses, and genetics are potential culprits that may need to be flushed out to get to the underlying cause or causes.
POOR DIGESTION
IBS, constipation, diarrhea, bloating and heartburn plague most everyone at some point in their lives. One of the most common causes of poor digestion is the imbalance of flora or overgrowth of organisms that inhabit the intestinal tract. The other is developing an IgG food intolerance which can contribute to other health issues like inability to lose weight, fatigue, arthritis, and allergies. She often recommends a test that identifies which foods should be avoided.
SKIN
Acne and eczema are common skin conditions that she treats. Both have similar causes related to poor detoxification and digestive issues which are treated based on the underlying cause. Hormone imbalances may also be an additional factor.
MIGRAINES
Chronic migraines find significant relief through acupuncture, avoidance of food allergies, addressing hormones if imbalanced, and supporting detox pathways. Menstrual migraines are also common for some women which consistently occur around menses and can be treated by improving hormone balance.
She also provides a naturopathic approach to the Well Woman’s Exams. She takes the time to address her patients’ concerns and provides guidance on contraception and other specific health problems.
Dr. Nevels has been heard on a variety of radio shows discussing the latest health issues. She has been featured on Channel 3 News, as an expert on various women’s health concerns. Her publications include magazines such as Taste Of Life, Delicious Living, and Woman’s World Magazine. She is currently the medical writer for AZ Teen Strong, a website that supports teen girls in Arizona.
