Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanda Aubrey.
Hi Vanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was around age 26 (2018) I decided it was time for me to stop the birth control I had been on for almost 10 years. I was struggling with debilitating migraines, hives, and breakthrough bleeding that after several tests and workups we had linked back to being a hormonal issue.
At the time, I had been a registered nurse for 4 years and had learned so much about women’s hormones. I knew that by taking birth control I was shutting down the communication between my ovaries and brain and wasn’t having an actual period every month, rather just a withdrawal bleed — something I did not previously understand. I felt very convicted that stopping my birth control, would help resolve the symptoms I was suffering with.
What I didn’t expect though, was to completely lose my cycle for several months after. I went without a natural period for almost 10 months, and was very freaked out by it, to be totally honest. I knew that I wanted to have children one day and understood that having a healthy period was crucial for making that happen.
On my journey to get my period back I met a lot of resistance from my traditional GYN who only offered me going back on the birth control pill as a solution. Thankfully, my own investigating brought me to Functional Medicine. I was immediately hooked. I loved the focus on getting to the root cause of symptoms, to tuning into what our bodies are trying to communicate to us, and the thought that we didn’t need a pill to “fix” every symptom.
By implementing some basic principles of Functional Medicine, I was able to bring my period back. I knew then that I wanted to provide functional support to women who were struggling hormonally like I had been. I dove into getting certified in Functional Medicine, and several classes later, my Wellness with Vanda business was born where I continue to support women that are struggling with hormone related symptoms today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, although I am very good at what I do clinically, learning how to be a marketer and business owner has been a challenge. I’ve also adopted a child and had 3 biological children in that time frame…..so to say that life is busy, is an understatement. But, I keep going, because I love what I do and am so passionate about continuing to bring Functional Medicine to women in a way that is both extremely supportive and accessible.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in women’s hormones, specifically for women that are in their twenties, thirties, & early forties – before perimenopause and menopause. I run two different functional tests in my virtual practice: Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) and Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH) and also review traditional lab work through the lens of optimal health rather than “normal” ranges.
I’m known for the way I can take complicated results and explain them in a way that really makes sense to anyone. My approach has always been to be relatable and practical. I often get compliments from my clients on how easy it is to apply what I’m educating them on or recommending to them. As a busy mom to four kiddos, I understand that overhauling your whole life is not always possible (or desired). I understand the importance of understanding how to make strong nutritional choices regardless of where you are – at home, a restaurant, the office, the concession stand, etc.
I think what sets me apart from others is my 10+ years of nursing experience combined with my Functional Medicine training. I truly bring a robust amount of knowledge to every case I work on and can guide someone on how to integrate both a traditional and functional approach to their care.
Pricing:
- Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Testing starting at $397
- Dried Urine Testing for Comprehensive Hormones starting at $650
- Nutrition & Wellness Lab Panels starting at $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wellnesswithvanda.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellness.with.vanda
- Other: https://www.wellnesswithvanda.com/the-wellness-with-vanda-podcast/
