Air Date: Sep 13 2026
On the Reawakening Beauty Podcast, your host, Shawna Patruno, interviews Nicole, a naturopathic doctor in Halifax, Nova Scotia, who supports women’s health across the lifespan and was inspired by her own health challenges. Nicole emphasizes that social-media health advice can be confusing and encourages women to focus on foundational nourishment: eating enough calories and building meals around protein, fiber, and healthy fats to support hormones, ovulation, bones, muscles, and immunity; under-fueling may show up as irregular or absent periods and lack of ovulation. She addresses the misconception that “common isn’t normal,” especially regarding long-term period pain, and explains dysmenorrhea (primary vs. secondary), typical evaluation with ultrasound, and that endometriosis often requires laparoscopic surgery for diagnosis. She discusses checking blood work such as iron for heavy periods and recommends ginger as an evidence-supported option for mild-to-moderate period pain. Nicole advocates proactive cycle tracking, sustainable self-care, prioritizing sleep, joyful movement, and starting with walking; she can be found at @dr.nicoletonin and Aura Women’s Wellness.
WHAT WAS DISCUSSED:
- 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
- 00:28 Nicole’s Why and Journey
- 01:06 Nourishing Basics and Under Fueling
- 03:22 Common Isn’t Normal
- 04:34 Period Pain Causes and Testing
- 07:01 Support Options and Ginger
- 08:35 Know Your Cycle Proactively
- 10:08 Simple Sustainable Self Care
- 11:31 Easy Movement Starting with Walking
- 12:34 Final Takeaways and Where to Find Nicole
RESOURCES
SHAWNA PATRUNO (HOST OF REAWAKENING BEAUTY)
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawna.patruno/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reawakeningbeauty/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnapatruno/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/patruno_shawna
Here are some resource you might find helpful
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCETE6UWBTHb1-RQZoMgFrBA
- Free Smoothie Guide: https://reawakeningbeauty.ca/free-healthy-smoothie-recipe-book/
- Recipe Cookbook: https://reawakeningbeauty.ca/reawakening-beauty-vegan-gluten-free-healthy-glow-recipes/
PUBLISHED WORK ON CONFIDENCE AND SKIN CARE TIPS
- Published Articles on Confidence: https://issuu.com/futurefemalemag/docs/ffm_fallwinterissue_final2/s/11329571
- Skin Care Tips: https://issuu.com/futurefemalemag/docs/ffm_summerspringissue_finalj2019_on/16?ff=
DR. NICOLE TONIN (GUEST ON REAWAKENING BEAUTY)
Bio:
Dr. Nicole Tonin is a naturopathic doctor and former registered nurse with a passion for women’s health. Her work focuses on supporting women through every stage of life, from PMS and fertility to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and beyond. Nicole believes every woman deserves to feel heard, empowered, and confident in making informed decisions about their health.
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES:
- Instagram:
SPEAKER WEBSITE: