Dr. Sara Hyde

06/28/2026

"I don't want to go on hormones" — we hear this often, usually before hormones have even come up. The fear is understandable. It came from real headlines. But the science has evolved, and women deserve to know that. Our latest blog post walks through what updated research actually shows about hormone therapy, perimenopause, and breast cancer risk. Worth a read if you're in your 40s and something feels off.

If I had a dollar for every time a patient walked into my office and said "I don't want to go on hormones" before I'd even mentioned them — I'd have a very comfortable retirement fund. I get it. For over two decades, women have been told that hormone therapy is dangerous. Linked to breast

06/20/2026

https://www.kavahealth.org/articles/the-iron-connection-ferritin-and-metabolic-health-in-menopause

06/11/2026

If antihistamines leave you feeling like you've only half-solved the problem — you're not wrong.

Seasonal allergies involve a lot more than histamine. When mast cells degranulate, they release a whole cascade of inflammatory compounds — leukotrienes, prostaglandins, cytokines — that antihistamines don't touch at all. And your gut plays a bigger role in all of it than most people realize.

We just published a new post breaking down what's actually happening during an allergic reaction, and which natural approaches — quercetin, vitamin C, stinging nettle, gut support — work through different mechanisms to address more of that cascade.

🔗 https://www.kavahealth.org/articles/iqd7wbqrdzewgqauk9mhcfrzkz1emn

As always, this is educational content — not medical advice

If you've tried antihistamines for your seasonal allergies and still feel miserable, you're not alone. While histamine is part of the allergic response, it's not the whole story. Understanding the broader immune picture opens up more effective natural approaches that address the root causes of your

06/01/2026

Your cholesterol is high, but we know a single lab number tells you almost nothing on its own. Here's the fuller picture:

Cholesterol isn't the villain. Your body needs it for hormones, cell membranes, and brain function. The real concern is whether cholesterol particles are quietly building plaque over time—a process that can start in your 30s, long before any symptoms.

Why it often rises with age:
Estrogen helps your liver clear LDL from the bloodstream. As it drops in perimenopause and menopause, that clearance slows. Declining testosterone compounds the effect. You can eat the same way for 20 years and still watch your numbers climb—because your hormonal environment changed, not your habits.

What actually matters beyond LDL:
→ ApoB (particle number)
→ Lp(a) (genetic risk most people aren't tested for)
→ Blood sugar + inflammation
→ Family history

Natural approaches work—with honest expectations. Fiber, omega-3s, exercise, berberine, plant sterols—real tools, meaningful results. More modest than medication, but often enough.

On statins: Not villains. Not the answer for everyone. Their side effects are real but trackable. What often goes unsaid: not treating high cholesterol when it's clearly indicated is also a risk—just a slower, quieter one.

The smarter question isn't "should I avoid a statin?"
It's "what does my full risk profile say—and what actually lowers it?"

Ask your doctor about ApoB and Lp(a) testing. That's where a real conversation starts.

💬 Questions? Drop them below. You can also head over to our blog to read the full post here: https://www.kavahealth.org/articles/your-cholesterol-is-high-heres-what-that-actually-means

⚠️ This post is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or health plan.

You just got your results back. Cholesterol is high. Now what? Before you spiral—or dismiss it—here's what's worth understanding: a single lab value tells you very little. Your best path forward depends on your full cardiovascular risk picture, not a number in isolation. Cholesterol Isn't the En...

05/31/2026

Maine just made history for naturopathic medicine. 🌿

Governor Mills signed LD 2242 — expanding prescriptive authority, IV therapy access, and more for NDs in our state. It passed because 1,500+ patients wrote in demanding better access to integrative care.

As an ND, this means a lot. We've always done whole-person, prevention-focused care. Now we can do even more of it.

And the timing couldn't be better — over 1 in 3 Americans now use complementary healthcare. The field is growing because patients want it to grow.

This is a big deal. Sharing the full story below. 👇

🔗 https://townsendletter.com/a-turning-point-for-naturopathic-medicine/
🔗 https://www.centralmaine.com/2026/03/20/more-americans-are-turning-to-naturopathic-healthcare/

As interest in holistic medicine grows, a Waterville naturopath explains how integrative care can complement conventional treatment.

07/10/2024

Dr. Hyde is now seeing patients from a new clinic, Kava Collaborative Health, in South Portland, Maine. She sees patients residing in Maine both virtually and in person, and takes several insurances. Find out more at www.kavahealth.org
Thanks for being here!

Kava Collaborative Health is a Naturopathic Clinic in South Portland, Maine providing affordable access to personalized and compassionate healthcare.

09/26/2023

New on the blog! Dr. Sara's reading list

There is a lot of information out there. If you’re feeling overwhelmed— or maybe just looking for a little inspiration— here’s a list of health & wellness related books that I find myself recommending to friends, family, patients, and colleagues time and again. I love recommendations, to...