A Cuppa With Olivia Odey

Hi Olivia, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background in naturopathy?

Hello I’m Liv, I am originally from the South Island of New Zealand but have been living on the Gold Coast for almost 6 years now. Something I think a lot of people may not know about me is that I LOVE snow skiing and used to race when I was in school - this is one of the only things I feel is missing from my GC life. I finished my bachelor of health science Naturopathy degree in Australia and went straight into clinical practice.

Right now, I feel like I am in a season of growth career wise. I am currently working out of a gynaecology clinic within a private hospital which is all things exciting, busy and rewarding. It feels so nice to be recognised alongside Gps and Drs and it is a real pinch me opportunity as I have always been such a big fan of integrative care. 

What led you to specialise in endometriosis?

I personally have been navigating my own endometriosis journey since I was 18 years old. I had my first surgery at 22 and have been passionate about supporting other girls on their journeys as I learnt first hand how isolating, frustrating and exhausting it can be living with endo. I feel very passionate about education in this space as I feel as though following a diagnosis, there can often be lack of ongoing support or options for management outside of surgery and medication. Giving girls back quality of life by managing their cycles is one of the most rewarding things about this area of practice.

Endometriosis affects roughly 1 in 7 women, yet the average diagnosis still takes years. From your experience working with endo clients, why do you think it takes so long - and what would you want women to know sooner?

Ah yes, this is so frustrating and unfortunately so common. I wish there were more diagnostic options and I truly believe in the future there will be (I know there has been talk about future blood testing options or more advanced scans). Currently the most accurate way to diagnose endo is via laparoscopic surgery - which is of course invasive, expensive, or without private health, can be a very lengthy process. Ultrasounds can SOMETIMES pick it up but rarely. Sometimes girls will have inconclusive ultrasound results but lots of deep infiltrated endo found via surgery.

I want to educate women to advocate for themselves throughout the diagnosis process because I know sadly there can be a lot of dismissal and that is when I would always encourage them to push for a second opinion.

Endometriosis is often framed purely as a period problem, but you see it as so much more than that. What's the bigger picture when it comes to how endometriosis affects the whole body?

I could talk about this one all day! Yes endo does of course involve a hormonal imbalance usually where we are seeing excess oestrogen in relation to progesterone HOWEVER, it is so much more than just that. I have girls who have endo present in their lungs, brain, thoracic region - which is proof it is absolutely not just about periods.

Endo is an inflammatory condition which means the immune system is involved and this is something I will focus on equally as much as the hormone element. I will then look to support liver detox pathways to ensure excess oestrogen is being metabolised. Simultaneously, the gut is often involved - whether it be bacterial overgrowths driving endo toxin production, leaky gut or high b glucuronidase which contributes to increased recirculation of hormones.

Lastly, I never ever want to forget about the nervous system! Chronic pain can have such a major impact on the stress response, energy levels and mood. If we are experiencing chronic stress or pain we are going to see more inflammation so all of the above factors need to be taken into consideration. 

There's a lot of noise online around endometriosis diets, supplements, and protocols. What's your take on navigating all of that, and how do you help clients figure out what's actually worth their energy?

This is a big one!! TikTok and Instagram should not be the place you take advice from especially if the advice is based on people's experiences/is generalised. If I have 3 clients in front of me with endo all of their treatment programs will be different because their presentation / them as individuals is so different.

I always recommend chatting to a practitioner who specialises in the area because quality and dosage of the supplement is also so important! I also think less is more, don’t be tricked into thinking you need 8 plus supplements in your routine!

Many women with endometriosis are managing their symptoms alongside medical treatment like surgery or hormone therapy. How does naturopathy fit into that picture, and how do you work alongside conventional care?

I LOVE working in this way. I am a big advocate for girls having a care team around them when navigating endo. This may be a good gynecologist, a pelvic floor physio, pain specialist or GP. I look at Naturopathy as the support system and the long term plan for management.

If a client is on the IUD and that is controlling and helping to manage their symptoms - GREAT (quality of life comes first) in this case we would continue to work on controlling inflammation and supporting liver pathways. If a client is going in for surgery to get endo removed then Naturopathy is so so beneficial post surgery to come up with a protocol to prevent future growth and help manage the condition long term. I think it works really well when everyone is on the same page and working with each other collaboratively. 

If someone with endometriosis has spent years feeling dismissed or like they just have to push through the pain,  what would you say to her?

Firstly, I’m sorry. It really should not be this way. Again, I would say continue to trust your gut and advocate for yourself even if that means getting second or even third opinions! I want everyone to know period pain is not normal! Heavy periods are not normal! PMS is not normal! You should not have to deal with pain and push through every single month. 

What Mayde Tea product have you been loving lately?

I have 2. The Hibiscus Lemon Myrtle Iced Tea has always been a favourite because it tastes so good iced or hot and it is so rich in polyphenols for skin health!! I love it. I also LOVE the Drinking Chocolate obviously it is so yummy especially on these winter nights. 

What are you currently...

Listening to: Old Justin Bieber

Reading: Binding 13

Watching: Currently watching love island (first time ever not really sure about it haha but easy watch)

Eating: Stuffed sweet potato with mince and guac YUM! Or slow cooked curries.

If you can find more about Olivia at here or on Instagram.