(646) 760-6627
About Dr. Shannon Iselin, Senior Physician
Credentials, Education, and Achievements:
Special Training & Emphasis on:
As a young woman, I found myself needing more than what conventional women’s healthcare had to offer. No matter my concerns, it seemed hormonal birth control was my only option. But what I really needed was more time with providers during visits, more access to testing, options besides pharmaceuticals, and more than anything, an investigation into the root cause of my symptoms. Naturopathic medicine was this, and I have since set out to provide this high level of care as my standard of practice.
What conditions I love to treat:
Hormonal concerns (PCOS, irregular periods, amenorrhea, endometriosis, PMS, hormonal acne, hair loss, thyroid dysfunction, post-birth control hormone recovery), digestive disorders (IBS, IBD, SIBO, bloating, reflux, GERD), fertility and preconception care, recurrent pregnancy loss, and male fertility concerns.
Things you may not know about me:
Dr. Shannon’s Free Acne Self-Care Guide
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The Latest Articles From Dr. Shannon Iselin, Senior Physician
Decoding Ovarian Reserve Testing: What You Need to Know
By Dr. Shannon Iselin (Cavanaugh) The ovarian reserve, a critical aspect of a woman’s fertility, plays a significant role in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like...
Semen Analysis 101
Infertility is a significant challenge for millions of couples globally, and male factor infertility plays a substantial role, contributing to over 40% of infertility cases....
Dr Shannon’s Preconception Checklist
Preparing for pregnancy begins long before conception. At Flora Naturopathics, we emphasize the significance of preconception care in promoting successful conception and long-term health. By...
Naturopathic Acne Treatments: Natural, Holistic Solutions for Clear Skin
By Dr. Shannon Iselin (Cavanaugh) Acne, a common skin condition, can be more than just a cosmetic concern. It often reflects underlying imbalances in the...
Ovarian Reserve: What Lab Values Really Mean
AMH… If you’re going through a fertility journey, you’re probably very familiar with this lab value. But what does it really mean for your ovarian...
Planning a Pregnancy? Our fertility expert weighs in with top tips.
Flora Naturopathics’ fertility expert Dr. Shannon Iselin (Cavanaugh) shares her top five non-negotiables. As the year winds to a close, we start to think about...
The Latest Videos From Dr. Shannon Iselin, Senior Physician
Dr Shannon's Preconception Checklist
Ovarian Reserve: What Lab Values Really Mean
Natalie's
Journey
Concern: Infertility, trying to conceive x12 months
Outcome: Conceived after 3 months of working together
Testing: Functional hormone, thyroid, nutrition, inflammation, blood sugar and insulin sensitivity testing, additional functional labs: anti-oxidant status and mitochondrial health assessed
Supplements: Individualized combination of hormone balancing herbs, b-vitamins and antioxidants
Nutrition: Focus on healthy fats and increased protein. Limiting added sugar and refined carbs
Lifestyle: Regular yoga practice to promote circulation and strengthen connection with one’s body.
Monica & Eric's
Journey
Concern: Unexplained infertility with three failed IUIs; Monica had irregular cycles, and Eric’s semen analysis was below optimal but within standard reference ranges.
Outcome: Improved hormone and inflammation markers for both partners; Eric’s semen quality increased significantly, and Monica’s cycles stabilized. They conceived successfully on their fourth IUI.
Testing: DUTCH Complete for Monica (high cortisol, low progesterone), bloodwork showing elevated inflammation and insulin resistance, male hormone panel showing suboptimal testosterone for Eric, toxin exposure panels for both, and antioxidant status evaluations.
Supplements: Antioxidant and detox support for both partners, targeted supplements to improve cortisol balance for Monica and testosterone for Eric.
Nutrition: Dietary plan focused on insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and supporting hormone health for conception.
Lifestyle: Toxin reduction strategies, stress management techniques, and daily habits to support metabolic and reproductive function for both partners.
Marissa's
Journey
Concern: Hypothyroidism with persistent fatigue, weight challenges, bloating, and minimal support despite being on medication with “normal” lab results.
Outcome: Improved energy, reduced bloating, daily bowel regularity, gradual weight loss, and reduced thyroid antibodies—allowing a lower dose of thyroid medication.
Testing: Thyroid panel (labs within range but not optimal), thyroid antibodies (elevated), food sensitivity testing, and nutrient assessment showing deficiencies in B vitamins and magnesium.
Supplements: Herbal support for thyroid function, vitamins for nutrient repletion, and supplements to repair gut lining and reduce autoimmune triggers.
Nutrition: Elimination of food sensitivities with a focus on gut-healing foods and nutrient-dense meals to support thyroid and metabolic function.
Lifestyle: Increased daily movement and exercise as energy improved, reduced reliance on caffeine, and a renewed sense of physical comfort and wellbeing.
Kathryn's
Journey
Concern: Uterine fibroids, heavy periods, and mid-cycle spotting; seeking a natural approach to symptom relief and hormone balance.
Outcome: After six months, three fibroids resolved and the largest reduced in size; mid-cycle spotting stopped and periods became shorter with fewer PMS symptoms.
Testing: Cycle day 3 blood hormone panel, DUTCH Complete, food sensitivity testing, and serum labs including CRP, insulin, Vitamin D, thyroid, iron, and ferritin, all assessed using optimal reference ranges.
Supplements: Herbal tinctures to support fibroid reduction and endometrial health; nutrients targeting estrogen metabolism, detoxification, and inflammation.
Nutrition: Anti-inflammatory diet paired with a 5-day hormone reset detox; focus on supporting methylation and reducing exposure to estrogenic foods.
Lifestyle: Eliminated endocrine-disrupting chemicals from daily products and home; supported detox pathways and hormone balance through gentle lifestyle shifts.
Amanda's
Journey
Concern: PCOS with irregular cycles and significant digestive symptoms; later transitioned into preconception preparation.
Outcome: Regulated cycles with consistent ovulation by mid-cycle; conceived in the third month of trying with her partner.
Testing: DUTCH Complete revealing high androgens and cortisol, SIBO breath test, GI Map identifying dysbiosis, and bloodwork showing deficiencies in B12, folate, and Vitamin D.
Supplements: Targeted herbal blends to support ovulation and reduce testosterone, antimicrobial and supportive supplements for SIBO, and repletion of key nutrients through supplementation.
Nutrition: Gut-supportive diet with SIBO-focused modifications and nutrient-dense meals tailored to restore vitamin and mineral balance.
Lifestyle: Stress-reducing practices and sleep optimization strategies to support hormonal regulation and fertility.
Rebecca & Cody's
Journey
Concern: Unexplained infertility after 18 months of trying; hesitant to begin IUIs without identifying a root cause.
Outcome: Successfully conceived after four months of targeted support and accurately timed intercourse based on improved cycle tracking.
Testing: Hormone panels for both partners, semen analysis (low testosterone and suboptimal sperm parameters for Cody), DUTCH test (high cortisol for Rebecca), food sensitivity panels, toxin screening, antioxidant and mitochondrial function assessments.
Supplements: Antioxidant and mitochondrial support, supplements to improve testosterone and sperm quality for Cody, and adrenal support to lower cortisol for Rebecca.
Nutrition: Elimination of food sensitivities and nutrition strategies to support hormone balance, energy production, and fertility.
Lifestyle: Cycle tracking education, sleep and stress optimization for Rebecca, and lifestyle modifications to support Cody’s hormone health and overall reproductive wellness.
Sarah's
Journey
Concern: Preconception Preparation
Outcome: Improved sleep, energy, and conceived second month trying
Testing: Functional hormone, thyroid, nutrition, blood sugar and insulin sensitivity testing, additional functional labs: anti-oxidant status and mitochondrial health assessed
Supplements: Individualized prenatal, fish oil, adaptogens, and antioxidants to support egg quality
Nutrition: Increasing protein, fiber, and omega rich fats
Lifestyle: Tracked cycle with Dr. to accurately determine fertile window, optimized light exposure and limited blue light to regulate circadian rhythm. Regular strength training with low impact steady state exercises.
Julia's
Journey
Concern: PCOS with irregular cycles, acne, digestive issues, and numerous ovarian cysts; seeking support for conception.
Outcome: Conceived in the third month of trying after six months of care; regulated cycles, resolved gut issues, and optimized nutrient status for a healthy pregnancy.
Testing: Cycle day 3 hormone panel, DUTCH Complete, GI Map, food sensitivity testing, and comprehensive serum labs including CBC, CMP, insulin, Vitamin D, B12, thyroid, iron, folate, homocysteine, and MMA—all reviewed against optimal ranges.
Supplements: Anti-fungal protocol, targeted antioxidants, vitamins for deficiency correction, and support for ovarian and gut health.
Nutrition: Elimination of food sensitivities, support for a diverse microbiome, and increased intake of nutrient-dense foods to balance hormones and blood sugar.
Lifestyle: Focused on daily bowel regularity, reduced inflammatory triggers, and overall preconception wellness to lower risk of gestational complications and PCOS inheritance.
Danielle's
Journey
Concern: Perioral dermatitis, frequent allergy flares, constipation, bloating after every meal
Outcome: Skin cleared, decreased in severity and frequency of allergy related symptoms, decreased use of antihistamine medication, bloating resolved, regular daily bowel movements
Testing: Ggut microbiome testing revealed bacterial overgrowths and numerous food sensitivities causing inflammation
Supplements: Antimicrobials, probiotics, gut building and supporting nutrients and amino acids
Nutrition: Low FODMAP combined with limiting food sensitivities and alcohol, focus on whole foods
Lifestyle: Strengthening the parasympathetic nervous system through regular breathwork. Limiting distractions at mealtime + setting consistent and regular mealtimes while avoiding snacking between meals to optimize digestion
Alicia's
Journey
Concern: PCOS
Outcome: Able to stop taking some medications, improved insulin sensitivity, regular periods, periods are lighter and less painful
Testing: Functional testing found elevated blood glucose and decreased insulin sensitivity. Stool tests showed candida overgrowth and dysbiotic gut microbiome. Several inflammatory markers were elevated.
Supplements: Vitamins and minerals to support healthy blood sugar, antimicrobials to address gut dysbiosis, gut building and supporting probiotic, nutrients, and amino acids
Nutrition: Whole foods diet, limited added sugar and refined carbohydrates, increase in dietary fiber
Lifestyle: 30 minute low intensity steady state exercises in the morning 3-5 days weekly, mindfulness meditation practice using the Calm app, intentionally aiming to get 8 hours of sleep nightly
Cassidy's
Journey
Concern: Poor egg maturation during IVF; two unsuccessful egg retrievals with no mature eggs.
Outcome: After three months of targeted support, Cassidy’s third retrieval yielded 12 eggs. Six were mature and successfully fertilized.
Testing: Cycle day 3 hormone panel (FSH, LH, Estradiol, Prolactin, SHBG, DHEA-S, Testosterone, DHT), DUTCH Complete, Metabolomix, food sensitivity panel, and serum labs including CRP, fasting insulin, Vitamin D, thyroid panel, iron, and ferritin, all evaluated against optimal ranges.
Supplements: Targeted antioxidants, mitochondrial support, and anti-inflammatory nutrients tailored to her lab results.
Nutrition: Focused on balancing blood sugar through stable meals, supporting nutrient repletion, and reducing inflammatory food triggers.
Lifestyle: Stress reduction techniques, improved sleep hygiene, and gentle movement to support hormonal balance and recovery.
