Dr. Sara Norris is a Naturopathic Doctor who’s spent the last decade helping women achieve improved energy levels, digestive comfort, clear skin, pain-free menses, healthy pregnancies—and so much more.

Sara Norris, Naturopathic Doctor in California

Hi! I’m Dr. Sara Norris…

I’m a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine specializing in pediatrics, digestive issues, chronic skin conditions, and women’s health services—specifically endometriosis, PCOS, fertility, menopause and other hormonal health issues. Over the years I’ve held positions on various state boards focused on integrative medicine, and received multiple awards for my involvement with community clinics.

People often think a Naturopathic approach is “alternative” or “anti-Western medicine”—and certainly there are some physicians out there who take this stance—but the truth is, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) receive training in the same medical sciences as an MD (pharmaceuticals, imaging, labs, etc.).

I’ve also completed additional studies in herbal medicine, nutrition, counseling, homeopathy, and more. In my practice, I’ve become known for my openness to both conventional and naturopathic treatment options.

I’ve lived & practiced in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Oakland, Vermont, Oregon, and now I’m back in my home state of Wisconsin. 

Dr Sara Norris, ND on a palm tree lined street

Every body is unique. But when it comes to hormones & women’s health, there are some common themes.

I was 10 years old when my period came—and it came with a vengeance. Like almost every woman I’ve ever met, I was told at age 13 that birth control was the answer to all my problems.

And, like almost every woman I’ve ever met… it was not. I still had debilitating cramps, and my acne—did I mention the acne?—was no better. Being 13 is the worst.

You know this story. Topical medications for the acne, oral antibiotics, various new birth control combinations… and I’m still only a teenager.

Thankfully, I was a curious, nerdy young woman, with access & opportunity to treat with some alternative solutions. Which I did.

I found naturopathic medicine and treatments for my own horrible, heavy periods without ANY birth control, thankyouverymuch, and eventually they got so much better that I was able to use a Paragard non-hormonal IUD for birth control. So don’t let your gynecologists tell you that you can’t have a non-hormonal IUD because you have heavy, crampy periods. I did it, I’ve helped other women do this as well, and I can help you if you don’t want synthetic hormones in your system.

When I was 21, I bailed on a prestigious internship with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, one of the top 4 accounting firms in the nation, to pursue pre-med studies. I chose naturopathy because it was the most comprehensive training available—and also because I was young and optimistic and had no idea how state licensures worked and that being an ND would constantly invite questions about my training and credentialing. 🤷🏻

My first son was born in 2013 after an easy, issue-free pregnancy (which I felt very high on my horse about). And then…

3 years of infertility.

I struggled through unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss, a million labs, and the humiliation, hopelessness, and anger that often accompanies miscarriage. I finally carried my 4th & final pregnancy to term, and had another healthy son in 2017.

I do not tell you this to imply that the treatments which worked for me will work for you, too. They might! But you might need something totally different. I just wanted to share a bit of my story with you, since you’ll be trusting me with yours.

What I do want you to know is that I am aware of, and sensitive to, the cultural stigmas surrounding women’s health, the lack of compassionate, informed healthcare for Black women, women of color, and the LBGTQ community, and the multitude of disparities that exist in our country’s current healthcare system.

If you’re looking for an expert to take command of this ship for a while, someone with a different, more nuanced approach, someone who will treat you with respect, listen to you, and put YOU in control of your own health—

I’m your woman.

How does naturopathic treatment work?

I spent the first decade of my career providing this type of primary & specialty care for women, men, and children. I’ve seen first-hand that natural medicine works and has long lasting effects on your health.

1 iconBook your initial appointment.

 

If we need labs or imaging to confirm or make a diagnosis, I’ll order them during your appointment. I will also work with your in-network doctor to arrange any physical assessments you may need. Click here for a more detailed description of what you can expect on your first visit.

2 iconWe’ll do a health history unlike any you’ve done before.

During our first appointment, we’ll spend 60 minutes exploring your gynecological history (length between menses, PMS symptoms, how long you bleed and how heavy, cramping, breast tenderness), your energy levels (or lack thereof), your libido (or lack thereof), sleep, diet, exercise, habits, skin, digestion, and even the health of your relationships at work and at home. All of this stuff matters to me, and we’ll have the time to discuss it all.

3 iconI’ll advise you on a plan of care.

 

Most patients will only need to see me a handful of times over several months. I’ll coordinate with your in-network providers and help make sure you’re getting the right tests, asking the right questions, and figuring out the right course of action. Think of me like an orchestra conductor, or the person pulling the strings on the marionette… except in this case the orchestra is your hormonal system, and the marionette is… well, you get it. Refer to my fact sheet for information on PPOs, HMOs, and Kaiser.

3 iconYou get better. (See also: happier, healthier, & more well-rested)

My goal—of course—is for you to feel better, but I also don’t want you to have to take a bunch of supplements and/or medications to continue to feel your best. I want you to get up in the morning feeling good and ready to take on whatever tasks you’d like to accomplish, and a big part of that comes from your lifestyle. Once we’ve completed your care plan, you may still want to check in with me from time to time about how to stay (or get back on) track.

Dr Sara Norris Naturopathic Doctor based in LA

DEI / inclusivity / anti-racism statement:

Our practice is a safe space for you.  

Dr. Norris is actively working to make naturopathic healthcare accessible to all through her volunteer work on state legislative efforts in California and Wisconsin.

Her passion and commitment is to tirelessly work to see naturopathic medicine be covered in-network with medicare, medicaid, and ALL insurance plans. This will help break the disparities present in naturopathic medical care.

Dr. Norris is committed to building an equitable, anti-racist clinic and space for marginalized people, BIWOC, and LGBTQ folks to feel comfortable and supported to get their medical care.

She commits to continue to learn, support, and actively engage in the movement for change in society. She commits to see you as a beautiful human, who is also a work in progress (like all of us), and to help build you up, help you feel your best, and remind you that you are cared for and that you deserve bountiful health. She strives to support health in every body, health at every size, and healthcare that treats you as an individual.

Dr. Sara Norris is a Naturopathic Doctor serving California & Wisconsin residents (see our FAQs page for a list of all states we can see patients in) specializing in women’s health, hormones, skin, digestive health, and pediatrics. Dr. Norris offers in person visits at her Wisconsin based practice, and telemedicine for residents of other states.