Redefining Women’s Health and Functional Wellness

A Conversation with Dr. Karen van Wyk, MD CCFP IFMCP

At Healthcode Medical, a personalized and preventive approach to health is at the core of everything we do. Dr. Karen van Wyk embodies this philosophy, blending lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and mind-body healing to help patients achieve true well-being. With a passion for women’s health and hormonal balance, she takes a comprehensive approach to medicine—one that prioritizes root-cause healing over symptom management.

In this exclusive Q&A, Dr. Van Wyk shares her insights on proactive health strategies, the importance of hormonal balance, and the transformative power of integrative medicine.

Q: Your approach to medicine blends lifestyle, nutrition, and mind-body healing. Why is this combination so important for overall health?

Dr. Van Wyk: I’ve always been deeply interested in healing the whole person, as opposed to mere symptom management or placing a band-aid on concerns. Due to my passion in this regard, I’ve been fortunate enough to take deeper dives into lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and mind-body healing through my studies in integrative medicine, functional medicine, Eastern medical methodologies, and somatic experiencing therapy. I have seen amazing things happen to people’s health and disease once they address these areas, and I’ve found that root-cause healing truly occurs when people achieve balance through nutrition, lifestyle, and addressing stress or emotional trauma.

Q: Preventive care is a key focus in your practice. What are some of the most impactful ways patients can take a proactive role in their health?

Dr. Van Wyk: I find that knowledge is power. I love it when patients read books on health, healing, and self-care, or listen to podcasts by integrative or functional doctors. It’s inspiring to see what people can do when they listen to their bodies and follow well-informed guidance on areas of their health they can improve. I enjoy partnering with patients who are proactive in making lifestyle changes and taking a deep dive into optimizing their health.

Q: Nutrition plays a major role in well-being. What are some common nutritional imbalances you see, and how do they affect overall health?

Dr. Van Wyk: I often see women not eating enough protein to maintain their muscle mass and overall health. In addition to adequate protein intake, it’s essential to replace bland starches with colorful vegetables—there’s a saying in functional medicine: “Eat the daily rainbow.” This is crucial for reducing inflammation, improving nutrient density, and avoiding deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In women’s health, it’s also important to consider how things like intermittent fasting affect women differently than men. Women need to work with their cycles and ensure their hormonal balance is optimal.

Q: Hormonal health is an area you’re particularly passionate about. What are some signs that someone might be experiencing hormonal imbalances, and how do you help them find balance?

Dr. Van Wyk: I am very passionate about hormones—if I could have chosen a specialty, hormonal health would be it! Hormones truly fascinate me, particularly when I see the profound effects they have on a woman’s overall quality of life, mental well-being, and vitality. Balancing hormones can make a remarkable difference in someone’s life. I find treating perimenopause, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) especially rewarding because addressing hormonal imbalances can lead to improvements across multiple symptoms.

Q: Many women experience hormonal shifts throughout their lives, from puberty to menopause. How does functional medicine support these transitions differently than conventional approaches?

Dr. Van Wyk: Functional medicine works with a woman’s body to create balance by examining the connections between hormones, digestive health, nutrition, nutrient imbalances, and stress. Bioidentical hormone therapy, which uses natural hormones to address imbalances, is often preferred over synthetic hormones, which suppress the body’s hormone production and can have more side effects. The goal is to support the body’s natural rhythms rather than override them.

Q: Mind-body health is another important aspect of your work. How do stress, trauma, and emotional well-being impact physical health, and what strategies do you use to help patients navigate this?

Dr. Van Wyk: I strongly encourage patients to address the mind-body connection through not only psychotherapy but also somatic experiencing therapy, which helps release trauma from the nervous system. Additionally, I find nervous system retraining therapies—such as HeartMath, vagal stimulation, and neurorehabilitation—helpful in restoring balance to the autonomic nervous system. Chronic stress and unresolved trauma can lead to significant health issues, so addressing them is crucial for long-term wellness.

Q: You work closely with many female clients but also support all Healthcode patients. What are some of the key health concerns you address across different demographics?

Dr. Van Wyk: Aside from hormonal health, I frequently address metabolic health concerns, including insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk reduction, and digestive health. These issues affect both men and women and can have a profound impact on long-term health outcomes.

Q: What excites you most about being part of Healthcode Medical, and how does the clinic’s approach align with your philosophy?

Dr. Van Wyk: I love being part of the Healthcode team because it aligns perfectly with my beliefs around preventive health, lifestyle medicine, and longevity. The clinic’s focus on functional and integrative medicine—while also incorporating conventional medicine when needed—allows us to take a truly proactive and evidence-based approach to optimizing health. I appreciate how thorough and detailed we are in our patient assessments, emphasizing early detection and prevention. Our goal is to bring the most up-to-date medical knowledge and cutting-edge therapies to our clients.

Q: If there’s one piece of advice you could give to someone looking to improve their health today, what would it be?

Dr. Van Wyk: Just one is extremely tough! I’d have to say: Eat colorful vegetables, move your body, and breathe! These simple yet powerful habits lay the foundation for lasting health and vitality.

Summary: Dr. Karen van Wyk’s passion for functional medicine, preventive care, and holistic healing is evident in every aspect of her practice. By addressing lifestyle, nutrition, and mind-body health, she empowers patients to take an active role in their well-being, ensuring they don’t just manage symptoms—but thrive.

At Healthcode Medical, we’re proud to have Dr. Van Wyk on our team, providing expert care that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. If you’re interested in learning more about her approach or scheduling a consultation, we invite you to reach out and start your journey toward optimal health.