DANNA ELHASSADI
ABOUT DANNA
Danna is a clinical naturopath with a particular interest in women’s health, paediatrics and reproductive health.
She grew up in a family of medical doctors, so conversations about health and medicine were part of everyday life from a young age. She initially followed a similar path academically, completing a Bachelor of Advanced Science in Pre-Medicine from UTS, before pursuing naturopathy and completing a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy.
That background has naturally influenced the way she works. Danna has always had a strong interest in human health, and disease, but was drawn to naturopathy because of the time it allows to look more closely at a person’s health, history, diet and lifestyle, and to tailor care accordingly.
Much of her clinical work now centres around women and children. Within women’s health, her interests include PCOS, endometriosis, painful and heavy periods, PMS and PMDD, irregular or absent cycles, hormonal acne, preconception care, thyroid health, recurrent thrush and BV, microbiome health (gut, vaginal, skin) and the hormonal changes that occur through perimenopause.
Paediatrics has become an equally important part of her practice. Danna has completed further training in children’s health with Geraldine Headley, as well as paediatric microbiome mentoring with Brad Leech. She works with babies, children and teenagers presenting with concerns such as reflux, colic, eczema, allergies, constipation, food sensitivities, recurrent illness, fussy eating, sleep difficulties, anxiety, attention concerns and emotional regulation.
She has a particular interest in the periods of life where health can change quickly. Infancy, adolescence, the reproductive years, preconception and perimenopause all bring their own challenges, and Danna enjoys the variety that comes with working across these different stages.
There is also a natural crossover between her work with women and children. A woman may first come to see her for her own health, return during preconception or pregnancy planning, and later seek help for her child. For Danna, being able to work with people through different stages of life is one of the most enjoyable parts of practice.
Outside of clinic, she is an enthusiastic reader of health and medical research and has always been naturally curious. She likes asking questions, understanding the finer details of a case and learning more about the areas she works in.
Her style in clinic is warm, thorough and practical. She values individualised care and prefers recommendations that can realistically become part of someone’s everyday life.
Danna shows special interest in the following:
- Infant Health
Reflux, colic, unsettled babies, feeding concerns and the developing infant microbiome.
- Children’s Health
Eczema, food sensitivities, constipation, digestive concerns, recurrent illness, fussy eating, sleep and immune health.
- Behavioural and Mental Health
Anxiety, emotional regulation, focus, attention, neurodivergence, mood and sleep in children, adolescents and women.
- Adolescent Health
Acne, painful or irregular periods, energy, mood and menstrual health through the teenage years.
- Menstrual and Reproductive Health
PCOS, endometriosis, painful or heavy periods, PMS, PMDD, irregular cycles and hormonal acne.
- Restoring Menstrual Cycles
Irregular or absent cycles following hormonal contraception, as well as hypothalamic amenorrhoea.
- Preconception Care
Preparing for conception through nutrition, nutrient status, cycle health and general wellbeing, with care available for both partners.
- Gut Health
Bloating, reflux, constipation, altered bowel habits, dysbiosis and IBS, IBD spectrum disorders.
- Vaginal Microbiome
Recurrent thrush and bacterial vaginosis, including the relationship between vaginal and gastrointestinal health.
- Thyroid Health
Naturopathic care for thyroid concerns, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and autoimmune thyroid conditions.
- Perimenopause/Menopause
Changes in cycles, sleep, mood, energy and metabolism during the perimenopausal years.
WHAT IS DANNA’S FAVOURITE HERB AND WHY?
Paeonia (Paeonia lactiflora) is one of Danna’s favourite herbs and one she particularly enjoys using in women’s health.
It has a long history of use in herbal medicine for menstrual and reproductive concerns and is also valued for its antispasmodic actions. Danna particularly likes it in formulas for women experiencing painful periods, PCOS, hormonal acne or signs of androgen excess.
It is also a herb that combines beautifully with others! Making it very versatile in practice. One of Danna’s favourite traditional pairings is paeonia with licorice, particularly where androgen-related symptoms are part of the picture.
WHAT IS DANNA’S FAVOURITE NUTRIENT AND WHY?
If Danna had to choose one nutrient, it would probably be zinc.
It is involved in an enormous number of processes throughout the body, including immune function, skin health, wound healing, appetite, reproductive health and neurotransmitter function.
Danna likes zinc because it turns up so often in the areas she works in. It may be relevant for a teenager struggling with acne, a woman preparing for pregnancy, or a child who is frequently unwell or has a very limited diet.
It is also one of the nutrients she takes herself, so it has long held a place as a personal favourite as well as a clinical one.
WHAT IS DANNA’S FAVOURITE FOOD AND WHY?
Oysters are Danna’s favourite food, and their nutritional profile gives her another reason to love them.
They are one of the richest dietary sources of zinc and also contain vitamin B12, selenium, iodine and omega-3 fatty acids.
For Danna, they are a good reminder that nutritious food does not have to feel medicinal. Some of the best foods nutritionally are also the ones worth getting excited about eating.
DANNA’S QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
- Bachelor of Advanced Science (Pre-Medicine)
- Geraldine Headley Paediatric Training
- Brad Leech Paediatric Microbiome Mentoring
- First Aid and CPR Certified
- Member of ATMS