Dr. Melissa Clark

05/12/2026

Big news in women’s health — PCOS officially has a new name!!!

As of this month, what we’ve called Polycystic O***y Syndrome for decades is now Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).

Why does this matter? Because the old name centered the ovaries — when the real drivers of this condition are hormonal and metabolic. Yes, polycystic ovaries can show up on imaging, but they’re one downstream finding among many, not the disease itself. Meanwhile, what’s actually going on for so many women: hormone dysregulation, insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, mental health impacts, skin changes, fertility struggles. A whole-body, whole-system condition that the old name made far too easy to flatten into “just a gynecological issue.”

The result? Decades of delayed diagnoses, dismissed symptoms, and women being told their issue was reproductive when their metabolic health was screaming for attention.

This change took 14 years, 50+ medical organizations, and over 22,000 patient voices to make happen. It’s the largest medical renaming effort ever undertaken. And it gives us — clinicians and patients — language that finally reflects the truth: this is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that deserves real, comprehensive care.

If you have PMOS (formerly PCOS) and you’ve felt unheard, brushed off, or like the conventional approach didn’t go deep enough — I see you. There’s so much we can do beyond “just take the pill.”

Save this post and send it to someone who needs to see it.
functionalmedicine hormonehealth integrativemedicine insulinresistance pcosawareness womenshormones drmelissaclark medbymel

12/09/2025

It’s baby time!

I’m officially on my maternity leave and soaking in all of the newborn snuggles!

To any current patients, please continue to contact the clinic for any questions, medication refills, appointment needs etc. and one of the wonderful doctor’s covering for me will be more than happy to help support you! To any new patients, I will be back in the clinic mid February and would love to see you - you can contact Protea to get on my schedule!

Until then, wishing you all a happy holiday season full of love and wellness 🤍

08/07/2025

Let’s talk about those little urine sticks.
Yes, they can be helpful for identifying your fertile window.
But here’s the thing: if they’re causing stress or turning your bathroom into a mini science lab every morning… it might be time to pause.

Tracking is a tool. It’s not a requirement.
And if it’s creating more cortisol than clarity? That stress can do more harm to your cycle than missing a day of testing ever could.

✨ Give yourself grace. Give your nervous system a break. And know—I’m here to help decode your hormones in a way that feels supportive, not stressful.

06/24/2025

The secret’s out…
We’re expecting our miracle baby this winter, and we couldn’t be more excited! 🤍

From being told I was infertile to now experiencing the joy and privilege of pregnancy, it all still feels surreal. Every moment is a reminder of how precious this journey truly is.

I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better partner to navigate this chapter with. He was all-in on our preconception journey—patient, supportive, and endlessly committed. Watching him step into this next phase with me has been one of the greatest joys of all.

I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with you—the highs, the lows, the lessons, and the little wins along the way.

✨ A gentle note from my heart:
If pregnancy announcements have ever felt like a gut punch—I see you. I’ve been there. For so long, I was told it would never happen for me, and I remember how isolating that felt.
Please know that my heart is always with you. That experience has shaped the doctor I am today. It’s why I do what I do. You are seen, you are heard, and this space will always remain safe and grounded in empathy. I share my story not to trigger pain, but to offer a glimmer of hope—however small—that miracles can happen. 💛

04/11/2025

Let’s make 2025 your year.

Let’s stop with the:
❌ I’ll start tomorrow
❌ Next month will be better
❌ Maybe it’s all in my head

You deserve to find answers to your health questions. You deserve to feel your best. Repeat that.

Haven’t been met with the answers you’re looking for? It’s time to find a new healthcare provider who will dig deeper. Want to see if I might be a good fit for you? Let’s connect!

No more excuses. No more gaslighting from healthcare professionals. It’s the year of answers. It’s the year of optimal wellness.

12/15/2024

We’re growing and we’d LOVE to have you. Please message me with any questions, I’d love to connect!

**Announcement: Residency Opportunity at Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona**

Attention Naturopathic Medical Students and Recent Graduates,

We are excited to announce that Protea Medical Center, in collaboration with Bastyr University, is offering a unique residency opportunity! We invite qualified candidates to apply for this comprehensive residency focused on endocrinology at our 25,000 square foot premiere medical facility in Tempe, Arizona.

We are pleased to offer this program in affiliation with Bastyr University to provide our residents with an extraordinary educational experience.

At Protea Medical Center, we are dedicated to practicing heart-centered medicine. We are seeking intellectually curious candidates who are passionate about integrated patient care and committed to the well-being of those they treat. Our ideal candidates will embody empathy and a holistic approach to patient care, aligning with our mission to provide compassionate health services.

Our center boasts a collaborative team of 50 staff members, including 9 full-time naturopathic medical doctors, 3 nutritionists, and a skilled support team comprising medical assistants, phlebotomists, and patient care coordinators. Additionally, our dedicated and inspired management team fosters an environment of growth and learning.

Protea Medical Center specializes in endocrinology, and as such, candidates must demonstrate a strong interest and aptitude in this field. A thorough understanding of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of bioidentical hormones is highly recommended for applicants.

Our facility also features a movement studio offering classes in yoga and barre fitness, as well as mind-body workshops—integrating wellness into every aspect of our practice.

If you are ready to embark on an enriching residency experience in a supportive, dynamic, and holistic environment, we encourage you to apply!

For more information on the residency program and application details, please contact:

Dr. Bronwyn Carlblom NMD
Senior Physician
Residency Director
480-557-9095
[email protected]

We look forward to welcoming the next generation of healers to our team!

09/08/2024

Come say hi Protea Medical Center !

Dr. Melissa Clark is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who graduated top of her class from Sonoran University of Health Sciences, following a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia. With training in endocrinology and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, Dr. Clark is passionate about helping patients understand and optimize their health. She specializes in treating conditions like thyroid disease, low testosterone, PCOS, and menopause. Outside of work, Dr. Clark enjoys road cycling, running, and weight training with her husband, and she’s an avid animal lover.

08/29/2024

PSA Naturopathic Medical Students!!!

05/25/2024

You are not alone.

Perimenopause is a natural phase in a woman's life, typically starting in the 40s, but sometimes earlier! It’s the transition towards menopause and can last several years (for some, it can last up to 10 years!), bringing various symptoms due to hormonal changes. While this stage of life is a "natural phase" it doesn't mean that we have accept feeling like 🗑🗑🗑!

Common Symptoms:
-Irregular periods
-Hot flashes and night sweats
-Mood swings and anxiety
-Sleep problems
-Vaginal dryness and reduced libido
-Weight gain

Why Does This Matter? 🤷‍♀️
Recognizing perimenopause helps in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. If you're experiencing these symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out for support! Find a provider in your area who advertises that they specialize in endocrinology, are board certified (FABNE) in naturopathic endocrinology or have underwent advanced training. You deserve the best so that you can feel your best.

05/23/2024

🧐 Check this out ➡️

The first study to look at the long-term effects of protein consumption during midlife, FINALLY!!

Protein is essential for bone and muscle health, both of which can decline with age.

But the results of this study say that “protein intake was significantly associated with higher odds of healthy aging.” This is why my patients hear me talk about protein intake on REPEAT!

🙌🙌🙌

Plant-based protein was also associated with good mental health status and a lower risk of limitations in physical function.

This was based on data from 48,762 women younger than age 60 who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study.

Want some simple ways to boost protein intake?

🔹 Grab nuts instead of chips.
🔹 Toss chickpeas on your salad.
🔹 Add a high-quality protein powder to your smoothie.
🔹 Spread nut butter on fruit

If you want to see more posts like this on research-backed ways to optimize your health,
Like this post ❤️ and be sure to tap FOLLOW!



Ardisson Korat AV, Shea MK, Jacques PF, et al. Dietary protein intake in midlife in relation to healthy aging – results from the prospective Nurses’ Health Study cohort. Am J Clin Nut. 2024. Published 2024 Jan 17.