Search this site

Melissa Koch, Registered Dietitian Melissa Koch is a Registered Dietitian with over 15 years of experience in women’s health, perinatal care, and pediatric nutrition. She earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition and Food from Toronto Metropolitan University and then completed a graduate-level dietetic internship with Capital Health in Nova Scotia. Melissa also holds a Master’s in Adult Education and Community Development from OISE. She has spent much of her career with Toronto Public Health, supporting women and families with hormonal imbalances, fertility, prenatal and postnatal nutrition, and pediatric nutrition. Her expertise includes nutrition therapy for PCOS, thyroid conditions, insulin resistance, perimenopause, and menopause, and she helps families build healthy, sustainable eating routines. Melissa works collaboratively with clients to create flexible, personalized nutrition strategies that align with their unique goals and lifestyles. She can help you with: • Personalized meal plans and nutritious snack ideas • Using food to help relieve symptoms and boost energy • Guidance on supplementation when needed • Optimizing your diet to prevent or manage chronic conditions • Building sustainable habits that nurture long-term health and well-being She is passionate about empowering women to feel confident and balanced in their relationship with food and their bodies. Outside of work, she is a wife and mother of three children who enjoys baking, biking, and exploring new places with her family.

Cancellation/No Show Policy Please provide at least 72 hours notice to cancel an appointment as there are many other patients waiting for time with the doctors. If you need to cancel an appointment for Monday at 9am, you must contact the office before 9am on Friday. Failure to do so and not showing up to the appointment will result in a charge based on OMA recommended rates. You will receive a reminder email ahead of your appointment through a secure message. The office does not give reminder calls for appointments.

Cosmetic Vulvar Procedures Cysts and lesions on your vulva are mostly benign but can be bothersome. We get a lot of requests to remove them. These lesions are usually benign and the procedures to remove them are considered cosmetic/elective and will not be covered by OHIP. You do NOT require a referral for elective procedures, so you can just email or call our office for consultation. Fee will depend on the type, size, and number of cysts/lesions you have but generally start at $300+.

Post IUD Insertion Care Congratulations! You had an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted! There are 2 types of IUDs: one that releases a hormone (hormonal IUD) and one that does not (copper IUD). When does my IUD start working? The copper IUD begins working now. Hormonal IUDs (Mirena/ Kyleena) start working in 7 days, unless you started your period. If you started your period less than 7 days ago, it will start working now. If you were taking oral contraceptives, continue it for 7 days after your hormonal IUD insertion. What should I do today? When can I have sex? Today, you may go back to school or work if you feel well. Please abstain from vaginal intercourse, baths, swimming, tampon use, and menstrual cup use for at least 24 hours after IUD insertion. Mirena/Kyleena users will need back-up contraception (i.e. condoms) to prevent pregnancy in the first 7 days after placement, unless you are on your period now. If you have sex without a condom before 7 days, you should take emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. What should I expect? You can expect to have some cramps and bleeding and or spotting (on and off bleeding or brown discharge) in the first few months but may be worse in the first 1 - 2 weeks. The cramping and bleeding can last for 3-6 months with the hormonal IUDs. After 6 months, the cramping and bleeding should get better. Many hormonal IUD users will stop having periods after 1 or 2 years, which is safe. If you have a copper IUD, you may have more cramping and bleeding with your periods as long as you have the IUD inside you, but worse in the first 3-6 months. How should I take care of myself? Ibuprofen/Motrin/Aleeve (NSAIDs) helps decrease the bleeding and cramping. You can buy them at any drug store without a prescription. You can take as many as 3 pills (600 mg) every 6 hours with food (each pill contains 200 mg). To prevent cramping, start taking it as soon as your period starts and keep taking it every 6 hours for the first 2-3 days of your period. You can also put a warm water bottle on your belly if you have bad cramps. Will my IUD come out? What should I do if it comes out? Your IUD may come out by itself in the first three months. If you can feel the strings, the IUD is most likely in the right place. If you feel the string is longer than usual, the IUD may be moving down. If your IUD comes out, you can become pregnant immediately. Use condoms if you think your IUD may have come out and please contact your family doctor or our office. How do I check for my IUD strings? If you want, you may check for the strings by inserting one finger into the vagina and feeling for the cervix. The cervix feels similar to the tip of your nose. You should feel strings similar in texture to fishing lines coming out of the cervix. Sometimes the strings are tucked high up and can be difficult to feel and that is usually not a concern. We will send you for an US to make sure it is still in place. Does the IUD protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? The IUD does NOT protect you against STIs (HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, HPV, etc.) You should ALWAYS use protection against sexually transmitted infections with condoms if you are at risk. Contact your doctor if: • You have persistent, worsening abdominal pain, unrelieved with medications • You have a fever at or above 38.5°C or 101.3°F • You have foul-smelling or unusual vaginal discharge • Your menstrual periods have stopped with the copper IUD • You or your partner can feel the lower post (hard plastic feel, not the string) of the IUD • You think you are pregnant

Uninsured Services Some medical procedures, and most forms and notes, are not insured by OHIP and therefore are subject to a fee. The current fees are determined at the suggestion of the OMA. Payments can be made in the office (debit, credit, and e-transfer are accepted). List of uninsured services are as below: Doctor's notes: $50 Prescription refills without an appointment: $40 Insurance forms : $100

Allied Health Services Naturopathic Support Read More Pelvic Physiotherapy Read More Dietary and Nutrition Support Read More Psychotherapy Read More

Privacy & SMS Communication Policy At Tulip Women’s Health (Dr. Jeanie Yuh & Associates), we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring respectful, secure communication with our patients. Privacy Policy We collect personal information only as needed to provide medical care, schedule appointments, and support secure communication. We do not share or sell patient information, including phone numbers, to any third parties for marketing or commercial purposes. Your information is used only for clinical and administrative purposes in accordance with applicable privacy laws. SMS Communication Policy We use SMS (text messaging) only for: Appointment reminders and confirmations Secure video consultation links Important scheduling updates Consent By providing your mobile number in the referral, you consent to receive SMS messages from Tulip Women’s Health. Standard carrier rates may apply. Consent may be withdrawn at any time by contacting us. Limitations Messages are for appointment-related communication only. Privacy Your phone number and other personal information are kept confidential and protected under our Privacy Policy.

Clinic Policies Cancellation Policy Read More Uninsured Services Read More Locum Physicians Read More Medical Learners Read More Harassment Policy Read More Prescription Renewal Read More Privacy & SMS Policy Read More

Dr. Stephanie Zelembaba, ND Dr. Stephanie Zelembaba is a Naturopathic Doctor and co-owner of Abaton Integrative Medicine. She has 8+ years of experience supporting women's health, perinatal care and pediatrics. With respect to women's health, Dr. Stephanie supports women with the menopause transition, PCOS, thyroid concerns, insulin resistance, fertility and more. She is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She has met the Standard of Practice for Prescribing in Ontario allowing her to support her patients with MHT (also known has HRT).

Dr. Andrea Palmer, MD, FACOG Dr. Andrea Palmer is an Oklahoma native turned reluctant Texan and now a future Canadian! Growing up as the granddaughter and niece of surgeons, her decision to become a physician came early in life. Having wonderful, strong female role models throughout her life has given her a passion for working with and caring for women, making Obstetrics and Gynecology a natural career for her. She graduated Magne Cum Laude from University of Oklahoma and attended Medical school and residency at OU Health Sciences center, where she served as Chief Resident. Dr. Palmer practiced in Oklahoma City at Lakeside Women’s Hospital for 7 years, serving as Chief of Staff before moving to Texas. In Fort Worth she practiced at FENOM Women’s Care where her clinical focus was in Robotic surgery. Dr. Palmer has attended and taught several advanced training programs with the DaVinci surgical system, and proctor other surgeons in the technique. After 15 years of full spectrum practice, she retired from Obstetrics in 2024. As a “Recovering Obstetrician” her clinical focus is Menopausal Medicine and office based Gynecology. She was privileged to serve as the Medical Director of Surgical Services for Andrews Women’s Hospital at Baylor All Saints since 2023 and joined the core faculty of our residency program in 2024. Dr. Palmer is a passionate advocate for women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQIA rights, and physician mental health and wellness. She is looking forward to relocating to Toronto where she will provide both gynecologic and family planning care. She has 2 brilliant teeangers, 2 standard poodles, and a cat who keep her busy and entertained while not at work.

Medical Services IUD Insertion and Removal Read More Implant Insertion and Removal Read More Perimenopause/Menopause Read More Colposcopy Read More Pessary Care Read More Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Read More Cosmetic Removals of Vulva Lesions Read More Vulva Disorders Read More

Dr. Denise Handscomb, ND Dr. Denise Handscomb is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with over 10 years of experience supporting patients in reaching their health care goals. She is the co-owner of Abaton Integrative Medicine, in Oakville, and she has a special focus in women’s health, supporting women during peri-menopause, menopause, and pregnancy. Dr. Handscomb has completed additional training in prenatal care, pediatric care, environmental medicine, is a Naturopathic Doula who attends births and has met the College of Naturopaths of Ontario's Standard of Practice for Prescribing. This allows Dr. Handscomb to prescribe Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and provide comprehensive hormone support for women during the transitional years. Dr. Handscomb is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner.