Balance Medical

Balance Medical Comfortable, Confident, Care for women of all ages. Dr. Rhonda Schafer-McLean, OB/GYN

If you're in perimenopause, you already know: some days feel completely fine, and others feel like your body is running ...
04/28/2026

If you're in perimenopause, you already know: some days feel completely fine, and others feel like your body is running on a different operating system.

Here's the thing most women don't hear enough... perimenopause lasts an average of 4 years, and the symptoms aren't random. They're connected to a real shift in your hormones — specifically, declining estrogen disrupting your cortisol regulation.

That's why spring is actually a great time to reset.

Longer days support your circadian rhythm. Fresh seasonal foods give your body the nutrients it needs. And warmer weather makes it easier to move — which is one of the most effective tools for managing symptoms.

Swipe through for a practical spring hormone reset:

→ Prioritize calcium and protein (bone and muscle support)
→ Build a sleep routine that works with longer daylight
→ Add strength training — even 2x/week makes a measurable difference
→ Try yoga or stretching for cortisol regulation
→ Eat seasonally — spring greens, berries, and whole grains

You don't have to white-knuckle through this stage. There are real strategies — and we're here to help you find the ones that fit your life.

DM us with questions. We're here for every stage.

April is both Stress Awareness Month and National Infertility Awareness Week — and the overlap isn't a coincidence.Stres...
04/27/2026

April is both Stress Awareness Month and National Infertility Awareness Week — and the overlap isn't a coincidence.

Stress and fertility are connected. But not in the way most people think.

The science:

When your body is under chronic stress, it produces elevated cortisol. That cortisol can suppress GnRH — the hormone your brain uses to signal your ovaries. When that signal gets disrupted, ovulation can become irregular or stop altogether.

It's not that stress "causes" infertility. It's that sustained stress creates a hormonal environment where conception becomes harder.

Here's what the evidence supports:

→ Mindfulness and stress-reduction programs have been shown to improve outcomes in fertility treatment cycles
→ Yoga and moderate movement help regulate cortisol without adding physical stress
→ Adequate sleep (7-9 hours) supports reproductive hormone production
→ Talking about it matters — seeking support is not a sign of weakness, it's a strategy

If you're navigating a fertility journey, know this: your feelings are valid, and asking for help — from your provider, a counselor, or your community — is one of the strongest things you can do.

You're not alone in this. DM us if you have questions about next steps.

04/27/2026

Just doing my part to help her see the value ✨

Spring is here in North Dakota — and so is some of the best produce for your hormonal health.We're not talking about tre...
04/24/2026

Spring is here in North Dakota — and so is some of the best produce for your hormonal health.

We're not talking about trendy supplements or complicated meal plans. We're talking about real food that you can find at your local grocery store or farmers market... and that actually does something for your body.

Here's what to add to your plate this spring:

🥦 Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts)
These support estrogen metabolism — helping your body process and clear excess estrogen more efficiently.

🥬 Leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula)
Rich in folate, which is essential for reproductive health and cell function. Bonus: they're loaded with magnesium, which helps with cramps and sleep.

🫐 Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
Packed with antioxidants that reduce inflammation — one of the key drivers behind hormonal imbalance and cycle irregularity.

🌱 ND spring picks: asparagus, peas, radishes
Local and in season. Asparagus is a natural prebiotic that supports gut health — and your gut plays a direct role in hormone regulation.

You don't need a complete nutrition overhaul. Just a few swaps can make a difference.

Save this post for your next grocery run.

Let's talk about something that doesn't get nearly enough attention... your pelvic floor.Here's a number that surprises ...
04/23/2026

Let's talk about something that doesn't get nearly enough attention... your pelvic floor.

Here's a number that surprises most women: 32% of adult women will experience a pelvic floor disorder at some point in their lives. And 2026 research is highlighting a gap we see in practice — many women are aware of pelvic floor health, but very few take preventive action before symptoms start.

Your pelvic floor supports your bladder, uterus, and bowel. When it weakens — from pregnancy, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, or simply aging — it can lead to leaking, pressure, pain, or discomfort that affects your daily life.

The encouraging part? Prevention works.

Simple, consistent exercises — like Kegels done correctly, deep breathing with pelvic engagement, and core-stabilizing movements — can make a real difference when started early.

And you don't have to figure it out alone. Pelvic floor physical therapy is evidence-based, effective, and something your provider can refer you to.

Swipe through to learn the key risk stages, what to watch for, and how to start strengthening now — before symptoms show up.

Have questions? DM us — we're here for every stage.

Happy Earth Day 🌎This year's theme is 'Our Power, Our Planet' — and we love how it connects to something we talk about e...
04/23/2026

Happy Earth Day 🌎

This year's theme is 'Our Power, Our Planet' — and we love how it connects to something we talk about every day: taking care of yourself.

Because here's the thing... the habits that are good for the earth? They're usually good for you, too.

A few to try this week:

→ Take a walk outside. Nature walks have been shown to reduce cortisol and improve mood — no gym membership required.

→ Add more plants to your plate. A plant-rich way of eating supports your hormones, your energy, and your gut — and it's easier on the environment.

→ Put the phone down before bed. Less screen time means better sleep quality, which means better everything — mood, focus, recovery.

→ Open a window. Fresh air and natural light help regulate your circadian rhythm, especially as spring days get longer here in North Dakota.

You don't have to go zero-waste overnight. Start with one thing. The smallest shift can ripple into something bigger.

Save this post and share it with someone who could use a reset this spring.

04/22/2026

Please welcome Kaitlyn Kenny to our Balance Medical team! 💚🤍🩵
kenney

When was your last STI screening?If you had to think about it — you're not alone. And there's no judgment here.STI scree...
04/21/2026

When was your last STI screening?

If you had to think about it — you're not alone. And there's no judgment here.

STI screening is routine care. It's not about assumptions. It's not about lifestyle. It's about taking care of your health — the same way you'd schedule a dental cleaning or an annual wellness visit.

This week is STI Awareness Week, and we're using the CDC's framework to break it down: Talk. Test. Treat.

Swipe through to learn:

Who should be screened and when
What tests are available
Why screening matters — even without symptoms
What happens after a positive result

The hardest part is usually starting the conversation. And that conversation can happen right here — with a team that treats you with respect, privacy, and zero judgment.

Screening is care. Not a verdict.

Call 701-498-4111 for appointments.

Do you wear SPF daily — even in North Dakota?Spring sun feels different after a long winter. But UV rays don't care abou...
04/20/2026

Do you wear SPF daily — even in North Dakota?

Spring sun feels different after a long winter. But UV rays don't care about the temperature — they're already at work.

Here's what we want you to know from a medical perspective:

SPF 30+ broad-spectrum. Every day. Even cloudy days. Even if you're just running errands. UV exposure accumulates over a lifetime, and consistent protection is one of the most effective things you can do for your skin and your long-term health.

Regular sunscreen use reduces melanoma risk by up to 50%. That's not a beauty tip — that's cancer prevention.

Application matters. Apply 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours, or more often if you're sweating or swimming. Most people use far less than the recommended amount.

Peak UV hours are 10am to 2pm. Seek shade, wear protective clothing, and consider a wide-brimmed hat when you're outside for extended periods.

This isn't about vanity. This is about taking a simple, daily action that protects your health for years to come.

Visit balancend.com for more information.

Have you scheduled your mammogram this year?If not — you're not alone. But here's why it's worth putting on the calendar...
04/19/2026

Have you scheduled your mammogram this year?

If not — you're not alone. But here's why it's worth putting on the calendar.

Mammograms save lives. Early detection catches breast cancer when it's most treatable — and that's not a small thing.

Here's what you should know:

When to start. The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women ages 40 to 74. If you have a family history or other risk factors, your provider may recommend starting earlier.

3D mammography. Also called tomosynthesis — it takes multiple images from different angles, which is especially helpful for women with dense breast tissue. It can catch things a standard mammogram might miss.

Comfort tips. Schedule your appointment for the first half of your cycle when breast tissue is less tender. Wear a two-piece outfit. Skip deodorant and lotion on the day of. And remember — the compression lasts only a few seconds per image.

What if something looks different? Most callbacks are not cancer. Additional imaging is common and usually just means they want a closer look. Your care team will walk you through every step.

Early detection changes outcomes. That's not a tagline — that's evidence.

Schedule through the Patient Portal: https://20398.portal.athenahealth.com/

"I didn't just want a doctor. I wanted a team that actually listened."When it comes to choosing a healthcare provider, t...
04/17/2026

"I didn't just want a doctor. I wanted a team that actually listened."

When it comes to choosing a healthcare provider, the decision isn't always about convenience or location. Sometimes it's about how a place makes you feel the moment you walk in.

Here's what we hear from women who chose Balance Medical:

"I wanted an all-female team." For some women, that's not a preference — it's a priority. Knowing every provider in the room understands your experience firsthand makes a real difference.

"I needed everything in one place." OB/GYN, primary care, wellness — all under one roof. No referrals bouncing between buildings. No repeating your story five times.

"I wanted someone local who knew my community." We're not a big hospital system. We're a women-owned practice in Bismarck, ND, built by and for the women who live here.

"I stayed because they remembered me." Not just your chart — you. Your name, your story, your goals.

That's not a marketing line. That's what happens when care is designed around the person, not the system.

DM us to learn more.

We're not here to tell you to drink more water. (You've heard that enough.)But here's something most women don't know: y...
04/16/2026

We're not here to tell you to drink more water. (You've heard that enough.)

But here's something most women don't know: your hydration needs actually change throughout your cycle — and when you're not keeping up, your hormones feel it.

During your luteal phase (the two weeks before your period), your body needs 8-12 extra ounces of water per day. That's because progesterone raises your core body temperature and increases fluid loss.

When you're dehydrated:
→ Cortisol spikes (hello, stress)
→ Menstrual cramps can feel worse
→ Energy drops and brain fog creeps in
→ Skin loses elasticity

So how much is enough? The general recommendation for women is about 91 ounces per day from all sources — that includes water, tea, fruits, and soups. But your luteal phase, pregnancy, and breastfeeding all increase that number.

Practical tips:
→ Start your morning with 16 oz before coffee
→ Keep a water bottle at your desk (refill it twice)
→ Add electrolytes during your luteal phase
→ Eat water-rich foods: cucumbers, watermelon, oranges

Small shifts. Real impact.

Save this for your next cycle — and share it with someone who needs the reminder.

Address

1500 E Interchange Avenue, Suite 201
Bismarck, ND
58501

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 2:30pm

Telephone

+17014984111

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Balance Medical posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category