Masters in Reproductive Medicine (with Excellence), University of NSW
Diploma of Applied Science (Naturopathy, dux) Southern School of Natural Therapies
Bachelor Health Science (Naturopathy) Southern Cross University
Advanced Certificate of Natural Fertility Management, Francesca Naish
Better Babies Preconception Health Care, Francesca Naish
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) Melbourne University
Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching
National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA)
Fertility Society of Australia (FSA)
Senior Fertility Naturopath
Tina Jenkins is a highly qualified naturopath bringing more than 25 years of experience to FGHG. After finishing her final year of studies at the Southern School of Natural Therapies (graduating Dux), Tina worked as a naturopath in Singapore for 12 years. During her time there, she practiced in multidisciplinary clinics alongside gynaecologists/obstetricians and spent 4 years working as a naturopath in an international IVF clinic alongside a leading IVF specialist. Tina returned to Australia at the end of 2008 where she resumed practice and completed her Masters in Reproductive Medicine (graduating with Excellence) through the University of New South Wales.
Tina has always had a special interest in helping couples with fertility problems and has particular success in treating women with PCOS, irregular and/or absent periods as well as problems with ovulation. Over the years, Tina has treated thousands of patients providing her with a wealth of clinical experience, which coupled with her extensive qualifications, brings enormous benefit to Tina’s patients especially in the area of infertility. Tina has also assisted numerous parents regarding children’s health care problems and as a mother herself, has experienced firsthand the many benefits natural health care can bring to young children.
In addition to her clinical practice Tina works at the Southern School of Natural Therapies (Torrens University) educating student naturopaths through her role as Clinical Supervisor.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a fertility focused naturopath?
I have always been interested in fertility, however, when I started working at an IVF clinic as a naturopath in Singapore this really confirmed that my passion and interest in fertility was exactly what I wanted to focus on.
What do you love about being a fertility naturopath?
I love working with women or couples to help achieve their dream of having a family. I particularly love meeting patients’ babies after they have had a challenging journey to become a parent. I also love seeing my patients return again to start trying for baby number 2 or 3 and working with them to expand their family again. One of my favourite memories is when I was working in Singapore and just before I left to move back to Australia, one of my patients bought in her 3 children to say goodbye to me. I had supported her with each of her pregnancies and to see all her children together was such a beautiful reminder of why I love the work I do.
How many years of experience do you have as a fertility naturopath?
I finished my naturopathic studies in 1995 and spent the first few years of practice working overseas in Hong Kong and then Singapore in chiropractic clinics. I was then really fortunate to begin work in an IVF clinic as a naturopath and so really started to specialise in fertility from then on. So all up, I’ve been in practice for around 28 years with the fertility focus for about 26 years.
What types of conditions do you frequently see good results with in your patient group?
I see a lot of success with PCOS especially around fertility but also for those patients not trying to conceive but wish to regulate their menstrual cycle or reduce symptoms such as acne.
Within your special interest for treating people during (IVF/pregnancy etc) are there particular conditions you love to treat or have had good results with?
I love seeing patients with any fertility-related issues, however, I have a particular interest in PCOS and endometriosis. I have seen so many patients with these conditions who have been told they won’t conceive naturally go on to have 2 or 3 babies naturally conceived.
How do you stay up to date in your field of fertility naturopathy?
Attending conferences/webinars, reading journal articles and monthly collaborative meetings with our team of fertility naturopaths. I am a member of the Fertility Society of Australia which also means I am privy to up to date information in the medical field and changes within the IVF environment. I am also fortunate to work as a Clinical Supervisor for final year Naturopathy students at Torrens University so I am always working in an environment of constant learning and staying abreast of current advances within the fertility world. As it is really my area of interest I love reading journal articles and will often in my spare time, sit down and read new research in the area of fertility.
What are the top 3 things you recommend to anyone trying to conceive / who is pregnant / who has had a baby?
For anyone trying to conceive:
For anyone pregnant:
For anyone who has had a baby:
What are some of your favourite fertility / IVF / pregnancy / postpartum resources that you share with you patients?
The number one would be our book “Create a Fertile Life” which has step by step guidelines around what you can do to improve your fertility. Or alternatively the condensed free version of this, which is our e-book – 12 step guide to create your fertile life.
Download the free 12 Step Guide to Create Your Fertile Life
What things do you do (almost) everyday for your own good health?
Having clear boundaries with work and life. Regularly doing things that make me happy. Eating a healthy diet. Exercising regularly. Not taking on too much; saying no when I am feeling overloaded. Meeting up with friends and family regularly.
If you speak any languages other than English please share what they are here.
English only.
Can I see you in person or via Telehealth?
I consult both in person and via Telehealth.