Hi, I’m Dr. Lea McKinstry (she/her), a licensed naturopathic physician dedicated to helping people achieve lasting health through personalized, evidence-informed care. I primarily work with women navigating hormonal changes, including perimenopause and menopause, as well as individuals seeking support for digestive health, fatigue, metabolic health, and preventive wellness.
My goal is to create a collaborative, compassionate environment where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered to take an active role in their health. Together, we’ll develop a treatment plan that addresses underlying contributors while supporting your long-term well-being in a way that fits your life and your goals.
Dr. Lea McKinstry, ND — Women’s Health, Hormone Health & Preventative Medicine
NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN IN BALLARD, SEATTLE + WASHINGTON TELEHEALTH
Dr. Lea McKinstry, ND
WOMEN’S HEALTH | HORMONE + PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE IN BALLARD
Dr. Lea McKinstry provides personalized, evidence-informed care for women’s health, perimenopause and menopause, thyroid, digestive, and metabolic health at One Connection Healthcare in Ballard, Seattle.
Meet Dr. Lea McKinstry
Choosing a healthcare provider is an important decision. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to better understand your health. I believe the best care begins with listening—taking the time to understand your concerns, your story, and your goals before developing a personalized treatment plan.
I was drawn to naturopathic medicine because I wanted to practice in a way that allowed time to listen, ask questions, and uncover the underlying factors contributing to illness. Too often, patients are told their symptoms are “normal,” that their lab work is “fine,” or that they simply need to live with fatigue, hormonal changes, digestive concerns, or chronic pain. I believe there is value in looking deeper.
As a licensed naturopathic physician, I combine evidence-informed medicine with a whole-person approach to healthcare. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, I work to understand the factors that may be contributing to illness while using therapies supported by the best available research and tailored to each person’s needs.
Collaborative, Evidence-Informed Healthcare
My approach combines the best available scientific evidence with individualized care. Every patient has a unique history, genetics, lifestyle, environment, and set of goals. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all treatment plan, I work with each patient to identify the contributors to their symptoms and create realistic, sustainable strategies that fit their life.
My treatment recommendations may include nutrition, lifestyle medicine, botanical medicine, targeted nutritional supplementation, prescription medications when appropriate, and laboratory evaluation to better understand your health. I carefully weigh the benefits, risks, and available evidence behind every recommendation. I believe the least invasive, most effective treatment is often the best place to start.
Education is just as important to me as treatment. When patients understand why they are experiencing symptoms and how different therapies work, they can make informed decisions and become active participants in their health.
Areas of Clinical Focus
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I have a particular passion for supporting women through hormonal changes, including perimenopause and menopause. I help patients understand what is happening in their bodies and explore individualized options for concerns such as fatigue, changes in weight or metabolism, sleep disruption, and other hormonal symptoms.
Treatment may include nutrition and lifestyle strategies, targeted supplementation, botanical medicine, prescription therapies when appropriate, and laboratory evaluation.
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I work with patients experiencing thyroid concerns, metabolic changes, fatigue, weight concerns, and cardiovascular risk factors. My goal is to look at the whole picture, identify contributing factors, and develop realistic strategies that support both current health and long-term wellness.
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Digestive symptoms can have a significant effect on daily life and overall well-being. I help patients explore the factors that may be contributing to their symptoms and develop individualized plans using nutrition, lifestyle medicine, botanical medicine, targeted supplementation, and conventional treatment when appropriate.
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Preventive care is an important part of my practice. I work with patients who want to better understand their health risks, improve resilience, and support their ability to stay active and engaged in the things they love.
Together, we create sustainable strategies that support long-term health rather than pursuing perfection or a quick fix.
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I enjoy helping patients navigate complex or chronic health concerns, especially when they feel they have not found answers elsewhere. Rather than looking at each symptom in isolation, I work to connect the dots, investigate potential contributors, and develop a clear plan for moving forward.
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Comprehensive, Whole-Person Care
I work with adults who want a thoughtful, comprehensive approach to their health. Many of my patients come to me after feeling dismissed or being told that their testing is “normal” despite not feeling well.
My practice is a good fit for patients who are curious about their health, want to better understand their bodies, and are ready to work in partnership on realistic, sustainable changes.
Background, Credentials, and Clinical Experience
I am a licensed naturopathic physician providing evidence-informed, patient-centered care through every stage of life. I earned my Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Bastyr University and completed a postdoctoral residency in women’s health in Helena, Montana.
Licensure:
Dr. McKinstry is licensed as a naturopathic doctor in Washington. WA License #: NT60793821
What Appointments Look Like with Dr. McKinstry
My goal is to create a welcoming environment where you feel heard, respected, and involved in your care. You are encouraged to ask questions, share your concerns openly, and take an active role in developing your treatment plan.
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01. Your First Visit
Your initial appointment gives us time to understand your health story. We’ll review your medical history, current concerns, lifestyle, nutrition, sleep, stress, medications, supplements, and recent laboratory testing. Together, we’ll explore factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and discuss your health goals.
Depending on your needs, your individualized plan may include nutrition, movement, stress management, sleep support, hormone care, targeted supplements, prescription medications when appropriate, or additional testing. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your plan and why each recommendation is being made.
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02. Follow-Up Visits
Follow-up appointments allow us to review your progress, discuss symptoms and laboratory results, and adjust your care as needed. Healing is not always linear, and your treatment plan will evolve with you.
Initial visits are typically 60–90 minutes, and follow-up visits generally range from 30–45 minutes.
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03. Communication Between Visits
Established patients may use the secure patient portal for brief questions, medication refill requests, and relevant updates. New symptoms or more complex concerns generally require an appointment so that we have adequate time to evaluate them thoughtfully and safely.
Our team strives to respond to portal messages within three to five business days.
Insurance and Care Access
One Connection Healthcare accepts a variety of insurance plans for naturopathic primary care services. Telehealth appointments are also available for many patients throughout Washington State.
For questions about insurance coverage, scheduling, or becoming a new patient, our team is happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Dr. McKinstry provides primary and consultative naturopathic medical care for adults, with an emphasis on preventive health and chronic disease management.
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Yes. Dr. McKinstry has a particular passion for supporting women through perimenopause, menopause, hormone imbalances, and healthy aging. Care is individualized and may include nutrition and lifestyle medicine, targeted supplementation, botanical medicine, laboratory evaluation, and prescription therapies when appropriate.
Explore Perimenopause & Menopause Care in Ballard, Seattle →
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Her clinical interests include women’s health, hormone balance, thyroid disorders, metabolic health, digestive health, fatigue, preventive medicine, and lifestyle optimization. She also enjoys helping patients navigate complex or chronic concerns, especially when they feel they have not found answers elsewhere.
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As a licensed naturopathic physician, Dr. McKinstry may prescribe medications when clinically appropriate and within her scope of practice. She carefully considers the benefits, risks, and available evidence behind each recommendation.
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Yes. One Connection Healthcare offers telehealth appointments for many patients throughout Washington State.
What Keeps Me Joyful
I believe that good health is built through small, sustainable, consistent habits and that healing happens best when people feel heard, supported, and understood. While I love helping patients navigate hormones, digestive health, and preventative wellness, I also believe it's important to practice what I encourage.
Outside of the clinic, you'll usually find me spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, strength training, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, or trying new recipes. Staying active and connecting with nature helps me stay grounded and reminds me that health is about creating a life you enjoy—not striving for perfection.
I value balance, curiosity, and lifelong learning, both as a physician and as a person. My goal is to create a welcoming space where patients feel comfortable asking questions, collaborating on their care, and making meaningful changes that fit their unique lives.
Work with Dr. McKinstry |
Work with Dr. McKinstry |
Partner in Your Care with Dr. McKinstry
Whether you’re looking for a primary care physician or support for a specific health concern, I look forward to partnering with you on your journey toward better health.
