In conversation: Meet Gemma McLeod
Maebl recently had the pleasure of chatting with Gemma McLeod, a degree-qualified naturopath who has a special interest in women’s health. With a holistic yet evidence-based approach, Gemma supports her clients in cultivating long-term wellbeing through nutrition, lifestyle strategies, targeted supplementation, and herbal medicine. Together, we glimpse into her daily practice, explore what motivates her, and, naturally, dive deep on the topic of the vaginal microbiome.
Hello, Gemma! Before we get stuck in, I’m interested to know a little bit more about you - outside of your work as a naturopath. Tell us, what’s something outside of your work that inspires you right now?
My daughter, Laura. She is so adaptable and unapologetically herself - spending time with her is a wonderful daily reminder to embody that myself. She has a knack for pulling me out of ‘work mode’ and back into what really matters (which at the moment is Guess Who tournaments and picking spring flowers from the garden).
What’s one small ritual or habit that makes your day better?
I’ve replaced my second coffee with a matcha (I’ve finally found one that meets my standards as a foodie and naturopath!). Beyond the obvious benefits of less caffeine and an L-theanine boost, the act of making my daily matcha is a great way to slow down and take a mindful moment. I’ve loved matcha for yonks, but have only recently invested in a chasen - I adore the ritual of whisking the matcha to perfection and trying to master my microfoam!
What are you reading or listening to right now?
The FX Medicine podcast is always a fave!
What would be your ultimate meal - entree, main, and dessert included?
My ultimate meal would begin with these amazing ‘vegetable fries’ that my favourite local restaurant here in Nelson used to make - I still dream about them! For the main course - wood-fired pizza loaded with rustic tomato sauce, pesto, olives, and basil. And why not round it off with a (decaf) espresso martini and some kind of lemon meringue pud with a scoop of lush white chocolate gelato on the side?
You’re a degree-qualified naturopath, nutritionist, and medical herbalist, what led you to your career in this space?
It’s been a long and winding path with many detours! My journey began with a personal health challenge in my early teens that sparked a deep interest in nutrition and the idea of studying to become a dietitian. Years later, I developed Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, which led me to work with a naturopath. That experience completely shifted my perspective and, at the last second, I pivoted and applied for a naturopathy degree instead.
For me, naturopathy has never been about the ‘natural’ label - the real appeal (and power) lies in the sheer breadth of the toolkit. As a naturopath, I use nutrition, lifestyle strategies, targeted supplementation, herbal medicine, and custom-made vaginal creams and pessaries to help patients create lasting change. Every plan is thoughtfully designed and unique to the person I’m working with - no two plans are ever the same!
You’ve since taken a particular interest in and focus on women’s health in your work. Can you tell us more about this area and why this focus is important to you?
Women’s health has always felt like the area where I can make the biggest impact. So many of the concerns I see (recurrent thrush, bacterial vaginosis, PCOS, endometriosis, acne) are either overlooked or managed with a very limited set of tools medically. While medical treatment has an important role, it is only one piece of the puzzle. What excites me about working in this space is helping women connect the dots by exploring the hormonal, emotional, immune, dietary and lifestyle factors that all intertwine to create their health challenges. By widening the lens and addressing root causes, long-term change becomes possible, and women can reclaim a real sense of agency over their health.
What do you find most rewarding about working in this area?
Working with the vaginal microbiome, I’m often seeing women who’ve been living with near constant symptoms for years. By the time they reach me, they’ve usually tried every medication and home remedy under the sun without achieving lasting relief. It’s very rewarding to help them shift their symptoms after years of discomfort and dead ends. One client recently told me she finally feels like herself again after three years of recurrent thrush. That was a pretty rewarding moment.
For those who may not know, can you explain what the vaginal microbiome is and why it’s so important?
A healthy vaginal microbiome acts a bit like a team of housekeepers working together to protect that space. The ‘housekeepers’ are rod-shaped bacteria from the Lactobacillus family, and their job is to maintain balance by producing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. This keeps the vaginal pH slightly acidic, which makes it difficult for opportunistic bacteria, fungi, and viruses to take hold. But when there aren’t enough Lactobacilli on duty, the door is left open for less-friendly microbes to move in. This imbalance doesn’t just cause uncomfortable symptoms - it can also make the vaginal environment more vulnerable to further disruption.
How does the vaginal microbiome connect with overall health and wellbeing?
Imbalances in the vaginal microbiome, particularly a loss of Lactobacilli, can increase the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections and even play a role in recurrent UTIs. We also know that the vaginal microbiome interacts with the immune system, plays a role in fertility, and influences pregnancy outcomes. Hormones are also a key player in the vaginal environment, so it’s common for women with vaginal microbiome challenges to have something going on hormonally, which has broader implications for energy, mood, and general wellbeing.
And of course, when vaginal health is suffering, the impact isn’t just physical - confidence and intimacy often suffer too.
What are some common factors that can disrupt a healthy vaginal microbiome? Are there certain lifestyle or self-care practices you recommend to support microbiome balance?
Antibiotic use, clothing choices, diet, hormones, stress and sexual practices can all disrupt a usually healthy vaginal microbiome.
One factor that often gets overlooked is the role of partners. A study published earlier this year showed that not only could researchers predict which women would develop BV based on their partner’s penile microbiome, but that treating male partners with oral and topical antibiotics dramatically reduced recurrence rates. For this reason, I’m a big advocate of the humble condom. For women with a healthy vaginal microbiome, condoms help protect that balance, and for those experiencing challenges, using condoms gives the vaginal microbiome a better chance to stabilise.
Other valuable tools include: using a vaginal microbiome-friendly lubricant, eating a whole-food diet that includes a wide variety of colourful fruit and veg, and sticking to 100% cotton or bamboo underwear.
What are some common misconceptions you see around intimate health and natural care?
So many.
1. That nothing can be done for recurrent infections beyond repeated antibiotics or antifungals. While these medications are sometimes incredibly helpful and necessary, if infections keep coming back, it’s usually because there are deeper drivers that need addressing.
2. That natural always means safe. Please don’t put essential oils, yoghurt, or garlic cloves into your vagina! The vaginal environment is delicate, and many DIY remedies can do more harm than good.
3. That it’s an either/or choice. You don’t have to choose between medical and natural care - the two can complement each other beautifully.
Why do you feel it’s important for intimate care products to be microbiome-friendly?
Some ingredients can alter vaginal pH and harm beneficial bacteria, leaving the vagina vulnerable to infection. On the other hand, thoughtfully designed, microbiome-friendly products respect that delicate ecosystem. Many women are aware that it’s best to wash only with water, but don’t always consider the impact of the lubricant they choose. Many products are pH balanced, but microbiome-friendly products go a step further - they’re formulated specifically to protect, or even support, the vaginal microbiome.
What advice would you give to someone who feels uncertain or even embarrassed about asking questions around their vulvovaginal health?
I’d want them to know they are far from alone - vulvovaginal issues are incredibly common, even though they’re not often talked about openly. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. I’d also encourage them to seek out a health professional who specifically works in this area, because we know the right questions to ask. That takes the pressure off you to bring up topics that might feel uncomfortable.
There are a few myths about vulvovaginal health and care. If you could bust just one, what would it be?
If I could bust one myth, it would be that vulvovaginal issues are caused by poor hygiene. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In many cases, soaps and douches only make things worse. The vaginal microbiome isn’t something to scrub away - it’s something to nurture and protect.
What’s next for you in your work?
If the stars align, I’d love to further my education and contribute to research on the vaginal microbiome. In the meantime, my focus is on continuing to grow Ovela Health, helping more women in the real world by translating current research into practical strategies with a holistic foundation.
And last, where can people find more information about your practice - Ovela Health?
You can find out more about Ovela Health or book an appointment on my website, ovelahealth.co.nz, or you can follow along on Instagram, @ovelahealth.