We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Adriane Knorr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Adriane, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

There was a defining moment early in my career that fundamentally solidified the importance of how I practice medicine. I was seeing a young woman suffering with years of debilitating pelvic pain, fatigue, and digestive symptoms, and so much more. She had seen multiple providers, undergone countless tests, and been told “everything looks normal.” Her frustration and hopelessness were palpable.

During our visit, I slowed everything down. We drew out her entire health history, symptom patterns, and triggers — not just in isolation, but as an interconnected web/map to health. It became clear she had mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, hypermobility, PCOS, and likely endometriosis. Once we had clear, validating diagnoses and a comprehensive, integrative treatment plan, her relief was visible. Over the next months of treatment & better understanding her body; she regained energy, reduced her pain, and returned to activities she loved.

That case cemented my commitment to practicing in a way that goes beyond symptom management — to dig deep, connect the dots, and empower women with both answers and agency in their care. It also solidified my focus on complex women’s health and hormone-related conditions, which has become the cornerstone of my practice today.

The lesson I carry from that moment is simple but powerful: when patients feel truly heard and understood, the healing process begins long before the first supplement, medication, or procedure is prescribed.

Dr. Adriane, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Dr. Adriane Knorr, a naturopathic doctor specializing in women’s gut and hormone health. My path into this field began with a deep fascination for how interconnected our bodies are — how digestion, hormones, stress, and lifestyle all influence one another. As someone with a host of my own chronic diseases, I personally saw how often women’s symptoms were dismissed or fragmented into separate specialties, leaving them without answers. I knew that people deserved better & that I could practice differently — I could be the kind of doctor who takes the time to connect the dots.

In my practice, I work with women experiencing complex, chronic conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), POTS, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, estrogen dominance, SIBO, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. I provide evidence-based medicine, advanced testing, personalized nutrition, lifestyle counseling, and integrative treatment plans. My approach blends rigorous science with the art of listening — making sure every patient feels seen, heard, and actively involved in her care.

What sets me apart is my ability to piece together seemingly unrelated symptoms into a clear picture, giving patients the validation and plan they often haven’t found elsewhere. I help patients reclaim energy, reduce pain, restore hormonal balance, and finally feel at home in their bodies again.

I’m most proud of creating a practice where my patients feel safe, understood, and empowered. I want potential clients to know that my work is collaborative — your story matters, and together we can create a plan that’s as unique as you are!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences in my practice has been working with patients who have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). This condition is complex, unpredictable, and often misunderstood, which can make treatment feel like a slow and uncertain journey.

Patient’s with POTS will often express frustration and doubt early on, not just in the treatments but in themselves, wondering if they’ll ever regain stability. As her provider, I also wrestled with uncertainty at times because POTS doesn’t respond to a one-size-fits-all approach, and progress can be painstakingly slow.

What I’ve learned through that experience is how essential it is to cultivate trust — trust in the process, in the treatment plan, and most importantly, in the patient’s own body, experience and resilience. There were moments when adjustments had to be made, when symptoms worsened before they got better, and when patience was the only real medicine.

Holding that space — staying steady in my commitment and encouraging my patient to trust her own body’s signals — became a practice of resilience for both of us. It reinforced the idea that healing with chronic conditions like POTS isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about perseverance, adaptation, and building a collaborative relationship grounded in hope and trust.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I believe the most important factor for succeeding in my field is having a solid, supportive team—both professionally and personally. Medicine can be challenging and sometimes emotionally draining. Without the encouragement and collaboration of trusted colleagues, it would be impossible to navigate those challenges effectively while also providing superb patient care.

Equally important is the support I receive from my family and close friends. Their understanding and emotional grounding give me the resilience and balance I need to show up fully for my patients.

In short, success in this field isn’t just about what you know—it’s about the people you surround yourself with who lift you up, keep you motivated, and remind you of your purpose when the work gets tough.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sassyspeculum.com
• Instagram: @sassyspeculum
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriane-k-851492ab/
• Other: TikTok: @sassyspeculum
  Spotify: The Sassy Speculum Podcast

Image Credits

Jordyn Roach, Joe Gray