HORMONAL
The hormonal system regulates our energy production and reproductive capacity. It is also intertwined with our neurological and immune systems and as such affects how we feel and function.
Thyroid/Adrenal
Many patients have thyroid and adrenal issues that affect their level of energy or other hormonal systems. Such issues may arise from nutritional and autoimmune (e.g. Hashimotos) factors, and from the effects of chronic stress; genetic factors may also predispose to such issues.
As practitioners, our role in support of healing is to use the full array of thyroid hormonal tests to identify the pattern of hormonal dysfunction, support gut healing and removal of any toxic or inflammatory contributing factors, promote rebalance through use of nutrients and energetic interventions, and provide hormone replacement therapies as needed.
Sexual
Many women experience insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, low sex drive, weight gain, or a combination of these symptoms, around the time of menopause. Some women in their 30’s and 40’s experience the early aging effects of hormone imbalances. Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can set the stage for anxiety, mild depression, irritability, weight gain, headaches, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Men also may experience symptoms related to changing hormonal balance.
As practitioners, our role in support of healing is to use the full array of hormonal tests to identify the pattern of hormonal dysfunction, remove any toxic or inflammatory contributing factors, promote rebalance through use of nutrients and energetic interventions, and provide hormone replacement therapies as needed. We use natural approaches to support the body: diet, dietary supplements and herbs, adrenal support, acupuncture, stress reduction, thyroid balancing, and bio-identical hormone replacement (HRT). The North American Menopause Society published a review of potential benefits and risks of HRT that provides information to support informed decision-making (http://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/2017/nams-2017-hormone-therapy-position-statement.pdf).