Hormones are signaling molecules that act like messengers in the body. They have a profound effect on body physiology and can affect energy levels, cognition, sexual health, reproductive health as well as weight management. An imbalance in various hormones can result in the following symptoms and conditions:
- Infertility
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Low libido
- Night sweats and hot flashes
- Irregular menses
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Symptoms of Menopause
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Hypothyroidism
- Hair loss and hair thinning
- Absence of menses
When patients display hormone related issues, we investigate potential hormone imbalances through diagnostic testing of serum, saliva or urinary samples. We may test for thyroid hormones, cortisol levels, sex hormones, or insulin resistance, depending on the patient’s symptoms.
Treating hormone imbalance is truly an integrative approach that encompasses addressing other lifestyle factors as well. For example, when a patient presents with a hormonal issue such as hypothyroidism and is prescribed thyroid hormone, it often does not provide complete resolution of symptoms. In fact, many patients still experience symptoms, even through they have “normal” thyroid blood levels. For symptoms to resolve, other factors often need to be addressed along with bio-identical hormone replacement, dietary changes, nutrient absorption, toxic burden, stress management and inflammation.
The good news is that you can address the hormonal imbalance and in the process elevate your overall health.