We understand the unique healthcare needs that women have. There are so many factors involved in a woman's overall health, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, diet, medications, lifestyle, etc. We perform comprehensive testing and analysis using state-of-the art diagnostic equipment. For more information, please read our testing and diagnosis page, and to learn more about why we use urine analysis instead of saliva, please read the January 2008 edition of the Townsend Letter.
The way we do our testing allows us to determine which treatment protocols and products will be best suited and the most effective for your uniquely individual situation. In designing a treatment program for you, our goal is to determine the underlying cause of your physical symptoms; such as depression, weight gain, hair loss, loss of libido, etc. By focusing on the cause, rather than the symptom, we can more rapidly return your body back to a more balanced state. By using the latest state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and lab testing, we can effectively assist you in achieving total health ?that is what functional medicine is all about!
The following are the most common disorders associated with women's health along with a brief introduction to natural hormones.
Disorders:
Menopause
- Marks the end of menstrual bleeding in women
- Ovaries stop producing estrogen, progesterone and androgens
- Can occur from result of ovaries or other reproductive organs removed through surgery
- Common symptoms are: hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness
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Endometriosis
- Endometrial tissue which lines the uterus migrates outside uterus and implant themselves onto other organs
- Most common sites for these cells to implant themselves are the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, vagina, abdominal cavity and the colon
- Common symptoms are: pain before or during menstruation, infertility
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Premenstrual Syndrome
- Premenstrual syndrome can sometimes be the imbalance of the body's natural ratio of estrogen to progesterone during the premenstrual phase, poor diet and thyroid disease
- Common symptoms are: mood swings, food cravings, headaches, exhaustion, breast ternderness and water retention
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Hypothyroidism
- A deficiency in the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, resulting in a slow metabolic rate
- Symptoms may include: fatigue, weakness, depression, hair loss, memory loss, weight gain
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Hypoadrenalism
- A deficiency in the production of hormones by the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands primarily produce the hormones, cortisol and DHEA. Some cause may be an insufficient amount of stimulation by the pituitary hormones.
- Symptoms may include: fatigue, irritability, depression, allergies, inability to concentrate, weakness
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Osteoporosis
- In osteoporosis, the inside of the bones become porous and thin. Over time, this weakens the bones and may make them more likely to break. Common signs can be; broken wrist or hip, low back pain, hunched back, may get shorter over time.
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Natural Hormones:
Pregnenalone
- Often referred to as the "parent hormone" pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol
- It is a super-hormone that is the key to keeping the brain functioning at peak capacity
- Believed to be the most potent memory enhancer, it has also been shown to be beneficial in improving concentration, fighting mental fatigue and relieving severe joint pain and fatigue in arthritis
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Estrogens:
Estradiol
- Produced by the ovaries and is the principal estrogen found in a women's body
- Relieves menopausal symptoms
- Protects against osteoporosis, heart disease and Alzheimer's
- Enhances mental acuity and memory. Increases serotonin and endorphin levels
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Estrone
- Weakest of the three estrogens
- Readily converts to estradiol
- Levels increase following menopause giving the body some estrogen benefits
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Estriol
- Essential for a successful pregnancy
- Useful in promoting urogenital health
- Reported to oppose and modulate the more potent estrogen, estradiol
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Progesterone
- Decreases risk of endometrial cancer
- Enhances mood and has a calming effect
- Involved in the reduction of PMS and menopausal hot flashes
- Regulates fluid balance
- Helps thyroid hormone action
- Normalizes blood sugar levels
- Restores libido
- Helps to build bone
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Testosterone
- Builds muscle and promotes muscle tone
- Increases libido
- Helps strengthen bone
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DHEA
- Helps protect against heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Can increase and enhance energy levels, libido, memory and immunity
- Protects against the effects of stress
- Aids weight loss
- Helps to prevent wrinkles and dry eyes
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Cortisol
- Helps in responding and coping with stress, trauma, infection and environmental extremes
- Increases energy and metabolism
- Helps regulate blood pressure
- Enhances the integrity of blood vessels
- Reduces allergic and inflammatory response
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Melatonin
- Regulates sleep/wake cycle
- Reported to have powerful antioxidant properties
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For more information or to get a FREE phone consultation and setup an appointment, please contact us online or call our Patient Care Coordinator at 972.239.6317 x134. |
