Hormones act as the body's chemical messengers, regulating a wide range of functions, from metabolism to mood. The endocrine system—comprising glands such as the thyroid, pancreas, adrenals, ovaries, and testes—coordinates these processes to ensure proper hormone production and balance. An integrative approach to managing hormone imbalances involves leveraging nutrition, natural therapies, and bioidentical hormone replacement to restore equilibrium.

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Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland underproduces thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, constipation and depression. This condition can significantly impact your metabolism and energy levels, lowering overall quality of life. Unfortunately, cases of hypothyroidism are often underdiagnosed or missed due to lack of comprehensive testing and early treatment. Using a functional approach to lab ordering and interpretation allows for better treatment.

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Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance disrupts the body’s ability to manage blood sugar effectively, often leading to weight gain, fatigue, and an increased risk of diabetes. Even before diabetes occurs, insulin resistance can have a similar negative impact to cardiovascular health, though despite this, insulin resistance is not typically tested for. Instead diagnosis and treatment are delayed until diabetes has developed. Early treatment with herbal therapies and nutraceuticals, in addition to nutrition and lifestyle modification, can prevent progression to diabetes.

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Adrenal Dysfunction

Adrenal dysfunction, or HPA axis dysfunction, is often characterized by symptoms like chronic fatigue, insomnia, and stress intolerance. Chronic stress can result in miscommunications between the brain and adrenal glands, resulting in abnormal production of cortisol. This can lead to the development of other conditions such as sex hormone imbalances and increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut). There are several abnormal cortisol patterns, making diagnosis with salivary testing crucial in creating an individualized and effective treatment plan.