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Hormone Imbalance Treatment

Hormone Imbalance Treatment: How Naturopathic Care Can Help

Are you struggling with hormone-related issues and seeking an effective hormone imbalance treatment? If you’re searching for a natural and holistic approach to achieve hormonal balance, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will explore how naturopathic doctors can help you address hormone imbalances and guide you towards optimal health. By the end, we hope you’ll be inspired to book a free consultation and embark on your journey to a healthier, happier you. Let’s dive in!

The Role of Hormones in Our Bodies

Our hormones are like tiny chemical messengers, responsible for regulating a wide variety of bodily functions, from our mood and energy levels to our metabolism and reproductive health. When our hormones are in balance, we feel great! But when they’re out of whack, we can experience a whole host of unpleasant symptoms. That’s where a naturopathic doctor comes in, offering a holistic approach to help restore balance and harmony in your body.

A Holistic Approach to Health

Naturopathic doctors look at the big picture, considering all aspects of your health and well-being to identify the root cause of your hormone imbalances. They understand that hormones are interconnected and that imbalances can be influenced by factors such as diet, stress, sleep, environmental toxins, and other individual factors. By addressing these underlying issues, a naturopath can help you achieve lasting hormone balance and overall health.

Tests and Treatments

When it comes to diagnosing hormone imbalances, a naturopathic doctor may use a combination of blood, saliva, and urine tests to gain a comprehensive understanding of your hormonal health. Each type of test has its unique advantages and can provide valuable information to help create a personalized treatment plan. Let’s take a closer look at each testing method:

Blood tests

Blood tests are the most common method for assessing hormone levels. They involve taking a blood sample, usually from a vein in your arm, and analyzing it in a laboratory to measure the levels of specific hormones. Some of the hormones that may be tested in a blood sample include:

Thyroid hormones: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (T3), and free thyroxine (T4) levels are commonly tested to evaluate thyroid function.

Sex hormones: Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and androgens levels can help assess reproductive health and diagnose conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or menopause-related issues.

Adrenal hormones: Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels can be checked to evaluate adrenal function and assess stress-related hormone imbalances.

LH, FSH, AMH can assist further in understanding Fertility and menstrual health concerns.

Fasting insulin can guide us in further understanding various conditions. symptoms and hormone concerns from sluggish metabolism and weight, to PCOS, inflammation, cardiovascular disease and brain health conditions

Saliva tests

Saliva tests are a non-invasive method for measuring hormone levels, making them a popular choice for some naturopathic doctors. Hormones present in saliva are thought to represent the biologically active or “free” form of the hormone, which can provide valuable information about how your body is utilizing these hormones.

Some of the hormones that can be tested using saliva samples include:

Cortisol: A saliva test can be used to measure cortisol levels throughout the day, providing insight into your stress response and adrenal function.

Sex hormones: Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels can also be measured in saliva, offering an alternative to blood tests for evaluating reproductive health.

Melatonin: A saliva test can be used to measure melatonin levels, which play a critical role in regulating sleep patterns.

Urine tests

Urine tests can provide a more comprehensive picture of hormone levels over a longer period, as they measure hormone metabolites excreted in the urine. This method can be particularly useful for evaluating adrenal function and assessing how your body is metabolizing hormones.

Some of the hormones that can be tested using urine samples include:

Cortisol and its metabolites: A 24-hour urine collection can provide a detailed assessment of cortisol production and metabolism, offering valuable insight into adrenal function and stress-related hormone imbalances.

Sex hormone metabolites: Urine tests can measure the metabolites of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, providing information about how your body is processing and utilizing these hormones. This can also include melatonin, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter components, glutathione and nutrient status.

Blood, saliva, and urine tests each offer unique advantages in assessing hormone levels and can provide a naturopathic doctor with valuable information to diagnose hormone imbalances accurately. Depending on your specific symptoms and health concerns, your naturopath may recommend one or more of these testing methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of your hormonal health and create a personalized treatment plan.

Yes, we can provide all at Higher Heath!

Naturopaths can prescribe Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can be a powerful tool in a naturopathic doctor’s arsenal when it comes to treating hormone imbalances. BHRT involves the use of hormones that are chemically identical to those produced naturally by your body, ensuring a safer and more effective treatment option compared to synthetic hormones. Your naturopathic doctor may recommend BHRT as part of your personalized treatment plan if your hormone levels are significantly out of balance or if you’re experiencing severe symptoms that affect your quality of life. BHRT can be customized to meet your specific needs, with dosages and delivery methods (such as creams, gels, patches, or capsules) tailored to your unique hormonal profile. In combination with dietary and lifestyle changes, herbal medicine, and other complementary therapies, BHRT can play a crucial role in helping you achieve optimal hormonal balance, alleviate symptoms, and improve your overall well-being.

Creating Personalized Hormone Imbalance Treatment Plans

Your hormone journey is unique, and a naturopath at Higher Health will work with you to develop a tailored hormone imbalance treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and health goals. This may include dietary and lifestyle changes, herbal medicine and supplements, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (if appropriate), stress management techniques, IV Vitamin Therapy and other complementary therapies.

Emphasizing Prevention in Hormone Imbalance Treatment

Our Higher Health naturopathic doctors focus on preventing health issues before they arise, helping you maintain long-term hormonal balance. By identifying potential triggers and risk factors, a naturopath can equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to take control of your hormonal health and prevent future imbalances.

We believe in the power of education and self-care, and we’ll support and guide you as you make positive changes to improve your hormonal health. We’ll provide you with practical advice and resources to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories on your journey to better health.

What to Expect at Your First Consultation

Now that you know the benefits of working with a naturopath for hormone imbalance, let’s talk about what to expect at your first consultation. It’s normal to feel a bit nervous or unsure, but don’t worry – your higher health naturopath is there to support and guide you every step of the way.

Comprehensive Intake and Medical History

During your initial consultation, your naturopath will spend time getting to know you and understanding your health concerns. They’ll ask about your current symptoms, past medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, stress, and sleep habits. This information will help them identify potential underlying causes of your hormone imbalances which help create a personalized treatment plan.

Physical Examination and Diagnostic Testing

If necessary, your naturopath may perform a physical examination or order diagnostic tests to assess your hormone levels and identify any imbalances. As mentioned earlier, these tests may include blood tests, saliva tests, or urine tests. Your naturopath will use the results as part of your targeted treatment plan to address your specific hormonal imbalances and help you achieve optimal health.

Once your naturopath thoroughly comprehends your unique hormonal situation, they will collaborate with you to develop a tailored hormone imbalance treatment plan addressing your specific needs and objectives. This plan may include:

Dietary and lifestyle modifications: Integrating nutrient-dense foods, regular exercise, and stress reduction techniques can substantially impact your hormonal health.

Herbal medicine and supplements: Your naturopath may suggest specific herbs or supplements to promote hormone balance and overall well-being.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT): If suitable, your naturopath may prescribe BHRT to alleviate symptoms and restore hormone balance.

Stress management techniques: Mastering effective stress management approaches, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can enhance your hormonal health.

Other complementary therapies: Based on your requirements, your naturopath may recommend additional treatments like IV Vitamin Drip Therapy, acupuncture, massage, or chiropractic care to support your overall health.

Ongoing Support and Monitoring for Hormone Imbalance Treatment

Your higher health naturopathic doctor will accompany you throughout your hormone health journey, offering ongoing support and monitoring your progress. They will arrange regular follow-up appointments to ensure your treatment plan is working effectively and make any necessary adjustments. Open communication and active involvement in your treatment process are crucial to your success, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or express any concerns you may have.

Schedule a Free Hormone Imbalance Treatment Consultation Today

We understand that taking the first step towards improved hormonal health can feel intimidating, which is why we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with a naturopathic doctor specializing in hormone imbalance treatment. During this initial meeting, you can discuss your health concerns, ask questions, and learn more about how a naturopath can help you achieve hormonal balance and overall well-being.

By booking a free consultation, you commit to yourself and your health. It’s an opportunity to connect with a compassionate and knowledgeable healthcare professional who can guide you on your journey to better hormonal health. Plus, there’s no financial risk or obligation, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Click here to book your free consultation today.

Here are some resources about hormone imbalance treatments to help you learn more about the topic:

  1. Hormone Health Network: https://www.hormone.org The Hormone Health Network is a valuable resource for information on hormones and hormonal disorders, including treatment options and patient resources.
  2. Women’s Health Network: https://www.womenshealthnetwork.com This website focuses on women’s hormonal health and provides articles, resources, and expert advice on hormone imbalances and their treatments.
  3. BodyLogicMD: https://www.bodylogicmd.com BodyLogicMD is a network of practitioners specializing in hormone health, offering resources and information on hormone imbalances and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
  4. The Endocrine Society: https://www.endocrine.org The Endocrine Society is a professional organization dedicated to the study of hormones and the treatment of endocrine disorders. Their website offers a wealth of information on hormone-related health issues and treatments.
  5. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov The NCBI website contains a vast database of scientific articles and research papers on hormone imbalances and treatments. You can search for specific topics, including hormone replacement therapy, natural treatments, and more.
Hormone imbalance

Hormone Imbalance

Hormone Imbalance, Why Does It Happen And What Can You Do?

A hormone imbalance can turn your life upside down. Some people think certain things happen just because we get older and excuse them away. That is not always the case. If you have a hormone imbalance, chances are there is A LOT you can do about it!

In this article we’re going to look at:

  1. What are hormones.
  2. The top 5 things that cause a hormone imbalance.
  3. The symptoms to look for in a hormone imbalance.
  4. How to check your hormones.
  5. What can you do to balance again?

Hormones are critical chemical messengers that control our body’s communication pathways, affecting many aspects of our health. Every part of our body has a job it needs to get done, and our hormones help ensure that job gets completed.

Hormones are secreted by exocrine glands such as the pituitary gland, the adrenal glands, the thyroid, the ovaries/testes, pancreas, etc. They work together to form one large communication center within our body, called the endocrine system.

Without hormones, our body would be unable to grow, to use energy from the food we eat, to regulate our mood or reproductive processes. Even a minor hormone imbalance can lead to widespread symptoms, similar to when we drop a stone into a body of water and watch the ripple effect.

Let’s Look At The Top 5 Causes Of A Hormonal Imbalance

Stress

Our bodies are designed to respond to stress acutely by activating our “fight or flight” sympathetic nervous system. One of the main hormones in this reaction is cortisol, one of our steroid hormones. Unfortunately, we tend to see people who are under constant sources of stress, putting this nervous system into overdrive. 

In our for our bodies to meet the demands of this chronic stress, it preferentially uses cholesterol to make cortisol instead of some of our other stress hormones like progesterone. This may lead to symptoms like changes in mood, weight gain, and PMS like symptoms. 

Women are more sensitive to a hormonal imbalance than most men, and chronic stress can negatively impact fertility since our body does not feel reproduction is a priority in times of stress. Our adrenal glands, which secrete cortisol, have a distinction relationship with the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland as well, called the HPA axis. When we see this relationship altered, we also see other hormones affected as well like thyroid hormones, melatonin, and insulin.

Irregular Sleep Habits

Most of our bodily functions are synched with our sleep-wake cycle, our hormones included. This means that the release of certain hormones naturally fluctuate throughout the day. Hormones that are under clear circadian control include melatonin, cortisol, our sex hormones, thyroid hormones, and epinephrine. 

Unfortunately, it’s all too common to see people get caught up with day to day tasks, and put sleep on the back burner. This can not only cause a hormone imbalance, but also affect almost every physiological process in our body! Quality sleep needs to be a priority for happy, healthy hormones. We cannot reiterate this enough!

Nutrition

In regards to nutrition, one of the major things that can affect hormone imbalances in blood sugar levels. When we eat a meal high in sugar of refined carbohydrates, we see both a spike in insulin, and a decrease in sex-hormone binding globulin. Sex-hormone binding globulin’s main role is to bind excess hormones in the blood; therefore, when this goes down, free hormones go up. One of the major ones in this case is testosterone (hello androgen excess). 

Androgen excess is something that we see often in individuals who have PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome. If you feel that you rely on processed carbohydrates or sugary foods to provide energy throughout the day, you may have dysregulated blood sugar.

Chronic Inflammation

When we think about inflammation, we most often think about what happens to our tissue post-injury. This kind of inflammation; however, is very different. Chronic inflammation is a systemic level of inflammation that occurs throughout the body in response to prolonged periods of stress, alcohol, toxin exposure, and food sensitivities to name a few. 

Acutely, inflammation is a good thing to help initiate healing and protect the body; chronically however it can lead to many problems. There is an area in our brains that regulates our hormones, and these receptors respond to inflammatory mediators that are being released in inflammatory states. 

For example, in response to this, our brain sends signals to the adrenal glands to pump out more hormones, like cortisol. Our body typically likes to be a tightly regulated system, with everyone in balance to operate at its best. When we get an overproduction of one hormone, we often see other hormones suffering as a response leading to a hormonal imbalance. 

Environmental Toxins

Our environment is a major source of chemicals that have been found to have endocrine disrupting properties. One of the most common endocrine disrupting chemicals are xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens mean that they have the ability to modulate estrogen’s activity throughout the body by binding to estrogen receptors. 

These chemicals can be found in your personal care products, make-up, plastics, receipts, and other products that touch our food and skin. These include known xenoestrogens such as parabens, BPA, phthalates and triclosan. It’s hard to avoid these chemicals completely in today’s day and age but there are some things that we can do to lessen our exposure, and chemical burden. 

This includes looking for products that are made without these ingredients, ditching plastic for glass, and avoiding the handling of paper receipts. In addition, using apps such as “Think Dirty” and “EWG” can help to identify products without these endocrine disruptors.

What Exactly Does A Hormonal Imbalance Feel Like?

You might have a combination of some of these symptoms…

  • You feel wired but tired at night
  • You feel anxious, have difficulty focusing, or feel like you have brain fog
  • You feel your mood is all over the map
  • You are losing your hair more than normal, or you start to notice clumps falling out
  • You may get food cravings for chocolate, chips, or sweets that feel difficult to manage
  • Acne along the jawline and lower cheeks
  • Rashes or hives for no reason
  • You feel constantly drained, fatigue, or that your ability to bounce back is not what it once was
  • Your back, joints, and muscles ache or joints are inflamed without an apparent cause
  • Your menstrual cycles are irregular, painful, heavy, or you’re no longer ovulating at all
  • You may be premenopausal or post-menopausal and may be suffering from hot flashes, night sweats or mood swings
  • You may wake each night, typically between 1-4am, with racing thoughts and difficulty falling back asleep
  • You feel your sex drive is non-existent, and have no desire for intercourse
  • You have been gaining weight or have difficulty losing weight even though your routine has not changed
  • Your digestive system has been out of whack, ranging from difficulty passing bowel movements to very loose stools

Did you find yourself doing a mental checklist of one, or more of these things? Then you’re in the right place. 

Have you been told that these things are “normal”, part of aging, part of being a woman, etc. but want more for your health? We want you to feel better than fine, to challenge the status quo. We want you to aim for higher health, and to feel fantastic doing it.

Some of these symptoms can be linked to other health conditions as well, we recommend speaking with your naturopathic doctor to identify the root cause of your issues.

How Can I Check For A Hormone Imbalance?

There are 3 types of hormone tests available.

  • Saliva-This hormone test kit can be delivered and done at home.
  • Blood-Requires a lab visit or we can send a lab tech to your home.
  • Urine-This hormone test kit can be delivered and done at home.

DUTCH Test:

The DUTCH test is one of our favorites and stands for the Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones. It measures several different hormones, their metabolites, and certain neurotransmitters, by collecting a small amount of urine on a piece of filtered paper four times a day. 

This package is then mailed to the lab, and the results will be received by your Naturopathic Doctor in approximately 4-6 weeks. A comprehensive assessment, and tailored treatment plan will then be made by your Naturopathic Doctor to get your hormones back in synch. An individualized treatment plan may include dietary + lifestyle recommendations, supplementation, and herbs.

The main hormones measured in the test include:

  • Cortisol
  • Cortisone
  • Estradiol
  • Estrone
  • Estriol
  • Progesterone
  • Testosterone
  • DHEA
  • Melatonin

Blood test:
Many hormones including but not limited to estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, fasting insulin, and thyroid hormones can be tested through blood tests. Some of these hormones are taken on certain days of your cycle for the most accurate results, while others can be taken at any time.

Salivary testing:
Some hormones such as cortisol can be tested via salivary testing, at different points throughout the day to assess the rate and rhythm at which your body is secreting them.

Hormone imbalances can change your life! That’s why it is important to pay attention when you start feeling different. There are many things that could be causing these hormonal changes, so don’t just assume its part of getting older.

The right diagnosis will help put everything into perspective for YOU.

From there you need a plan to addresses where your hormones are too high or too low that will include:

  • Lifestyle recommendations and expert education to help you balance your hormones as fast as possible.
  • Check in and coaching calls. We’re there as you need support and guidance. You will not be doing this alone!
  • A supplement plan focused on your hormonal health balance.
  • Possible Red Light and IV Therapy as well.
  • A custom meal plan that focuses on balancing your hormones while tasting great.

Are you ready to take control of your hormones? Book a free consultation with one of the Naturopathic Doctors at Higher Health today.

References:
https://dutchtest.com
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22945636/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30304113/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17410596/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31581598/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30868921/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29852783/