Women’s Health
Are you tired of feeling irritable, anxious, or dreading your monthly cycle?
Do you struggle with issues like acne, hair loss, or weight loss resistance and not understand why? We understand the complex nature of hormone imbalances and are committed to empowering you with a deeper understanding of your hormones levels and their impact on your overall health.
Signs of Hormonal Imbalances
Hormone imbalances occur when there is an irregularity in the production, levels, or functioning of hormones in the body. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily processes, including metabolism, reproduction, mood, energy levels, aging, and cognitive function. When hormones are out of balance, it can lead to a range of symptoms that can disrupt daily life.
Common symptoms of hormone imbalances in women:
Irregular or heavy menstrual periods:
Changes in the length, timing, or flow of menstrual cycles.
Mood swings and irritability:
Feeling anxious, depressed, or experiencing sudden changes in mood.
Fatigue and low energy:
Persistent feelings of tiredness, even after adequate rest.
Weight changes:
Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
Sleep disturbances:
Insomnia, restless sleep, or difficulty staying asleep.
Hot flashes and night sweats:
Sudden and intense feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating.
Skin issues:
Acne breakouts, dryness, or increased sensitivity.
Hair loss:
Thinning hair or excessive hair shedding.
Decreased libido:
Reduced interest or desire for sexual activity.
Brain fog and memory problems:
Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or cognitive decline.
It's important to note that symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific hormone
affected in each individual.
Hormonal Disorders In Women
There are several disorders that are either directly or indirectly
related to hormones and can affect women.
Here are some of the most prevalent ones we treat:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a dynamic interplay between insulin resistance, hormonal dysregulation, and inflammation. One of the hallmark characteristics is the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries, although not all individuals with PCOS will have these cysts. Insulin resistance, a condition where cells don't respond well to insulin's signals, is a common feature in PCOS. This can lead to higher levels of insulin in the bloodstream, which in turn triggers the ovaries to produce excessive amounts of androgens (i.e. testosterone). These elevated androgens can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle, leading to irregular or absent periods. They can also contribute to physical symptoms such as acne, excess hair growth (hirsutism), weight gain, and oily skin.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, which fails to produce adequate thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones, namely thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are important in regulating metabolism, energy production, and hormone balance. Symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold are hallmark indications, as the body's metabolic processes slow down. Skin dryness, hair loss, and brittle nails may result from reduced cellular activity. Mental fogginess, depression, and mood swings often accompany hypothyroidism due to the impact on neurotransmitter function. Moreover, constipation, muscle weakness, and joint pain can ensue. In women, hypothyroidism might also lead to irregular menstrual cycles and difficulty conceiving.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are a diverse group of disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, or organs within the body. Autoimmune diseases can impact various systems and organs, leading to one or multiple of the following symptoms: fatigue, joint pain and swellling, muscle weakness, skin rashes, digestive issues, hair loss/hair thinning, unexplained weight changes, mood changes, neurological problems, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and increased sensitivity to hot/cold temperatures. Women are disproportionately affected by these conditions, constituting a majority of those diagnosed. The intricate interplay of genetics, hormones, and environmental factors contributes to this susceptibility. Autoimmune diseases can disrupt various aspects of women's well-being, including fertility, pregnancy, and overall quality of life.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS encompasses a range of physical and emotional symptoms that typically emerge in the days preceding menstruation. Common symptoms include mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and irritability. Emotional changes like anxiety and depression can also occur. PMS's impact on women's health extends beyond discomfort, influencing daily activities, relationships, and overall well-being. The causes of PMS are linked to hormonal shifts, neurotransmitter fluctuations, stress, nutrition, and inflammation. While generally manageable, severe cases can significantly affect quality of life.
Menopause and Perimenopause
Menopause marks the natural cessation of menstruation and fertility in women, typically occurring around the age of 50. Perimenopause refers to the transitional phase leading up to menopause, characterized by hormonal fluctuations and irregular periods. Common menopausal symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, reduced bone density, weight gain, low sex drive, memory issues, joint pain, changes in hair/skin, headaches, insomnia, urinary issues, and digestive issues. The impact of menopause and perimenopause on women's health is profound, affecting various aspects including cardiovascular health, bone health, and emotional well-being.
Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen dominance refers to an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone levels in the body, where estrogen levels are relatively high in comparison. This imbalance can occur due to factors such as hormonal fluctuations, lifestyle choices, stress, nutrient deficiencies, or external influences like environmental toxins. Common symptoms of estrogen dominance include irregular menstrual cycles, heavy or prolonged periods, fatigue, breast tenderness, mood swings, bloating, constipation, migraines, weight gain, acne, hair loss, and memory issues. Estrogen dominance can increase the risk of conditions like uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and certain types of cancer.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They can vary in size, shape, and location within the uterus. There are several types of fibroids, including intramural fibroids that grow within the uterine wall, submucosal fibroids that protrude into the uterine cavity, and subserosal fibroids that develop on the outer surface of the uterus. Common symptoms of fibroids include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, irregular periods, painful intercourse, constipation, back pain, and anemia. Depending on their size and location, fibroids can impact fertility, cause discomfort, and lead to complications during pregnancy. While most fibroids are not cancerous, their presence can significantly affect women's quality of life and reproductive health and often require medical management.
Infertility
Infertility refers to the inability of a person or a couple to conceive and achieve pregnancy after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Infertility is a manifestation of various interconnected factors such as hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, stress, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences. Common symptoms of infertility may include irregular menstrual cycles, absence of menstrual periods, or conditions such as painful periods or pelvic pain. Infertility can have a profound impact on women's emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. The journey can be emotionally challenging, leading to stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. Moreover, underlying medical conditions contributing to infertility can affect women's hormonal balance and reproductive health.
Adrenal Hypofunction
Adrenal hypofunction, often referred to as "adrenal fatigue", denotes a state of decreased adrenal gland function, impacting hormonal regulation and overall well-being. Common symptoms include fatigue, low energy, mood disturbances, and disrupted sleep patterns. Naturopathic medicine views adrenal hypofunction as a consequence of chronic stress, lifestyle factors, hormone imbalances, sleep deprivation, and other potential stressors. This imbalance can disrupt not only energy levels but also hormonal harmony, affecting women's reproductive health, emotional resilience, and immune system function.
Underlying Causes of Hormonal Imbalances
Hormone imbalances can stem from various underlying causes, disrupting the delicate
balance of your body's endocrine system. Understanding these root causes is crucial for
addressing hormonal imbalances effectively.
At Inner Path Naturopathic, we pay close attention to the following underlying factors that can
contribute to hormonal disruptions:
Impaired Gut Function
Bacteria, parasites, viruses, and gastrointestinal inflammation can affect hormone regulation. Research suggests that imbalances in gut bacteria can lead to inflammation, insulin resistance, and disrupted hormone signaling.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Inadequate intake or deficiencies in key nutrients can impact hormone production and function. Nutrients such as Vitamin D, B vitamins, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Zinc, Iodine, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids play crucial roles in hormone synthesis, metabolism, and receptor function.
Environmental Toxins
Exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to hormone imbalances. Chemicals found in everyday products, plastics, phthalates, pesticides, heavy metals, and air pollutants can interfere with hormone production, signaling, and metabolism.
Impaired Liver Detoxification
The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing and eliminating hormones from the body. If the liver's detoxification pathways are compromised, hormonal imbalances can arise.
Chronic Stress
Prolonged stress can disrupt hormone balance, particularly the production and regulation of cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with other hormones such as melatonin, insulin, leptin, and ghrelin.
Exogenous Hormones
(Oral Contraceptive Pills, IUDs)
These synthetic hormones introduce external sources of hormones into our bodies, which can disrupt the feedback mechanisms that regulate our natural hormone production.
How Hormones Impact Our Everyday Lives
Female hormones play a huge role in many biological pathways within the body,
extending far beyond their role in the reproductive system. The intricate interplay of these
hormones affects various bodily functions and contributes to overall health and well-being.
Here are some evidence-based findings that highlight the significance of female
hormones in non-reproductive biological pathways:
Bone
Health
Estrogen, a key female hormone, plays a vital role in maintaining bone health. Research has shown that estrogen receptors are present in bone cells, and estrogen helps regulate bone turnover by promoting bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption. Reduced estrogen levels during menopause have been linked to increased bone loss and the development of osteoporosis in women.
Cardiovascular
Health
Estrogen has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. Studies have found that premenopausal women have a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases compared to men, suggesting the potential role of estrogen in maintaining heart health. Estrogen has been shown to positively influence lipid metabolism, vascular function, and blood pressure regulation, reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Cognitive
Function
Estrogen has been implicated in cognitive processes such as memory, attention, and learning. Research indicates that estrogen receptors are present in regions of the brain associated with memory and cognition. Studies have shown that fluctuating estrogen levels, particularly during menopause, can impact cognitive function and increase the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Metabolism and Weight Regulation
Female hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, influence metabolism and weight regulation. Estrogen has been found to play a role in fat distribution, favoring subcutaneous fat storage. Progesterone affects appetite and thermogenesis. Imbalances in these hormones can contribute to weight gain and difficulties in weight loss.
Mood and Emotional Well-being
Fluctuations in female hormones throughout the menstrual cycle and during menopause can impact mood and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that estrogen has antidepressant-like effects, and its decline during menopause may contribute to an increased risk of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Hormones We Assess:
Integrative Approach to Women’s Health
We understand how navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming and disheartening, especially when you're seeking comprehensive solutions for your health concerns. At Inner Path Naturopathic, we prioritize your well-being and are committed to providing effective solutions throughout your healthcare journey.
We understand the frustration of trying multiple therapies without achieving the desired results and the disappointment of working with doctors who may not fully educate you or present all available options. That's why we take the time to truly listen to your concerns and conduct a thorough medical intake, allowing us to gain a comprehensive understanding of your health challenges. By doing so, we can offer you answers and present all the available options for treatment.
Collaboration is at the heart of our approach to women's health. We believe in working together with you, respecting your unique experiences and knowledge about your own body. Your comfort and confidence are important to us, as we strive to empower you to take control of your health.
​
With our expertise in naturopathic medicine, we offer a wide range of treatment modalities that are natural, holistic, and personalized to your needs. Whether it's dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, targeted supplementation, or hormone replacement therapy, we provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve optimal well-being.
