Naturopathic Medicine is not just medicine…

Growing up, my mom used Asian medicine and allopathic medicine at home. She considered the effects that each food could have on the body and paired each dish accordingly to ensure that every meal was well balanced. Bone broth was a staple and the fridge was always stocked with health promoting teas.

Many things like turmeric, chia seeds, avocados, or ginseng have become trends and more recently recognized for their health benefits, but these are what I grew up with my whole life.

When needed, my mom would take me to see a conventional medical doctor, get medication, or take me to the hospital. Other times, she would take me to see our Asian Medicine Doctor. For our family, it is not just one or the other. I got to see the benefits of both worlds of medicine.

To me, naturopathic medicine is not just medicine, it is a lifestyle, one that I want to share.

Hormone Imbalance

In women’s health, it is important to assess the Ovarian, Adrenals, and Thyroid Axis or OAT Axis for short.

These three organs (ovaries, adrenals, and thyroid) produce hormones that communicate with one another to influence how our body functions.

This is why women often experience more than one symptom of hormone imbalance. For example, women who are overwhelmingly stressed may lose their hair or period.

Ovarian Hormone Imbalance

Here are some common signs of ovarian hormone imbalance:

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• Mood swings

• Irregular periods or heavy periods

• Breast swelling and or breast tenderness

• Bloating, loose stool or constipation

• Menstrual headaches

• Brain fog

Adrenal Hormone Imbalance

Here are some common signs of adrenal hormone imbalance:

• Chronic fatigue

• Stress and or anxiety

• Insomnia

• Insulin resistance

• Weight gain

• Brain fog

• Slow metabolism

Thyroid Hormone Imbalance

Here are some common signs of thyroid hormone imbalance:

• Low energy, tiredness and or exhaustion

• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• Bloating or loose stool

• Hair thinning or hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin

• Irregular periods

• Brain fog

• Low mood and or depression

Hormone Imbalance Treatment

Hormone imbalance treatment depends on a proper assessment that is specific to women and hormone testing to help guide treatment.

Interested in learning more about what your hormone imbalance treatment options are? Book a Complimentary Hormone E-Consult.

Know which blood tests are missing?

Annual routine blood testing is an important way to keep track of your health. It lets us know how your body is changing over time or it may indicate an underlying disease or condition.

Most importantly, lab testing helps you make informed decisions about your health and treatment.

When you go in for an annual physical, the bare minimum may be tested, but there are additional tests that you may ask for.

It is important to understand which tests are available to you through OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) so that you can advocate for your care.

In addition, it is important to follow-up with your Medical Doctor and Naturopathic Doctor to discuss the results of your lab tests to determine the appropriate next steps.

Told that your blood work is normal but you don’t feel like yourself?

When it comes to lab tests results, do not settle for normal. The reference range for many tests can be broad.

In addition, normal may differ between men and women or vary according to age and more.

Lab testing may help provide a better understanding of your overall health, but it is also very important to listen to your body and what it is trying to tell you.

It is important to see where your lab test results fall within the normal reference range and how your symptoms correlate with it.

Many patients often report that their hormones (FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, SHBG, cortisol), thyroid, iron, and blood sugar tests are normal despite having symptoms of hormone imbalance.

There are different ways to interpret test results and there may be additional tests to do to help provide a better understanding of your health.

Did you know that every cell in your body has receptor sites for thyroid hormones?

To keep things simple, your thyroid is produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy production, new cell generation, muscle control, brain development, mood, bone maintenance, heart, and digestive functions.

Your thyroid produces T3 (active hormone that your body uses) and T4 (inactive hormone which acts as a reserve and gets converted into T3 as needed). In order to make, convert, and utilize these hormones, certain nutrients have to be in place for the process to occur.

If your thyroid is not optimal, other bodily functions may be affected.