by Debbie Haikal, RN
It is estimated that 80% of the population has some form of hormonal dysregulation or imbalance. Hormones are chemical messengers within the endocrine system that play a significant role in the regulation of body functions. Hormone imbalances and thyroid conditions are at epidemic levels- this means that for many women, their present state of health is negatively affecting their relationships, job, energy, finances, sleep and general happiness.
Optimization of thyroid hormones can be of great benefit for reproductive hormone balance. A lack of proper thyroid hormone levels influences PMS, irregular cycles, low libido, infertility, miscarriage, endometriosis, PCOS, uterine fibroids, dysfunctional bleeding, severe menopause, and osteoporosis. At Wellness Alternatives, we have seen hormonal symptoms completely disappear without further female hormone intervention simply through the proper thyroid care alone. However, for patients with more complex patterns of hormone dysregulation, a more satisfactory endocrine balance can be attained by testing, finding the root cause of the imbalances and regulating thyroid AND female reproductive hormones.
Genetic tendencies drive our endocrine systems but dietary factors, stress and environmental turn them off and on.
It is very important for the person who is already diagnosed or who suspects they may have thyroid symptoms be evaluated and treated for female hormone imbalances. The interaction between these two endocrine systems is extremely significant and yet it is often over-simplified and under-evaluated. According to Dr. David Peterson at Wellness Alternatives, “In our practice, we counsel many women who are confused about the interactions between their thyroid hormones and their female hormone balance. Genetics may load the gun, but nutrition, stress, and the environment pulls the trigger. Managing hormones for patients with thyroid conditions requires the physician and the patient working together to find the goldilocks zone.”
Do you suspect that you may have hormone issues in addition to a thyroid problem? Achieving optimal endocrine health and well-being requires testing and identifying the influencing factors contributing to hormone imbalance. Some of the many components that contribute to overall hormone disruption are environmental triggers, stress, adrenal fatigue, inflammation, diet, nutritional deficiencies, contraception, overweight, aging, autoimmune conditions, and compromised gastrointestinal health (which occurs when the natural flora is destroyed with antibiotic use or inflammatory GI conditions). Get tested; get treated; get better.
Functional Medicine offers natural options for faster, better outcomes for patients with complex thyroid and hormone conditions. A year from now you will have wished you had started today.
We can help. Wellness Alternatives. 636-227-4949. www.stlwa.com.