Women’s Health And Hormone Balance

Women’s health issues are very unique; complexities arise when the orchestra of hormones begins to suffer imbalances.

Our focused approach to hormones was derived from our prolific use of Medical Infrared Thermal Imaging (MTI) – also known as Thermography. Thermography is a 50+ year old technology that can not only detect early risks for breast cancer, but is also very accurate at detecting hormonal imbalances. As we conducted more and more screenings, we found increasing numbers of women with hormonal imbalances who would ask “what do I do?” There are no answers from the conventional medical world and even many natural medicine practitioners have little experience. In order to find a solution, our practitioner studied with experts in functional endocrinology (the study of the hormone system) for more than 5 years; and most recently, studies in advanced endocrinology and auto-immunology.

What You Should Know About Hormones

• Hormones have a profound effect on your everyday health and well-being.
• Although present in only tiny amounts, hormones act on every cell of your body.
• Hormones have individual effects, but also interact with each other to produce dramatic effects in the body; because of these interactions, they are able to trigger multiple body systems.
• When any of the hormones are imbalanced, symptoms may occur. Imbalances are most common in puberty and menopause, but imbalances can happen at any age.
• Several conditions are well known to be associated with hormonal imbalances including: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, breast disease, and menstrual irregularities.

Hormones are extremely potent substances; it only takes a very small amount to initiate an action. They are secreted into the bloodstream by the glands and then enter cells through “receptor” sites. Once inside, they get to work, flipping the switches that govern growth, development, and mental and physical functions throughout life.

When your hormones become unbalanced due to physical/emotional stress or the effects of aging, hormone functions become disrupted. Signals do not reach the right place at the right time. On occasion, cell functions shut down completely. In other cases, cells are over stimulated. All this chaos causes unpleasant symptoms, at the very least. In severe situations, these imbalances can lead to chronic disorders or disease.

To maintain the intricate systems in which hormones operate, the body must constantly fine-tune hormone release in order to keep levels within proper limits - much like an orchestra keeps music “in tune”. This balance is accomplished through an intricate series of positive and negative feedback mechanisms. For example, an overproduction of one hormone usually prompts the release of one or more complementary hormones in an effort to restore balance. Because of the complexity of these interactions, a hormonal issue rarely stems from only one type; more often, the problem involves a series of hormones. In addition, a disruption in the balance of hormones produced by one gland or set of glands can cause other gland systems to malfunction.

How Do You Know If You May Have A Hormonal Imbalance

When We Suspect A Hormonal Imbalance

When we suspect a hormonal imbalance, we recommend blood tests and/or salivary hormone tests which often reveal what may be happening. Without laboratory testing, it is difficult to know exactly which hormones are out of balance and by how much. If you are interested in preventing age-related changes that occur with hormonal imbalances, then laboratory testing and personal consultation is advised. Since every woman is different and requires a personalized strategy, we recommend a combination of these methods which will allow us to specifically address your particular issues. A personal consultation provides you with a strategic plan for repairing and enhancing your system; your blood chemistry and salivary hormone panel assist in forming a picture of your particular hormone landscape. Together, we can then determine what areas may be causing a failure in the endocrine system.

From the findings, a unique protocol of natural supplements, herbs, nutrition, acupuncture, and/or allergy elimination can often remedy the condition and create profound improvements in health (refer to Testing and Treatment for more details). Even though most natural hormone balancing supplements are safe, professional guidance and monitoring is suggested in order to make sure the right treatment is being given at the right time in the right dose.

Autoimmune disease is a unique case of hormonal imbalance. Autoimmune diseases (AD) are often treated poorly in the conventional model. Women with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis are given replacement hormones without addressing the immune dysfunction that is the cause of the condition. This is like adding fuel to a raging fire. This is why they often suffer the same symptoms regardless of medication. Treating an AD with hormones has little effect on the symptoms since the basic understanding of autoimmunology is that one’s own body is consuming the very hormone you are replacing.

At SOPHIA, we focus on detecting the immune dysfunction and creating the protocols to wind down the overzealous immune system rather than just supplement the deficient gland. By calming this overactive immune response, you decrease the damage to the organ and allow the natural hormone to function properly. As long as the focus is on the depleted hormone and not the actual immune response, the person will never feel better.

Calming the overactive immune response can be done naturally – the only way! The treatment is totally natural. By using state of the art testing of the immune system, we determine the appropriate herbs and supplements that will naturally help down-regulate the overactive immune response. Severe issues including adrenals and digestive health, detoxification, and insulin problems are all addressed to help the body return to normal function. It is a comprehensive approach that includes a combination of dietary, nutritional and exercise/lifestyle modifications. This can have a profound effect on the health state of women with autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. It is a unique approach to a common problem.

See patient testimonials in How We Have Helped Others.
To order testing, see Natural Marketplace — Hormone and Nutritional Testing.