Endocrinology is the branch of medicine that addresses endocrine glands such as the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands and the reproductive glands , and the hormones these glands produce. Functional endocrinology endeavors to optimize the function of the endocrine glands, to balance the hormones produced by the glands, and to work with hormonal metabolism.
Throughout our lives, we are all, male and female, influenced by the rhythm of hormonal cycles. Puberty, menstrual cycles, fertility, infertility, pregnancy, nursing, menopause and andropause are all regulated by hormones. Hormones send messages throughout our bodies and influence everything from physical wellbeing to mood. Balancing reproductive hormones and addressing the metabolism of these hormones contributes to the treatment of conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, breast cancer, osteoporosis and mood disorders. In menopause, there is a delicate hormonal balance between bone, breast and heart protection, and the alleviation of symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia and memory issues.
Hormones check and balance each other. Hormonal issues revolve around the complex interrelationship of the hormones produced by the adrenals, thyroid, ovaries and testes. If your adrenals are weak, you may need to strengthen them to optimize the conversion of thyroid hormone to its active form. Adrenal stress may aggravate menopausal hot flashes, disrupt blood sugar balance, and impair memory. The thyroid gland is directly influenced by estrogen. And on and on the relationships go.
Through blood tests, saliva tests and/or urine tests, we can evaluate the function of the endocrine glands, the levels of hormones and hormonal metabolites and the effects of hormonal interactions. Other types of testing also contribute. For example, you can see the effect of estrogen on the breasts through breast thermography, or on the uterus through ultrasound.
In keeping with naturopathic philosophy, we have many options in treating hormonal imbalance. We may use lifestyle modification, nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, glandular therapies, and/or energy medicines such as homeopathy or flower essences.
When we use hormones, we favor bio-identical hormones. Bio-identical hormones are hormones identical to those in your body, whether they be thyroid hormones, sex hormones or adrenal hormones. Bio-identical hormone replacement is often a treatment choice in menopause and andropause, and is generally compounded for you by a compounding pharmacy.