What are hormones?

A hormone is a very important chemical messenger in the body.  We have hormones from adrenal gland, thyroid gland and sex hormones all interacting with each other and affecting our body in a myriad of ways.  They can affect our mood, our energy level, our metabolism, digestion, sleep, memory, sex drive and much more.

What does hormone balance mean?

Hormone balance means that all our hormones are in the optimal normal ranges for our health and well-being.  When one or more hormone levels are higher or lower than the optimal levels, then we have a hormone imbalance.  Symptoms of hormone imbalance include one or more of the following:

  • Fatigue
  • Lack of interest in life
  • Low libido
  • PMS
  • Difficulty losing weight
  • Feeling sluggish
  • Lack of focus and drive
  • Hair loss
  • Miscarriage
  • Headaches
  • Acne
  • Dry skin
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Memory loss
  • Mood swings
  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Constipation
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Fibroids
  • Endometriosis

What can cause hormone imbalance?

Although the body’s natural production of certain hormones can slow with age, there are other reasons why you may be suffering from an imbalance. Having a naturopathic hormone specialist  identify the specific root cause of your symptoms is crucial for determining the therapy or lifestyle changes that will have the most impact on your condition. Some of the most common causes of hormone imbalance include:

  • Stress
  • Poor nutrition or dietary habits
  • Obesity
  • Allergies
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia
  • Thyroid conditions
  • Infection
  • Exposure to environmental pollutants or toxins

Choosing Dr. Wells as your naturopathic hormone doctor means she will take a close look at any lifestyle or environmental factors that may be at the core of your health concerns. This includes determining which specific hormone or hormones are in need of attention. Some of the most common hormones patients experience difficulty with include:

  • Estrogen — Excessive levels of estrogen in the body can lead to increased risk of uterine cancer and breast cancer. It also can be responsible for certain mood disorders such as depression.
  • Insulin — Without the proper amount of insulin, your body will have difficulty converting glucose into energy. This can lead to issues such as weight gain and diabetes.
  • Cortisol — Ordinarily produced by the adrenal gland as a stress response, excess cortisol can trigger high blood pressure and inflammation of your tissues. On the other hand, low levels of cortisol can lead to fatigue, weakness and low blood pressure.
  • Progesterone — This hormone balances the effects of estrogen in women’s bodies, meaning an imbalance can lead to estrogen dominance. The symptoms of this condition include difficult periods, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.

What is the treatment for hormone imbalance?

First Dr. Wells must determine the severity of the imbalance and then she will prescribe a naturopathic hormone therapy that is specific for you.  She may prescribe vitamins, minerals, amino acids, glandulars, herbs or botanicals, or other therapies.  If in the case of some hormone imbalances, she will recommend Bio-identical Hormones.  Each patient receives a custom blend of natural support to meet their specific needs.

However, there are certain strategies that may be employed to help the body recover the proper balance naturally, without additional interventions. For example, you may be prescribed a more balanced nutritional plan to ensure you’re eating properly, or the addition of certain health supplements. Proper digestive health ensures your body is functioning as effectively as it should. Allergies and infections can cause chronic inflammation, which can affect your body’s ability to regulate itself. This means avoiding allergens and treating infections can have a positive impact on any hormone imbalances you may be experiencing.

If you experience chronic stress, your body may produce excessive or insufficient levels of hormones. This is why learning proper stress management techniques can be important for your health overall. In addition, good sleep hygiene is crucial because getting the proper amount of sleep is essential for maintaining proper hormone levels.

Testing for Hormones?  How can I test my hormones?

An in office visit or phone consultation is needed to get started.  Dr. Wells is a naturopathic doctor for hormone imbalances specializing in men’s and women’s Health.  Each patient receives a custom blend of hormones and/or a custom blend of natural support to meet their specific needs.  A hormone test may be indicated by Dr. Wendy Wells to determine your present hormone levels, this can be via blood, urine or saliva testing.

What’s involved?

In order to get started on your medical treatment for hormone imbalance, the first step is to call to get scheduled then to fill out the new patient paperwork. The initial visit can either be in person, or online, and lasts about sixty minutes. During this time Dr. Wells will do a thorough investigation of your symptoms, diet, lifestyle, environment, mental health, medical history and do a physical exam if needed.

DO NOT USE: A 60 to 90 minute phone consult or in office visit is necessary to get started on your medical treatment for hormone imbalance.  Dr. Wells is a specialist in hormone balancing and will thoroughly investigate the underlying causes of each patient case.

What are the benefits of hormonal imbalance treatment?

Receiving treatment from an experienced specialist can bring a number of benefits. By rebalancing your body’s hormone levels, you may experience:

  • Better moods
  • Enhanced memory
  • Higher concentration
  • Lower risk of depression and other mood disorders
  • Lower risk of heart disease
  • Higher bone density
  • Healthier cholesterol levels
  • More energy
  • Improved sex drive
  • Less chance of osteoporosis
  • Healthier skin
  • Lower risk of diabetes
  • Gentler menopause symptoms

Dr. Wells will work closely with you to determine the right course of action for hormonal imbalance treatment. With a combination of bio-identical hormone therapy and herbal supplements, you may be able to find the relief you’ve been looking for from your symptoms and achieve a happier, healthier life.

Dr. Wendy Wells is an expert in men’s and women’s health located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Call 480-607-0299 or Contact Dr. Wells online.