Women's Health
Women’s health: a Functional Medicine approach
Women’s health is a complex and dynamic field, requiring a nuanced understanding of the unique hormonal and physiological changes that occur throughout a woman’s life. Conditions like menopause, PCOS, thyroid disorders, endometriosis, and adrenal issues can profoundly affect well-being. At our clinic, we use a Functional Medicine approach to address these conditions, focusing on the root causes and supporting your body’s natural balance.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine is a personalised approach to healthcare that focuses on addressing the underlying causes of disease. Rather than simply masking symptoms, Functional Medicine delves into the complex interplay of genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors to restore and enhance the body’s natural functioning.
Our Approach to Women’s Health
- Comprehensive Assessment
We begin with a thorough evaluation, including an in-depth review of your medical history, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Advanced diagnostic testing helps us understand your unique biochemistry, hormone levels, and any imbalances that may be contributing to your symptoms. - Root Cause Identification
Rather than merely managing symptoms, we seek to uncover the root causes of your health concerns. This might include hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, chronic inflammation, gut health issues, or environmental toxins. Understanding these factors allows us to target the underlying issues rather than just treating surface symptoms. - Personalised Treatment Plans
Based on our findings, we develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan may involve dietary changes, nutritional supplementation, hormone support, stress management techniques, medications including hormone replacement therapy and detoxification strategies designed to restore balance and promote optimal health. - Ongoing Care and Support
We believe in a collaborative approach to healthcare. We provide continuous support and regular monitoring to ensure your treatment plan is effective and adjusted as your body heals and changes. Our goal is to empower you to take charge of your health, offering the tools and guidance needed to maintain long-term wellness. The body takes time to heal so we generally recommend that people work with us for a minimum of 6 months.
Addressing Key Women’s Health Conditions
- Menopause:
Menopause is a natural transition but can bring uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. We focus on balancing hormones naturally through diet, lifestyle modifications, and bioidentical hormone therapy, helping you navigate this phase with ease. - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):
PCOS is often driven by insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. Our approach includes addressing these root causes through targeted nutrition, stress reduction, and specific supplementsor to regulate menstrual cycles, improve fertility, and manage symptoms. - Thyroid Conditions:
Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s disease can cause widespread symptoms, including fatigue, weight changes, and mood disturbances. We dig deep to understand the triggers—whether it’s nutrient deficiencies, stress, or environmental factors—and create a plan to support optimal thyroid function. See our page on Autoimmunity for more about how we address autoimmune issues such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. - Endometriosis:
Endometriosis is a painful condition often linked to inflammation and immune dysregulation. We take a comprehensive approach that includes anti-inflammatory nutrition, hormone balancing, and detoxification strategies to reduce pain and improve reproductive health. - Adrenal Issues:
Chronic stress can lead to adrenal dysfunction, manifesting as fatigue, insomnia, and hormonal imbalances. We focus on stress management, nutritional support, and lifestyle changes to restore adrenal health and enhance your body’s resilience to stress.
Case Study: Balancing Hormones for a Healthier Life
Background:
Emily, a 42-year-old woman, came to us struggling with severe fatigue, weight gain, and irregular periods. She had been diagnosed with both hypothyroidism and PCOS, but conventional treatments weren’t providing relief.
Functional Medicine Approach:
We performed a comprehensive assessment and discovered that Emily had multiple hormonal imbalances, significant nutrient deficiencies, and high stress levels impacting her adrenal glands. Her personalised treatment plan included dietary changes to reduce inflammation, targeted supplements to support thyroid and adrenal function, and stress management practices like yoga and mindfulness.
Outcome:
Within three months, Emily experienced a dramatic improvement in her energy levels, mood, and menstrual regularity. By six months, she had lost weight, felt more vibrant, and reported a significant reduction in PCOS symptoms.
