ALL SERVICES
Below you will find descriptions of conditions treated. During the initial consultation, we will spend time exploring your specific concerns and gather information about your current way of living, including diet, physical activity and sources of stress. This information, along with indicated lab testing, will be used to create your personalized treatment plan that will be available to you in the patient portal. Be aware, Pap Smear screening and pelvic exams are not offered as part of this service.
premenstrual syndrome
Premenstrual Syndrome is a common condition that affects many menstruating women during the last half of the menstrual cycle. It is thought to be related to hormonal imbalances that can occur during this time, but is also related to diet, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, and increased stress. The symptoms can be debilitating, including severe cramping, bloating and irritability that can progress to the more severe form, PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) with severe depression and reduced ability to function. Traditional approaches, including birth control pills and antidepressant medications often are not effective and may cause side effects. We will look deeply into lifestyle factors and make adjustments in diet, add botanical, vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and magnesium with proven benefits. Mind-body techniques including biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy, and regular physical activity have been shown to help self-regulation and decrease symptoms of PMS. Additionally, yoga and acupuncture may be of benefit. Conventional therapies will be considered when appropriate.
polycystic ovarian syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder, affecting up to 10% of reproductive age women. A combination of genetic factors, lifestyle choices and increases in weight cause an imbalance in hormones associated with infrequent ovulation, infrequent periods (that can be very heavy), acne, abnormal facial hair, infertility, and multiple ovarian cysts, giving PCOS its name. Women with PCOS also have an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, making it an important disorder to recognize and treat. Each woman experiences PCOS differently, so your specific concerns will be addressed with attention to dietary change and timed eating, physical activity and weight management. Vitamin, mineral and botanical supplements can be helpful to decrease inflammation and insulin resistance in patients with PCOS. Many environmental toxins have hormonal effects in the body that may exacerbate symptoms, so a review of toxic exposures is important. Acupuncture may help through its effect on the nervous and endocrine systems and mind-body therapies address associated stress, depression and anxiety. Additional therapy including hormones and conventional medications will be used as needed.
menopause
No woman can avoid menopause. The drastic change in hormones that occurs with the decline of ovarian function throws the body out of balance, resulting in symptoms that can affect nearly every part of the body. Common complaints include hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep, mood
swings or depressed mood, weight gain, skin changes, vaginal dryness, brain fog and poor memory. Menopause also increases the risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, depression and bladder infections. Not all women experience all of these issues, but each woman’s experience with menopause is unique and will guide planned therapy. Often symptoms improve significantly with proven complementary approaches, including acupuncture, yoga, botanicals, mind-body techniques (such as relaxation, hypnosis, mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy), nutritional supplementation, dietary changes, and regular physical activity. If hormone therapy is needed, bioidentical hormones will be used in the safest manner with careful dosing guided by lab testing as warranted.
burnout & chronic fatigue syndrome
These conditions are thought to result from chronic physical or emotional stress that affects our ability to keep up the body’s stress response and meet the demands of daily life.This results in chronic dysfunction of the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal axis (H-P-A) and abnormal secretion of cortisol, the body's stress hormone. Symptoms include significant fatigue, cravings and poor food choices, weight gain, poor sleep and brain fog. These effects can be addressed with lifestyle changes, nutritional therapies, regular exercise and stress management strategies that target underlying, chronic stress and H-P-A dysfunction. Many botanical supplements have been proven effective in counteracting the biological changes associated with severe stress and burnout. Data also supports the use of acupuncture and Qigong, especially for chronic fatigue syndrome. These interventions can greatly improve H-P-A function, however consultation with an endocrinologist and use of conventional medications will be pursued if additional support is needed or true adrenal insufficiency is suspected.
hypothyroidism
This is a common disorder in women, affecting five to eight times more women than men. A significant percentage of the US population has lab evidence of thyroid disease, making screening important. Symptoms often include fatigue, constipation, weight gain, cold intolerance, hair loss, dry skin, heavy periods and depression. While genetic factors may increase risk, many environmental factors such as food sensitivities and environmental toxins can disrupt the function of the thyroid gland.The diagnosis is confirmed with lab work and the treatment involves removing dietary triggers, replacing thyroid hormone with medication and providing nutrients needed for thyroid hormone production with diet and supplements. Also, reducing stress, eliminating toxic exposures and being physically active are key to successful treatment.
metabolic syndrome & prediabetes
This condition affects more than 35% of women. Risk generally increases with age, though it is becoming more common in younger women. It is caused by abnormal insulin function and fat metabolism resulting in “lipotoxicity” and damage to our cells. The most common risk factor is obesity, especially “central” obesity, but can be associated with exposure to toxins, poor diet, and substance abuse. Metabolic syndrome has a wide ranging effect on the body, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, diabetes, and others. The diagnosis is based on criteria including elevated blood pressure, body type, elevated cholesterol and blood glucose levels. The good news is that this condition is highly responsive to changes in lifestyle. Regular physical activity and a diet low in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats are very effective, as they bring about a decrease in body fat. Supplements including vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and botanicals can also be helpful. Mind-body therapies to reduce stress and improve insulin function are key, and often, medications that improve insulin function and reduce glucose levels are also necessary.
​
​
mood disorders
Anxiety and Depression are among the most common disorders in our country affecting millions of Americans of all ages. Twice as many women are affected as men. Our mental health has a profound effect on our physical health as it impacts our lifestyle choices, leading to poor eating habits, less exercise and poor quality of sleep. This causes an increase in the body’s inflammatory response affecting the brain and likely plays a role in the development of mood disorders. Mood disorders themselves also increase the body’s inflammatory response which has far reaching negative effects on the immune system, cardiovascular health, and even gene expression. As part of your evaluation, we will screen for causes of inflammation, and other risk factors including cetain medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, menopausal or postpartum hormonal imbalances and medication side effects. We will recommend lifestyle changes that can be very powerful, including regular physical activity, restorative sleep, and better nutrition. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common and will be corrected, and evidence-based, effective botanical supplements utilized as needed. Mind-body therapies such as mindfulness, yoga and biofeedback also have strong evidence, and acupuncture can be very effective. This empowering, integrative approach allows greater self-awareness and the capacity to regulate emotions in response to stress, while decreasing long-term dependence on conventional medications.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT