When addressing hormonal issues through functional medicine, we focus on supporting the underlying systems that influence hormone balance, rather than just the hormones themselves.
Key areas include blood glucose regulation, adrenal and thyroid function, digestive processes and detoxification. For example, consuming foods that disrupt blood sugar can cause the adrenals to produce extra cortisol and adrenaline to stabilize levels. This, in turn, can affect the balance of oestrogen and progesterone, while elevated cortisol can also impact thyroid hormone production.
Instead of attempting to manipulate hormones directly with medication or supplements alone, the functional medicine approach prioritizes strengthening and supporting the body’s regulatory systems. By addressing the root causes, we help create a more balanced, resilient hormonal environment that supports overall health and wellbeing. This approach can be used for:
PCOS, Endometriosis, Hormonal mood fluctuations, hormone related headaches, heavy bleeding, irregular cycle….
Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause typically begins in your early 40s and marks the transition toward menopause. During this time, your hormones fluctuate, and these hormonal changes can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms—each woman’s experience is unique.
The fluctuating levels of oestrogen during this period can make hormone testing more complex. That’s why it’s essential to take a personalised approach to care
For some women, additional issues such as thyroid imbalances, adrenal dysfunction, autoimmune conditions, or even genetic factors may be contributing to symptoms. That’s why I use a Functional Medicine, person-centred approach during this time—it allows us to look at the whole picture, not just individual symptoms.
Focusing first on getting the ‘basics’ in place – blood glucose balance, adrenal support and supporting digestive and detoxification processes to help to rid the body of unwanted hormones, this is often enough to bring the body into balance without the need to supplement hormones via HRT for those who want a completely natural solution