Integrative Testing & Hormone Imbalances

Hormone deficiencies and imbalances are more common than one might originally think. Research suggests that “nearly half of the women in the United States have experienced a hormone imbalance” (Grinta, 1) . However, hormone imbalance does not just affect women, “as nearly 35% of males in their seventh decade have lower testosterone levels than younger men”. (McBride, 2)  An imbalance in hormones can cause an array of symptoms and ultimately affect an individuals day to day life.

Symptoms 

The symptoms of hormone deficiency might not be as obvious as one could imagine. Some symptoms are small and could be brushed off as stress or lack of sleep, but it is important to look at the symptoms for what they really are. “In women, low estrogen can contribute to:

• mood swings
• hot flashes
• headaches
• depression
• trouble concentrating
• fatigue
• irregular or absent periods
• increased UTI’s “

(Swns, 3) 

In men, some of the symptoms are similar to those in women, but also include:

• decreased bone mass
• sleep disturbances
• decreased motivations
• increased body fat
• decreased muscle mass
• hair loss
• libido

(Wallace, 4)

Solutions 

If these symptoms are affecting an individual’s lifestyle, there are multiple steps that can be taken to diagnose the problem and ultimately reduce symptoms. In today’s medical world, practitioners are able to use integrative techniques towards functional medicine, focusing on the biochemical level. If a patient is seeking solutions, the first step taken is an extensive questionnaire. This allows the doctor to pinpoint the exact symptoms, issues, and gives an insider look as to what direction to head towards first.

An example of the questions asked are as follows:

Once the questionnaire is completed and reviewed, a lab test is needed in order to confirm and view the exact levels the hormones are at. D.U.T.C.H ( Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) provides one of the most accurate results. To gain more insight on D.U.T.C.H and how it works, please see last week’s article, linked here.

Testing & Conclusions

Filling out the questionnaire essentially allows the practitioner to score and rate the severity of the issues. Adding the D.U.T.C.H results to the questionnaire gives the practitioner a factual level and complete understanding of their patient’s sex and adrenal hormones and metabolites.

This further allows the practitioner to diagnose (if necessary) and suggest nutraceuticals to help the patient’s hormone levels return to normal and minimize symptoms. There are many factors and systems involved when it comes to treating hormones and having tests completed that reflect the numbers that need to be adjusted is necessary. A hormone imbalance can easily take charge of an individual’s life, but now is the time to get these symptoms under control and get back to feeling like you used to!

A great place to start is to find a doctor or healthcare provider who will supply you with a full questionnaire and listen to the symptoms you’re having. This condition is fairly common and can be treated! October is Chiropractor Health Month, and we would love to see you and aid in providing treatment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Due to the fact that hormones can be complex and affect different body systems, we take the time to really understand and check all aspects before jumping to a conclusion. – Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach

(1) Ginta, Daniela. “What Are the Symptoms of Low Estrogen in Women and How Are They Treated.” Healthline, 31 Jan. 2017, www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/low-estrogen-symptoms.

(2) McBride, J Abram, et al. “Testosterone Deficiency in the Aging Male.” Therapeutic Advances in Urology, SAGE Publications, Feb. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4707424/.

(3) Swns. “Nearly Half of Women Have Been Affected by a Hormonal Imbalance.” New York Post, New York Post, 22 Feb. 2019, nypost.com/2019/02/22/nearly-half-of-women-have-been-affected-by-a-hormonal-imbalance/.

(4) Wallace, Ryan, and Kathleen Yoder. “12 Signs of Low Testosterone .” Healthline, 25 Apr. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/warning-signs.