Female Hormonal Issues
by Dr. Scott Monk
Despite common understanding, it is never normal for women, no matter their age, to be experiencing PMS, ovarian pain at ovulation, headaches, excessive breast tenderness, uterine cramping or heavy flow. Some mild changes in mood or a fleeting discomfort is one thing, but the need to take pain meds to ward off these symptoms in order to get through the day is a sign that an embedded functional problem is present. Obviously the reproductive hormones are in need of balancing, but....the reproductive hormones are secondary to the blood sugar system. It is the rule, not the exception, that if a woman has "hormonal issues" they are being driven by either hypoglycemia or insulin resistance; conditions, which thankfully, are not difficult to regulate.
What About Hormone Replacement Therapy?
That being said, a prolonged hormonal imbalance leads to a disruption of metabolism - the unwanted weight gain for "no reason." The normal rules in this case do not apply. In other words, following a new diet and taking corrective supplements often won't do. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be required in these instances, but only in small amounts and with the expectation that ongoing monitoring and adjusting of the hormones will be required. Thankfully, HRT to correct functional imbalances is not required in most cases.
Imbalances of all hormone types: insulin, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid and all the brain neurotransmitters, are correctable, and in reasonably short order, via the natural methods we use in the office. Here is a recent example from a 40 year old out-of-state patient with life-long menstrual issues who was only seen once in our office:
My main complaints when I came in last month were irregular periods, slow metabolism, fatigue, and I was cold all the time. Here's how things have been going...
Irregular periods: I had one period since I visited Dr. Monk and I refer to it as my miracle period! It was 3 days early but I had no PMS or usual menstrual symptoms to speak of. I still felt a little crampy around ovulation, but when my period started I didn't have any of the usual mood swings, food cravings, extra exhaustion, or debilitating cramps! I still had some cramps, but they were totally manageable. My flow was about the same, although it started off a little slower than usual. Seriously, I couldn't believe that I didn't have the mood swings, exhaustion, and cravings. Amazing. I've had horrible periods since I started menstruating and this one was by far the exception. Hopefully, it's just the new normal!
The patient above was treated the same way all patients are treated in our office: by the Balance Body Plan her structure (joints and muscles) and then by searching for her body's most needed nutrients according to the revealed priority of her electrical (acupuncture) system. These steps are what I have called, Functional Bio-Analysis.
If you are currently suffering from what you believe to be a hormonal problem, then it is time to do some homework. Knowledge is power and just as importantly, that same knowledge provides hope and sparks motivation.
What About Hormone Replacement Therapy?
That being said, a prolonged hormonal imbalance leads to a disruption of metabolism - the unwanted weight gain for "no reason." The normal rules in this case do not apply. In other words, following a new diet and taking corrective supplements often won't do. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be required in these instances, but only in small amounts and with the expectation that ongoing monitoring and adjusting of the hormones will be required. Thankfully, HRT to correct functional imbalances is not required in most cases.
Imbalances of all hormone types: insulin, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid and all the brain neurotransmitters, are correctable, and in reasonably short order, via the natural methods we use in the office. Here is a recent example from a 40 year old out-of-state patient with life-long menstrual issues who was only seen once in our office:
My main complaints when I came in last month were irregular periods, slow metabolism, fatigue, and I was cold all the time. Here's how things have been going...
Irregular periods: I had one period since I visited Dr. Monk and I refer to it as my miracle period! It was 3 days early but I had no PMS or usual menstrual symptoms to speak of. I still felt a little crampy around ovulation, but when my period started I didn't have any of the usual mood swings, food cravings, extra exhaustion, or debilitating cramps! I still had some cramps, but they were totally manageable. My flow was about the same, although it started off a little slower than usual. Seriously, I couldn't believe that I didn't have the mood swings, exhaustion, and cravings. Amazing. I've had horrible periods since I started menstruating and this one was by far the exception. Hopefully, it's just the new normal!
The patient above was treated the same way all patients are treated in our office: by the Balance Body Plan her structure (joints and muscles) and then by searching for her body's most needed nutrients according to the revealed priority of her electrical (acupuncture) system. These steps are what I have called, Functional Bio-Analysis.
If you are currently suffering from what you believe to be a hormonal problem, then it is time to do some homework. Knowledge is power and just as importantly, that same knowledge provides hope and sparks motivation.