Hormone Balancing

Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that act on every cell in the body. Even a slight shift in hormone levels can have significant effects. They play an integral part in maintaining metabolism, blood sugar levels and other essential functions, so it's important that they're functioning optimally. Your body's intricate system of hormones is constantly adjusting itself to maintain levels and ratios. However, it can sometimes become overwhelmed and dysfunctional.

What is Hormone Balancing?

Hormones coordinate different functions in the body and carry messages in the bloodstream to the organs, skin, muscles and other tissues in the body. Hormones help to regulate functions, such as sleep, energy levels, fertility and facial hair growth. Your hormones are part of an intricate network, which is known as the endocrine system. This must remain balanced for you to have optimal well-being.

Hormone fluctuations can be due to many different reasons. This includes medical conditions, pregnancy, menstrual periods, brain injury, changes to lifestyle habits and even stress. When this occurs, the levels and ratios of hormones can change and this may cause irregular periods, weight fluctuations, sexual dysfunction, fatigue or mood swings.

Your body produces approximately 50 different hormones that work together like an orchestra. They are constantly adjusting to produce the correct amounts and maintain balance. Unfortunately, this delicate balance can easily be disrupted. Sleep deprivation, low levels of physical activity and excessive sugar intake can all disrupt optimal hormone levels.

The good news is that it is possible to help balance hormones naturally. You can do this by eating a nutritious, whole foods diet. You can also do this by decreasing processed and sugary food and drinks. Getting plenty of sleep and managing stress levels are helpful as well. In addition, nutritional supplements and botanical medicine may help to balance hormone levels.

Symptoms of Unbalanced Hormones

Stress, lack of sleep, poor diet and toxins are all potential sources of hormone disruption in the body's delicate system. These can potentially throw it out of balance and this may lead to weight issues, mood swings and irregular periods. Just one small shift can have far reaching ramifications across your entire system.

Hormone imbalances may cause symptoms such as weight gain or loss, irritability, hair loss, or hot flashes. Symptoms depend on which gland or hormone is affected. For example, when estrogen levels are increased, this may cause weight gain and heavy menstrual cycles. An excess of testosterone may lead to acne and excess hair growth. Hormone imbalances can contribute to many chronic health conditions, including thyroid disorders, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Cushing's Syndrome.

How Naturopathic Endocrinology Can Help

Naturopathic endocrinology is a holistic approach that can help restore hormonal equilibrium by identifying the source of hormone imbalances. Natural medicine can be used to optimize overall hormonal health and bring more balance to the body.

Naturopathic doctors take time to listen carefully to any concerns related to hormones before creating individualized wellness plans. Plans may incorporate nutritional supplements, botanical medicine, diet modifications, stress management techniques, detoxification protocols and sleep optimization to help balance hormones.

As well as treating the specific signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance, naturopathic doctors take into account your diet, lifestyle, stress levels and other potential factors that may be contributing to hormone imbalance. Naturopathic doctors will work closely with you to implement changes that promote hormonal equilibrium as well as overall well-being.

Why You Should See Dr. Anne Berkeley

Dr. Anne Berkeley, located in Washington DC, specializes in balancing hormones with Naturopathic and Functional Medicine. She is Board Certified in Naturopathic Endocrinology and is a Fellow to the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology. She is also a Certified Practitioner with the Institute for Functional Medicine.

Dr. Berkeley is Vice President of the District of Columbia Association of Naturopathic Physicians and has served a term as President as well. She is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the Endocrinology Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Institute for Functional Medicine.

Her own health journey and personal experiences finding solutions for her health were so profound that she was led towards a career path of Naturopathic and Functional Medicine. Dr. Berkeley enjoys building partnerships with her patients and believes that healthcare should be empowering. This is why she takes the time to explain test results, answer questions and create personalized wellness plans for her patients.

Dr. Berkeley loves helping patients improve their quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, contact Dr. Anne Berkeley’s office to schedule an appointment.