Hormonal Imbalance
There are many women’s health issues that occur throughout the lifecycle. Most women experience some amount of hormonal imbalance throughout their life; whether it be puberty, child birth, or more commonly during menopause. A holistic approach to hormonal imbalance would address nutrition, lifestyle, as well as healthy approaches to stress. In my practice, many women come in with weight issues, emotional imbalance, digestive challenges, sleep issues, skin and hair changes and recognize the need to make changes in regards to their overall women’s health. Natural approaches include a diet to this particular stage in life, which include much more nutritionally dense foods as well as incorporating missing nutrients through vitamins or herbs and learning personal stress management strategies. Many women can rebalance within a matter of weeks or months.
In particular, natural approaches to sleep often underlie all other health challenges especially during menopause. Naturopathic approaches integrate sleep hygiene, restoring sleep cycles and nourishing the nervous system. Commonly used herbs include chamomile, passion flower, valerian, skullcap. Supplements may include melatonin and minerals which help to calm the body. Since sleep is a naturally occurring human phenomenon, natural sleep cycles can usually be restored depending on how long the imbalance has occurred.
Another common challenge in regards to women’s health during menopause includes digestive disturbances. Women’s nutritional needs are completely different during mid-life and often making adjustments to daily diet can calm digestive disturbances. Restoring vitality to hair and skin can be accomplished through replacing missing dietary nutrients and removing common food allergens. Common nutrients needed can be attained by eating more fruits and vegetables, less grains, and less food in general. Specific restorative nutrients include the antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, Zinc, Selenium, as well as utilizing herbs which help keep the liver clean. Commonly used herbs include dandelion, burdock, milk thistle, and turmeric.