Functional Endocrinology

Endocrinology is the branch of medicine dealing with the endocrine glands and hormones. Functional endocrinology identifies and treats changes in the endocrine system not in a disease state. Functional endocrinology uses diet, nutrition, lifestyle and other non-invasive therapies to manage metabolic conditions. The goal is to optimize physiology to restore health and function.

Functional endocrinology's' approach and tools therefore, differ from general or medical endocrinology. General endocrinology uses pharmaceuticals or hormones to replace, suppress or support the endocrine system. This approach is often appropriate for disease patterns or genetic disorders.

People that suffer from functional endocrinology disorders are often left untreated, or perhaps, over treated in the traditional healthcare system since there is no pathology. For example, "menopausal syndrome" is a collection of symptoms, but not a disease.

Common problems successfully treated by functional endocrinology include PMS, infertility, peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms, gastro-intestinal problems such as IBS or indigestion, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and depression or mood swings and irritability, difficulty losing weight, and generalized aches and pains including fibromyalgia. Many of these problems affect men as well as woman but the symptoms might be different. For example, when a man's hormones are not in balance common problems are high blood pressure and cholesterol, weight gain around the middle and depression. According to Dr. Datis Kharrazian, noted functional endocrinologist, this is the most unrecognized health disorder in males today.

The root of many functional endocrinology problems often lies in physiological reactions to stress. Stressors can be mental or emotional, chemical, including diet, lifestyle and pharmaceutical, or physical. Ignoring or minimalizing the effects of stress is a common as the manifestations. According to the World Health Organization, stress is the leading cause of degenerative disease in developed countries. In the US, stress related complaints account for 60% to 90 % of primary care physician visits.

Functional endocrinology can help you manage the physiological effects of stress better. If you want to take charge of your health and life, or simply feel better, functional endocrinology may have answers for you.

Did You Know...?

…currently 1/3 of postmenopausal women in the United States have osteoporosis.

…the U.S. has the highest rate of osteoporotic fractures in the world.

…a woman’s risk of developing osteoporosis is higher than the combined risks of developing uterine, ovarian and breast cancers.

…osteoporosis is the fourth leading cause of death in American women.

…osteoporosis, like heart disease, is a disease of Western civilization created by our lifestyles.

Did You Know...?

…cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower), contain natural goitrogens, chemicals that cause the thyroid gland to enlarge by interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis.

…artificial sweeteners, such as Splenda and Nutrasweet, inhibit thyroid function, which in turn makes it more difficult to lose weight.

…Hormone Replacement Therapy and birth control also inhibit thyroid function.