Hormone Imbalance and IBS: Your Path to Wellness
Are You Experiencing These Symptoms?
Unwanted facial hair, acne, hot flashes, irregular or painful periods, low energy, and weight gain are all common indicators of hormonal imbalance. Many women experience these issues but are told they’re simply “part of life.” At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we believe there’s a better way—a personalized and natural path to wellness.
Understanding Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones are the body’s messengers, influencing everything from mood to metabolism. When they fall out of balance, your body feels it. The endocrine system, which manages hormone production, is often one of the first to show signs of imbalance when health is compromised. Addressing these imbalances is essential for overall wellness and vitality.
Despite how common hormonal imbalances are, they’re often dismissed as normal. However, you don’t have to simply endure them. At Alt-Fam Med, we focus on identifying root causes and empowering patients with tailored solutions that restore balance and improve well-being.
Going Beyond the Symptoms: The DUTCH Test
To effectively manage hormonal imbalances, a comprehensive view of your hormonal landscape is key. The DUTCH Test—short for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones—is a cornerstone of Functional Medicine diagnostics. It provides detailed insights into:
- Sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
- Adrenal hormones and their metabolites
- Daily cortisol patterns
- Melatonin levels
- Markers of oxidative stress
This simple, at-home test delivers powerful data about your hormonal health. Once analyzed, we create a personalized plan designed to restore balance and vitality.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
No two bodies are alike—so your care shouldn’t be either. At Alt-Fam Med, we take a holistic approach to hormone health, combining diet, lifestyle, and natural supplements for lasting results.
Dietary Modifications
Food is medicine. We help identify which foods nourish hormone health and which may be contributing to imbalance.
Lifestyle Changes
Stress, sleep, and physical activity play major roles in hormonal harmony. Together, we’ll develop sustainable habits that fit your life and support your goals.
Therapeutic-Grade Supplements
We use evidence-based, plant-based, and herbal supplements to address the underlying causes of imbalance and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Trusted Nutraceuticals
Our team recommends only the highest-quality supplements to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs to thrive.
By targeting the root causes of hormonal disruption, patients often notice improved energy, mood, skin clarity, and overall wellness.
Balance Your Hormones Naturally – Today!
Real Stories, Real Results
“Dr. Ann is an amazing alternative health doctor and chiropractor. She has helped me through some incredibly challenging health issues, and I am so thankful to have had her expertise through it all!” — Lorna Bogan
Your journey to wellness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance and care, balance is within reach.
Ready to Reclaim Your Health?
Hormonal imbalances shouldn’t hold you back. Whether you’re dealing with PMS, perimenopause, menopause, or PCOS, our team at Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic is here to help you uncover the root causes and find lasting solutions. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward renewed vitality.
IBS: A Patient-Centric Perspective
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects 25–45 million Americans, with women making up about two-thirds of those affected. This chronic condition often starts in adolescence or early adulthood and involves complex interactions between the gut, brain, and nervous system. Although its exact cause is unknown, IBS disrupts digestive regulation, leading to both physical and emotional challenges.
Common Symptoms of IBS
- Diarrhea or constipation (or alternating between both)
- Fatigue and weight loss
- Malnutrition and leaky gut
- Bloating, stomach pain, or ulcers
- Anaemia from intestinal bleeding
These symptoms can affect not only physical health but also emotional well-being, often making daily activities stressful or limiting.
Mainstream Treatments: Addressing the Symptoms, Not the Root Cause
Conventional IBS treatments often rely on medications such as steroids, anti-inflammatories, antispasmodics, or low-dose antidepressants. While these can offer temporary relief, they rarely address the true source of the problem and may cause unwanted side effects.
Our Functional Medicine Approach to IBS
At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we focus on identifying and treating the underlying triggers of IBS through a comprehensive, personalized approach.
1. Comprehensive Diagnostic Testing
We utilize advanced diagnostics—such as food sensitivity testing and full GI panels—to detect yeast, parasites, bacteria, viruses, or leaky gut. This allows us to uncover hidden causes like gluten sensitivities or gut flora imbalances.
2. Customized Nutritional Counselling
Once we understand your unique needs, we design a dietary plan that supports gut healing and reduces inflammation. Our team provides ongoing guidance to ensure your transition to new eating habits feels natural and sustainable.
3. Therapeutic-Grade Supplements
Instead of pharmaceuticals, we use natural anti-inflammatory compounds and supplements to calm the gut, reduce discomfort, and promote balance without side effects.
4. Lifestyle Modifications
We emphasize small but impactful changes—stress management, exercise, and sleep optimization—to strengthen the gut-brain connection and support long-term digestive health.
5. Visceral Manipulation and Functional Blood Chemistry Testing
Through hands-on visceral manipulation and advanced bloodwork, we address deeper issues like intestinal permeability, gut motility, and immune system activation.
Why Address IBS Early?
When left untreated, IBS can progress into more serious digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Early intervention through a Functional Medicine approach often leads to relief within weeks and helps prevent long-term complications.
Understanding the Emotional and Social Impact
IBS affects more than the digestive system—it can also impact mental health. Many patients experience anxiety, frustration, and isolation. At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we take a compassionate, whole-person approach to healing, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery.
A Patient’s Journey to Wellness: Shireen’s Story
After decades of battling Candida overgrowth and minimal success with previous doctors, Shireen turned to Dr. Ann Barter. Through accurate diagnosis and a natural detox plan, she experienced remarkable improvements in just two months:
- Increased energy
- Reduced bloating and weight loss
- Improved focus and mental clarity
- Healthier hair, nails, and appetite control
“I’m eternally grateful for Dr. Barter. For the first time in years, I feel like myself again!” — Shireen
Ready to Reclaim Your Life?
Don’t let IBS or hormone imbalance define your health journey. At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we’ll help you take control of your well-being with a functional, patient-centered approach. Many patients see significant improvements in just a few weeks.
Book Your Appointment Today and take the first step toward feeling your best.
FAQs
- What causes hormone imbalances? Stress, poor diet, toxins, aging, and medical conditions can disrupt hormone levels.
- What are common symptoms? Fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, low libido, and irregular periods.
- How does Functional Medicine help? Through testing, dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments.
- Can hormone imbalances affect mental health? Yes, they can contribute to anxiety, depression, and brain fog.
- Do men experience hormone imbalance? Yes, men may experience fatigue, muscle loss, and low testosterone.
- What tests are used? Blood, saliva, and urine tests assess hormone levels.
- Can diet help? Yes, nutrient-rich foods and healthy fats support hormone balance.
- How does stress affect hormones? Chronic stress raises cortisol, disrupting sleep and metabolism.
- Are hormone replacement therapies required? Not always—many cases respond to natural treatments.
- Can poor sleep affect hormones? Yes, lack of rest can alter cortisol, melatonin, and other key hormones.