Hormone Imbalance: Your Path to Wellness

Are You Experiencing These Symptoms?

  • Unwanted facial hair
  • Acne
  • Hot flashes
  • Irregular or painful periods
  • Low energy
  • Weight gain

If any of these sound familiar, you might be dealing with a hormonal imbalance. These issues are incredibly common in hormonal imbalances, yet often misunderstood. Many women are told that such imbalances are “just part of life” and are often presented with one-size-fits-all solutions like birth control pills. However, that’s far from the full story. Let’s explore a more personalized and natural path to wellness.

Understanding Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones are the body’s messengers, controlling everything from your mood to your metabolism. When your hormones are out of sync, your body feels it. Think of your body’s systems as a hierarchy—the endocrine system (responsible for hormone production) is one of the first to falter when your health is compromised. Addressing these imbalances is key to achieving optimal health and well-being.

Despite how common hormonal imbalances are, they’re often brushed off as “normal.” But here’s the truth: while these issues are prevalent, they’re not something you have to simply endure. At Alt-Fam Med, we believe in addressing the root causes and empowering you with solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Going Beyond the Symptoms: The DUTCH Test

To tackle hormonal imbalances effectively, understanding the full picture is essential. That’s where the DUTCH Test comes in. Short for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones, this test is a game-changer in Functional Medicine.

The DUTCH Test provides invaluable insights into:

The best part? This test is convenient and can be done from the comfort of your home. Once completed, it’s sent to a specialized lab, and the results provide a comprehensive overview of your hormonal health. Armed with this information, we can craft a plan that’s truly tailored to you.

A Holistic Approach to Healing

No two bodies are the same, which is why cookie-cutter solutions don’t work. At Alt-Fam Med, we take a holistic approach to restoring hormonal balance. Here’s what your personalized care plan might include:

  1. Dietary Modifications

Food is medicine. We’ll help you identify which foods support hormone health and which ones might be contributing to imbalances.

  1. Lifestyle Changes

Stress, sleep, and exercise all play a role in hormonal health. Together, we’ll create sustainable habits that fit your life and support your wellness journey.

  1. Therapeutic-Grade Supplements

Using evidence-based plant-based and herbal supplements, we’ll target the root causes of your symptoms.

  1. Trusted Nutraceuticals

We recommend only the highest-quality supplements to ensure your body gets the support it needs.

By addressing the underlying causes of hormonal imbalances, you can experience significant improvements in your energy levels, mood, skin health, and overall quality of life.

Real Stories, Real Results

Here’s what one of our patients had to say:

“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 better health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and guidance, you can take control of your wellness.

Ready to Reclaim Your Health?

Hormonal imbalances don’t have to hold you back. At Alt-Fam Med, we’re here to help you feel your best. Whether you’re dealing with PMS, perimenopause, menopause, PCOS, or other symptoms, we’ll work with you to uncover the root causes and provide solutions that work.

Book your appointment today and take the first step towards balance and vitality. Your body deserves it, and so do you!

IBS: A Patient-Centric Perspective

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects an estimated 25 to 45 million Americans, with two-thirds of sufferers being women. This chronic condition often begins between adolescence and adulthood and manifests as a complex interaction between the gut, brain, and nervous system. While the exact cause of IBS remains unknown, it is widely believed that this condition disrupts the regulation of bowel motor and sensory functions, leading to a variety of physical and emotional challenges.

Common Symptoms of IBS:

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Alternating diarrhea and constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Malnutrition
  • Leaky gut (intestinal permeability)
  • Stomach burning or bloating
  • Chronic stomach ulcers
  • Anaemia from intestinal bleeding

These symptoms not only affect physical health but can significantly diminish emotional well-being and social engagement. Everyday activities, like attending work or social events, often require meticulous “bathroom mapping,” limiting sufferers’ quality of life.

Mainstream Treatments: Addressing the Symptoms, Not the Root Cause

Traditional approaches to IBS management often rely on medications, including:

  • Steroids
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Antispasmodic medications
  • Low-dose antidepressants (to address stomach pain as a secondary benefit)

While these treatments may provide temporary relief, they often come with unwanted side effects and fail to address the underlying causes of IBS.

Our Unique Functional Medicine Approach

At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we believe in addressing IBS at its root. Instead of merely managing symptoms, we collaborate with each patient to uncover and treat the underlying triggers. Here’s how our approach differs:

1. Comprehensive Diagnostic Testing

We employ advanced tools, including food sensitivity testing and full GI panels, to identify:

  • Yeast
  • Parasites
  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Leaky gut

Our testing often reveals gluten sensitivities and other dietary triggers that may have gone undetected. This precise testing helps us create a customized treatment plan tailored to your body’s specific needs.

2. Customized Nutritional Counselling

Based on diagnostic results, we design tailored dietary plans to address individual needs. Our team provides one-on-one support to guide patients through these changes, ensuring a smoother transition to healthier eating habits. Nutritional counselling plays a pivotal role in reducing inflammation and promoting gut healing.

3. Therapeutic-Grade Supplements

Instead of steroids, we recommend natural anti-inflammatory compounds to reduce symptoms without the risk of adverse side effects. These supplements are specifically chosen to complement dietary and lifestyle changes, creating a holistic approach to healing.

4. Lifestyle Modifications

Small yet impactful adjustments in daily routines can significantly alleviate IBS symptoms. We guide patients on stress management techniques, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors that promote gut health. Stress, in particular, has a direct impact on gut-brain interaction, and we work to address it through mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques.

5. Visceral Manipulation and Functional Blood Chemistry Testing

These methods help identify and address deeper imbalances, such as intestinal permeability, altered gut bacteria, or immune system activation. Visceral manipulation, a hands-on technique, improves gut motility and reduces abdominal pain by enhancing organ function.

Why Address IBS Early?

When left untreated, IBS can escalate into more severe autoimmune and gastrointestinal disorders like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. By addressing IBS symptoms early through a functional medicine lens, our patients often experience noticeable relief within just four weeks. Early intervention is key to preventing the long-term complications associated with chronic digestive issues.

Understanding the Emotional and Social Impact of IBS

Beyond physical discomfort, IBS has a profound emotional toll. Many sufferers report feelings of isolation, frustration, and anxiety due to their condition. Missing out on social events, workdays, or even simple outings can create a cycle of stress that worsens symptoms. At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we take these emotional factors into account, offering compassionate care and support throughout the healing process.

A Patient’s Journey to Wellness: Shireen’s Story

After battling Candida overgrowth for over 20 years and seeing little improvement with two different doctors, Shireen finally found hope with Dr. Ann Barter. Through accurate diagnosis and a natural detox plan, Shireen experienced remarkable changes within just two months:

  • Increased energy levels
  • Weight loss and reduced bloating
  • Clearer thinking and improved focus
  • Healthier hair and nails
  • Improved appetite control

“I’m eternally grateful for Dr. Barter. For the first time in years, I feel like myself again!” Shireen shares. Her journey highlights the transformative power of functional medicine in addressing not just symptoms but the root causes of chronic health issues.

Ready to Reclaim Your Life?

Don’t let IBS control your life any longer. At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we’re here to help you take the first step toward lasting relief and improved well-being. With our patient-centered approach, many individuals find themselves feeling better, both physically and emotionally, within weeks.

Book Your Appointment Today

Let’s work together to create a healthier, happier you. Contact us now to schedule your consultation and discover the difference functional medicine can make in your life!

FAQs

Stress, poor diet, toxins, aging, and medical conditions can disrupt hormone levels.

Fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, low libido, and irregular periods.

Through specialized testing, dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments.

Yes, they can contribute to anxiety, depression, and brain fog.

No, men can also experience imbalances, leading to fatigue, muscle loss, and low testosterone.

Blood, saliva, and urine tests help assess hormone levels.

Yes, nutrient-dense foods, healthy fats, and reducing sugar intake support hormone regulation.

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, disrupting metabolism, sleep, and other hormones.

It depends on the case—some imbalances can be managed with natural treatments.

Yes, sleep deprivation disrupts cortisol, melatonin, and other essential hormones.

AltFammed logo featuring dark text with a transparent background.
AltFammed logo featuring dark text with a transparent background.