Dr. Suzanne Bartolini, B.A., M.A., ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Feeling tired? Suffering from sleep disturbances or insomnia? Experiencing weight gain, mood swings, headaches, hot flashes or PMS? If you have any of these symptoms, there is a good chance that your hormones are out of balance. Many men and women are surprised to learn that the symptoms they have been dealing with for years are really signs of a hormonal imbalance.
For women, these symptoms may include: weight gain, migraine headaches, anxiety or depression, acne, facial hair, PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness, mood swings, cysts, painful or irregular periods. Menopausal women may experience night sweats, hot flashes, memory problems, and bone loss.
How do hormones become imbalanced? There are many different factors that can disrupt optimal hormonal balance. Hormones can become imbalanced due to stress, poor diet choices, pesticides and antibiotics in food, sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, environmental pollution, use of birth control pills, HRT, etc.
Why is it important to have balanced hormones? Overall health depends on the body’s ability to maintain healthy cells. The bottom line: When hormones are optimally balanced, these symptoms are greatly reduced. Therefore, hormone balance is essential for good health.
What herbs are beneficial in helping to re-balance hormones? Here are just a few time-tested, safe and effective herbs for women’s health:
Dong quai – used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as a reproductive tonic, this herb is useful for regulating the menstrual cycle and promoting vaginal health.
Sage- In addition to being helpful with many digestive ailments, is excellent for hot flashes and perspiration.
Black cohosh – also helpful in the treatment of hot flashes and perspiration, as well as headaches, heart palpitations, depression, and sleep disturbances
Chaste tree berry – another well-researched herb known to increase progesterone and regulate the menstrual cycle. It also contains flavanoids which help reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause.
Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor for guidance: Naturopathic Doctors are highly experienced in dealing with cases of hormone imbalance. Using research-based modalities such as botanical/herbal medicine, nutrition, homeopathy and acupuncture NDs assist in the maintenance and improvement of health and wellbeing.
Dr. Suzanne Bartolini, B.A., M.A., N.D.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
email: doctorbartolini@gmail.com
tel: 416.407.0845
Dr. Bartolini is available by appointment in both Toronto & Oakville clinic locations:
Hooper’s Vitamin Shop Best Drug Mart
1011 Upper Middle Rd E 2150 Bloor Street West, Suite 305
Oakville, ON, L6H 4L2 Toronto, ON, M6S 1M8