In middle age, men will begin very slowly to notice a group of symptoms attributable to the decline of their male hormone testosterone. The medical term for this is “andropause” sometimes called “male menopause.” I see billboards along the expressways referred to “low T.” Here’s andropause: a loss of your sex drive (libido); erectile dysfunction; […]
Thyroid, Adrenal & Sex Hormone Issues
Treatments / Thyroid, Adrenal & Sex Hormone Issues
Thyroid, Adrenal & Sex Hormone Issues
Glands and hormones are most certainly connected in our bodies; this is the case when it comes to thyroid, adrenal and hormone issues.
Your adrenals are actually two separate glands. The first, called the medulla, is within, surrounded by the second, the adrenal cortex. Envision a plum. The seed of the plum is the medulla, the fruit the cortex. Both the medulla and the cortex are your front-line responders to stress. However, the medulla, connected to your brain and nervous system, is your first responder and it works really fast.
The adrenal cortex, indirectly connected to your brain through the pituitary–the master gland that also controls your thyroid and ovaries (or testicles, depending)–is the slower, second responder. The cortex deals with chronic stress, and its several hormones regulate metabolism (especially glucose for energy), reduce inflammation, and control blood pressure by balancing sodium.
Your adrenal cortex is good for a day’s work before it needs to be charged up at night. Think of it as a one-day battery you recharge during sleep. Its hormone, cortisol, starts the day at a high level and then dwindles out by evening. It trusts that you’ll sleep at night in order for it to be at the top of its game in the morning.
At WholeHealth Chicago, we understand that getting your thyroid, adrenals and hormones working properly, and not too hard, is very important and can change your daily life.
We can work with you to diagnose the root of your issue and put together a treatment plan that will get you feeling back to normal!
- Diagnostic testing
- Nutritional Supplements & Herbal Remedies
- Nutrition counseling
- Bioidentical hormone replacement
Providers
David Edelberg, MD
Medical Director & Internal Medicine Physician
Dr. Edelberg, board certified in Internal Medicine in 1974, began incorporating alternative therapies into his practice during the 1980’s. Since founding the parent company of WholeHealth Chicago in 1993, he has become nationally recognized as one of the pioneers of integrative medicine, the new medical specialty combining conventional medicine with alternative therapies.
Wendy Ploegstra, APN
Integrative Nurse Practitioner
Board-certified in family practice in 2008 and certified as a Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner in 2018, Wendy A. Ploegstra has incorporated alternative therapies into her practice as far back as she can remember.
Caley Scott, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Caley Scott is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Scott developed a passion for naturopathic medicine while working as a medical assistant at an integrative clinic in the Chicago suburbs after completing her bachelor’s degree. Seeing first-hand the incredible success of using nutrition and natural therapies with her patients helped shape her view on healthcare and compelled her to seek a unique route in medicine.
Parisa Samsami, DC, DABCI
Functional Medicine Physician
Dr. Parisa Samsami is a Chiropractic Physician specializing in Functional Medicine. She has great success in treating patients unable to find answers in the traditional medical paradigm. She places a strong emphasis on patient education and believes that diet and lifestyle play an important role in achieving optimal health and chronic disease prevention.
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