Anissa Rahman

People dealing with mental health issues will often avoid seeking treatment because they feel ashamed or mistakenly believe they don’t deserve help. However, functional mental disorders are medical conditions like any other and they warrant the same level of diagnosis and treatment.

What is the difference between an organic and a functional mental health disorder?

Functional mental disorders are conditions that can’t currently be linked directly to a physical cause. These conditions include Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the symptoms are real and often very distressing for the patient, the root cause of these mental health issues can be hard to determine.

Organic mental disorders usually have a physical origin, whether it’s a brain injury, damage through excessive alcohol consumption or a degenerative disorder like Parkinson’s Disease. As we learn more about the complex interconnections between mind and body, these distinctions between functional and organic mental health disorders have become less defined. As we now know—mental illness can develop from a combination of physical and psychological factors.

As a functional medicine practitioner, I look for the underlying causes in any condition, including hormone imbalances, diet deficiencies, and environmental toxins. Illnesses don’t occur in isolation, and as part of the Caregiver Clarity Call, I consider the complete person, including their past history and any significant trigger events. Traditional medicine favours a pharmaceutical approach to the treatment of mental health problems, but I believe this over-reliance on drug therapy is misguided. Statistics show that despite the increased prescribing of antidepressants over the past 20 to 30 years, the numbers of patients presenting with mental health issues remains high. Conventional medicine believes that mental health problems stem from a chemical imbalance, such as low serotonin levels. However the root cause is likely to be more complex and I believe a symptom only-based approach has been proven to be ineffective.

A functional medicine psychiatry approach looks at all the evidence, including metabolic testing and an analysis of the patient’s history, behaviours and other psycho-social factors. The individualized treatment can involve lifestyle adjustments such as sleep and exercise programs, nutrition and relaxation techniques that can empower the patient to take control of their health.

Types of Mental Disorders

There are over 200 recognised types of mental illness. We all experience moments of anxiety or feeling down from time to time, but if these feelings persist, they could by symptomatic of a more serious mental health problem. The most common mental illness conditions we encounter at the clinic are:

Anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety, phobias, OCD and PTSD.
Symptoms can include panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, generalised fear, nausea, headaches.

Mood disorders, such as depression and Bipolar disorder.
Symptoms include fatigue, irritability, negative thoughts, sleep problems, weight loss or weight gain.

Eating Disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Signs and symptoms include concern about body shape, reduction of food intake, excessive exercise and depression.

Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease are usually related to aging, although dementia can also be caused by substance abuse or brain injury. There is increasing evidence that lifestyle factors such as exercise, social connection and dietary changes may help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s. Functional medicine offers a holistic approach to disease prevention that is particularly suited to complex conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease.

The Gut Health Connection

We know that the gut/brain connection is very strong and the gut biome has been shown to influence a patient’s response to stress and anxiety. A poor diet can negatively affect the health of the GI tract, and exacerbate any underlying mental health issues. As part of my health assessment, I provide patients with a nutrition plan to rehabilitate their gut and get them back on track to optimum health.

A Complementary Approach

Functional medicine works alongside more traditional treatments for mental health, such as psychotherapy. My whole body approach to health care investigates the biomedical issues that may be contributing to the patient’s mental illness, including nutrient deficiencies, allergies, environmental toxins and genetic disorders.

One of my goals for my patients is to help them achieve long-term wellness, not just a stop-gap treatment of immediate symptoms. We know that the body’s systems are all interconnected and resolving these underlying issues can help patients build up a physical and mental resilience and live a better life.

If you are looking for a functional medicine doctor for mental health in Arlington VA, I am here to help. Take control of your health and make an appointment for a Caregiver Clarity Call.

Chronic pain is an indicator that the body is out of balance and unable to heal itself. We all experience short-term pain from time to time, but chronic pain is persistent and can be unresponsive to traditional medical treatment. For a functional medicine practitioner like myself, chronic pain and fatigue syndromes are conditions that require a ‘whole body and mind’ approach that only functional medicine can offer.

Our bodies are a complex network of interconnected systems, and physical symptoms such as fatigue could be expressing an underlying psychological trauma. While stress is not a disease in itself, high stress levels are associated with many serious medical conditions, and the effects of stress and anxiety should not be underestimated.

Pain Management through Functional Medicine

Lifestyle modification can play an important role in chronic pain management because it identifies the source of the pain and doesn’t just treat the symptoms. For conditions like chronic back pain, this is important, as the continued use of steroids and painkillers is likely to damage the body with long-term use.

As part of my 360-degree health assessments, I work with you to develop an individualized treatment that includes:

• Diet changes (e.g., anti-inflammatory vegetables and fruits)
• Supplements that reduce inflammation such as fish oil and curcumin
• Weight loss by reducing sugar, high calorie, and processed food consumption
• Low impact exercises such as yoga or pilates
• Stress relief through meditation/relaxation exercises
• Measures to improve sleep quality
• Education around lifestyle choices

Chronic Lyme Disease

Chronic Lyme Disease (sometimes known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome) can result when a patient who has received antibiotic treatment for Lyme Disease continues to suffer the symptoms of the disease, including fatigue, joint/muscle aches, poor quality sleep, and speech issues. It’s possible that the disease has damaged their immune system, and it continues to behave as though the infection still exists. As part of a full treatment program, I prescribe a course of vitamin and mineral supplements to help my patients build up their immune system strength and return to optimum health.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or post-viral syndrome. Patients can have extreme tiredness, poor concentration, sleep issues, and headaches. CFS can be triggered by a viral infection or a hormonal imbalance and is more common amongst women than in men. The cause can vary, but in my clinical experience, chronic fatigue is often linked with poor gut health and poor nutrition. Our bodies fight a daily battle against toxins and pollutants in our environment and even in our food from spray residues and food additives. It’s no wonder that so many of us suffer ongoing fatigue—our bodies get very little respite from these daily challenges.

Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Immunodeficiency syndromes are a group of disorders where the body’s immune system fails to function properly, leaving the patient vulnerable to infection. Immunodeficiency syndrome can be genetically inherited or caused by an illness such as diabetes or cancer. Sometimes medical treatments themselves can cause an immune deficiency. Immune-boosting foods such as dark greens, berries, and garlic can help restore the body’s resilience to infection.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, sometimes known as soft tissue rheumatism, is a long-term condition that affects the bones and the muscles. Symptoms include fatigue, stiffness, muscle and joint pain. Treatment such as exercise, rest, and stress reduction can help reduce the symptoms but finding the root cause of Fibromyalgia is my goal, and the reasons differ from patient to patient. Some of the most common causes of Fibromyalgia include:

• Gluten Intolerance
• Thyroid issues
• Vitamin Deficiencies
• Toxicity – from amalgam dental fillings or molds

I believe chronic pain and fatigue are symptoms of a systemic imbalance that requires a multi-faceted treatment process. If you’d like to get to the root cause of your chronic pain—contact my clinic to schedule a Caregiver Clarity Call and start your journey to wellness.

Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID) are the most common G.I. condition diagnosed in the U.S, affecting around one in four people. In functional G.I. disorders, the gut-brain interaction is impaired, causing a range of symptoms from diarrhea or constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. Unfortunately, standard medical tests such as C.T. scans and blood tests tend to return negative results, even when there is no doubt that the symptoms are real. While psychological factors, including stress and anxiety, can make the symptoms worse, these functional disorders are not psychiatric disorders.

The three most common functional gastrointestinal disorders are irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, and functional constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome, or I.B.S, is the most common, affecting between 25 and 45 million Americans.

Irritable bowel syndrome (I.B.S.)

I.B.S. is a functional disorder that causes abdominal pain and abnormal bowel habits. Some patients have diarrhea-predominant symptoms (IBS-D); others suffer mostly from constipation (IBS-C). The condition affects women more than men and is thought to be triggered by food intolerances, stress, and hormonal imbalances. Sometimes a severe G.I. infection can lead to ongoing I.B.S. symptoms.

Functional Dyspepsia

Functional Dyspepsia patients have recurring indigestion symptoms, including belching, bloating, and nausea. The symptoms match those of an ulcer, and risk factors such as smoking, anxiety, and depression can make the condition worse.

Functional Constipation

Also known as chronic idiopathic constipation, functional constipation has no physical or physiological cause. Symptoms can be similar to IBS-C but without the abdominal pain.

Sadly, many patients suffering from these G.I. disorders are not well served by traditional medicine, with a high percentage choosing not to consult physicians. As a functional medicine practitioner, I work with my patients to uncover the root cause of their condition, developing a unique treatment regime for each of my patients based on their specific situation. For some, this could involve testing for food intolerances; for others, relaxation therapy and a mindfulness program.

Gastrointestinal Autoimmune Diseases

Gastrointestinal Autoimmune Diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, and Celiac Disease are known as structural diseases because there is identifiable damage to the G.I. tract.

Inflammatory Bowel disease

The two most common Inflammatory Bowel diseases are Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Ulcerative Colitis (U.C.) causes ulcers to form in the colon and rectum, and patients suffer from stomach pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. Diagnosis is often made through blood that is present in the stool.
Crohn’s disease is more common than U.C. and causes inflammation of the digestive tract. The symptoms are similar to U.C. and can vary from mild to severe.

Treating Ulcerative Colitis

Patients with Ulcerative Colitis tend to move between flare-ups, where symptoms are bad, and remission, where symptoms are absent. The key to ongoing treatment is reducing inflammation and minimizing flare-ups. Alongside medicinal treatments, I provide my patients with complementary therapies that help reduce stress and support the mind and body through these challenging flare-ups.

Treating Crohn’s Disease

There is no single treatment for Crohn’s disease, and it is vital to work with a physician who can find the approach that works best for you. Traditionally, the condition is managed through a combination of medicines, bowel rest, and surgery in severe cases. There are many complementary therapies I recommend to my patients, including:

• Restoration of the gut biome through prebiotics and probiotics
• Exercise programs such as yoga
• Supplements such as turmeric, pineapple extract, fish oil, and aloe vera
• A temporary low fodmap diet

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease where eating gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect about 1% of the U.S. population, with many cases going undiagnosed. Gluten can be found in food products containing wheat, barley, and rye. Many processed foods have gluten in them, making meals and snacks particularly challenging for celiacs.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Like I.B.S., Celiac stems from a severe intolerance to gluten. Unlike I.B.S, Celiac disease damages the lining of the small intestine and can lead to severe complications. Typical symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Bloating and gas
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation.

Damage to the intestinal wall means nutrients cannot be absorbed efficiently, leading to possible growth and development issues for children in particular. Celiac disease has a strong hereditary element and is also more common in patients with type 1 diabetes, microscopic colitis, and autoimmune thyroid disease.

Diagnosing Celiac Disease

To diagnose celiac disease, we start with a blood test for specific antibodies. Elevated levels can suggest a gluten sensitivity. If positive, this blood test would be followed up with an endoscopy procedure to inspect the small intestine and take a small tissue sample to analyze for damage.
I always request that my patients don’t eliminate gluten from their diet before these tests take place; otherwise, the results could return a false negative.

While Celiac disease cannot be cured, a strict gluten-free diet will allow the intestinal wall to heal and reduce symptoms.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerances account for a significant number of gastrointestinal complaints. They are often related to an underlying condition such as I.B.S or celiac disease. Intolerances should not be confused with food allergies—food intolerance is a digestive system response, whereas allergies are an immune system response. Lactose intolerance is the most commonly diagnosed intolerance, affecting up to 10 percent of the U.S population. Generally, diagnosis is achieved by keeping a food diary or undergoing an elimination diet.

An Integrated Approach to the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders

As conventional therapies fail them, more and more patients are turning to functional medicine for more individualized care that is less ‘disease-focused.’ There is greater recognition now that the rise in these FGID’s has a basis in societal and environmental pressures. We are putting increased stress on our bodies and minds. As a practicing functional medicine physician in Arlington VA, I bring together the best of traditional and alternative medicine to ensure my patients receive the medical care they deserve.

Take the first step to becoming your own healer with a Caregiver Clarity Call. Together, we can address the underlying issues that lead to conditions such as cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

Mitochondria are tiny organelles located in the cells of our bodies. They turn fats, glucose, and oxygen into an energy chemical called ATP, which helps ‘power’ our cells. Mitochondria carry out many other essential functions as well, including breaking down waste products and creating vital chemicals in our body. Cells in the brain and other organs require high energy levels and can have thousands of mitochondria in each cell. As we learn more about the critical work these cell organelles carry out, we’re also uncovering the connections between a range of mitochondrial metabolism disorders.

What is Mitochondrial Dysfunction?

Mitochondrial dysfunction is essentially a ‘power’ issue, where the mitochondria stop producing energy as efficiently as they should—leading to damaged cells and possibly organ failure. The organs most affected by mitochondrial disorders include the heart, brain, muscles, and kidneys, but the condition can affect almost any organ.

Mitochondrial Disease

Severe Mitochondrial Dysfunction may be an indicator of Mitochondrial Disease, a chronic form of the condition that is genetically inherited. There is no cure currently, but the disease can be managed through exercise, supplements, and diet modification.

What are the symptoms of Mitochondrial Dysfunction?

The disorder can present with a wide range of symptoms, depending on the part of the body that is affected. Some of these symptoms include:

• Developmental issues in children
• Speech difficulties
• ADHD, anxiety, OCD, depression
• Seizures
• Headaches

There is growing evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction could be an underlying factor in many other conditions such as Autism, Diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Because Mitochondria play such a vital role in our cellular health, common conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and chronic fatigue could be related to a mitochondrial disorder.

What causes Mitochondrial Dysfunction?

In the case of Mitochondrial Disease, the condition is genetic, inherited, and relatively rare. Functional Mitochondrial Dysfunction is a much more common (and underdiagnosed) condition, which may be triggered by:

• A gene mutation
• Deficiencies in essential minerals and vitamins
• Exposure to chemicals, heavy metals, or pharmaceutical drugs
• Bacterial or viral infection

High stress levels can also trigger the condition. Mitochondria have existed long before humankind, first appearing in bacterial cells. For this reason, Mitochondria may be sensitive to anti-microbial medications such as antibiotics, which are commonly prescribed these days.

Natural Treatments for mitochondrial metabolism disorders

Any treatment program for mitochondrial metabolism disorders must begin with thorough lab testing to identify deficiencies and possible toxins in the body. There are many therapeutic supplements available that can help restore normal mitochondrial function and reduce the symptoms, including:

• Vitamins C, D and E, thiamine, riboflavin
• Magnesium, calcium, phosphate
• Membrane phospholipids, unsaturated fatty acids
• Creatine, pyruvate
• CoQ10, α-lipoic acid, NADH, nicotinic acid
• l-Carnitine, membrane phospholipids
• Curcumin, schisandrin

Good food for your Mitochondria

There’s a strong connection between our gut biome and the mitochondria in our cells. You can think of mitochondria as the digestive system for our cells, as it absorbs the nutrients delivered by the gut. So the quality of our food can significantly influence the mitochondria’s ability to function well. A cellular-friendly diet is a key strategy in my approach to treatment, as whole foods provide an excellent source of bioavailable nutrients.
Beneficial foods include:

Sardines (Vitamin B12)
Cashew nuts (Zinc)
Eggs (CoQ10)
Spinach (Magnesium)
Onions (Sulfur)

If you suspect you may have a Mitochondrial metabolic disorder or have been diagnosed with the condition and seek a more holistic approach to your treatment, contact my clinic to schedule a Caregiver Clarity Call. Together, we can get you on the path to a healthier life.

Neurological dysfunction is a disorder of the brain, spinal or nervous system, which can result in both physical and psychological problems. Common neurological disorders include Ataxia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Bell’s Palsy, chronic headaches/migraines.

Neurological autoimmune diseases are immune inflammations of the central nervous system and include multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

An integral part of the functional medicine approach is providing patients with improved nutrition and nutraceutical supplements to optimize nerve function. I work with my patients to identify and remove environmental toxins—a necessary component in a successful treatment program for neurological issues.

Symptoms of Neurological Dysfunction

The symptoms of a neurological condition can range from subtle to severe, including:

• Weakness
• Loss of sensation
• Double vision
• Headaches
• Lack of coordination
• Memory loss
• Seizures
• Paralysis (partial or complete)

Ataxia

Ataxia is a degenerative disease that affects the nervous system and the brain. The disease damages parts of the brain that control movement—resulting in symptoms such as lack of coordination, slurred speech, tremors, and difficulty walking. Ataxia can be hereditary or brought on by a head injury or stroke. Physical therapy can help with the symptoms, and many patients with the condition have benefited from CoQ10 supplements and nutrition modification.

Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s Palsy causes temporary weakness of the muscles in the face, causing one side to droop. In most cases, the condition is temporary and subsides after a few weeks. Symptoms include muscle weakness, headache, difficulty eating, and eye irritation. Bell’s Palsy is believed to be caused by a viral or bacterial infection that causes swelling or compression of the seventh cranial nerve. An integrative approach to treatment includes acupuncture and herbal medicine to help reduce inflammation and support nerve repair. Proteolytic enzymes can help with tissue damage, and natural anti-virals such as grapefruit seed extract, oregano oil, and garlic are also very beneficial.

Chronic headaches/migraines

Chronic headaches are defined as occurring for at least 15 days or more in a month. It’s essential to determine if the headaches are symptomatic of another condition such as an infection, pressure on the brain, or a brain injury. Overuse of medications can also lead to chronic headaches. Chronic migraines tend to affect one or both sides of the head with a painful throbbing sensation. Patients become very sensitive to light and sound and may be nauseous. Risk factors for developing this condition include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Obesity
• Sleep problems
• Overconsumption of caffeine.

As these headaches keep reoccurring, my approach to treatment includes investigating possible trigger factors in the patient’s environment or lifestyle that may be the source of the problem. Addressing underlying issues such as lack of sleep, poor diet, and lack of exercise can significantly impact patient health and minimize these symptoms. I also recommend specific mineral and vitamin supplements alongside acupuncture, biofeedback, and massage therapies to treat the condition.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as having “persistent difficulties with social communication and social interaction” and “restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviors, activities or interests” according to the DSM-V (a handbook used by health care professionals in the United States). Research into autism seems to indicate widespread disruption on the neural networks of those affected. Brain imaging has found that in some cases, this neural disruption is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, which opens up new opportunities for successful treatment.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system. Nerve cell damage in the brain causes a drop in dopamine levels. The symptoms of Parkinson’s include shaking, stiffness, difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. The symptoms often start with a tremor in one hand and gradually get worse over time. Functional medicine looks beyond the traditional drug-based treatment for PD. It approaches the condition at a cellular level, finding the source of the inflammation, whether it’s due to poor nutrition or chemical exposure in the environment.

Alzheimer’s Disease

As defined by the Alzheimers Association, Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow bad enough to interfere with daily tasks. The connections between brain cells break down, destroying memory and other mental functions. Alzheimer’s is the third leading cause of death in the US, and traditional medicine has not found a cure.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a classic example of where functional medicine, with its holistic approach, can offer solutions that conventional medicine cannot. This is because Alzheimer’s is caused by a combination of factors, including poor diet, a stressful lifestyle, low exercise level, and mental health problems. In fact, Alzheimer’s Disease is now being referred to as Type 3 Diabetes. Early prevention is ideal, but even with early detection of symptoms, patients can slow or even reverse the condition’s progress through my functional medicine treatment program.

Take control of your health

My clinic offers an integrated approach to healthcare, combining the best of conventional medicine with the benefits that only functional medicine can offer. Contact my clinic today for a Caregiver Clarity Call and start your journey to wellness.

Endocrine Disorders

The endocrine system is a network of eight major glands that operate as a chemical messenger system, producing and releasing hormones that help control your body’s metabolism. Hormones influence almost every function in your body, including cell growth, digestion, reproduction, and mood.

Endocrine disorders may result when one of the glands in this network produces too much or too little hormone, causing a hormonal imbalance. Endocrine disorders or endocrine disease can also occur when the body’s endocrine feedback system fails to adequately regulate hormone levels in the bloodstream, sending faulty signals to other glands in the system. Other possible causes for endocrine disorders are infection, genetic disorders, physical injury to a gland, or a tumor of the gland.

Hormonal Disorders

Hormone levels fluctuate as we age, but a hormone imbalance or disorder can indicate a more serious issue with your endocrine system. Possible causes include stress, eating problems, injury, or a tumor. Certain medications and treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also lead to hormonal disruption.

Symptoms of a hormone imbalance

Hormones play a vital role in so many of our bodily functions, and the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance can range from weight gain to depression. Some of the more common symptoms that would prompt further investigation include:

• Unexplained or sudden weight loss
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Constipation or Diarrhoea
• Dry skin

These symptoms are not necessarily connected to a hormone issue—that’s why I offer my patients a Caregiver Clarity Call, so together, we can find the root cause of their health problems.

Types of Endocrine & Hormonal Disorders

Endocrine diseases affect a significant number of Americans. Diabetes is the most common condition, with an estimated 24% of the U.S population either diabetic or prediabetic. Other common endocrine and hormonal diseases include endometriosis, Cushing syndrome, and fibromyalgia.

Diabetes

One of the most common endocrine diseases that we see in our practice is diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes, where the body does not make or use insulin very well. If you have been diagnosed as prediabetic, I can help you with a complete diet, exercise, and weight control program that will let you live better and avoid developing diabetes.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a hormone disorder where rogue uterine cells grow outside of the uterus, causing irritation and inflammation to the affected locations. The main symptoms are excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and painful intercourse. Like many hormone disorders, genetics plays a part; however, there is growing evidence that poor diet and lack of exercise may play a role.
Conventional treatment often involves synthetic hormone therapy, but I recommend my patients fully explore a nutrition-based therapy first, together with supplements that support your vital organs and keep estrogen levels in check.

Cushing Syndrome

Patients with Cushing syndrome have too much cortisol in their system, causing symptoms such as fatty tissue deposits, fragile skin, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Cushing Syndrome can be brought on by extended or excessive use of oral corticosteroids such as prednisone. Other causes include a possible tumor in the pituitary gland, which in turn triggers the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. Natural treatments for Cushing syndrome revolve around improving the diet and undergoing weight-based exercise to keep your bones and muscles healthy.

Fibromyalgia

It’s unclear whether fibromyalgia is a nervous disorder or a rheumatic disorder. Research has demonstrated that people with the condition have low levels of essential hormones such as serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine. The main symptom is widespread pain and extreme environmental sensitivity, including touch, bright lights, certain foods, etc. Other associated symptoms may include headaches, IBS, dizziness, and depression. Traditional treatments for fibromyalgia include a wide range of medications—but in functional medicine, we also explore ways that your body can heal itself through exercise, diet, and relaxation techniques.

Thyroid

An underactive thyroid is known as hypothyroidism. Your body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, creating a range of symptoms such as low energy levels, reduced muscle strength, and weight gain. The traditional treatment for hypothyroidism is a thyroid hormone replacement medication, but as with any medication, there can be side effects. A functional medicine approach includes natural solutions such as mineral supplements, diet modification, and probiotics that offer an alternative wellness path.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused by elevated levels of certain hormones, resulting in the development of cysts in the ovaries. PCOS affects about five million women in the U.S., and symptoms include weight gain, irregular periods, and even infertility in severe cases. An essential approach in any treatment program is nutrition—adopting a healthier, whole food diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods will help reduce the symptoms of PCOS.

Low Testosterone

Low testosterone is also known as hypogonadism. Testosterone, which helps maintain muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive, tends to lower naturally with age, but this drop falls outside of the normal range for some men. Besides traditional hormone treatments for low T, my patients also receive a comprehensive set of lifestyle and nutritional strategies to help them re-energize their body and spirit.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease where your bones’ quality and density are reduced, making them weak and more likely to break. The condition affects both sexes, but women have a higher risk than men. We can assist with a bone density test to determine if you already have osteoporosis or have a higher risk of the disease. While some risk factors, such as age, ethnicity, and body size, cannot be managed, there are many lifestyle and diet choices that, together with appropriate medications, can significantly improve outcomes for patients.

Growth Hormone Deficiency

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a condition that occurs when the pituitary gland doesn’t produce enough growth hormone. It’s more common in children than adults and occurs in 1 in 7000 births. The condition can be treated successfully with synthetic growth hormones, especially when diagnosed early. Head injuries, infections, and radiation treatments can cause Acquired Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD).

The symptoms of growth hormone deficiency for children are:

• Shorter than their peers
• Rounder, chubbier faces
• Not meeting weight growth standards

Teens or adults with acquired growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) typically have the following symptoms:

• Higher levels of body fat
• Less muscle mass and less strength
• Anxiety & Depression
• Reduced bone density

As a functional medicine practitioner, my goal is to restore your body’s natural balance with a holistic approach that integrates traditional medicine and complementary therapies such as detoxification, nutrition, and meditation. For many endocrine disorders, there is no absolute cure. However, by combining the best of traditional and functional medicine, I can help my patients achieve better health outcomes, allowing them to manage their condition and live a fulfilling life.

Take the first step to becoming your own healer with a Caregiver Clarity Call. Together, we can address the underlying issues that lead to conditions such as cardiovascular and metabolic disease.