Functional medicine hormone doctor in Royal Oak, MI
If you or someone you love has been grappling with chronic symptoms, it can feel like you’re on a never-ending carousel of medications. It’s an exhausting journey where you jump from medication to medication seeking relief. But there is another option for care. By balancing your hormones with functional medicine, you can find the relief you’ve been looking for.
What are hormones and why do they matter?
Hormones are like the body’s messengers, traveling through your bloodstream to tissues and organs, dictating a myriad of functions from metabolism to mood, growth to reproduction. They’re the chemical orchestrators ensuring your body performs in harmony.
However, when they’re out of balance, it can throw your whole system into disarray, leading to a wide range of health issues that can significantly impact your quality of life. If you live in Royal Oak and have long-term chronic symptoms, then you need to consider your hormones. Understanding hormones is the first step toward reclaiming your health.
Five common hormone imbalances
Diabetes
At its core, diabetes revolves around insulin, the hormone responsible for managing your blood sugar levels. When this balance is off, it can lead to both short-term symptoms and long-term complications.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, energy, and overall bodily functions. An imbalance here can mean you’re running either too fast or too slow, affecting everything from your weight to your energy levels.
Cortisol Imbalance
Known as the stress hormone, cortisol in excess or deficiency can lead to issues such as weight gain, anxiety, sleep disorders, and a weakened immune system.
Low Libido
Hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone play crucial roles in sexual desire and performance. Imbalances can affect your relationship, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
Menopause
This natural transition involves significant hormonal changes for women, often leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Many women find relief from menopause when they go through a holistic hormone balance program.
Will adjusting my hormone balance lead to further health issues?
We know that hormones are a hot topic in many conversations today. People in Royal Oak and beyond seek hormone therapies for a number of reasons. Whatever your stance, know that hormones are a natural part of the body’s function. We’re not trying to change your biological makeup; we’re trying to get you back to feeling your best.
During the course of your program, we will closely monitor symptoms. We will adjust accordingly, and we won’t make snap decisions without first looking at the data.
Functional Medicine: A holistic approach to hormone replacement therapy in Royal Oak
At Elle MD, we embrace the philosophy of functional medicine. This means we look at you as a whole person, not just a collection of symptoms. Our approach is holistic and personalized, recognizing that each individual’s path to hormone balance is unique.
Functional medicine seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease, and when it comes to hormone imbalances, this approach is particularly effective. Our treatment plans may include:
Nutritional guidance:
In functional medicine, nutritional guidance is a cornerstone for managing hormone imbalances. Usually, the focus is on consuming whole foods that are rich in the nutrients essential for hormone production and regulation, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. But everyone is different, so your plan will vary.
Patients are advised to avoid processed foods, sugars, and certain fats that can exacerbate hormonal issues. This dietary approach supports the liver and digestive system, crucial for metabolizing hormones and eliminating toxins from the body, thereby influencing hormone balance positively.
Lifestyle changes:
Lifestyle changes are pivotal in functional medicine’s approach to hormone imbalances. This includes regular physical activity, which helps to regulate hormones such as insulin and cortisol, and adequate sleep, which is vital for the production and regulation of many hormones. Reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors, found in certain plastics and personal care products, is also advised. These changes aim to create an environment that supports hormonal balance and reduces the risk of hormone-related health issues.
Supplements:
Functional medicine often incorporates the use of specific supplements to address nutrient deficiencies and support hormonal health. These might include vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements known to influence hormone production and function, such as vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and adaptogenic herbs that help balance cortisol levels. The choice of supplements is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and is based on a thorough evaluation of their health status and hormone levels.
Stress management techniques:
Stress is a significant factor affecting hormone imbalance, particularly the production of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Functional medicine employs stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness to help reduce stress levels. By managing stress, individuals can help regulate cortisol levels, thereby influencing other hormones’ balance and overall health.
Medication:
When necessary, functional medicine may also incorporate medication into the treatment plan for hormone imbalances. This could include bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for those who need additional support in balancing hormones. Unlike conventional hormone replacement therapies, BHRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to those the body naturally produces, aiming for a more natural and personalized approach to hormone balance.
We consider medication when lifestyle, nutritional, and supplemental interventions are insufficient on their own, and it is always used in conjunction with these other strategies to ensure a holistic approach to health.
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Take the first step toward reclaiming your energy, balance, and confidence by filling out an application here.
Discover your personalized program
Together, we’ll uncover the root causes of your symptoms and design a tailored plan to meet your unique needs. Our programs require a minimum 3 commitment to ensure lasting transformation.
Redefine your holistic health
This is your journey to vibrant, sustainable wellness. With our support, you’ll embrace the healthiest, most empowered version of yourself—inside and out.
Hormone replacement doctors in Royal Oak
Embarking on a journey with Elle MD means you’re not just a patient; you’re part of a community dedicated to holistic wellness. We believe everyone deserves to lead a life defined not by their symptoms but by their dreams and aspirations.
With functional medicine, we’re offering not a quick fix but a sustainable path to health. It’s about getting to the core of your hormone imbalances and addressing them in a way that respects your body’s natural processes.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to temporary solutions and step into a world where your health is the priority, Elle MD in Royal Oak is here to guide you. We’re not just your doctors; we’re your partners in wellness, committed to helping you achieve the hormonal balance and overall health you’ve been seeking.
Meet the Drs.
Dr. Hendriks and Dr. Castillo MacKenzie are board-certified physicians, female, specialized, with over 10 years of experience.
Elle MD started after practicing in a traditional primary care setting together for over a decade. We grew frustrated with the current healthcare model, which places no emphasis on addressing the root cause of chronic disease. A lot of times, conventional care doesn’t even promote overall wellness!
We founded Elle MD in Royal Oak, MI, with a vision of providing this care in a compassionate and personalized way.
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FAQs
Got a question? We’re here to help.
Is hormone replacement therapy safe?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is generally considered safe when tailored to an individual’s needs and monitored by a healthcare professional. There are contraindications to hormone replacement and risks vary based on health history, dosage, and duration, so consulting a doctor is essential.
What are the side effects of hormone replacement therapy?
Possible side effects of HRT include headaches, mood changes, nausea, and breast tenderness. Serious risks may include blood clots, stroke, or certain cancers, depending on the type of HRT and personal risk factors.
What is the correlation between hormone replacement and weight loss?
HRT can support weight loss by balancing hormones that regulate metabolism, reducing symptoms like fatigue or sluggishness. However, it’s not a standalone weight-loss solution; a healthy diet and lifestyle are also necessary.
Will hormone replacement cause weight gain?
HRT may cause water retention or temporary weight gain initially, but it generally helps regulate metabolism and may aid in stabilizing weight over time when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
What are the types of hormone replacement therapies?
HRT types include estrogen-only, progesterone-only, combined hormone therapy, and bioidentical hormone therapy. Each type targets specific hormonal imbalances and is selected based on individual needs and symptoms.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance at our functional medicine and weight management practice to ensure we can provide personalized, in-depth care without the limitations or constraints imposed by traditional insurance models, allowing us to focus fully on the long-term well-being and success of our patients.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment by cash, check, VISA, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. We also accept most FSA/HSA
Can I use my flexible spending or health savings account?
Yes. We accept most HSA and FSA cards.
What if I need to reschedule my appointment?
We understand that your schedule might change, and you might need to reschedule your appointment.
You may cancel/reschedule your appointment without penalty up to 24 hours business days before your appointment. Voicemail messages are acceptable.
Contact us and get started on this journey today.
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Functional Medicine and Medical Weight Loss Clinic located in Royal Oak, and serving patients all across the state of Michigan.
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