Talks WITH THE DOCS: HORMONE BALANCE

Hormones are highly sensitive chemical messengers that coordinate various functions of the body. They are responsible for sending signals to the organs, muscles and other tissues instructing them what to do and when to do it. Hormones are in control of many of the body’s major processes such as metabolism, reproduction, mood and our circadian rhythm which are critically important for overall health.  The hormonal system is quite delicate and a slight increase or decrease in one of the hormones can result in major changes to the body.  Some changes may be temporary due to situations such as stress or pregnancy. However, for the most part, hormonal imbalance does not occur overnight but rather over a period of time. Factors that may cause hormone imbalance may be poor diet, excessive exercise, illness or diseases such as autoimmune, prescription medications or even toxin exposure. Hormonal imbalance may manifest as moodiness, weight gain or weight loss, food cravings, infertility, menstrual irregularities, low libido, insomnia or anxiety. It is important to seek out treatment, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to restore balance to obtain quality of life once again.

In TCM, the kidneys are the organ closely related to the western endocrine system. The kidneys control the growth, development and reproductive system within the body. The kidney system in TCM includes what we know in Western medicine as the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal and thyroid. These components are all actively involved in the growth and development of our body as well as maintaining homeostasis through hormone regulation. In TCM hormone balance is closely related to the concept of yin and yang. The Yin and yang relationship are quite delicate and just like hormones, they depend on one another to function properly and too much or too little of one another will tip the balance immediately. Yin and Yang theory is based on four principles which are Opposition, Interdependence, Mutual Consumption, and Intertransformation. All parts contribute to the whole giving us a holistic view such which can be seen in the Tai Ji Symbol.  Yin and Yang is all about understanding one aspect in relation to another. Everything that exists has both aspects of Yin and Yang within them. There are no absolutes but rather a continuum of what is being compared relative to the other. Basically, one cannot exist without the other.

With TCM, hormone imbalances are treated differently. Instead of replacing hormones like they do in Western Medicine, Chinese herbal medicine is used to encourage the body to produce the necessary hormones that are required so that balance may be restored naturally. This is especially important following a major shift in hormones such as postpartum or during perimenopause/menopause. Herbs used to balance hormones, strengthen kidney function and nourish blood and yin typically include:

·      Gogi Berries

·      Dang Gui

·      Chinese Wild Yam

·      White Peony root

·      Chinese Ginseng

These herbs are best when used in formulas and are customized on a case-to-case basis following an exam by your TCM practitioner.

Acupuncture is another modality that can bring balance to hormones through regulation of key mediators within the body without side effects. The mechanism of action that is specific to hormonal balancing is that acupuncture acts on the hypothalamus-pituitary-axis (HPA). The HPA is the brain’s master controller of hormone function within the body. When acupuncture stimulates the HPA, beta-endorphins are produced. This in turn has a direct effect on the central nervous system by balancing hormones which may include reducing cortisol while elevating serotonin levels. Once again, the treatment and point prescription are customized to the patient to address their concerns.

Watch the full Talks with the Docs today!