While women often experience many of the same health problems as men, they can also experience some unique issues. Our bodies like balance and distinct hormonal variances mean that women are consistently challenged by a range of health concerns associated with the hormonal cycle.
However, functional medicine can help and has been a game changer for many women across the world. Through testing and taking an individualised and holistic approach to treatment, functional medicine can deliver profound benefits when it comes to women’s health.
How can functional medicine help with women’s health?
Hormones are a vital component of our bodies as chemical messengers and include Estrogen, Testosterone, Progesterone, Cortisol, Thyroid, DHEA, and Vitamin D. However, hormone imbalance can cause messages to be disrupted and there can be implications. Things like irritability, exhaustion, difficulty sleeping and gaining weight despite good diet and exercise practices may all be linked to a hormone imbalance. Hormonal imbalances are also the leading cause of infertility in women and are linked to disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome. Estrogen dominance – which is a condition where someone has increased estrogen levels relative to progesterone levels – is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women and can develop based on a range of other factors.
These can include poor gut or liver health, chronic stress and environmental toxins such as xenoestrogens. Functional medicine aims to find and address the root causes of these issues, which can lead to a whole range of benefits. There are certain supplements and foods that can improve gut and liver health naturally and effectively, while there are strategies that can be used to improve stress levels and environmental changes can be made. A functional medicine practitioner will work closely and collaboratively with you along the way to help you unlock enhanced overall health, mood improvements and even better weight management and weight loss.
Unique challenges facing women’s health
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is the leading cause of death for women in Australia.
In 2021, it took the lives of 10,276 Australian women. Women also experience higher rates of stroke than men, with cerebrovascular diseases accounting for the deaths of 5,620 Australian women in 2021. While rates of heart disease among women are lower than men, it is still the second-leading cause of death in women. Additionally, one in seven Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. By getting to the root causes of issues within the body, functional medicine can help to manage or even prevent these conditions and illnesses. This can help women lead long, healthy and fulfilled lives – which is what we all want. Functional medicine believes in the power of lifestyle, diet and environmental changes to bring about improved overall health and prevent disease.
Functional medicine for women’s health in Melbourne
If you are interested in seeing what benefits you can derive from functional medicine, contact us today. Luke Clarke is a leading functional medicine practitioner based in Melbourne and has treated many patients for women’s health issues.
For a free 10 minute consultation, contact Luke today by calling 03 8820 0010