“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of care.”
This is a saying I live by in my practice – it’s why I do what I do. As a naturopathic doctor, I am especially passionate about women’s health and hormones. I have to be. I see every day how prevention, especially when it comes to hormonal health, can change a woman’s life now and shape her health for decades to come. And I want them to get it right because it means everything.
Many women don’t realize there’s a big difference between getting hormones from their OB or primary care doctor and working with a provider explicitly trained in hormonal health. If you’re wondering why your approach to hormonal health matters, let me break it down for you.
Western Medicine and Hormones
If you go to your OB with menopause symptoms, say: hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings. They may prescribe hormones to relieve your discomfort, which is valid care within the current recommended guidelines. But here’s what might happen:
- They don’t run comprehensive hormone testing or check your hormone levels (think blood work).
- They prescribe the smallest dose of progesterone or estrogen for the shortest time possible because this is what current guidelines state.
- Their priority is symptom control, not disease prevention, or even symptom resolution.
- They’re following insurance-driven guidelines that recommend minimal intervention for a minimal amount of time.
- They will prescribe a “one size fits all” dose of hormones that may not be effective in symptom relief and/ or resolution.
Why? Because most OBs are not trained in hormone replacement and hormonal health beyond pregnancy and birth control. Hormone replacement and therapy is just a small part of their practice and certainly not a focus of learning in medical school.
How Neighborhood Naturopathic Approaches Hormonal Health
As a Naturopathic Doctor, this is my specialty. I have hundreds of hours of additional training in women’s health, perimenopause, menopause, and hormone related conditions far beyond standard medical education. Here’s how my approach to hormonal health differs from the Western medical system:
- Thorough Testing. Comprehensive hormone panels provide your baseline, identify your risks, and indicate where your body needs support.
- Evidence and Data-Based Decisions. Hormone therapy isn’t just about feeling better today—it’s about the possibility of preventing Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and even hormone-related cancers in the future.
- Optimal Health, Not Just Normal. “Normal” lab ranges are based on averages of the population, which often includes people who are already unwell. I want you to feel your best, not just avoid disease.
- Whole Person Focus. Your hormones don’t exist in isolation. Nutrition, stress, sleep, nervous system health, and genetics all play a role in your hormonal balance.
Why Does Hormonal Health Matter?
If your goal is to get through menopause with minimal symptoms, your OB can help you with that. We offer a more complete and enduring care.
If your goal is to prevent disease and support longevity, you need someone who understands the full therapeutic power of hormones throughout a woman’s lifespan.
I often say: “If they’re not up on it, they’re down on it.” In other words, if your OB or primary doctor is not trained in hormone therapy, they’re likely to avoid it or will prescribe the bare minimum. While this does follow insurance and pharmaceutical company supported guidelines, it rarely will produce therapeutic levels of hormones.
Three Ways to Be Proactive About Your Hormonal Health
No matter your stage of development, from puberty, childbearing years, perimenopause, or post-menopause, here are some questions to consider:
Is your provider up on hormonal health?
Ask if they’ve pursued specialized training or certifications in women’s hormones beyond medical school. Hormone science is evolving rapidly, and your care should reflect that.
What are your priorities?
Do you want to eliminate symptoms in the short term, or do you want to prevent chronic illness and maintain hormonal health for life? Your goals will shape the best hormonal health plan that’s right for your body.
Do you want a normal life or an optimal life?
“Normal” means functioning within the broad averages. “Optimal” means thriving with energy, focus, strength, and vitality well into your later decades.
What You Need to Know About Hormones
Hormones are not just about comfort. They are about prevention, longevity, vitality, and protecting your future health.
My mission is to help you feel better than you ever thought possible—and to keep you feeling that way for the rest of your life.
Let’s Talk About Your Hormonal Health
If you’re ready to partner with someone who sees your hormonal health as the foundation for your whole health, we’re here. And we’d love to talk to you. At Neighborhood Naturopathic, we offer a complimentary call for new patients, which you can schedule online or by calling (612) 259-8529.
Neighborhood Naturopathic is located in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area of Minnesota.