It's All About the Gland | Is This ME?! | Analyze This! |Print This Page
The endocrine system controls a variety of bodily functions (including sleep cycles, appetite, overall energy level, temperature regulation, mood, and others) through the release of chemicals called hormones. Hormones are produced and secreted by endocrine glands such as the thyroid, ovaries, pituitary, adrenals, etc. These substances travel through the bloodstream and regulate various body functions through their actions on other organs. For example, prolactin, a hormone produced in the pituitary gland, stimulates the breasts to produce milk after childbirth.
Common endocrine disorders include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, poly-cystic ovary syndrome and others. back to top
Symptoms of endocrine disorders may include
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Low energy
- Diminished or excessive appetite
- Hot flashes
- Cold hands and feet
- Exhaustion an hour or two after a meal
- Waking at 1-2am feeling wired and unable to go back to sleep
- Decreased sex drive
- Difficulty getting motivated to do your usual activities
- Acne
- Menstrual irregularity
- More frequent illness
- Worsening allergy symptoms
While some endocrine disorders require medication to control hormone levels, many people find that their bodies can return to balance through diet and lifestyle changes, nutritional support and acupuncture. In many cases, people will see their doctors and undergo testing only to find all the test results negative. However, even slight (sub-clinical) endocrine imbalances can cause symptoms. Moreover, the endocrine system is closely tied to the immune system and the sympathetic nervous system so imbalances in one can lead to problems in the others. Oriental Medicine has many tools for determining the root cause of the symptoms and stimulating the body’s natural healing ability to reverse the condition before it becomes clinically significant. back to top
Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and medical history. Blood and/or saliva tests may be ordered to establish a base line for your endocrine function. These lab results will then be re-analyzed based on the functional range developed by the American Association of Clinical Chemists (AACC) to determine whether there are any sub-clinical imbalances. Based on the lab results and your history, a Chinese Medicine diagnosis is made and a customized treatment plan developed which may include acupuncture, Chinese herbs and other dietary supplements, diet and exercise recommendations.
Should your condition require medication from a physician, we can offer nutritional support and acupuncture to help you feel better while the medications are being adjusted to optimal levels. Continued nutritional support may reduce your need for medications over time. back to top |
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