Hormonal Balancing Q & A

Introduction: Why Hormonal Imbalance Needs a New Approach

Hormonal imbalances can cause a wide range of symptoms, from fatigue and weight gain to mood swings and low libido. Many people struggle with these issues for years, often without realizing the root cause. At Patients Medical in New York City, we go beyond conventional treatments. Our integrative approach combines functional medicine, natural therapies, and lifestyle modifications to address hormonal imbalances at their source. Instead of just managing symptoms, we work to restore balance and enhance overall health naturally.

We treat the whole person—not just the hormones.

What Is Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormonal imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a particular hormone in the bloodstream. Hormones control many bodily functions, and when they’re out of balance, it can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.

Common hormones affected by imbalances include:

  • Thyroid hormones (T3, T4): Regulate metabolism and energy.
  • Estrogen and progesterone: Crucial for female reproductive health, mood, and metabolism.
  • Testosterone: Affects energy, libido, and muscle mass in both men and women.
  • Cortisol: The stress hormone, crucial for managing the body’s response to stress.
  • Insulin: Controls blood sugar levels and metabolic function.

 

Common Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances can manifest in numerous ways. Common symptoms may include:

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a thorough evaluation can help identify the hormonal imbalances at play.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Hormonal Imbalance?

In functional medicine, we seek to uncover the underlying causes of hormonal imbalance rather than just treating the symptoms. The following are common root causes:

  • Chronic stress: Stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which can suppress other hormones and disrupt hormonal balance.
  • Poor diet: Diets high in sugar, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats can cause insulin resistance, affect thyroid function, and lead to hormonal imbalances.
  • Environmental toxins: Exposure to endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates can impair hormone production and function.
  • Sleep deprivation: Poor sleep negatively affects hormone production, especially cortisol, thyroid hormones, and growth hormones.
  • Leaky gut syndrome: Gut health issues can lead to inflammation and hormonal imbalances by affecting nutrient absorption and increasing systemic inflammation.
  • Age-related changes: As we age, hormone levels naturally decline, especially estrogen in women (menopause) and testosterone in men.
  • Genetic predisposition: Family history of thyroid issues, diabetes, or hormone-related conditions can increase the risk of hormonal imbalances.
  • Underlying health conditions: Conditions like PCOS, hypothyroidism, or adrenal fatigue can contribute to hormonal imbalances.
Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Hormonal Imbalance?

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we use advanced testing methods to determine the root cause of your hormonal imbalance. Some of the tests we offer include:

Comprehensive hormone panels (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid hormones)

Thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4, and antibodies)

Adrenal function tests (cortisol, DHEA)

Insulin and glucose levels (to assess insulin resistance)

Gut health panels (to check for leaky gut, microbiome imbalances)

Nutrient deficiency testing (vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, magnesium, zinc)

Genetic testing (to assess predispositions to hormone-related issues)

Salivary hormone tests (to measure cortisol and other key hormones)

Integrative Treatments for Hormonal Imbalance

At Patients Medical, we offer a holistic approach to balancing hormones. Our treatments focus on restoring balance through diet, supplementation, stress management, and lifestyle modifications.

Nutritional Therapy

We provide personalized meal plans designed to restore hormonal balance and improve overall health. Our dietary recommendations may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory foods (such as turmeric, leafy greens, omega-3 rich foods)
  • Phytoestrogens (foods like flax seeds, soy, and legumes that support estrogen balance)
  • Low-glycemic diets (to stabilize insulin levels and support thyroid health)
  • Gut-healing foods (such as bone broth and fermented foods to restore gut function)
  • Nutrient-dense diets (rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats to support thyroid and adrenal glands)

 

IV Vitamin Therapy

We offer custom IV infusions to replenish key nutrients and support hormonal function:

  • Vitamin C (supports immune function and adrenal health)
  • Magnesium (balances cortisol and supports muscle relaxation)
  • Vitamin B complex (helps with energy production and stress reduction)
  • Glutathione (detoxifies the body and supports overall cellular health)

 

Herbal & Nutraceuticals Support

We recommend evidence-based supplements to support hormonal health, including:

  • Maca root (supports adrenal and reproductive health)
  • Ashwagandha (reduces cortisol levels and supports thyroid function)
  • Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) (supports progesterone balance)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (reduce inflammation and support hormonal production)
  • DIM (Diindolylmethane) (helps detoxify excess estrogen)

All supplements are personalized to your needs and carefully monitored for safety.

 

Stress Reduction

Managing stress is critical to balancing hormones. We offer several therapies to help reduce stress and optimize hormonal function:

  • Acupuncture (helps regulate energy flow and balance cortisol levels)
  • Meditation and mindfulness (reduce stress and support emotional balance)
  • Adaptogenic herbs (such as rhodiola, which help manage stress hormones)

Hormone Balancing

We use bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) to address hormonal imbalances, including:

  • Bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone (for women and men)
  • Thyroid hormone optimization (for hypo or hyperthyroidism)
  • Cortisol regulation (to address adrenal fatigue or excess cortisol)

Weight Management

Hormonal imbalances often lead to weight gain or difficulty losing weight. We offer medically supervised weight loss programs to help restore balance and support a healthy metabolism.

Real Case Study: Maria’s Hormonal Health Transformation

Maria, 47, came to us with fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings. After testing, we discovered that she had thyroid dysfunction, high cortisol levels, and estrogen dominance.

Her personalized treatment plan included:

  • Hormone therapy to optimize thyroid and cortisol levels
  • Nutritional plan to support hormonal balance
  • IV vitamin therapy to boost energy and restore nutrients
  • Adaptogenic herbs to regulate stress hormones

Three months later, Maria reported improved energy, better mood, and weight loss. Her thyroid and cortisol levels were normalized, and she felt more balanced overall.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Through diet changes, stress management, herbal supplements, and lifestyle modifications, many people can restore hormonal balance naturally.

Hormonal imbalances can be caused by stress, poor diet, environmental toxins, age, sleep deprivation, and underlying health conditions.

Common signs include fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, and sleep disturbances. A comprehensive hormone panel is the best way to determine if you have a hormonal imbalance.

Many people begin to feel better within 3-6 months, although the time varies based on the severity of the imbalance and your unique treatment plan.

Yes, we offer comprehensive hormone panels, including tests for thyroid, adrenal, sex hormones, and cortisol.

Yes, chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can disrupt other hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones.

Yes, we offer BHRT for patients who need estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone optimization.

Yes, a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet is crucial for supporting hormone production and regulation.

Some patients may benefit from hormone replacement therapy, but many find natural treatments to be effective in restoring balance.

We are an out-of-network provider but offer superbills for reimbursement. Some lab tests may be partially covered by insurance.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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