Hormonal Imbalance

Introduction: Why Hormonal Imbalance Needs a New Approach

Hormonal imbalances are increasingly common and can have far-reaching effects on your overall health and well-being. Conditions such as fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and low libido are often linked to hormonal imbalances. At Patients Medical in New York City, we offer a comprehensive, integrative approach to treating hormonal imbalances. Rather than merely masking symptoms, we focus on understanding and addressing the root causes of your hormonal issues, whether they’re related to stress, diet, lifestyle, or underlying health conditions.

We treat the whole person—not just the hormones.

What Is Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormonal imbalances occur when there is too much or too little of a particular hormone in the bloodstream. Hormones play a critical role in regulating many bodily functions, including metabolism, mood, reproduction, and immune response. When hormone levels are out of balance, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, from minor discomfort to chronic conditions.

Common Hormones Affected by Imbalance:

  • Thyroid hormones (T3, T4): Affect metabolism and energy.
  • Cortisol: The stress hormone that regulates the body’s response to stress.
  • Estrogen and progesterone: Key female hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, mood, and reproductive health.
  • Testosterone: The primary male hormone that influences muscle mass, energy, and libido.
  • Insulin: Regulates blood sugar levels and energy production.

Common Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances can manifest in many ways, and the symptoms may vary depending on which hormones are out of balance. Some common symptoms include:

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek testing and evaluation to identify the root cause and begin treatment.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Hormonal Imbalance?

Functional medicine looks deeper to understand the causes behind hormonal imbalances. Some common factors that contribute to hormonal dysfunction include:

  • Chronic stress: Prolonged stress can increase cortisol levels, disrupting other hormone systems, including thyroid function and sex hormones.
  • Poor diet: Diets high in refined sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can contribute to insulin resistance and imbalance in sex hormones.
  • Gut health issues (leaky gut): A compromised gut lining can lead to systemic inflammation, which interferes with hormone regulation.
  • Environmental toxins: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (such as BPA, phthalates) can impair hormone function.
  • Thyroid dysfunction: Underactive or overactive thyroid can affect metabolism, energy levels, and mood.
  • Sleep deprivation: Inadequate sleep can disrupt cortisol and melatonin levels, affecting hormonal balance.
  • Age-related changes: As people age, hormone levels naturally decline, especially in women (menopause) and men (testosterone levels).
  • Genetics: Family history of hormone-related conditions like PCOS, hypothyroidism, or menopause symptoms can increase your risk.
Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Hormonal Imbalance?

Diagnostic Testing We Use

To understand the root causes of hormonal imbalances, we use advanced diagnostic testing. Our comprehensive approach includes:

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

Thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4, and antibody testing)

Adrenal function tests (cortisol and DHEA)

Insulin resistance testing (fasting insulin, glucose, HbA1C)

Salivary hormone tests (for a more accurate measurement of cortisol and sex hormones)

Genetic testing (for conditions like MTHFR mutations or predisposition to hormone-related issues)

Vitamin and mineral testing (Vitamin D, magnesium, zinc—important for hormone health)

Gut health testing (stool microbiome, leaky gut testing, and gut inflammation markers)

Integrative Treatments for Hormonal Imbalance

At Patients Medical, we use a holistic approach to balance hormones and support overall well-being. Our integrative treatments focus on diet, lifestyle changes, stress reduction, supplementation, and more.

Nutritional Therapy

We create personalized, hormone-balancing meal plans to optimize metabolism, reduce inflammation, and support overall health. These may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory foods (such as turmeric, ginger, and healthy fats)
  • Low-glycemic diet (to balance insulin levels)
  • Phytoestrogen-rich foods (like flax seeds, soy, and legumes for hormone balance)
  • Nutrient-dense diets (rich in vitamins and minerals to support thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormones)
  • Gut-healing foods (bone broth, fermented foods to support gut health and hormone regulation)

IV Vitamin Therapy

Custom IV infusions can provide essential vitamins and minerals that support hormonal health and energy levels:

  • Vitamin C (supports immune function and adrenal health)
  • B vitamins (important for energy, stress reduction, and hormonal regulation)
  • Magnesium (relaxes muscles, balances cortisol levels)
  • Glutathione (detoxifies and supports liver function)

 

Herbal & Nutraceuticals Support

We recommend evidence-based supplements to help balance hormones and reduce symptoms of imbalance:

  • Ashwagandha (adaptogen to regulate cortisol levels and reduce stress)
  • Maca root (supports estrogen and testosterone balance)
  • Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) (helps balance progesterone and reduce PMS symptoms)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (reduces inflammation and supports hormone production)
  • DIM (Diindolylmethane) (supports estrogen metabolism)

All supplements are personalized and monitored by a physician to ensure safety and efficacy.

 

Stress Reduction

Stress management is a key part of treating hormonal imbalance, especially when it involves cortisol. We offer therapies to help reduce stress and balance hormones:

  • Meditation and mindfulness (to reduce stress and cortisol levels)
  • Acupuncture (to balance energy and regulate hormone levels)
  • Adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola and ashwagandha (to support the adrenal glands)

Hormone Balancing

We use bioidentical hormones and other treatments to address imbalances that may be affecting your quality of life, including:

  • Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for women and men
  • Thyroid hormone optimization (for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
  • Cortisol regulation (to address adrenal fatigue or excess cortisol)

Sleep Optimization

Since sleep plays a crucial role in hormone regulation, we offer solutions to improve sleep quality and duration, which in turn supports hormone balance.

Real Case Study: Maria’s Hormonal Health Transformation

Maria, 45, came to us with symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings. After testing, we found that she had low thyroid function, elevated cortisol, and estrogen dominance.

Her personalized treatment plan included:

  • Nutrient-dense meal plan for thyroid and hormone balance
  • IV vitamin therapy to support adrenal and thyroid function
  • Herbal supplements for estrogen metabolism and stress reduction
  • Stress management techniques (acupuncture and mindfulness)
  • Thyroid optimization with bioidentical hormones

Three months later, Maria’s symptoms significantly improved—she had more energy, lost weight, and felt emotionally balanced.

Real Case Study: Maria’s Hormonal Health Transformation

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hormonal imbalance can be caused by stress, poor diet, sleep deprivation, environmental toxins, and underlying health conditions like thyroid dysfunction.

Common signs include fatigue, mood swings, weight gain or loss, irregular periods, and low libido. A thorough hormonal panel can help identify imbalances.

Depending on the severity of the imbalance, it can take 3-6 months to see significant improvements in symptoms.

Yes, we provide comprehensive hormone panels and other diagnostic tests to assess thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormones.

Yes! A nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial for supporting hormone production and regulation.

Some patients may require hormone replacement therapy (such as BHRT for estrogen or thyroid optimization), but many find relief through natural therapies.

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

Yes, chronic stress can increase cortisol levels, which in turn can disrupt other hormones like estrogen and thyroid hormones.

Yes, supplements like maca root, ashwagandha, and DIM can support hormone balance and reduce symptoms of imbalance.

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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