Women’s and Men’s Hormonal Health
Sex hormones including oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone play vital roles in human development and naturally fluctuate over the course of lifespan. Hormonal dysfunctions can start anytime and impact women’s and men’s reproductive health, metabolism and energy regulation. 10% of reproductive-aged women worldwide suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)(Solrzano et al, 2022). 40% of men worldwide may have testosterone deficiency (Anaissie et al, 2017). US studies report that they are the highest testosterone replacement therapy providers in the world, this could be due to the availability of testing and quicker diagnosis. Functional medicine provides personalised assessment to address hormone-related disorders. It looks at the common endocrine-disrupting chemicals, as well as disease related endocrine disruptors for example in type 2 diabetes. It also look at well known now damaged microbiome and its impact on different organs. Functional Medicine clinicians understand in depth impact of ageing, hormones imbalances and age-related diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and so on. In women’s hormones, functional medicine looks at the right support through life challenging hormonal imbalances and further peri and menopause. Treatment usually include but not limited: changes in nutrition, exercise, stress management as well as supplements and bio-identical hormones support.
Solorzano CB, Ehrmann D, Azziz R, eds. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Endocrine Society. Published January 24, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2023. https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/pcos
Anaissie J, DeLay KJ, Wang W, Hatzichristodoulou G, Hellstrom WJ. Testosterone deficiency in adults and corresponding treatment patterns across the globe. Transl Androl Urol. 2017;6(2):183-191. doi:10.21037/tau.2016.11.16