This month we are focusing on hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances and how they can lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, fatigue and loss of libido. As a board-certified functional medicine practitioner with 300+ hours of specific training, Dr. Kyle can help patients determine the underlying root cause for these symptoms.
While it is true severe cases of anxiety and depression often require powerful medicines and psychological counseling from other appropriate medical providers, many mild to moderate cases of anxiety and depression can be successfully managed through certified functional medicine clinics like ours.
Some cases of anxiety or depression have more obvious root causes such as emotional trauma stemming from things like abuse or loss of a loved one. In many other cases, the cause is not so obvious. This is when functional medicine comes in.
Functional medicine testing can help identify underlying imbalances or functional problems in the body that could be causing or contributing to anxiety or depression symptoms. Hormone and neurotransmitter function can be easily assessed with an at-home saliva and urine collection kit called the Neurohormone Complete. These samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis and from the results we can create a custom treatment plan to help patients restore hormone and neurotransmitter balance and function.
Treatment plans often include appropriate nutritional or herbal support for the adrenal and thyroid glands and specific hormones. These changes can often make a profound difference in function and help restore balance; in many cases avoiding the need for prescription medications.
If you or someone you know is living with anxiety or depression symptoms we encourage you to look into functional medicine testing to find the root cause. If counseling services are necessary or desired, seek them. Just please also keep in mind many times the actual cause could be hormone and neurotransmitter imbalance, and treating the actual cause can often be the most beneficial approach in the long run.
