Hormones
If you are troubled by symptoms such as mood swings, tiredness, menstrual difficulties, PMS, weight fluctuations, PCOS or breast tenderness, they may be due to hormone imbalance.
In our experience, the most effective way to correct hormone problems is to take a whole-person approach. Treatment may include medication as well as nutritional or lifestyle advice; and you may want to use complementary therapy.
Alterations in hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, occur each monthly menstrual cycle and during transitions such as pregnancy and menopause. The hormone (or endocrine) system also reacts to diet and to physical and emotional stress.
Your gynaecologist will meet and examine you and may suggest tests.We are meticulous about providing careful and thorough diagnosis.
Diagnostic tests include blood analysis and ultrasound scans. Testing at intervals helps us monitor the function of your ovaries and other hormone glands, and observe your body's response to hormones as they change through the month.
Medication may be useful. We treat PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). For hormone replacement, whenever possible we use bio-identical hormones similar to those produced by the body's endocrine glands.
Surgery is very rarely needed to correct hormonal issues; when it is, or if there is a co-existent problem requiring surgery, this is available using the latest 'minimally invasive' techniques.
Hormone fluctuations are like a barometer of your wellbeing. Often, lifestyle changes help to redress an imbalance, e.g. exercise, good quality rest, meditation, and getting support for stress reduction. If you'd like some guidance, options at Viveka include life coaching and hypnotherapy.
Complementary therapies including acupuncture, homeopthy, reflexology and osteopathy are often used to assist hormonal balance, on their own or in combination with medical care.
Attending to nutrition can be hugely beneficial. Balancing sugar highs and lows, for instance, can help to reduce stress hormones, including adrenalin and cortisol; this reduction is beneficial for ovary function, and for skin and muscle health, sleep quality and more.
Hormones have been called 'molecules of emotion' and are closely linked to personal feelings. Viveka's EMO (emotional support) team has many years' experience working with women aiming for improved emotional wellbeing.
