Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Scottsdale Naturopathic Doctor
"Doc, What can I take for my allergies? My eyes are crunchy and watering. What is the best herb for allergies? Why am I getting allergies with menopause?" Debra H, Scottsdale, AZ
Allergies for women can indicate a testosterone deficiency such as in perimenopause. Also, I commonly see adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, and menopause as underlying causes. Estrogen deficiency in menopause causes dry skin therefore women are more prone to allergies. Also, hypothyroidism is notorious for causing dry skin itchy skin. Testosterone helps make the skin oily and deficiency also causes dry skin that is more prone to inflammation. Having a doctor test you for any underlying hormone imbalance is important when women suddenly have seasonal allergies and never had them before.
Natural allergy treatments generally require about two full weeks to become effective. As I discussed in my Seasonal Allergy blog Quercetin, vitamin C and citrus bioflavonoids are very helpful for allergies and I typically prescribe those in conjunction with nettles.
Nettles are one of my very favorite women's health herbs as there are not many allergy treatments out there that have the side effect of helping women with Female Hair Loss grow thick shiny hair! Nettles are also helpful for anemia, as they are rich in iron and also demonstrated as helpful in recent research at just 450mg daily against menopausal hot flashes. [1]
My hope at least is for those of you with seasonal allergies, arthritis, and enlarged prostates to gain new appreciation, if not complete love and adoration for this fabulous plant.
The freeze-dried herb, Urtica dioica can be used as an alternative to antihistamines for allergy season. Nettle leaves are also known to be useful for arthritis, asthma, and edema; and are especially helpful in treating long-term chronic illness as they are a nutritive plant rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
The rich mineral content is thought to be the mechanism for reducing those painful nighttime leg cramps that usually respond well to water, calcium, magnesium, and electrolytes. The root of the plant is found to be helpful for those with benign prostatic hypertrophy through interaction with sex hormone-binding globulin. Nettle root was demonstrated effective against BPS in recent research. [2]
Recent rsearch also shows promise using nettles in High Blood Pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, Arthritis and was actually found effective in treatment of "Gulf War Syndrome" while many other treatments are completely ineffective. I found that research study on nettles for GWS the most interesting, as many treatments and medications have been found to be ineffective. Please let me know if you try nettles for this condition! Nettles are also used to stimulate breast milk production as a galactagogue herb. [3-6]
Fresh green plants such as nettles are high in chlorophyll. A molecule of chlorophyll closely resembles the hemoglobin in our red blood cells except that chlorophyll contains magnesium in its center ring instead of iron. Magnesium is important because most Americans on the Standard American Diet (SAD) are deficient in this essential mineral that aids in the relaxation of our muscles, detoxification of our livers, as well as over 200 other enzymatic pathways in our bodies. Green leafy vegetables and whole grains are both excellent sources of magnesium.
Did you know that if you are ever lost or stranded in the woods you can technically eat nettles raw if you can get them past your lips without getting stung? The enzyme ptyalin in our saliva should denature the formic acid that causes the sting from the nettles. Now I am not recommending trying this, and have never tried this, and furthermore hope that I never will have to try this, nor do I hope you ever have to try this…but I am just saying it is always an option in an emergency situation.
When harvesting nettles be sure to wear gloves, although I have seen firsthand as a Naturopathic Doctor a “Nettle Charmer” out there that has the ability to handle nettles without getting stung! Apparently, the stinging acid only is released when the hairs of the plant are touched in a particular direction. Only harvest nettles that have not been sprayed with chemicals.
Do not use nettles that are in the flowering stage as the flowers will cause irritation to the urinary tract. The young leaves can be cooked with garlic and olive oil like spinach, steamed, stir-fried, cooked into a casserole or made into a tea or base for vegetable soup.
Research studies for menopause only used 450mg of herb per day which is usually about 1-2 capsules depending on the size of the capsules. Since nettles are a food you cannot really OD on them and I generally dose them higher for hair loss, anemia, allergies, menopause and so forth to 2-3 capsules 2-3 times per day.
To make an herbal nettles tea add at least 2 tablespoons of herb per cup of water to a covered soup pot and allow to simmer on low on the stove for about 15 minutes to an hour to extract the minerals. I will commonly put water with nettles in a large stock pot and bring it to a boil and turn off the heat, cover the pot and let it sit to "decoct" for an hour. Decoction is simply steeping your herbs covered for a longer period of time than when we make a traditional tea and let it steep for 15 minutes.
At the end of the nettles decoction I usually add mint. You will lose some minty flavor if you let it decoct with the nettles so I recommend adding it in at the end. Your tea should still be hot if you have left it on a low simmer. Nettles pair nicely with mint, they are from the same family, and patients with blocked sinuses will improve with inhaling mint essential oil from the tea as well as drinking it throughout the day.
As this is a nutritive food several cups of this tea may be enjoyed liberally each day as this is a wonderful spring detox unless you are pregnant or on anticoagulant “blood thinning” medications. If you have any health problems or use medications be sure to ALWAYS check with your Naturopathic Doctor before using any herbs or alternative medicines.
Give the nettles time to work in your body. Natural medicines and foods as medicines typically are much more gentle than most medications and so will take time to work their “magic” in your system. In the case of chronic illness, I usually give most natural remedies about 3-4 weeks to work before changing the plan. Remember with herbal medicine we are working to manage your symptoms with natural medicines that are healthy for you over the long run so we have to be more patient and allow them time to work.
Patients with severe allergies should be planning their allergy remedies 2-4 weeks before their allergy season starts up. Remember in Arizona we actually have TWO ALLERGY SEASONS! Don't shoot the messenger, but I found it very confusing when I moved here and developed allergies in both the spring and the fall.
Whenever it is perfect whether outside that is when you need to be on an aggressive plan to tolerate the pollen!
If you need my help with your allergies or hormone imbalance simply pop over to my SCHEDULE page and treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit.
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!
References:
Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Holistic Gastroenterology, Nutrition and Hormones
Heartburn can impact women more often than men because of hormone imbalance. While I am not a Gastroenterologist, nor a Cardiologist this is one of the top complaints I received from women, especially after they have been to the ER thinking they are dying of a heart attack, only for the Cardiologist to tell them they just need to go to a Gastroenterologist. The GI doctor gives them an antacid and they continue to have worsening heartburn.
A serious pet peeve of mine is how we all traditionally deal with indigestion and heartburn with THE WORST DRUGS for women: Prevacic, Tums, Ranitidine, Omeprazole, etc. The use of calcium carbonate antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers can cause a full host of women's health diseases for me to manage when really we just need to get the patient off these horrible medications that block stomach acid.
They seem pretty benign right? You can buy them at any grocery store or pharmacy so it should be totally fine to take heartburn medications since a doctor doesn't even need to prescribe them.
But these are also my #1 LEAST FAVORITE MEDICATIONS for women to take because they actually block absorption of minerals, iron, zinc, magnesium, protein, B-12 and therefore result in anemia, hair loss, muscle spasms, and Osteoporosis.
Even more unfortunate, I find heartburn meds totally unnecessary, as a Naturopathic Doctor that has worked for fifteen years to treat the Root Cause of heartburn and reflux. I know how easy it is to fix this problem so women don't have to rely on medications that suppress their stomach acid and block mineral absorption and B-12 that are important for immune boosting, mental health, depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue.
By neutralizing the pH in the digestive track it also makes women more susceptible to yeast overgrowth and Yeast Infections. Candida overgrowth in the digestive tract results in chronic gas and bloating.
Once half of the women's hair falls out and they have Osteoporosis it is somewhat too late for Naturopathic Medicine. Prevention is critical. Today I am writing this very important women's health PSA on heartburn. Please share this with other women so we can prevent miserable, painful Osteoporosis that can cause painful fractures during your "Golden Years."
I understand that at times we need to suppress our stomach acid just to provide some short-term relief, or to prevent it from burning our stomach lining and potentially causing ulcers and permanent scarring to our stomach and esophagus. But these medications were never designed to be taken daily as many women chronically rely on them.
Before we make any major decisions regarding inhibiting the natural processes of our digestion let’s first investigate what stomach acid was designed by nature to do for us.
Stomach acid is Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) which is produced to help break down our food for digestion and absorption. HCL is the biochemical “mother” of the digestive process triggering resultant chemical reactions and productions of enzymes as your food moves through your intestines. Certain vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients are unable to be properly metabolized without the aid of HCL. Protein, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, zinc, and most other minerals require an acidic environment for proper activation and absorption.
Now antacids are not designed for long term use, because obviously in the long term we run the risk of being deficient in protein, B12, and minerals.
Some common signs of these deficiencies can be seen as brittle hair and nails, neurological problems, anemia, osteoporosis, and fatigue to name a few. Over the counter antacids neutralize stomach acid rendering it ineffective; while most typical prescription medications for heartburn and GERD like proton pump inhibitors and histamine receptor blockers work different biochemical angles to suppress the production of stomach acid.
An alternative approach to heartburn and acid reflux is to avoid irritating substances, as well as those that cause the esophageal sphincter to relax and allow acid to creep back up such as chocolate, caffeine, mint, spicy foods, orange juice, sugar, coffee, caffeine, tomatoes and acidic foods, white refined foods, fried foods, and those foods that you may be specifically sensitive to. Herbs with volatile oils such as mint make your esophageal sphincter relax, and thus acid is able to continue to creep up from your stomach and burn your esophagus resulting in “Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder” aka GERD. Eliminating cigarette smoking and coffee are critical to recovery for anyone with an ongoing acid reflux or active peptic or duodenal ulcer.
Aside from avoiding irritating foods, and foods that relax the esophageal sphincter, its imperative that we investigate foods you may be intolerant or allergic to further with a Food Allergy Sensitivity Test. Foods that should always be avoided in acid reflux and heartburn patients are: citrus, spicy foods, acidic foods like tomatoes, and chocolate because it relaxes the esophageal sphincter causing the esophagus to have stomach acid shooting up in to it. Women with heartburn and acid reflux should also avoid drinking a lot of water before bed since stomach acid is actually lighter than water it will cause the acid to float on top of the water and mechanically cause heartburn symptoms.
Women with heartburn are often kept up all night with insomnia from the pain. Lack of sleep can result in poor concentration, decreased memory, brain fog, and even ADHD symptoms.
Stress is an important factor to deal with because it thins the mucous that protects our stomach lining. Without a healthy protective layer of mucous covering the stomach lining, HCL becomes the enemy as it erodes the tissues and results in very painful ulcers. Stress also inhibits our stomach acid production resulting in gas and indigestion. Furthermore the suppression of stomach acid typically results in a rebound effect. Stomach acid will only be suppressed for so long before the body produces more in a natural feedback loop.
The stomach senses a high pH not conducive to digestion and overshoots by producing too much HCL to lower the pH at times when we don’t even need it… like between meals and at night time. Many people under high stress all day long will experience painful night time reflux as their body finally relaxes and has time to make some stomach acid. Unfortunately this is painful and keeps us up all night. Especially when we lack a healthy layer of mucous covering the lining of our stomach.
Eliminating aggravating foods and stressors whenever possible is a great first step towards healing from ulcers and GERD. Once irritating foods have been eliminated one can add in some soothing “demulcent” herbs such as Glycyrrhiza glabra also known as good old-fashioned licorice root. Look for the chewable “DGL” chewable licorice tablets at your health food store, Enzymatic Therapy makes a great one of you can purchase in your Fullscript account. Patients with High Blood Pressure should not take licorice in any form without checking with their Naturopathic Doctor!
Chew the tablets three times daily as directed 20 minutes prior to meals. DGL means that the component that raises blood pressure in the licorice has been removed but the demulcent properties have remained intact, however I would still use this treatment with caution and monitor your blood pressure daily if you are prone to hypertension.
You can also make teas or powder pastes with Marshmallow and Slippery Elm root. Taken between meals or twenty minutes or prior, these healing herbs will calm down the irritated lining of the stomach and allow the acid to work when it is supposed to work. Aloe vera juice is also a great therapeutic agent for those not susceptible to diarrhea. However, the “latex free” form of juice can typically be consumed without incident. Drinking fresh cabbage juice is also a highly researched remedy for healing the mucosa. The amino acid l-glutamine can also be used. None of these things will work though if we do not address Food Sensitivities and triggers that are individualized with each patient.
Many women experience chronic gas and bloating which is simply the result of lack of stomach acid from use of antacids or eating too quickly before the body has time to properly build up the digestive juices. Some will resolve with HCL supplementation (please don’t take this without advisement from your naturopathic doctor.) Eating a bitter green salad or taking Swedish Bitters before a meal can also stimulate stomach acid.
Alternatively, a shot of concentrated lemon juice, or even a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in two ounces of water can also help with stomach acid production. If you have active acid reflux or heartburn I would advise against using foods to increase stomach acid until the reflux problem is resolved, and the stomach mucosa is healthy.
To test your stomach acid production take 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda powder in a little bit of water and wait with a timer. If you do not burp from this within 2 minutes, then there is little to no stomach acid in your stomach. If you burp between 2-5 minutes then there is low stomach acid.
Generally, I am working to first improve symptoms, and then I will work to taper medications down as they are no longer needed. Never stop taking your medications without consulting your Naturopathic Doctor.
All of these things are great quick fixes but they aren’t really addressing the root cause of most digestive upset which is that we are either eating under stress, eating the wrong foods for our specific body, or we are not slowing down and taking the time to enjoy our food properly.
Make every meal an event to give your stomach time to produce sufficient stomach acid.
Make a point with your friends and family to savor the eating ritual. An average lunch in some European countries is 1-2 hours and an average dinner is 2-4 hours. That is the spirit that we need to embrace in America in order to truly make the most out of our digestion. Not eating on the run, or at our desks while doing stressful work. Stop watching the news while you eat! Just turn it off.
If you need my help finding your Heartburn Root Cause, simply pop over to my SCHEDULE page to treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit! I would be happy to help.
Dr. Nicole Sundene
(480) 837-0900
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!
Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
“Insulin Resistance? Nobody cares about Insulin Resistance” was what one of my patients with severe insulin resistance told me she was told by her anesthesiologist when he asked if she was diabetic. She laughed as she told me that her Cardiologist was just as dumbfounded by these statements as I was! Her Cardiologist actually agreed with me on the insulin resistance causing her high blood pressure.
I asked my patient… “Is it okay that I am about to now go on an Insulin Resistance blogging rampage and tell this story?” She told me to go for it so please enjoy today’s rant about why doctors and patients need to stop ignoring insulin resistance! We must screen routinely for insulin resistance and implement the appropriate diet and supplements so patients can be successful with getting their “Fat Storage” hormone under control.
Because until they do the insulin resistance will cause them to just continue to gain more and more weight until they are type 2 diabetic and have high blood pressure.
Ignorance around Insulin Resistance is EXACTLY what is wrong with everyone in America! I have worked in women’s health for 23 years now and I am finding patients with severe insulin resistance in my practice every single day. Because I specialize in PCOS and hormone imbalance, I test for insulin on all of my routine hormone panels…and guess what?
It is actually the #1 most common cause that women to gain weight. While everyone is hiring me to figure out if they have a thyroid condition causing their metabolism to slow down, what I find more often than not in this scenario is that insulin resistance is causing them to gain weight and gumming up their metabolism. Insulin is the evil enemy that grabs every carb and fat you eat and slaps it into fat storage. Leaving my insulin-resistant patients with chronic fatigue because they are not able to burn carbs or fat properly for energy and are then left with protein as their main source of fuel.
Doctors should be checking every American’s insulin numbers to prevent diabetes, hypertension, weight gain, and PCOS the leading cause of hormone imbalance in women.
I am so SICK of the SICK care system that fails to focus on prevention, and instead just waits until you have a stroke from high blood pressure caused by insulin resistance and only then will insurance pay for you to have expensive physical therapy to teach you how to walk and talk again… yet it doesn’t care about screening for insulin resistance. Frankly, I don’t even know why we are so obsessed with cholesterol numbers while totally failing to test insulin levels, when the majority of my hormone patients are challenged more by the inflammation from insulin causing them high LDL, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, hormone imbalance, mood swings, headaches, and PCOS.
Patients with a fasting insulin number greater than 8 are on the fast track for diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity. I see my patients with a fasting insulin >20 become Type 2 Diabetic within 5 years. Sometimes sooner. Oftentimes it is not possible for patients to get their insulin numbers under control merely with a low carb diet alone because wildly swinging blood sugar numbers trigger hypoglycemia which generally causes my patients to binge eat when they get too hungry.
I find every single day of my career that patients with fasting insulin above >10 are completely unable to lose weight until the insulin numbers are corrected with herbs and supplements. This process generally takes 6-12 months of diligent work. Most of my patients with insulin resistance cannot adhere to the reality that there is no quick fix to their weight gain, and also need to be in counseling about their disordered eating patterns because there is generally an emotional component and physical component impacting the patient’s eating pattern.
Instead of setting patients with weight gain and insulin resistance up for failure by telling them to simply follow a low to moderate carb diet that is low in saturated fat, we also must implement counseling along with herbs and supplements that help stabilize the blood sugar and improve sensitivity to insulin.
In a country full of obesity we do not have time for doctors that are ignorant about insulin and do not care about insulin resistance. Especially with viruses circling around us that are more likely to cause long-term effects and increased mortality in those with impaired immune systems from Type 2 Diabetes as one of the leading factors of death and long hauler symptoms!
In order to properly address insulin resistance, we must understand what it is, and why it is occurring.
What is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance is an impaired body response to normal insulin levels in the body resulting in metabolic complications. The body cells fail to respond to insulin hormone stimulation, specifically in the muscles, adipose tissues, and liver.
Initially, the pancreas increases insulin hormone production and secretion, but eventually, pancreatic beta cells wear out, and insulin resistance worsens. The insulin no longer works efficiently, the insulin levels increase resulting in hyperinsulinemia. High cholesterol, high LDL, high triglycerides occur as the metabolism of saturated fats, lipids and glucose get disrupted [1]. Today we will discuss diet prevention and treatment of insulin resistance. It is important patients are under the care of a doctor that specializes in insulin resistance as low blood sugar can potentially be dangerous.
It is important to note that insulin resistance leads to prediabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Plus, other consequences of insulin resistance include metabolic complications such as high cholesterol, high uric acid level, endothelial dysfunction, visceral adiposity, and high blood pressure. However, there are many preventive and treatment strategies to overcome insulin resistance and reduce the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus [1].
What Causes Insulin Resistance?
Like other endocrine dysfunctions, the common causes of insulin resistance include poor diet (such as a diet high in carbs), physical inactivity, family history, and obesity. Other risk factors of insulin resistance are smoking, gestational diabetes, high cholesterol level, ethnicity, high blood pressure, hormonal disorders (Cushing syndrome, etc.), autoimmune disease, age, prediabetes symptoms, sleep problems, and certain drugs such as steroids, HIV medications, and antipsychotics. Note that African, Latino, or Native American and older individuals (>45 Yrs.) are at high risk of insulin resistance [1, 2, 15].
Insulin Resistance Symptoms
Common skin and Dermatology signs of insulin resistance are hormonal acne, skin tags (small skin growth) and acanthosis nigricans (darkened skin in the neck, back, groin, and armpits) significantly indicate insulin resistance. Patients with insulin resistance commonly complain of headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and weight gain.
Lab Tests Indicating Insulin Resistance:
The following blood markers help determine the diagnosis of insulin resistance. These include:
Patients with the above symptoms and findings almost always have insulin resistance and are therefore at extremely high risk of requiring medication for Type 2 Diabetes if they are not already on it. [1, 2, 3].
Insulin Resistance Mechanisms
Insulin resistance is attributed to many factors and biochemical pathways. These include: hormonal disturbances (including the ratio of insulin to glucagon hormone, excess of catecholamines and glucocorticoid secretion), defects in insulin signaling at a cellular level, down-regulation of insulin, disturbed GLUT4 function, and also genetic polymorphism of insulin receptors [1, 2].
Insulin Resistance and Syndromes
Insulin resistance is highly associated with metabolic, clinical, and insulin resistance syndromes. Note that syndrome means a cluster of abnormalities that worsen the current condition and favors other chronic medical complications. The metabolic syndrome associated with insulin resistance involves high blood pressure, obesity, high fasting glucose level, and abnormal triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels.
Metabolic syndrome associated with insulin resistance increases the risk of various clinical complications, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke, cardiovascular dysfunction, PCOS, sleep apnea, liver disease, and “essential hypertension” aka high blood pressure.
Insulin resistance includes elevated pro-inflammatory markers, abnormal uric acid metabolism, endothelial dysfunction, glucose intolerance, and an increased testosterone secretion by the ovaries [2, 3].
Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
The most common medical consequence of uncontrolled Insulin resistance is Type 2 diabetes. Medical research studies reported that insulin resistance precedes T2DM development by 10-15 years. Initially, during insulin resistance, the pancreas increases insulin production and compensates for the tolerance to insulin. As a result, the pancreas elevates the insulin level that potentiates weight gain, aggravating insulin resistance condition.
This compensatory cycle can negatively affect or even destroy the pancreatic beta-cell function (insulin production) with time. Thus, the insulin level does not meet the body requirement resulting in an abnormal glucose level in the blood and eventually Type 2 diabetes mellitus [2, 15].
Insulin Resistance and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
In addition to T2DM, insulin resistance is significantly associated with the development of PCOS in women. Medical research studies reported a relationship between insulin resistance, the severity of genetic defects in insulin sensitivity, and PCOS pathogenesis (the most common endocrine dysfunction in women). Studies reported that PCOS, obesity, and growth spurts in adolescents also damage insulin sensitivity. During insulin resistance, the high insulin level (hyperinsulinemia) in the body increases luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and androgen production by the pituitary gland that causes ovarian dysfunction.
Insulin resistance combined with obesity increases estrogen production that further disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Further, the high insulin level suppresses sex hormone-binding globulin by the liver and increases the free androgen level in the body. As a result, the free androgen level further impacts insulin resistance and aggravates PCOS. Insulin resistance management can help ovarian function and improve PCOS symptoms [2].
Insulin Resistance and Hypertension
Essential hypertension or High blood pressure with no secondary causes is highly associated with insulin resistance. Medical research studies reported that hyperinsulinemia (during insulin resistance) increases sodium retention in the kidney and potentiates sympathetic nervous system activity causing high blood pressure. The further development of endothelial dysfunction due to insulin resistance and high blood pressure then cause a further elevation of blood pressure [2].
Insulin Resistance and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
In insulin resistance, the muscle and adipose tissue enhance the free fatty acid delivery to the liver. In the liver, the synthesis of triglycerides increases except for the very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides. High insulin increases the transport of VLDL triglycerides from the liver. As a result, insulin resistance increases the fat accumulation in the liver and significantly precedes NAFLD- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or liver failure that is caused by consuming too much sugar and saturated fat. NAFLD generally progresses to various liver failure conditions, including steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [2].
Insulin resistance and Migraines/Headache
There is a common association between insulin resistance, diabetes, and migraine. Guldiken et al. in 2009 reported a high prevalence of migraine in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), greater waist circumference, and high body mass index (BMI). As blood sugar drops because insulin take the sugar and puts it in to fat cell storage, the patient then gets a migraine or headache from the sudden drop in blood sugar. The higher the insulin the worse the headaches become.
Insulin resistance and High Cholesterol
Insulin resistance significantly affects and alters lipid metabolism resulting in dyslipidemia or lipid abnormalities. During insulin resistance, the level of plasma triglycerides and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) increases, while the high-density lipoproteins level decreases and small dense LDL appears. As a result, combined with any endothelial dysfunction, the lipid abnormalities associated with insulin resistance potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular events [2, 4, 15].
Insulin Resistance Treatment
Insulin Resistance Lifestyle Modification Treatments
Lifestyle interventions play a significant role in the management of insulin resistance treatment. The most important lifestyle interventions are proper diet and regular physical activities. Diet must be optimized accordingly, as discussed in the Insulin Resistance Diet section. Regular exercise and physical activity improves calorie expenditure and insulin sensitivity. Patients should attend seminars, education programs, and anti-diabetic campaigns [1, 15].
Insulin Resistance Treatment Medications
In addition to lifestyle interventions, different type-2 diabetes mellitus medications also help insulin resistance management. However, note that they are not FDA-approved treatment options for insulin resistance. These therapeutic options include Metformin, Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, Sodium-glucose cotransporters-2 inhibitors, Thiazolidinediones, Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, and Insulin therapy [1].
Side effects of these medications for insulin resistance most commonly include: Weight gain, fatigue, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, stomach upset, cough, hoarseness, fever, chills, general feeling of discomfort, lower back or side pain, muscle pain, muscle cramping, eye twitching, and painful bladder or urination. Because many patients experience these side effects they often seek a Naturopathic treatment plan for insulin resistance.
When using Naturopathic medicine for Insulin resistance we work with diet and supplements first to lower insulin, and then taper the patient off their medications gradually over a 3-12 month process. Patients with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes should never suddenly stop taking their medications for insulin resistance as this can be dangerous and result in death.
It is imperative to work with an experienced Naturopathic Hormone Doctor to reduce the need for medications for insulin resistance.
Insulin Resistance Diet
Insulin resistance patients will not improve on the Keto Diet. When I tell patients to eat a low carb diet they often interpret this as, “I am going to go Keto,” only to gain more weight and return with worsened insulin numbers. Absolutely under no circumstance should this diet be implemented for insulin resistance. The problem with Keto is that it contains way too much saturated fat which also worsens insulin resistance so it is imperative that patients use a low glycemic index diet of low to moderate carbs and HIGH PROTEIN, paired with HIGH FIBER! Good fats are allowed in moderation, but Saturated fat consumption should be <10g daily for the insulin resistant patient to be able to lose weight. Most patients report to me they are actually consuming 50-100g of saturated fat daily when they begin to track their macros. Sometimes even more than this which! Failing to track macros will result in failure with insulin resistance as this is the equivalent of writing as many checks from your checkbook as you want, simply because you have 100’s of checks. We must take into account the spending budget for insulin resistance patients.
Please do not sign up to work with me as your Naturopathic doctor if you are not willing to track your macros for insulin resistance. It will just be a waste of everyone’s time and I will not be able to help you at all.
Diet plays an important role in the prevention and management of various health complications. The same is true for endocrine disorders, including diabetes, prediabetes, and insulin resistance. It is important to note that there is no specific diet plan or single fit diet approach for insulin resistance management. However, research studies recommend using certain nutrients that help improve insulin resistance and reduce or delay the risk of insulin resistance complications.
Studies reported the beneficial effects of complex, low-glycemic-index carbohydrates consumption in insulin resistance [7-9]. Also, American Diabetes Association does not recommend using a high-fat and low carbohydrate diet as it worsens the insulin resistance condition.
Insulin resistance patients should add a fiber-rich diet (beans, peas, and lentils, whole grains, raw fruit (be careful with portions= ½ cup of fruit generally is one serving), and non-starchy vegetables to their diet. Further, research studies confirmed the benefits of using a high-energy and low-glycemic-index breakfast in patients as such a diet plan increases calorific intake in the first half of the day. Additionally, after a proper diet plan, a slow and mindful eating approach significantly benefits insulin resistance patients [7, 8].
Insulin resistance and PCOS are inflammatory conditions worsened by inflammatory foods. Please don’t use processed foods, minimize foods containing high sugar (such as sugary sweets), avoid high salt, don’t consume artificial Trans fats, use olive oil, consume more fibers, add non-starchy vegetables instead of refined grains or starchy vegetables and reduce calorie intake coming from carbohydrates.
Also, don’t eat starchy vegetables (unless used as a complex carb source), snacks, alcohol, beverages, dairy products, fried foods, chocolate, butter, and other items rich in saturated fats. Additionally, take certain nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium, to improve blood sugar levels [7-9].
Certain foods improve insulin resistance including dark leafy greens, vegetables, tomatoes, beans, peppers, citrus fruits, whole grains, broccoli, fish, soy, spinach, collards, asparagus, cabbage, carrots, kale, lean meats, omega-3s rich content, nuts, berries, and sweet potatoes. These healthy foods are demonstrated in research to improve insulin sensitivity and help insulin resistance patient [8, 9].
Natural Treatments for Insulin resistance: Medicinal Herbs, and Supplements
Various clinical trials are conducted on the beneficial effect of different herbs and supplements on insulin resistance. These trials reported positive effects of Cinnamon, Green Coffee Extract, Curcumin, Ginger, Berberine, Jinlida, Sancai Powder, Artemisia, Chamomile tea, Nigella sativa, Soybean leaf extracts (SLEs), Gymnema Sylvestre, Aloe Vera gel complex, and Fresh yellow onion [12].
Studies reported that Cinnamon significantly improves blood sugar level, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, helps liver enzymes, and decreases fasting blood glucose levels. Thus, cinnamon consumption helps insulin resistance and reduces the risk of NAFLD [10]. Additionally, Cinnamon contains flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, anthraquinones, glycosides, and tannins. Animal studies showed that optimal consumption of Cinnamon significantly suppresses post-meal blood glucose spikes and reduces the risk of diabetic complications. Besides, Cinnamon also helps reduce insulin levels in women and improve PCOS or reduce the aggravation of symptoms.
Regular use of ginger, curcumin, green coffee bean extract, and green tea extract reduces the fasting blood glucose level, helps abdominal obesity, decreases HbA1c, prevents atherogenic risks, and improves insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients.
The beneficial properties of these herbs not only help insulin resistance but also reduce the risk of metabolic and clinical syndromes linked with insulin resistance [12]. Animal studies showed that various extracts of medicinal herbs, including Nettles (Urtica dioica), Anacardium occidentale, Symplocos cochinchinesis, and Helicterus Angustifolia, can improve insulin resistance and reduce plasma glucose levels. Also, other herbs like Pleurotus Ostreatus, Afzelia Africana, and Uvaria chamae consumption may help insulin sensitivity, improve fasting blood glucose level, and support regeneration of Islet of Langerhans in the pancreas [13].
Taking chromium can also be beneficial, but mainly in deficiency. Well-controlled trials are lacking about the use of Chromium for insulin resistance. Those in favor are considered insufficient due to poor methodology and low-quality research. However, animal studies reported that Chromium improves insulin resistance, relieves lipid abnormalities, and helps glycemia in diabetic patients[14]. Since farmers are not required to replete our soil with chromium it does not hurt an insulin-resistant patient to take 500mcg of chromium picolinate twice daily with food. Never take any supplements or treatments for blood sugar away from food as it will cause nausea and vomiting from low blood sugar!
If you would like my help with your insulin resistance, PCOS, or Type 2 Diabetes, I would be happy to help. I cannot help any patients with Naturopathic Medicine that are not open to making diet changes and taking supplements. I understand if you need to make diet changes in steps and struggle with them as I do, but realistically I will not be able to help you at all if you are not willing to remain committed to achieving a long term plan towards managing your insulin resistance, as this is one of the most challenging hormone conditions that I treat as a hormone doctor. To set up your new patient visit simply pop over to the SCHEDULE page.
Dr. Nicole Sundene
(480) 837-0900
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease.
She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!
References
Dr. Nicole Sundene
Women's Health Naturopathic Doctor
Hypoglycemia is oftentimes caused by hormone imbalance such as Insulin Resistance, PMS, PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and can result in dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, anxiety, depression, screaming, crying, anger, agitation, and rage. Otherwise known as "Hangry."
Outsiders will notice that someone's behavior suddenly "flips on a dime" and they are no longer happy but tired and/or anxious and agitated.
HOW TO TREAT HYPOGLYCEMIA WITH NUTRITION
The main treatment of hypoglycemia is the use of properly "Stacking Macros" to stabilize blood sugar levels. All simple, processed, and concentrated carbohydrates must be avoided, while the consumption of complex-carbohydrate; high-fiber foods should be emphasized.
Legumes and other high fiber foods should be combined with protein, and good fats. These mini meals should then be consumed regularly ie: every three to four hours to avoid low blood sugar. Women with hypoglycemia have less fatigue, anxiety, and low blood sugar with frequent small meals are more effective in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Eat five to six small meals and snacks per day.
Include in your diet:
• whole grains (i.e. millet, brown rice, quinoa, wheat, amaranth, rye, barley and buckwheat)
• legumes
• fresh vegetables
• fresh raw seeds/nuts and their butters (i.e. flax, sesame, pumpkin, almonds, hazelnuts)
• garlic & onions
• avocados
• string beans
• Jerusalem artichokes
• fruit eaten in small amounts with protein or complex carbohydrates
• unprocessed soy products
Avoid consumption of:
• sugar in all it’s forms i.e. fructose, sucrose, cornsyrup, molasses, honey, rice syrup etc.
• soft drinks, fruit juices and carrot juice
• excessive protein, especially red meat
• excessive salt
• white flour and products made from it
• highly refined, processed and canned foods including t.v. dinners and breakfast cereals
• tobacco
• alcohol
• caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, cola, drinks, aspirin, bromo-seltzer and excedrin
• Read the labels, or ask for ingredients in restaurants.
Hypoglycemic women should avoid the above high sugar processed foods because they cause blood sugar to shoot up high, and then suddenly drop low. We do not want sudden peaks and valleys with blood sugar, this causes "Neverending Hunger" along with the hypoglycemia. Therefore working to eliminate these foods while learning to "Stack Macros" together in each meal and snack will prevent hypoglycemic episodes.
Other Helpful Ideas:
• Exercise as vigorously as you can on a daily basis
• If you struggle with weight loss talk to your Naturopathic Doctor about a weight loss diet .
• You MUST add protein to each of the six meals/snacks you are eating each day or you will never fully resolve hypoglycemia
• Other helpful ideas: learn visualization/affirmation or meditation techniques.
It is important to keep your hypoglycemia under control because most of my hypoglycemic patients have Insulin Resistance and/or Prediabetes, therefore unchecked hypoglycemia may exacerbate PMS, tax your adrenal glands and eventually lead to diabetes.
To set up your new patient visit to receive a lab order, please visit our SCHEDULE page.
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease.
She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!
"Do hormones impact high blood pressure? I never had high blood pressure until menopause."
Dr. Nicole Sundene
Naturopathic Cardiology and Hormones
Hormones can impact blood pressure especially during a woman's forties and fifties with menopausal and perimenopausal changes. The reason for this is primarily our loss of progesterone. Progesterone relaxes the smooth muscles in our arteries and digestive tract which is why women often complain of stomach problems at the same time they develop high blood pressure.
Next thing we know around forty or fifty a lot of women make their first visit to an ER, urgent care, or Cardiologist for an EKG because their heart is suddenly racing or they have sudden onset high blood pressure that they never had before. While I highly recommend all my patients always work with an MD Cardiologist, I want to take a moment to explain what I actually do in Female Naturopathic Cardiology.
Keep in mind my patients have already been thoroughly worked up by the ER, sent to a Cardiologist, who then sent them to me because they know the problem is hormonal, they just don't know exactly what.
Thyroid hormones, are also notorious for causing high blood pressure, palpitations, chest pain, and oddly too low of blood pressure regardless if the thyroid hormones are too high or too low. Many times I have nagged a thyroid patient to check their blood pressure daily while starting thyroid hormones, only to have them report to me that their blood pressure is suddenly dropping to a normal range, and they don't need as much blood pressure medication.
Thyroid hormone increases the pulse rate because T3 stimulates the heart to contract. When we increase heart rate we generally increase blood pressure in our basic BP math equation. But this is where the interesting thing happens in women's health....women report their blood pressure has normalized. I believe this is because when the thyroid is deficient the heart is not contracting efficiently.
Insulin Resistance as seen in PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes, is a classic cause of High Blood Pressure that no doctor but me seems to test for. Insulin should be under <4 or it is causing an osmotic high blood pressure from too much sugar in your system.
Cortisol is the easiest hormone for my patients to wrap their brains around as we have all heard of the connection between stress and high blood pressure. Many times I have taken a patients blood pressure in the office and it is 200/100 and I am sending them to the ER or the doctor I was working for was screaming at them to go to the ER, while they are busy telling us they have "White Coat Hypertension."
Patients with "White Coat Hypertension" should check their BP daily with an Omrom BP machine, and also bring their machine in to appoinments to calibrate that the readings are the same as the more reliable doctor's office version that is not electronic. The electronic machines can be inaccurate from my experience using them for over twenty years. I only trust Omron brand as it was top consumer reviewed, and it is dangerous if you do not check your BP meter regularly against your Pharmacy or Doctor's office machine.
I wish women knew that the #1 thing they should do if they develop high blood pressure suddenly in midlife is to have a skilled hormone doctor check all their hormones to insure they are correct. Simply visit my SCHEDULE to get your BP hormones checked.
One thing everyone with high BP can do under the guidance of their own doctor, is to use my high blood pressure nutrients and lifestyle tips below and on my High Blood Pressure blog. I do not recommend using my "Hibiscus High Blood Pressure Tea" recipe without my Naturopathic guidance as not all cardiac herbs can safely be added to all cardiac medicines and this must be done under the guidance of someone that is skilled and experienced with doing this. While I want my patients OFF their BP meds or on doses that are low, I also know that stroke and kidney failure are the consequences women experience when they don't tend to their blood pressure. As it is the equivalent of driving your car around with half flat tires, and half over-inflated tires... something is bound to pop.
Aside from having hormones related to blood pressure checked, eating therapeutic foods for BP are the best way to avoid reliance on a blood pressure medication. If you already take BP meds and want to get off of them you need to work with a Naturopathic Doctor (preferably me 😉 add natural stuff in, monitor BP twice daily at 6am and 6pm when possible so you are keeping a consistent BP Log. I recommend grabbing a small half page sized spiral notebook and draw lines down the center so you can track on the top the date/time, BP, Pulse, and a space for notes like "forgot to take BP med" or "stressful day at work."
While high blood pressure is dangerous over the long term, too low of blood pressure is more of an immediate risk we are taking on by adding synergistic natural remedies for high blood pressure. We don't want the blood pressure to be too low or too high.
FOODS TO EAT TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE NATURALLY
To combat age related high blood pressure, and mild high blood pressure from menopausal changes, I do recommend eating as many foods known to reduce blood pressure as possible. By ensuring nutrients needed for cardiovascular health are sufficiently topped off we can prevent the need for taking blood pressure medications. Although I do prescribe them when women have high blood pressure because it should not go untreated.
It is a condition that occurs when the pressure inside of your arteries is too high. Because it is a silent disorder the only way to detect hypertension is to have your blood pressure measured.
THERAPEUTIC HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE FOODS
• Increase vitamin C-rich foods (citrus fruits, strawberries, red peppers, dark green leafy vegetables)
• Increase consumption of vitamin E-rich foods (almonds, hazelnuts, wheat germ, peanut butter)
• Increase consumption of magnesium-rich foods (soybeans, tomatoes, beans, walnuts, nuts & seeds, squash, broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables, tofu, wheat germ, halibut, swiss chard)
• Increase consumption of potassium-rich foods (grapefruit, grapes, tomatoes, beans, apricots, asparagus, beets, broccoli, corn, cucumbers, dates, salt-water fish, lamb)
• Increase consumption of calcium-rich foods (yogurt, sardines, salmon (canned with bones), milk, cheese, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli)
• Try cooking with less salt. Experiment with spices such as, parsley, basil, oregano, ginger, sesame, dill, cilantro, curry, pepper, and thyme to reduce the amount of salt used in cooking
• Cut back on sodium, including that in processed foods and in many drugs (check labels for soda, sodium, or salt). Avoid commercial sauces like soy or Worcestershire and commercial salad dressings (check labels for sodium content)
• When eating out, ask for your food cooked without added salt
WHAT IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
Hypertension is a very common problem that affects about 50 million people in the United States alone.
That’s about 1 out of every 4 adults. It is more common as people grow older and is more common and more serious in African Americans.
What do the numbers mean?
Blood pressure measures the natural pressure created by blood pumping through your veins and arteries. Blood pressure is read as two numbers, one over the other. The top number, or systolic blood pressure, measures the blood pressure when the heart pumps. The bottom number, or diastolic blood pressure, measures the blood pressure between heartbeats when the heart rests.
Hypertension is blood pressure that is over 140/90
Optimal blood pressure is under 120/80
Risk factors you can control
9 out of every 10 people who have hypertension do not have a known cause for their condition. A family history of hypertension is a risk factor for developing the condition.
WHAT LIFESTYLE CHANGES WILL LOWER MY BLOOD PRESSURE?
• Keeping your weight under control
• Keeping physically fit
• Eating a healthy diet low in sodium and rich in nutrients potassium, magnesium and calcium
• Limiting alcohol intake (no more than 2 mixed drinks or two 12 oz. cans of beer or two 6 oz. glasses of wine daily)
• Never smoking or quitting immediately
• Avoiding medications that might increase your blood pressure like decongestant nasal sprays and pain medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) aspirin, tylenol, ibuprofen, naproxen.
EXERCISE AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Start slowly and build up gradually. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends 20 to 60 minutes of aerobic activity 3 to 5 days per week. Aerobic activity will strengthen your heart and reduce your risk of developing heart disease. It will also help to control your weight. Try brisk walking, jogging, biking, hiking, group exercise classes (water aerobics, kick-boxing, judo), running stairs, rowing, and team sports (football, soccer).
CONSEQUENCES OF IGNORING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE:
Routinely monitoring your blood pressure is important. If you really want to upset any doctor, tell them you are not treating your high blood pressure. "I am not worried about it," I have heard many women state over the years. I promise that I will freak out, your MD will freak out. Everyone will freak out because you could have a stroke and suddenly drop dead. While I don't like my patients on high blood pressure medications they need to stay on them, until the "Root Cause" has been addressed and I have determined it is time to taper them.
Hypertension has been called a “silent killer” because it has no specific symptoms and it can lead to death. A dangerous disease that has no symptoms oftetimes results in the story of someone that just suddenly dropped dead in the middle of a family activity.
People who have hypertension that is not treated with lifestyle modifications and medications (if necessary) are likely to experience one or several of the following conditions:
• Coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, or abnormal heart beat.
• Kidney failure
• Peripheral vascular disease, hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) that supply blood to the arms, legs, and other parts of the body
• Retinopathy, or damage to the tiny blood vessels that supply blood to the light-sensitive lining of the back of the eye
• Stroke
Need help with testing or treating your hormones for high blood pressure? Simply visit my SCHEDULE page to treat yourself to a Naturopathic Hormone visit! I would be happy to help!
Dr. Nicole Sundene
(480) 837-0900
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Specialist in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology , Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 22 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones she presents to women the best integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 27 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones and Naturopathy!
Dr. Nicole Sundene
Hormonal Migraine Headaches are often caused by female hormone imbalance, which is why women suffer more often with headaches than men, especially migraines.
Mindy had a history of debilitating migraine headaches. She had so many headaches that were interfering with her work that her employer threatened to put her on a leave of absence. She worked in sales and was expected to be “ON” for twelve hours straight per day including Zoom sales presentations. Her employer said if she missed any more Zoom presentations she would be suspended.
That is when a friend recommended she try a different approach.
Mindy was exhausted, panicking, and extremely frustrated by her severe headaches that caused visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting. She was not sure what else there was for me to do, because she had already conducted over ten thousand dollars in testing that was not covered by insurance after going from specialist to specialist for five years to try to solve her chronic pain from migraine headaches. She had been to her primary care doctor, who sent her to a Neurologist, who conducted a sleep study and a bunch of tests that were all normal. She was then sent to an Orthopedist, Physical Therapist, Massage Therapist, and even a Psychiatrist for her Migraine headaches.
Nothing any doctor tried or tested her for ever really helped her migraine headaches. Things would seem to stop the migraines at first, but then they would just come roaring right back.
I explained to her that the symptoms would continue to come back until we “listened” to them and understood the cause of the migraines.
She asked me if I thought she was going crazy and that is why they sent her to a Psychiatrist. I assured her that I believed she had real symptoms, and that I would test her hormones and nutrition related to headaches.
We began my simple three step system to address migraines naturally and within a few months she reported that she had no more migraines. Still several years later she has remained completely headache free!
After conducting her annual check up she was still in shock at how well she was doing, and how completely different life was without constant headaches.
Let me walk you through how I approach migraine headaches in women much differently than the average headache doctor, pain specialist, or Neurologist.
Step 1: Identify Hormone Imbalance by running comprehensive Hormone Labs
Step 2: Identify and Remove Food and Environmental Triggers
Step 3: Reduce Inflammation with Nutrition and Herbal Medicine
Oftentimes with "Hormonal Migraines" the headache does not start with stress or tension but instead comes on suddenly when female hormones shift in the second half of the cycle or the "PMS Window."
By using a Period Tracker app to note symptoms, it is easy for women to determine if the headache is being triggered by imbalanced hormones or rapidly fluctuating hormones which usually happen between days 18-28 of the cycle, as well as during the menstrual period, or days 1-5.
What once seemed unpredictable may become easier to predict using a period tracker app! With this information we can determine when women will be able to be the most active with work and fitness, or alternatively when women should plan to schedule less activities during their menstrual migraine window.
Research studies show that plummeting estrogen is oftentimes the culprit behind menstrual migraines.
Some women report "Ovulation Migraines" and become incapacitated the second their ovulation hormones are released. This is much less common. The most common types of migraines I find in my Holistic Women's Health practice are occurring in the PMS window from estrogen dominance.
Along with female hormone imbalance triggering headaches we also must identify individualized diet and environmental triggers as well as work to reduce inflammation. With anti-inflammatory nutrition and herbs the cells of the body become less prone to creating inflammation aka pain.
Right sided headaches and migraines are especially associated with hormone imbalance, according to recent hormone research.
So instead of popping an Excedrin Migraine or taking a shot of Imitrex for migraine medicine, let me walk you through the process of how I help my migraine patients without medication understand their headache trigger symptoms at their "Root Cause."
My patients with headaches and migraines should be tested for Food Sensitivities using a trusted reputable test by a Naturopathic Doctor. Occasionally we must pair a Food Elimination Diet along with avoiding the laundry list below of potentially aggravating foods that cause migraines. While not every food on the below list will trigger a migraine it is important to first eliminate suspicious foods that are positive with testing as well as the ones that are the most notorious for causing headaches.
While many of my patients do not want to track their food daily, I do advise keeping a diet diary and writing down the foods consumed the two to three days prior to the migraine. This can also help your Naturopathic Doctor understand the patterns and triggers behind your headaches.
Studies show that ingestion of the following foods or substances may induce migraine headaches in susceptible individuals. Working with a skilled holistic migraine headache doctor will help you through this identification process much faster, as many women feel overwhelmed when they look at this long list of foods that may cause migraine headaches.
I highly recommend working with a skilled Naturopathic Doctor such as myself to help identify the different food, environmental, and hormone triggers for each individual patient, as unfortunately not every trigger like perfume or a certain food will be the same for each patient from my years of experience successfully treating women with migraines naturally.
MIGRAINE TRIGGER FOODS:
Fruit:
Apple, banana, grapes, melon, peach, strawberries, avocado, citrus fruits, pineapple, raspberry, red plum
Vegetables:
Carrots, corn, onion, tomato, potato, cabbage, eggplant, pickles, spinach
Beans/Legumes:
Black eyed peas, peanuts, pinto beans, soy, broad beans
Nuts:
All types
Grains:
Oats, rice, rye, wheat, gluten, barley
Animal Products:
Beef, cheese, chicken, cow’s milk, egg, fish, goat’s milk, pork, hot dogs, all processed meats
Aged Meats, canned or smoked fish, cheese, beef liver, dry pork & beef sausage, egg white, pickled herring, sour cream
Beverages:
Coffee, tea, wine (esp. red), beer, and other types of alcohol
Additives:
Benzoic acid, MSG, carrageenan, food coloring (especially red and yellow) tartrazine
Miscellaneous:
Sugar, chocolate, fried foods, garlic, yeast, yeast extracts, fermented foods, sauerkraut, soy sauce, vinegar
While some headache triggers will need to be avoided permanently, oftentimes my migraine patients find as they improve and experience less migraine headaches they can begin to eat some of the foods that they once reacted to moderately. While some of my migraine patients have headaches so severe they refuse to even bother testing the offensive food and just never eat it again.
Instead of trying to eliminate this entire list of potentially healthy foods, I recommend working with me and using a reputable Naturopathic approved Food Sensitivity Testing company to guide us through the process while we test for triggers, inflammation, hormone imbalance and nutrient deficiencies like low magnesium.
Need my help getting to the "Root Cause" of your Migraine headaches, testing and treating hormone imbalance, improving nutrition, and understanding headache triggers? Simply visit my SCHEDULE page to treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit. I would be happy to help!
Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology , Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 22 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones she presents to women the best integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 27 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones and Naturopathy!
Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Scottsdale Naturopathic Doctor
Did you know pine needles are a rich source of vitamin C, beta carotene and antioxidants? Sometimes Naturopathy indeed sounds crazy but I thought I would share one of my favorite anti-aging rejuvenating herbs today with everyone feeling blah after a long winter.
A delicious way for women to get more anti-aging antioxidants is with a simple cup of pine needle tea! Pine needles are a year round readily available nutrition source.
I have learned from prescribing pine needles to my patients over the years that it is an either “LOVE IT or HATE IT” type of flavor. Either you love it like me or wrinkle up your nose and feel like you are drinking floor cleaner....I get it! So warning this is not for everyone just like a lot of other strong flavors such as cinnamon, ginger, star anise, and licorice.
Personally I love the aroma of pine, as it reminds me of mountain biking or skiing on a clear sunny day. That smell of sunshine on pine is a perfect mental health afternoon pick-me-up for a healthy “Happy Hour.”
I like to make my pine needle tea in a big cup with one bag of organic pine needles, one bag of organic cinnamon and 2-3 packets of stevia. It is the perfect cozy cocktail for a rainy day.
If my sinuses are blocked I will inhale the steam from my tea to help clear them.
Naturopathic Doctors use pine needles for pain and to treat sinus infections, colds and flus. So I bring up this simple pine needle tea today as many patients are complaining of post-viral fatigue, stuffiness, cough, phlegm, and that annoying post nasal drip after sickness that keeps lingering.
Pine essential oil can help clear the sinuses for Seasonal Allergies. So I thought I would remind everyone of the benefit from my favorite anti-aging decongestant! Between the pollen and all the germs flying around we need some new healthy tea rituals. Don't forget the nettles for allergies!
Pine needles have amazing expectorant properties that actually help patients cough OUT the sickness so it leaves quickly, rather than in traditional medicine we instead suppress the cough and keep the sickness IN with a codeine cough syrup for instance. Which is when sickness can tend to linger longer from too much suppression. The body is naturally ridding itself of sickness by coughing it out. A cough longer than two weeks is not normal which is when you should contact your Naturopathic Doctor.
Rejuvenating herbs such as pine needles are very important to include in the diet after a long dreary winter. Especially those feeling sluggish and phlegmy with a lingering cough will benefit from the alpha and beta-pinenes, that help make pine a natural decongestant!
Pine needles internally and topically can also be soothing for pain. Remember anything that is an antioxidant will generally be helpful for chronic pain and autoimmune disease.
For more tips on how to add herbal medicine to your diet and lifestyle pick up my complete Naturopathic program here: www.PGE-2.com
In my Mind-Body-Spirit Naturopathic program I teach how you how to cook with herbal medicine so you can get more plants in your body for antioxidants, anti-aging, pain relief, balanced female hormones, and energizing fuel, as well as review the best choices of aromatherapy for meditation and yoga.
There are easy fitness classes designed for women. And the Body Pump is MANDATORY for preventing and treating Osteoporosis! So there are no excuses your bones will thank you someday!
The best part of my Naturopathic Diet program is women say it is an easy program to follow, their families will eat the most of the meals with them, and they feel and look amazing eating my Naturopathic diet chock full of my favorite herbs and superfoods all designed to balance female hormones!
Need my help feeling your best? Simply visit my schedule page to set up your Naturopathic visit or give us a call (480) 837-0900. I would be happy to help!
Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease.
She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!
Dr. Nicole Sundene
Hormonal sweating can be caused by a variety of different types of hormone imbalance we will discuss today. Sweating is actually a very complicated symptom to diagnose, requires proper hormone testing, is multifactorial, and typically hormonal. Unfortunately more than just one hormone can be to blame when women are suddenly sweating. This is why working with a skilled Naturopathic Hormone Doctor is imperative to get to the "Root Cause," of the sweating.
Oftentimes I sadly see new patients that hand me a report saying "My doctor already checked all my hormones." Only to find they have been tested for menopause at age 25, or they just checked a TSH which is about as helpful as mammogramming one breast and assuming the other breast containing breast cancer is totally fine. If you are expecting your Family Doctor, Dermatologist, Endocrinologist, or OBgyn to problem solve excessive sweating, their solutions will be botox, birth control pills, or a toxic high dose of aluminum deodorant or "Prescription Strength Deodorant."
IS PRESCRIPTION STRENGTH DEODORANT SAFE?
Prescription strength aluminum deodorant is not just pure poison in my mind, but it truly fails women when they have full body sweats. Women cannot coat their entire bodies and faces with aluminum, this is not just ridiculous but dangerous. Plus the amount of aluminum in regular deodorant is nasty enough and I would personally never use prescription strength deodorant when aluminum toxicity is associated with Alzheimers and other conditions such as muscle weakness, bone pain, multiple nonhealing fractures, alteration in mental status, and premature osteoporosis.
Therefore addressing the root cause of the sweating and treating it with a natural approach is imperative for long term health. Plus the body is inherently wise and sends memo's that something is not right in a form we will listen to as women. No woman wants to be seen sweating! Oftentimes for women the body knows we are somewhat vain and demonstrates the hormone imbalance with acne, hair loss, and sweating. Three symptoms most women will not ignore!
Menopause is generally the first thought women have when they are too hot or sweating more than normal. However this can occur with perimenopause, thyroid, Hashimotos, adrenal fatigue, estrogen dominance, diabetes, and insulin resistance. Therefore we will need a hormone report that is around five pages to properly address and resolve hormonal sweating.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF SWEATING IS HORMONAL
First of all we need to determine the type of sweating. Is it a classic hot flash that starts on your head, face, and chest? Once that has started it is normal to feel hot all over the body and experience excessive sweating in the private areas and bottom.
As estrogen drops in menopause the brain struggles to properly regulate the body's thermostat. Once the memo is received to cool the body down vasodilation occurs and blood flow increases to release heat. As the body overshoots this by overworking, the opposite reaction then happens and women feel cold and chilled. In the menopause episode of "The Cosby Show" the mom is going through hot flashes and keeps putting her head in the freezer. When the head, face, and chest are too hot, think hot flashes with sweating.
ARMPIT SWEATING IS DIFFERENT THAN HOT FLASHES
Armpit sweating oftentimes begins in a woman's 20's or 30's and can be an initial sign of perimenopause as the body is struggling to stay as cool as it normally can. So my first question when I have a new patient complaining of embarrassing sweating is "Is it just excessive armpit sweating or full body sweats?" I also want to know how often the sweating occurs and if anything is triggering the episodes like stress, meals, hunger, or emotions. These are the questions I will need answers to in order to diagnose and naturally treat the cause of the sweating.
HOW TO TRACK CAUSES OF SWEATING
What time of day does the sweating occur? Do you have chills after sweating? Do you feel overheated while sweating? Does body temperature actually increase when sweating?
Does the sweating occur after meals or if it has been a long time since you have had a meal? This can indicate a Food Allergy or Hypoglycemia.
Are you under excessive stress? Cortisol stress hormone can be tested and is also a classic cause of sweating. Neurotransmitter testing can be conducted to look at high catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine that also cause sweating with a stress response. Herbal medicine can help balance cortisol, norepinephrine, and epinphrine to reduce sweating.
Full body hot flashes that come and go without any other menopausal symptoms may be an indication of an underlying infection. The immune system is trying to make a fever to clear the infection. I recommend keeping a thermometer on hand to see if there is a spike to normal temperature when the sweating occurs.
Armpit sweating? This is usually from high cortisol, high catecholamines, high estrogen, PCOS, and/or insulin resistance.
Treating the insulin resistance with Naturopathy generally makes the sweating go away.
Without a proper diagnosis it is very difficult to clear up hormonal sweating. Most MD’s will have no other solution but to just give you a super strong aluminum deodorant that is “prescription strength,” which I am personally not a fan of considering the toxicity issues with aluminum with just a regular dose of over the counter deodorant. Applying toxic aluminum at high doses to your skin is not the permanent answer to sweating, nor is botoxing the nerves to your armpits. When Dermatologists botox sweat gland nerves the sweating can just pop up somewhere else other than the armpits, oftentimes the sweating then moves to the face, vagina, or bottom. So all of these prescription sweating remedies are all just slapping a band-aid on top of the problem and the body will find a new way to send a message that something is not right. Kind of like when we put our hand over a screaming toddler’s mouth.
We can temporarily silence a toddler like this, but without listening and understanding their problem they will likely just scream louder and louder or act out in another way and maybe even kick or hit us.
Regardless of the cause of the sweating, this is an important symptom we should not ignore as it may be indicating a much greater issue such as Cancer, Diabetes or other endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism.
Until we are working together and have the “Root Cause” of the sweating diagnosed and treated, I recommend avoiding spicy foods, sugar, excess carbohydrates above 150g daily, caffeine <200mg or less per day, and increasing the cooling foods on my Hot Flash blog.
Need my help testing and treating excessive hormonal sweating? I would be happy to help! Helping women feel confident in their skin is one of my favorite joys of practicing Naturopathic Hormones and Dermatology. Simply visit my SCHEDULE page to treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit!
Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology , Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 22 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones she presents to women the best integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 27 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones and Naturopathy!
By Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Female Hormone Specialist
Hormones produced by the adrenal glands can commonly become imbalanced and create anxiety, depression, burnout and imbalances in other hormone pathways. Hormones from the adrenal glands actually turn off the production of female hormones and impact thyroid hormones. The adrenals are the “foundation for the thyroid” and often the ignored reasons behind why my thyroid and Hashimoto's patients are still exhausted with chronic fatigue and symptomatic despite “Normal Thyroid levels.” When patients work with a standard endocrinologist for their thyroid or an OBgyn for their menopause they often feel persistently imbalanced until the adrenal glands are addressed by a Holistic Hormone Doctor.
Battling chronic stress and anxiety can feel like constantly running from a bear. The adrenal glands are designed to help us in emergency situations so we can run as fast as possible for survival. When we feel under attack our adrenal glands secrete cortisol and adrenaline which shunts blood flow to our muscles and lungs so we can run as fast as possible from the bear. Our body does not care about digestion, immunity, repair, or reproduction when it thinks we are running from a bear for survival.
My adrenal hormone patients are struggling with stomach issues, digestive problems, psychiatry issues such as depression anxiety and ADHD, joint aches and pain and of course imbalanced female hormones. such as PMS and Menopause.
Eventually with chronic stress the body exhibits somewhat of an “Existential Crisis” and begins to question if we are actually running from a bear. Just like in the “Little Boy Who Cried Wolf” our adrenals question if this is a real emergency and begin to fail to continue to make the same amount of hormones properly. Our adrenals doubt we have yet another emergency; they just don’t respond and don’t make the hormones that make us feel GOOD and help us run from the bear.
Rarely patients come to see me when they are running high on stress hormones because they are basically on "Nature's Cocaine," it is when their adrenal glands as little hormone factories cease to make these adrenal gland hormones anymore that they feel burnt out, tired, achy and blah. Many have insomnia at night with daytime fatigue because their adrenals have gone on a backwards rhythm and instead of being active with high levels of cortisol their cortisol levels are low in the morning and they can barely get out of bed. They wake up un-refreshed tired, achy blah, unmotivated and stiff and it takes a while to get going.
My hormone patients with this backwards hormone rhythm often are “Night Owls” that activate in the evening and/or have panic attacks in the middle of the night as their adrenals finally make more hormones while they are no longer under the stress from their day and resting. The adrenal patient either can't sleep at all or falls asleep and then wakes up with a sudden panic attack or surge of energy in the middle of the night and cannot go back to sleep.
With initial chronic stress, cortisol levels are high, and patients feel invincible. As chronic stress persists such as with this Pandemic many of us are starting to feel “Burnt Out’ and sick of it. We are exhausted and tired. Fatigue is high and motivation and appetite are low. Because we are constantly under stress our digestion is not good, our mood is not good and our immune system is not good.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include fatigue, lethargy, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, blood sugar imbalance, immune dysfunction, arthritis, hypothyroidism, joint aches and changes to skin pigment. Joints that constantly crack and pop are a hallmark signature symptom of adrenal imbalance especially when coupled with fatigue.
The picture I most commonly see in patients is that they are feeling very blah and lifeless. Many patients struggling with burn out are lacking motivation, depressed and constantly fatigued. Their previous doctor or psychiatrist has “Given me everything for my depression and anxiety” but to no avail. The reason those medications do not help is because we are barking up the wrong tree of low neurotransmitters when the true issue is low adrenal hormones.
The good news is that with modern stress we now have modern adrenal labs to check your adrenal metrics via a simple blood test covered by your insurance plan. We can then identify which stage of adrenal fatigue you are in as there are different adrenal herbs for each of the three stages of adrenal fatigue or “Maladaptive Stress Syndrome.”
The other good news is that adrenal labs and hormone testing are generally covered per the patient’s insurance plan as long as they are at the correct lab that is contracted with their insurance (Naturopathic Doctors cannot order labs for AHCCSS patients in Arizona, but my Medicare patients are covered.) With a comprehensive set of hormone labs I can look at the patient’s adrenal glands and prescribe the proper supportive herbs and natural treatments that help fortify this very important hormone pathway. I refer to the adrenals as the “Mother of the Endocrine System,” because we all know that:
“When Mommy is not happy…. then ain’t nobody is happy!”
Please schedule a visit with me if this sounds like you and you need help with your adrenals. Simply pop over to my SCHEDULE page and treat yourself to a hormone consultation. I am available via telemedicine for those that are not in Arizona and for those that also prefer to stay at home.
I am always happy to help you reach optimal health and hormone balance!
Dr. Nicole Sundene
Female Hormone Specialist
(480) 837-0900
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology , Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 22 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones she presents to women the best integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 27 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones and Naturopathy!
"Is there a hormonal connection to Raynaud's since more women seem to have it? What female hormones are related to my Raynaud's? Does any herb help?" Ann S.
Raynaud's Disease and Phenomena are not caused by hormone imbalance, but certainly can be made worse in hypothyroidism, thyroid disease, Hashimotos, Perimenopause, Menopause, PMS, and Progesterone deficiency. Around the age of 35 women begin to make less progesterone, which is a natural smooth muscle relaxant for our cardiovascular system, as progesterone decines, women develop High Blood Pressure, palpitations, cardiovascular disease, and High Cholesterol.
Raynaud's is a multifactorial super complex condition to treat. Raynaud's requires me to assess the patient's hormones, nutrition, autoimmune markers, allergies, triggers, and cardiovascular system. There is never just "one little thing off" with my Raynaud's patients. Unfortunately, it is not that easy of a condition to treat, but I would not bother blogging about it, if I have not been successful helping women with this painful, frustrating, disruptive symptom.
While topical treatments like rosemary oil may be helpful in reducing pain, we must address and treat the "Root Cause." [1,2] Applying topical treatments while ignoring what is going on inside the body will not provide lasting results. Likewise we cannot just rely on herbal medicine like beets to treat Raynaud's. While consuming the nitrate rich superfood is shown helpful, we need to understand why the symptoms exist in the first place and not just "slap a band-aid on them." [3]
In order for patients to improve in my Naturopathic process with their Raynaud's we will need to go through a process of checking hormones, as yes there is often hormone imbalance which is why this condition can randomly present in perimenopause and menopause. Hypothyroidism is one of the other most common underlying hormone issues ocuring with my Raynaud's patients.
I would be lying to women if I said it was that simple with Raynaud's and we just check hormones. In order to be properly successful we will also need to address nutrition, autoimmunity, immunity, vasospasm, and even look into some random Naturopathic specialty tests that not all my patients need.
From my experience working with many Raynaud's patients over the years the condition is so painful they are willing to do just about anything to fix it. Which is what also helps them become my next Naturopathic success story.
Raynaud’s phenomena is typically associated with autoimmune diseases and will benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet as well as an allergy elimination diet. The primary thing I insist on first and foremost is that we implement an anti-inflammatory diet.
In addition to diet, herbs, and nutritional therapies; be sure to investigate the root cause of the disease. Sit down with a naturopath and have them go through your complete health history.
What is Raynauds?
Raynauds phenomena is a vasospastic disorder of the hands that manifest as intermittent episodes of extreme pallor, followed by cyanosis, and extreme vasodilation and redness of the hands. Basically the hands turn white, blue, and then red because the blood vessels first constrict and the tissues lose oxygen, followed by vasodilation of the vessels resulting in intense redness, swelling, throbbing, pain, and paresthesias. Episodes may be triggered by emotional upset and typically resolve with warming.
Diet for Raynauds
Lifestyle Considerations for Raynauds
Herbal Medicine for Raynuads
Vitamins for Raynauds
Supplements for Raynauds
Amino Acids for Raynauds
Whatever you do, never give up with Raynauds! I have helped many Raynaud's patients over the years, and putting them through my Naturopathic process usually results in symptom reduction.
Supplements are great for managing symptoms, and the diet and lifestyle aspects will address the long term quality of your health and prevent disease progression. Be sure to check with your Naturopathic Doctor before starting any new therapies as natural medicines, just like prescription drugs also come with their own drug interactions and contraindications.
Need my help optimizing hormones and understanding what triggers and benefits your Raynauds? Simply visit my SCHEDULE page to treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit. I would be happy to help!
Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology , Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 22 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones she presents to women the best integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 27 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones and Naturopathy!
References:
