Women’s Health and Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Menopause has been a passion for Dr. Sundene since 1999 when her medical career first began. Her first doctor specialized in Women’s Hormones for Menopause, Pain and Osteoporosis. As a result, Dr. Sundene has an integrated hormone approach to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). While Premarin/Prempro were commonly used as the #1 choice for HRT over 20 years ago to treat menopausal patients, women now have much better and safer options.

Dr. Sundene believes the safest and most efficacious options for women are via Bioidentical creams, troches, lozenges, pellets, capsules and patches

PMS and PCOS are frustrating women’s health hormone conditions that can adversely impact women on physical and mental planes. Imbalanced hormones can cause moodiness, fatigue, bloating, weight gain, frequent crying, anger, depression, sadness and insomnia. Addressing these conditions with Naturopathy using a Mind-Body-Spirit perspective can help women take charge of their menstrual cycle rather than feeling like a victim of it. A Naturopathic approach using Eastern medicine along with the metrics of lab testing with Western medicine can be of great benefit for patients with these frustrating hormone conditions.

Endometriosis and fibroids are painful female uterine conditions that are generally caused by imbalance hormones and can be corrected with Naturopathy. Changes to diet, nutrition, herbs and bioidentical hormones can be implemented to address these

common and often very painful female conditions.

Bladder problems and vaginitis are an area of expertise for Dr. Sundene as a Women’s Health Doctor. She enjoys applying a Naturopathic approach to these frustrating Women’s Health conditions as there is often an imbalance in the microbiome, nutritional and hormonal system which integrated medicine addresses beautifully to help treat the condition at the root cause. Recurrent Vaginal Yeast Infections, Vaginitis, BV, Lichen Sclerosus, Herpes, HPV are common conditions women can expect improvement with by utilizing Naturopathic Medicine.

Bladder Incontinence, Interstitial Cystitis, Recurring Bladder and Kidney Infections are also a Women’s Health specialty of Dr. Sundene’s as they are interrelated with healthy hormones and healthy nutrition. It is common for women to see changes with their female anatomy as they transition through their reproductive years to Perimenopause and Menopause. Vaginal Dryness caused by Hormone changes with Menopause are a very common female complaint that can be addressed with Naturopathy and Hormones.

“It is important to me as a Women’s Health doctor that women feel comfortable discussing their private health concerns with me. While it is normal for women to have a yeast infection or bladder infection on occasion. It is not normal if it is constantly happening, that is when I need to put on my detective cap and figure out what is causing the chronic symptoms.” -Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD

Hormones are natural chemicals that are secreted by glands in the body. These chemicals control most bodily functions and processes, including metabolism, muscle formation, immune functions, and reproduction. Bioidentical Hormones are synthesized from vegetable sources and are molecularly identical to the same hormones made in a woman’s body. Synthetic hormones such as premarin, prempro and progestins in oral contraceptives have hormone-like actions, but are not structurally identical to a woman’s own natural hormones. Synthetic female hormones are not the same from a biochemistry standpoint but may mimic the action of natural hormones. Proper hormone balance with a woman’s own natural hormones is important for the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

The fast pace and stressful nature of life these days have resulted in an increase in the rate of hormonal imbalances, especially among women. Even a slight imbalance of hormones can have a big impact on the health and wellbeing of a person, leading to several health issues.

• Mood Disturbance
• Insomnia
• Anxiety and Panic Attacks
• Depression
• Weight Gain
• Loss of appetite
• Poor immune system
• Low libido
• Mood swings
• Fatigue and bloating
• Hair loss
• Heart palpitations
• Infertility
• Lack of focus and concentration
• Irregular periods
• Heavy Periods
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids, Uterine Cysts and Polyps
• Abdominal cramping
• Night sweats and hot flashes
• Sleep problems
• Joint Pain
• Arthritis
• Hip Pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This is where Bioidentical hormone therapies come in.

Also known as natural hormone therapy, the process involves using human-made hormones that are synthesized from plant extracts. They react with the body in a similar way to most natural hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. These hormones come in several forms, such as pills and injections, and are 100% FDA approved.

Women taking hormones or utilizing Naturopathy for hormone imbalance should have their hormones tested periodically.

1. Avoid taking any AM hormones the morning of your blood draw as that will cause a false elevation upon testing.
2. Consistently take the hormone at least  2-4 weeks without lapse prior to testing the levels. If lapses in the dosing have occurred the patient should schedule a 2 part med check to get the hormone refilled and  wait 2 weeks until they have consistently used their normal dose and then test.
3. Do not consume caffeine or food prior to the blood draw.
4. Avoid taking Biotin 2 weeks prior to the blood draw as this may interfere with thyroid hormones tests and other hormones.
5. Allow 3 weeks minimum for Total Estrogen to come in and become final before scheduling a follow up appointment.
6. PMS, Migraine and Mental Health labs are best drawn on Days 21-25 of Menses with Day 1 being the first day of the last menstrual period.
7. Biphasic Labs for Mental Health patients should be drawn when the patient is feeling at their happiest in the first half of their cycle ~Days 3-10 and then when the patient is feeling the absolute worst in their cycle ~Days 21-27

Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

• Helps to manage the symptoms of menopause.
• Encourages better metabolism and stronger immune system.
• Offers relief from the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as migraines, insomnia, weight gain or loss, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety and low energy levels.
• Reduces the risk of diabetes, cataracts, and various musculoskeletal issues, including osteoarthritis.
• Improves the elasticity, tone, and texture of the skin by encouraging hydration and collagen production.
• Promotes healthy libido and reproductive functioning.
• Slows down the aging process.
• Improves quality of life and general wellbeing.
• Corrects metabolism in weight loss and weight gain
• Regulate body temperature, halt hot flashes or cold intolerance.
• Boost lean muscle mass as testosterone levels declining at age 35 can cause loss of lean muscle resulting in a slower metabolism as lean muscle is vital to a healthy metabolism.

Dr. Nicole Sundene combines 22 years of integrated health experience for women to provide first-rate focused care for women. As a naturopathic expert in women’s health she addresses all aspects of women’s health at check ups and by telemedicine. She provides complex integrated medical care, as well as preventive care, for chronic and acute women’s health conditions.

Dr. Sundene believes that optimal health leads to a more successful and satisfying life. Her Bioidentical Hormone Therapy treatments are targeted to improve energy levels, ensure optimal nutrition, strengthen the immune system, and enhance the overall physical and mental health of her female hormone patients.

If you have symptoms of hormone imbalance it is important to take charge of your health today and schedule an appointment with Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Nicole Sundene,  by visiting our SCHEDULE page or by calling (480) 837-0900 if you have questions prior to booking your Hormone Therapy visit!