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For many years,
I have focused on optimizing my patients’ thyroid functions. My
evaluation includes a history and laboratory tests to determine
whether the person is too high or too low in hormones, and then we
correct the imbalances with natural substances or prescription
medicine. However, after many years engaged in this type of work,
it became apparent to me that some people with thyroid problems
have other hormonal abnormalities that interfere with how well a
thyroid correction will work in their body.
Now I look at a
variety of hormones, not just the thyroid. Other crucial energy
hormones that interplay with thyroid function are adrenal hormones
and reproductive (sex) hormones. Taken all together, these three
hormone systems constitute a fundamental three-legged stool upon
which rests the proper functioning of the body’s entire metabolic
processes. If any one leg of this stool is too short (low
function), the stool is no longer level and the metabolism that
rests upon it does not function properly. This topic has become
part of my current practice and also constitutes the subject of my
upcoming book, to be released in 2005. This new work is an
important companion to my earlier book, Thyroid Power.
Observing
the practice of medicine currently, I have noted that many of my
colleagues practice on just one of these important hormone
systems, or treatment based on a limited evaluation. For instance,
a gynecologist works to measure and balance the reproductive
hormones. An endocrinologist focuses typically on insulin for
diabetes or on a limited thyroid evaluation. Many naturopaths
concentrate mainly on adrenal hormone balance. None of these
activities is sufficient in and of themselves. A better approach
is to look at the hormonal systems in a more integrated and
comprehensive way. This is the means by which a person may find an
intervention and healthy hormone function of lasting value.
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