The endocrine system is a highly integrated and complex system. It communicates with numerous organs, tissues and cells in the body by sending them chemical messengers, called hormone, through the circulatory system. The hypothalamus in the brain controls the pituitary gland which in turn controls almost all the rest of the endocrine glands. The pituitary gland sends them hormones to stimulate them to produce their own hormones which then go to target organs. The pineal, thyroid and adrenal glands as well as the gonads (ovaries and testes) are all affected by the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary axis). The parathyroid glands and pancreas respond directly to levels of calcium or glucose in the blood, respectively. Some examples of endocrine disorders or diseases are pituitary disorders like hyperprolactinemia, hypo- or hyperthyroidism, various kinds of Thyroiditis, adrenal fatigue type disorders, like Maladaptive Stress Syndrome and Addison’s disease/syndrome, hyperadrenalism as in Cushing’s syndrome/disease; hyperglycemia and insulin resistance as in Diabetes, PCOS and Metabolic syndrome; gonadal disorders like PMS, menstrual irregularities, menopause (when symptoms are severe), infertility, hypogonadism and Erectile Dysfunction.
Endocrine disorders/diseases are usually caused by more than one factor. Lifestyle, genetics, stress, nutritional deficiencies ,autoimmune reactions, environmental exposures and cancer all contribute to the disease process. The most effective interventions are therapies that address these underlying causes. Lifestyle is often a major factor. Lifestyle refers to diet, adequate nutrition, level and type of physical activity, exposure to full-spectrum light, clean air, adequate sleep, rest, recreation and a balance of subjectively meaningful activities. The endocrine system is particularly sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, toxic substances and stress.
At Dahlia Natural Health Clinic, our first priority is to find the underlying cause(s) of your endocrine disorder. Once we know the cause, we create the solution through your treatment plan, which we will modify, as needed, until your endocrine system is back in balance.
