Treatment For HPA Axis and Hormones
Hormonal imbalance
Adrenal dysfunction
Insulin resistance
Thyroid disorder
Holistic Treatment Tailored to Your Unique Health Needs
Australian Centre for Functional Medicine takes a holistic approach to healthcare, recognising that illness is more than just physical symptoms. We believe symptoms are often part of a more significant problem, and by addressing the root cause, we can help you achieve long-term health and wellness.
Throughout this page, you can explore conditions directly related to HPA Axis and Hormones and common symptoms that align with these conditions.
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Adrenal Dysfunction
Adrenal dysfunction, or adrenal insufficiency, is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the small triangular-shaped glands on top of the kidneys don’t produce enough hormones. Those hormones—cortisol, DHEA, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and aldosterone—play a crucial role in regulating the body’s metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, and stress response.
Adrenal glands are part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, or HPA axis, which regulates the body’s stress response. Depending on the root cause, adrenal dysfunction is typically classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary.
Our doctors can help you identify the root cause with specialised testing, which may include blood tests and a CT scan. Your personalised treatment plan may consist of dietary and lifestyle changes or, in extreme cases, hormone replacement therapy.
Common Symptoms
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Insulin Resistance
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin allows glucose to enter cells in your muscles, fat, and liver to be used by your body for energy. Insulin resistance can occur when these cells don’t respond efficiently to insulin, causing poor glucose intake.
While the pancreas can compensate for insulin resistance by producing more insulin, prolonged resistance can lead to pre-diabetes and eventually Type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance can affect anyone but is often difficult to detect.
The first step is to undertake comprehensive assessments and testing to determine whether insulin resistance is a problem for you. Your doctor may recommend weight loss strategies, including dietary and lifestyle changes, as part of your personalised treatment plan. Uniquely formulated compounds may also be part of your treatment to help maintain healthy blood sugar metabolism and optimal glucose regulation and support healthy metabolic function and endocrine health.
Common Symptoms
- Muscle weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Estrogen imbalance
Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries in women and the testes in men. It is a crucial hormone that regulates growth, development, and overall physiological health. Estrogen goes beyond the reproductive system and influences the neuroendocrine, skeletal, adipose, and cardiovascular systems.
When there is an imbalance of estrogen levels in your body, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms and cause several issues to both your physical and mental health. High estrogen in women may cause symptoms such as weight gain, low energy levels, and severe PMS issues, whilst men may experience erectile dysfunction.
Our doctors can assess your symptoms, complete blood work, and test dried urine to determine whether you have an estrogen imbalance. The goal is to help you overcome these issues and understand why you have estrogen imbalance.
Low Estrogen Common Symptoms
- Headaches or mood changes
- Breast tenderness
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
High Estrogen Common Symptoms
- Irregular periods
- Low sex drive
- Weight gain
Progesterone imbalance
Progesterone plays a critical role in the reproductive system, and an imbalance can lead to many complications and may potentially impact your quality of life. If you suspect a progesterone imbalance, it’s essential to seek medical advice.
Progesterone is produced by the ovaries in women and adrenal glands in men. It helps regulate menstruation and support a healthy pregnancy in women, whereas men benefit from progesterone as it helps with sperm development.
Our team can help you understand the symptoms you may be experiencing and assist you in re-balancing your hormones to optimise your reproductive health.
Low Progesterone Common Symptoms
- Headaches or mood changes
- Difficulty conceiving
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
Low Progesterone Common Symptoms in Pregnant Women
- Breast tenderness
- Low blood sugar
- Miscarriage
- Fatigue
High Progesterone Common Symptoms
- Breast swelling and tenderness
- Anxiety and agitation
- Bloating
- Fatigue
Testosterone imbalance
Testosterone is a vital hormone that plays a significant role in developing male characteristics in both men and women. Produced by the ovaries in women and testicles in men, testosterone is responsible for developing masculine traits from infancy through to adulthood.
A testosterone imbalance can range from low to high and lead to a range of symptoms, such as sexual dysfunctions, changes in mood, excessive hair growth, and a low sexual drive.
Testosterone levels may also decrease with age, so older people naturally tend to have lower testosterone levels. To maintain a healthy testosterone balance, staying informed about the potential signs and symptoms of a testosterone imbalance is best.
Our priority is understanding the fundamental mechanisms driving testosterone levels out of balance. Once we identified, we will help you restore balance.
Low Testosterone Common Symptoms
- Sexual dysfunctions, including low sex drive, shrinking testicles, low sperm count, and erectile dysfunction
- Cognitive problems
- Hot flashes
- Depression
High Testosterone Common Symptoms (Men)
- Sexual dysfunctions including low sex drive and erectile dysfunction, excessive hair growth, and mood changes
- Blood pressure changes
- Acne
High Testosterone Symptoms Common (Women)
- Sexual dysfunctions including low sex drive and vaginal dryness
- Excessive hair growth
- Mood changes
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) imbalance
DHEA is a crucial hormone in the adrenal gland that helps produce testosterone and estrogen, which play a vital role in your overall health.
As you age, your body naturally reduces your DHEA levels, which may lead to potential Dehydroepiandrosterone imbalances. Exposure to physiological or psychological stressors can also cause your DHEA levels to decline.
If you suspect a DHEA imbalance, our team can help you regain control of your hormone levels for a healthier, more balanced life. Don’t live with the adverse effects of imbalanced hormones when our functional medicine doctors at AUSCFM can help.
Low DHEA Common Symptoms
- Sexual dysfunctions including low sex drive and erectile dysfunction
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unusual weight loss
- Dizziness
High DHEA Common Symptoms
- Abnormal menstruation
- Excessive hair growth
- Infertility
- Acne
Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland resembles a unique butterfly shape and is found in the neck/throat. This small but mighty organ synthesises thyroid hormones and is crucial to your body’s metabolic function. It helps to regulate the body’s energy consumption, influencing the functioning of nearly every organ in the body.
Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, also known as an overactive thyroid. This can cause issues such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.
However, the thyroid may also underperform, which is referred to as Hypothyroidism or sometimes an underactive thyroid. This occurs when the gland produces too little thyroid hormone, which may lead to joint and muscle pain, weight gain, and fatigue. AUSCFM doctors can help you discover how to support your thyroid and maintain optimal endocrine health.
Overactive Thyroid Common Symptoms
- Increased appetite
- Rapid heartbeat
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
Underactive Thyroid Common Symptoms
- Altered menstrual periods
- Joint and muscle pain
- Poor cold tolerance
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
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The Latest Functional Medicine Research
We regularly publish articles and eBooks based on the latest scientific research to inform you about developments in Functional Medicine. This information is beneficial not only for our patients and allied health providers but also for anyone interested in their health.
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