In our functional medicine practice, we encounter a wide array of physical symptoms, but one of the most distressing for patients can be hair loss. Hair is often tied to personal identity and self-esteem, so losing it can deeply impact emotional well-being. In this blog we discuss a functional approach to treating hair loss.

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in small amounts in certain foods, particularly meat and fish. It is also synthesized in the body from amino acids. Creatine plays a crucial role in the production of cellular energy—especially in muscles, by replenishing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier in the body. Creatine is one of the most well researched and effective supplements for enhancing physical performance, particularly for short bursts of high intensity effort.

In recent years, wearing a weighted vest has become quite popular especially in functional medicine circles. I actually just purchased a weighted vest myself to wear around the house and to wear while running and doing strength training at home. There are several options out there but a good rule of thumb is to begin with a weighted vest that is about 5-10% of your body weight and work up slowly. This may mean investing (pun intended!) in several weighted vests or purchasing a vest you can add weight to (usually in 2 lb increments). I have recommended weighted vests to many patients including my own father who is working to increase bone density and prevent bone loss. Wearing a weighted vest is an efficient way to increase gains, primarily in the realm of fitness and physical performance.

Most of us in the functional medicine field are aware of the pop culture status of mushrooms. Various blends of mushroom “coffee” pop up in my Instagram feed all the time. Mudwatr—have it. Om—seen it. ClevrBlends—Chai is delicious but the Sleeptime is disgusting, IMHO. I recently decided that instead of a food-based blend, I would focus on taking Lion’s Mane at a daily therapeutic dose. This would be at least 100 mg a day. Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has gained attention for its potential cognitive benefits, including memory enhancement. In perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes can affect memory and cognitive function (think: word recall or word finding or just feeling less sharp), Lion's Mane may offer some support.

A functional medicine approach to migraine management is increasingly favored. At Tendwell, we manage many patients’ migraines and have provided relief where many thought it was impossible. An integrative and functional approach may include identifying and avoiding triggers, making lifestyle modifications, stress management, and using medications that target the specific aspects of migraines for an individual. If you're experiencing migraines, make an appointment today to find out about a Tendwell membership.

At our functional medicine practice, we specialize in perimenopause and migraines. With respect to migraines, we offer a more effective root-cause approach than in traditional medical practices. For many, the instinctive response to a migraine, involves reaching for medications like Ibuprofen or prescription pain medications. However, the regular use of such medications (two or more times a week) can pose risks to the stomach and intestines, as highlighted by recent FDA warnings citing an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Clearly, something else is needed. At Tendwell, we offer an individualized plan to tackle the causes of migraines and to help women navigate the perimenopausal period.

Thyroid dysfunction affects 1 in 7 people, most of whom are women. Development of a thyroid disorder can occur at many different moments in life but people often become aware of a thyroid issue when they are planning a pregnancy, actively pregnant, or experiencing a hormonal transition in perimenopause or menopause. Despite the prevalence of thyroid disorders, many primary care providers do not routinely screen for them. At Tendwell, we take a different more nuanced approach to thyroid assessment and treatment. In this functional medicine blog, I will discuss some of these approaches.

Depression and anxiety have many causes. These mental health issues can be thought of as analogous to pneumonia. Pneumonia can have many causes: viral, bacterial, fungal…each one in fact results in pneumonia but each one (viral pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia and fungal pneumonia) calls for different treatments based on its root cause. I think this way about depression and anxiety as well. There is no one size fits all approach. This is what a functional medicine approach is all about—rejecting the one-size-fits-all model and creating personalized medicine for each patient.

Liza Roeckl is an EMDR Therapist, Abdominal Therapy Practitioner, Advanced Pregnancy Massage Therapist, Spiritual Healer, Reiki Master, Energy Worker, Licensed Massage Therapist, Licensed Creative Art Therapist, and Kundalini Pregnancy Yoga Teacher. She has run a New York-based healing practice for over twenty years. Liza specializes in helping people of all ages with fertility issues, postpartum care, painful menstrual cycles, digestive issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, sexual trauma, fibroids, and post-miscarriage care. Liza also works with LGBTQ clients on fertility concerns and overall health. Liza is a wonderful old soul with a joyful spirit. I am excited to bring this interview with her to you today.

While natural, perimenopause is a period of time characterized by fluctuating hormone levels. Many women experience unpleasant symptoms as their bodies are going through these changes. Some common symptoms are: mood swings, increased irritability and rage, tearfulness, hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, memory issues, word searching, vaginal dryness, skin complaints, joint aches and pains, fatigue, weight gain (especially around the middle), decreased libido, heavy bleeding and missed periods. These symptoms are unpleasant and unwanted to say the least.

At Tendwell, we use cutting edge science and take an integrative medicine or functional medicine approach to health. When I work with clients desiring fertility, I tend to look at a lot of labwork in the beginning. Some of my favorites being: CBC w/diff, CMP, vitamin D, vitamin B12, homocysteine, MTHFR, CoQ10, Omega 3/6 levels, iron, ferritin, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C, and a full thyroid panel. We also get very specific hormone testing: day 3: estrogen, FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, DHEA-S, SHBG, AMH and day 21: progesterone levels.

Vitex, also known as chasteberry or Vitex agnus-castus, is an herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to address various women's health issues. It's particularly popular for its effects on hormonal balance and menstrual cycle regulation—specifically to lift progesterone levels.

In our Denver functional medicine practice, we frequently treat members who are experiencing symptoms of menopause. Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life that can be characterized by a range of physical and psychological symptoms that may significantly impact the quality of life. While hormonal therapies and pharmaceutical interventions are commonly prescribed, there is growing interest in exploring natural methods for reducing menopausal symptoms either with bioidentical hormone therapy or alone. This article reviews the current literature on the efficacy of natural approaches, including herbal remedies, lifestyle modifications, and mind-body practices, in alleviating menopausal symptoms.

So you’ve decided that you’d like to start a family. This can be an exciting time. It can also raise many questions and concerns. In this functional medicine blog, we will discuss how to prepare from the perspective of a functional medicine doctor.

Much like thyroid problems, hormone imbalances can have a major impact on your health. Hormone imbalances, especially in women, can be common. It is estimated 80 percent of women will have some form of hormone imbalance in their lifetime.