Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women, yet many standard cholesterol tests miss critical markers that help assess true risk. Traditional testing often focuses on total cholesterol and LDL levels, but functional medicine takes a deeper, more individualized approach to cardiovascular health.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be life-changing for women experiencing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. However, it’s essential to understand the associated risks, particularly regarding cancer.
1 in 7 people have a thyroid disorder. Thyroid issues are especially common in women. In functional medicine, we take a holistic approach to working with thyroid concerns.
It is essential to understand the physiological and neurological foundations of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to better support patients during seasonal transitions. This article provides an overview of SAD and explores the critical role neurotransmitters, melatonin, and cortisol play in its manifestation. With this understanding, clinicians can implement targeted, evidence-based interventions.
As a functional medicine clinician, I often have mold toxicity on my mind when consulting with clients. Mold exposure is more common than many people realize, and its effects on the body can be far-reaching. If you’ve been feeling unwell with unexplained symptoms, mold could be a hidden culprit.
A hot topic in current pop culture media is exposure to microplastics. Humans are primarily exposed to microplastics through inhalation and ingestion. How concerned should we be about these exposures?
Recently, I read the book Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means. (Actually, I listened to it while driving around Denver.) As a functional medicine clinician, I found Dr. Means’ entry into the field of functional medicine quite interesting.
Functional medicine is a personalized, science-based approach to health care that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness. Unlike traditional medicine, which often focuses on managing symptoms, functional medicine takes a whole-person approach to help you achieve optimal wellness. Let’s break it down and see if it might be the right fit for you.
The world of hormones can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just beginning your journey into perimenopause or early menopause. With so much information—and misinformation—available online, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of opinions.
Many patients come to Tendwell feeling frustrated—not from a lack of effort, but from a lack of results. They’ve been trying everything—eating well, exercising regularly—and yet, the scale won’t budge. For some, the frustration grows as they continue to gain weight despite their best efforts.
The thyroid gland plays a critical role in regulating your metabolism, energy levels, and overall well-being. However, thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, is becoming increasingly common. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) estimates that nearly 10% of the U.S. population was affected by hypothyroidism between 2009 and 2012—and these numbers appear to be on the rise.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition that occurs when bacteria, which are normally present in the large intestine, begin to grow excessively in the small intestine. This imbalance can lead to a range of uncomfortable digestive symptoms and is often challenging to diagnose and treat effectively. Here, we’ll explore the symptoms, causes, and why treatment can be particularly tricky.
It’s January 11th, so maybe I’m a little late to the game in chatting about Dry January—the idea of taking a month or longer off from drinking alcohol.
As the new year begins, it’s natural to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. At Tendwell, we believe in the transformative power of small, intentional actions to create monumental shifts in health and happiness. It’s all about synergy! Functional medicine plays a crucial role in achieving personal health goals, helping you understand the root causes of your challenges and guiding you to sustainable solutions.
Many patients seek functional medicine to address hormone-related concerns. Unfortunately, in conventional medicine, it’s common for patients to hear, “We don’t test hormones in your age group,” especially if they…
Many people ask me, “Will I get reimbursed when seeing a functional medicine provider?” It’s a great question—and not surprising, given how complicated insurance can be (often by design). The short answer: Yes, reimbursement is possible, but it depends on your insurance plan. At Tendwell, we provide a document called a “superbill” for each visit to make the process as straightforward as possible.
The holidays are here! To help you enjoy the season while staying grounded in health and wellness, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite items to gift or keep. These are perfect for anyone who loves thoughtful, functional, and beautiful additions to their daily lives.
Hair loss can be a challenging and deeply personal issue. At Tendwell in Denver, we take a holistic, functional medicine approach to uncover the root causes of hair loss and thinning, helping our patients find effective, natural solutions. As part of our commitment to comprehensive care, we stay up-to-date on emerging treatments that show promise for stimulating hair growth. One increasingly popular method is Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)—a non-invasive treatment that supports natural hair growth for both men and women. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect from LLLT, covering how it works, available device options, and potential outcomes.
Person scraping bubbles off ceiling Mold is everywhere outdoors—and sometimes indoors. While our bodies are designed to detoxify mold mycotoxins, some people have genetics that make this process less efficient. I call them “mold canaries”—people who are especially sensitive to mold. Officially, they’re diagnosed with CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome). This explains why two people in the same moldy environment can have very different health responses.
While it’s well-established that reducing sodium can help lower blood pressure (think of the DASH diet), what’s the current thinking on sodium intake, especially for those who are otherwise healthy?