Treatment in integrative medicine goes beyond prescription medications to include a wide range of
therapeutic options. Here's an introduction to some approaches we commonly discuss with patients.
Hormone Therapy
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate countless processes in your body. When they're
out of balance—whether due to menopause, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal stress, or other factors—
symptoms can significantly impact quality of life.
Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) uses hormones that are molecularly identical
to what your body produces. When appropriate, BHT can help restore balance and relieve
symptoms. However, hormone therapy isn't right for everyone, and decisions should be based
on thorough testing, individual risk factors, and careful monitoring.
Topics to discuss with your provider: What does comprehensive hormone testing
involve? What are the benefits and risks of hormone therapy for my situation? What delivery
methods (creams, patches, oral) might be most appropriate?
Herbal Medicine
Plants have been used as medicine for thousands of years, and many modern pharmaceuticals are
derived from plant compounds. Botanical medicine uses whole plants or standardized extracts to
support healing. From adaptogens that help your body manage stress to herbs that support liver
function or calm inflammation, botanical options can be powerful tools.
Key insight: "Natural" doesn't mean harmless—herbs are real medicine with real
effects. Quality matters enormously. And just like pharmaceuticals, botanicals need to be chosen
appropriately for your specific situation and monitored for effectiveness and safety.
Questions for your provider: Are there botanical options that might help with
my concerns? Are there interactions I should be aware of with my current medications? How do I
know I'm getting a quality product?
Nutritional Supplements
Supplements can fill nutritional gaps, support specific body systems, and address deficiencies
that diet alone may not correct. But the supplement industry is largely unregulated, and
quality varies dramatically. Not every supplement is necessary, and more isn't always better.
Key insight: The form of a nutrient matters. Methylated B vitamins are better
absorbed by many people than synthetic forms. Magnesium glycinate works differently than
magnesium oxide. Third-party testing helps ensure what's on the label is actually in the
bottle. Working with a practitioner helps you avoid wasting money on products you don't need
while ensuring you get appropriate support where it matters.
Worth asking: Based on my labs and symptoms, which supplements would actually
benefit me? What should I look for in terms of quality? Are there any interactions with my
medications?
Detoxification Support
Your body has elegant built-in detoxification systems—primarily the liver, kidneys, lymphatics,
and digestive tract. But in our modern world, these systems can become burdened by the sheer
volume of exposures we face daily.
Supporting detoxification isn't about extreme cleanses or deprivation. It's about ensuring
your body's natural pathways are functioning optimally and, when appropriate, using targeted
support to help mobilize and eliminate accumulated toxins safely.
If you're curious about detox support: How do I know if my detox pathways
need support? What does evidence-based detoxification actually look like? Are there safe,
practical steps I can take at home?
Mind-Body Approaches
The connection between mind and body isn't just philosophical—it's physiological. Chronic
stress literally changes your biology, affecting inflammation, immune function, digestion,
and hormone balance. Practices that engage this mind-body connection can create measurable
improvements in health.
Practical tools include: breathing techniques that activate the parasympathetic
nervous system, meditation practices that reduce stress hormones, progressive muscle relaxation
for tension and sleep, and visualization techniques that support healing. These aren't
alternatives to medical care—they're complements that enhance it.
Consider exploring: Which mind-body practices might fit your lifestyle and
preferences? How might stress be contributing to your symptoms? What resources can help you
get started with these techniques?
