Simple Strategies for Hormone Dysfunctions

If you are a woman, it’s highly likely that you’ve experienced the unpleasantries associated with an abnormal menstrual cycle. As hormones ebb and flow throughout the month, symptoms such as PMS, heavy bleeding, menstrual-related headaches, or breast tenderness can be all-too-familiar and disruptive to your life. Although these symptoms may be common, that doesn’t mean they are normal.

Female sex hormones are synthesized in the ovaries from their precursor, cholesterol, which is also used by the adrenal glands to produce a vital stress hormone known as cortisol. If there isn’t enough cholesterol to go around, adrenal hormones and sex hormones have to fight for the cholesterol. Additionally, If high levels of stress are present, sex hormones can become compromised, leading to dysfunctions down the road.

So, when hormone disruptions occur, the most important thing to do is try and figure out what the underlying cause might be. Besides an insufficient amount of hormone precursor material (i.e., cholesterol), sex hormone dysfunctions can also stem from blood sugar issues, poor liver detoxification, exposure to exogenous hormones, insufficient fatty acids, environmental toxins, and other unknown causes. 

One of the best places to begin is by evaluating all skin and body care products. A vast majority of over-the-counter brands contain hormone-disrupting chemicals that are often toxic and even carcinogenic. Although the label will not openly list any added hormones, don’t assume they aren’t present. One of the best ways to check your ingredients for their level of toxicity is by using the Skin Deep app found at www.EWG.org. Just enter the names of the first five ingredients on your skin and body care products to measure toxicity. The goal is to use only products that have a rating from 0 to 3. 

After you’ve eliminated any possible chemicals, toxins, or other exogenous hormone exposures, be sure to get plenty of fats and fatty acids in your diet. These can include flaxseed oil, wheat germ oil, and one of our favorites, grass-fed butter. And while you’re at it, do your best to maintain stable blood sugar levels, which can make a dramatic improvement in your overall hormone health.

And finally, be sure to provide gentle support for the liver. As the body’s primary hormone detoxification organ, the liver plays a vital role in removing excess hormones and then maintaining the right amount f hormones for use in the body. The best foods to boost liver detoxification are cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and kale. Other foods that improve detoxification include Spanish black radish, garlic, and onions. And for even more support, certain herbs can also help. Two of our favorites include schisandra and milk thistle. After adding a few of these liver power-foods and herbs, your body and your hormones will be much happier! 

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Patient Testimonials

Dr Don Sharnowski is a doctor who is above and beyond all other doctors! Probably his most outstanding quality is that he LISTENS to what his patients say. He is willing to explain things to his patients in terms they can understand. Dr Don treats his patients with wisdom, understanding, gentleness, care, encouragement and he is willing to "go the extra mile" to give his patients the proper treatment they need. He does not treat patients like they were on an assembly line or like he is rushing them out the door. Dr Don has fixed many of the problems I had at my first visit, one of which I had endured for 3 years. Dr Don was able to fix that problem in 2 weeks when others had not. Dr Don has also helped me loose 40 lbs so far. My total recovery is still an ongoing process, but should be a cinch with Dr Don's expert help! Thank you, Dr Don! You are an awesome answer to prayers!

Karen G.

Super Awesome Doctor in Overland Park, Kansas!! He really knows his stuff love his Holistic approach. Wish I lived closer so I could see him on the regular, at least we can chat on the regular! Very informative in all aspects of health! Five years ago this man took our health and turned it around 360 degrees. My son got ear infections very often. Both my boys have respiratory issues. My husband asthma and overweight. Myself aches and pains, specifically on my left side and joints. Well needless to say no more ear infections respiratory not nearly as often my husband is 80lbs less and never uses his inhaler . My sons ear infections...What ear infections...They are no longer! Thanks Dr. Don for all you do and have done!!

Lots of Love from The Stevens

Dr Don Sharnowski is truly an amazing Doctor. He listens to his patients and treats in a very complete way. He is very knowledgeable because he never stops learning. He is a great communicator and will help you learn better ways to be healthy if you will actually do what he teaches.

Cassie N.

Don (Dr Sharnowski) is truly one of a kind. He is warm, inviting and incredibly generous with his time, but also really knowledgeable about the body and everything within. You won't find crystal balls here. You'll find a super nice guy in sneakers who also sells farm fresh eggs at the counter. I went in expecting to get adjusted (and was scared, because I'd never seen a chiro before). Instead, what I experienced was someone who actually sat down and listened to my history, connected the dots between several ailments (instead of jumping to prescribe one drug apiece to treat each one), and explained things that no one had ever taken the time to do. I was there about my back specifically, but we talked about my whole health. Instead of just prescribing an anti inflammatory (which is what my other doc did), he explained why we get inflammation in our bodies, and how to help reduce it with what we eat. I've also been on thyroid medication for over 10 years, and he actually explained what the thyroid is, and what the drug I take is, and what it does. But not in a defensive or overly crunchy way. He just openly explained in a way that I could understand it. I highly recommend Don to anyone with a body who wants to feel better. His approach is approachably holistic. Just common sense, whole body-centered treatment.

Megh K.

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