Understanding Endometriosis: Symptoms, Traditional, and Holistic Treatments (PART 1)

Endometriosis is a chronic and often painful condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the pelvic lining. This misplaced tissue behaves like normal uterine tissue—thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle—but has no way to exit the body, causing inflammation, pain, and scar tissue formation.

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Simone Sturm
Understanding Estrogen Detoxification: How Your Body Processes Hormones

Estrogen plays a vital role in the body, regulating reproductive health, bone density, mood, and more. However, like any hormone, it needs to be carefully balanced. Too much estrogen, or an inefficient detoxification process, can lead to symptoms like bloating, mood swings, and increased risk of conditions such as endometriosis or certain cancers.

Estrogen detoxification is a natural process where the body metabolizes and eliminates excess or used estrogen. Understanding this process can empower you to make lifestyle choices that support your body’s natural hormone balance and overall health.

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Denver Holistic Medicine
The Benefits of Creatine for Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women

Perimenopause and menopause mark significant transitions in a woman’s life, often accompanied by physical, emotional, and metabolic changes. As hormone levels fluctuate, many women experience reduced muscle mass, strength, and bone density, alongside fatigue and cognitive challenges. While lifestyle interventions like exercise and a balanced diet remain foundational, research increasingly highlights the potential of creatine supplementation as a valuable ally during this stage of life.

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Simone Sturm
PCOS and the Insulin Resistance Connection

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting an estimated 10-20% of women of reproductive age worldwide. PCOS symptoms vary but often include irregular periods, weight gain, excess hair growth, acne, and infertility. One of the lesser-known aspects of PCOS, but a key component, is insulin resistance, which can significantly impact health and symptom management. Understanding the connection between PCOS and insulin resistance can empower women to make informed lifestyle changes that improve their quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

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Simone Sturm
The Estrobolome - the Gut/Hormone Connection

When we think about hormone health, the gut may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, emerging research has revealed a strong connection between our gut health and estrogen regulation, a hormone essential for many functions in the body.

Estrogen is not only responsible for sexual and reproductive health but also plays a role in bone density, heart health, mood, and even metabolism. Understanding the gut-estrogen link could help us improve overall wellness and prevent conditions tied to hormonal imbalances, including PMS, menopausal symptoms, and even certain types of cancer.

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Simone Sturm
Understanding DHEA for Women

As we’ve mentioned in our previous blog posts, hormones are chemical messengers that tell your body what to do – and when to do it. Scientists have identified over 50 hormones in the human body, controlling a multitude of bodily processes. 

DHEA is one of the hormones naturally produced in the adrenal glands. It functions as a precursor to male and female sex hormones – including testosterone and estrogen

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Denver Holistic Medicine
Getting to Know Your Hormones: Progesterone

Hormones are chemical messengers that tell your body what to do and when to do it. Scientists have identified over 50 bodily hormones that control a multitude of bodily processes. However, there are two main female sex hormones: progesterone and estrogen. At the heart of it, they work together to regulate the body’s reproductive processes. 

The primary role of progesterone is to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle (in tandem with estrogen) and to support a healthy pregnancy. Keep reading for a better understanding of what progesterone does in the body, as well as an overview of healthy progesterone levels. 

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Getting to Know Your Hormones: Estrogen

Estrogen is a sex hormone necessary for both sexual and reproductive health. Many important bodily systems — including menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and the development of secondary sex characteristics — are all thanks (in part) to estrogen. 

Today’s blog post serves as a complete overview of this important hormone. Keep scrolling to discover what estrogen is, what it does, and whether you have too much (or too little) of it. 

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The Link Between Muscle Mass and Longevity

As a leading functional medicine and fitness practice in Denver, we often encounter women who are hesitant to strength train because they’re afraid of becoming too bulky or muscular. Although we’ve seen a definite shift in more women embracing strength training in recent years, this still widespread belief needs debunking. Bottom line: building muscle is essential to healthy aging – and it can absolutely happen without getting “bulky.” Today’s blog explains why. 

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Simone Sturm