Once menopause takes place production of hormones shifts from the ovaries to the adrenals. Assessing adrenal function is critical to identifying the possible underlying causes of menopausal symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes and insomnia. Deficiencies and excesses of hormone production may lead to weaknesses in our immune system. The sleep hormone melatonin is one of the keys to immune function. Melatonin insufficiency can lead to difficulty in falling and staying asleep.
The ability to create sex hormones is reliant upon sufficient supplies of cholesterol as cholesterol is a precursor to making these hormones. In the digestive system cholesterol is involved in the production of bile which breaks down fats and absorbs nutrients in your intestines. Dr. Richart understands that proper digestive function is important to balancing hormones in the body and will test the digestive system to see if problems in the digestive system are contributing to the symptoms of menopause.
Problems with an ability to properly detoxify can lead to hormone imbalances. Women who experience poor reactions to taking birth control pills or using traditional hormone replacement therapy often have underlying toxic livers. Identifying where toxicities exist by using lab testing can aid Dr. Richart in creating a program to improve detoxification.
