Women's Health

Personalized care for women.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has grown in popularity and availability. Whether a patient chooses to use synthetic or bioidentical hormone replacement, Dr. Wand believes accurate hormonal testing and a candid discussion on the pros and cons of HRT is imperative before beginning treatment.

Fertility

It is estimated that between 10-15% of couples experience problems with conception. A number of factors contribute to infertility, including diet and lifestyle, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, stress, exercise, toxic exposures and hormonal imbalances.

Factors for Women

Alcohol consumption
Body Fat (too high or too low)
Caffeine consumption
Endometriosis, Tubal Disease
Immunological Problems
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Poor Diet
Thyroid Disorders
Toxic Exposures
Vitamin/mineral deficiencies
Electromagnetic frequencies

Factors for Men

Alcohol consumption
Caffeine consumption
Exposure to environmental (estrogen-mimic) chemicals, organic solvents, radiation
Impotence
Oxidative Stress
Poor Diet
Thyroid Disorders
Toxic Exposures
Vitamin/mineral deficiencies
Electromagnetic frequencies

Menopause and Perimenopause

Menopause is a normal biological event when menstruation permanently stops and a woman can no longer conceive. Perimenopause is the transitional time when the ovaries stop producing eggs, while estrogen and progesterone levels decrease. This transition can take 1 - 5 years and may often be accompanied with a number of symptoms including:

Heart pounding or racing
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Skin flushing
Sleep issues (insomnia)

Other symptoms of perimenopause or menopause may include:

Decreased interest in sex, possibly decreased response to sexual stimulation
Forgetfulness
Irregular menstrual periods
Mood swings including irritability, depression, and anxiety
Urine leakage
Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse
Vaginal infections
Joint aches and pains

Women interested in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) but concerned about the risks involved, may want to consider the effect of diet, toxins, thyroid function and other natural alternatives to synthetic HRT. Hormone testing may be helpful to determine the appropriate treatment for patients experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and the deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures. Men as well as women are affected by osteoporosis, but women are at a far greater risk for osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis can be present without any symptoms for decades because it does not cause symptoms until bone fractures occur. Patients may not be aware of their osteoporosis until they suffer a painful fracture.

Risk factors for osteoporosis are:

Female
Aged 50 or older
Postmenopausal
A diet low in calcium or an intestinal problem that prevents calcium and vitamins from being absorbed (low stomach acid, celiac disease)
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Taking too much thyroid hormone
A sedentary lifestyle, with little or no regular exercise
Thin or low body weight
Certain medications, such as prednisone
Certain ethnic backgrounds (Caucasians and Asians)
Smoking
Consuming too much alcohol
A family history of osteoporosis
Heavy Metals

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age and is estimated to affect between 5% - 10% of perimenopausal women. The condition is characterized by the presence of one or more or the following: hormonal imbalances, excess hair growth, irregular menstrual cycles, insulin resistance, obesity, infertility and polycystic ovaries. In PCOS, clusters of small, pearl sized cysts are found on the ovaries. These cysts are fluid-filled follicles that contain eggs that have not yet been released during ovulation because of hormonal imbalances.

Other risk factors for PCOS may include:

Autoimmune thyroiditis
Cardiovascular disease
Dyslipidemia (disorders of lipid metabolism — cholesterol and triglycerides)
Endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer
High blood pressure
Hyperandrogenism
Hyperinsulinemia
Insulin resistance/Type 2 Diabetes
Miscarriage
Skin issues - Acne and Acanthosis nigricans (patches of darkened skin)
Stroke
Weight gain

Weight loss and exercise are top priorities for treating insulin resistance in PCOS.

Pregnancy

The best time to begin a nutritional program for both mother and baby is before conception. At Midwest Wellness Center, Dr. Wand looks at your overall health and nutritional habits. He works with you and your obstetrician to correct any imbalances that may be present and addresses any other concerns or questions you may have regarding your nutrition.

Whether you are already pregnant, or considering pregnancy in the future, we offer a comprehensive program designed to meet your nutritional needs during this crucial time. We also help you to develop essential dietary habits that will continue long after your pregnancy, enhancing your health and that of your family.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a wide range of physical and/or emotional symptoms that typically occur before a woman starts her menstrual cycle. The symptoms generally subside once menstruation begins.

Common symptoms may include:

Abdominal cramps or heaviness
Acne flare-ups
Backache
Breast tenderness
Constipation or diarrhea
Decreased coordination
Food cravings
Headache
Muscle spasms
Nausea, Bloating
Painful menstruation
Swelling of ankles, feet and hands
Weight gain

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, eliminating or limiting salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine, correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances may prove beneficial in preventing or reducing PMS symptoms.