This month, the JCN clinic is putting the spotlight on healthy hormones. Our hormones are a complex web that have a synergistic relationships with each other within our body. This relationship can be quite harmonious, progesterone rising and oestrogen falling for instance, yet sometimes our hormones can get out of sync and consequently cause a multitude of unwanted side effects. Because our hormones are involved in so many processes within our bodies, there is an array of symptoms that can occur. Frequently these can be misdiagnosed or mismanaged, often resulting in ‘treatment’ with the OCP (oral contraceptive pill) to help mask underlying hormonal imbalance.
Its concerning to us as practitioners how many woman suffer with menstrual issues and hormone imbalances that go undiagnosed, just brushed off as PMS, or as ‘being emotional’, when often there is an underlying cause. This is where we love to step in and say, “hey, those symptoms are not ‘normal’, lets get this sorted!”
Here are some common signs and symptoms that we see with hormone imbalances, which benefit from testing:
- Unexplained weight gain
- Irregular periods
- Heavy & painful periods
- PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, PMD
- Infertility
- Suspected peri menopause
- Acne flairs with menstruation
Here are some common signs and symptoms that we see with thyroid imbalances, which benefit from testing:
- Unexplained rapid weight gain or loss
- Hair loss
- Poor energy or fatigue, or conversely jitteriness and anxiety
- Excessive feeling of hot or cold
- Menstrual irregularities
- Known gluten intolerance or coeliac disease
- Notable swelling in the throat area
Therefore, this April at the JCN clinic we are offering a Hormone Testing Package that utilises thorough hormone salivary testing and comprehensive thyroid evaluation. This type of testing gives us as your practitioners a true insight into your reproductive cycle and thyroid health. Standard blood tests for reproductive hormones can only offer a snap shot of the particular day bloods are drawn, whereas salivary hormone profiles collected at different times of your cycle give us a true picture and overview. Likewise, standard thyroid testing performed by a GP only measures TSH (unless there is medical concern for further testing), whereas comprehensive testing measures all thyroid hormones and antibodies.
Reproductive hormonal issues are often interwoven with the thyroid imbalances, hence this package offers flexibility of choice when it comes to choosing the best option for you. Of course, it’s your JCN practitioner’s role to select the appropriate tests; you will be assessed individually and advised on the tests deemed most necessary by your practitioner.
It is also integral to understand that as part of your treatment we will be assessing and treating your digestive health and nutritional status. This may seem a little left of field, but actually your gut health is vital to healthy hormone function. For instance, gut bacteria are intrinsically involved in the breakdown and reabsorption of oestrogen into the liver for excretion.
what’s involved in the package:
- 2 x comprehensive Nutritional consultation (x1 60 minute initial consultation + x1 45 minute consultation to discuss your test results) with one of our qualified nutritionists, Jessica or Carissa.
- Salivary hormone testing and/or complete hormone profile testing as deemed necessary by your practitioner after consultation {tests collected in the comfort of your own home}.
Female Saliva Profile $239
Complete Thyroid Hormone Profile $200
- An individualised meal plan to complement your test results with any further recommended supplementation (only if deemed warranted).
cost
New Clients: $255 + testing
Existing Clients: $195 + testing (simply just contact the clinic to talk to your practitioner about arranging the test).
Contact us here at the JCN Clinic to get started.
Jessica Cox is a qualified practicing Nutritionist with a Bachelor Health Science (Nutrition) and over 15 years of clinical experience. She is the founder and director JCN Clinic, published author and established recipe developer. Jessica is well respected within health and wellness space for her no fad approach and use of evidence-based nutrition.
