Holistic Pediatrics in Chicago: Gut Health and Eczema in Children

If your child is struggling with eczema, you have likely tried creams, lotions, and perhaps even restrictive diets, only to see temporary relief or constant flare-ups. It can feel frustrating and exhausting. What many parents are not told is that your child’s skin and gut are deeply connected. When the digestive system is out of […]
Holistic ADHD support for children in Chicago: natural alternatives to help focus, behavior, and mood

If your child is wrestling with inattention, big feelings, or behavior ups and downs, you are not alone. Many families are told to “watch and wait,” or offered a label and a prescription before anyone looks deeper. There is another path. At Dr. Galina’s practice, we focus on root causes that can mimic or worsen […]
Thyroid symptoms but “normal” labs? Early signs doctors miss and the tests to request

You are not imagining your symptoms. If you feel exhausted no matter how much you sleep, struggle with weight changes, notice your hair thinning, or cannot warm up even in mild weather, your body is asking for a closer look. Many women are told their thyroid is “normal,” yet they continue to feel off. Here […]
PCOS Root-Cause Guide: Best Functional Labs, Fertility Support, And Natural Healing Options

Why Root-Cause Testing Matters in PCOS PCOS is not a single disease. It is a syndrome driven by multiple root causes, including: Insulin resistance Hormonal imbalances Chronic inflammation Nutrient deficiencies Without identifying which factors are driving symptoms, treatment often becomes trial and error. Functional lab testing helps create a precise, personalized treatment plan. Best Functional […]
Can Stress Make PCOS Worse? A Naturopathic Perspective on Hormones, Cortisol, and Symptom Management

Yes, stress can make PCOS symptoms worse. While stress does not cause polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), chronic stress significantly impacts hormone balance, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and daily behaviours that influence symptom severity. PCOS is a complex hormonal condition that affects reproductive health, metabolism, and overall wellbeing. In individuals with PCOS, the body is already managing […]
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Understanding Autoimmune Thyroid Disease and Healing from the Inside Out

What Is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis? Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Over time, this immune response can damage thyroid tissue and reduce hormone production, often leading to hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, particularly in women, yet many individuals remain undiagnosed or undertreated […]
PCOS Relief That Lasts: Can Acne, Hair Loss, and Hirsutism Be Reversed?

Understanding PCOS Skin and Hair Symptoms Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition affecting roughly 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It commonly causes symptoms such as acne, excess facial or body hair (hirsutism), and scalp hair thinning due to elevated androgens. These symptoms can be distressing, but the most […]
Is It Hormones, Thyroid, or Stress? How to Spot the Pattern and Test Smarter

When you feel tired, moody, bloated, anxious, or “off,” it’s easy to assume it’s “just hormones.” But in clinical practice, hormone imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, and stress physiology often overlap and their symptoms can look nearly identical. The fastest path to clarity is pattern recognition plus well-timed testing. This guide helps you identify which system is […]
Thyroid Health Explained: Why a Normal TSH Doesn’t Always Mean Your Thyroid Is Healthy

A normal TSH does not always mean your thyroid is functioning optimally. Many people continue to experience fatigue, brain fog, weight changes, and mood shifts despite being told their thyroid labs are “normal.” This guide explains what TSH actually measures, why symptoms can persist, and how to distinguish between hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and what is […]
PCOS Clarity: How to Know, What Causes It, and When to Get Help

If you suspect PCOS but your symptoms do not match the “textbook” picture, you are not alone. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) looks different in every woman. Some have irregular cycles and acne. Others have regular periods but struggle with stubborn weight, fatigue, or hair changes. This guide explains how PCOS is diagnosed, what really drives […]