Women’s Health & Hormones

Navigating women’s health is a journey filled with unique challenges, especially when it comes to understanding hormones. Many women find themselves questioning everything from monthly cycles to mood swings and energy changes. These concerns can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, support, and care, reclaiming your well-being is entirely possible.

Dr. Galina ND, a trusted expert in women’s health and hormonal wellness in Chicago, is dedicated to helping women overcome these challenges through personalized and compassionate care. Dr. Galina also offers virtual care services, allowing her to support patients outside of Chicago. This flexibility ensures that women can access expert guidance and tailored wellness plans no matter where they are located. Whether you’re navigating conditions like PCOS or experiencing life transitions such as menopause, Dr. Galina ND offers tailored treatments that address the root causes of your concerns and empower you to live a healthier, more balanced life.

Women’s health is an extensive and important topic! Any woman can tell you that at some point in her life she has dealt with an aspect of her health that only occurs in the female realm. Under that umbrella of women’s health, lies an even more prevalent topic: Female Hormones! How to balance those hormones and keep them in check is the tricky part at any age!

Hormone Balancing

Women face specific health issues that are often unaddressed by the mainstream medical establishment. Hormonal imbalances, in particular, can impact everything from our mood to our skin to our cycle.

Women of all ages walk an uncertain line between balance and imbalance, and they rarely receive appropriate support. As a naturopath, my approach towards women’s health is individual and holistic. I prescribe natural treatments based on thorough testing and analysis. By ordering the right kind of labs and getting to the cause of each individual imbalance, I can help you regain control of your health, so you can be the best you!

Hormones impact nearly every aspect of your physical and emotional health. Imbalances can lead to fatigue, weight fluctuations, irritability, and more. Dr. Galina specializes in identifying hormonal imbalances and creating customized care plans to restore harmony and improve overall well-being.

Periods and PMS

From oddly long, heavy, and painful periods to no periods at all… our menstrual cycle is a fantastic indicator of how the rest of our body is doing. If you experience any menstrual irregularities, don’t just shrug it off – please seek care to figure out what’s the underlying cause, and whether there could be any long-term complications.

If painful or irregular periods and severe PMS symptoms disrupt your life, Dr. Galina offers holistic solutions to regulate your menstrual cycle, alleviate discomfort, and minimize mood-related symptoms.

Some of the issues I often work with include:

Irregular periods and PCOS
Heavy bleeding
Menstrual pain and severe cramping
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Fertility

In school, we’re taught that pregnancy can happen at the drop of a hat. But, as many women come to discover, it can be quite elusive, especially for those who want to conceive later in life. There are many natural and holistic things you can do to help improve the chances of conception and prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy.

It’s not as simple as it may seem, so I can help with multiple factors of pre-pregnancy health and wellness, including:

Transitioning you off birth control
Regulating your menstrual cycle
Prenatal supplementation
Labs and testing to foresee potential issues

For those planning a family, fertility challenges can be disheartening. Dr. Galina provides evidence-based strategies and care to optimize reproductive health and improve your chances of conception while preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Pre-Natal Care

During pregnancy is when naturopathic care is often most welcome. With a holistic approach, I can treat you and your baby naturally, to guarantee a healthy outcome for both of you.

When working with expecting mothers, I ensure that you receive adequate nutrition and any supplementation necessary to promote healthy development.

I’ll help you make informed decisions along your journey and answer any questions you have. I’ll provide you with safe and appropriate support, so you can get through any problems that arise during your pregnancy.

The things I typically focus on include:

Education & preparation
Prenatal supplements
Morning sickness
Heartburn
Encouraging labor when past due date

Dr. Galina supports you through the transformative journey of pregnancy with tailored care to maintain your health and prepare for a safe, smooth delivery.

Post-Natal Care

While pregnancy may be over, that is only the beginning! Parenthood is its own exciting journey, and you deserve support as you set out. It’s also important to remember that your body has just undergone a major health event, and your hormones can be unpredictable as a result.

I can provide support as you transition to your “new normal” and face any challenges that may arise, including, but not limited to:

Breastfeeding
Postpartum depression
Fatigue
Proper nutrition
Weight loss

The postpartum period is a time of significant physical and emotional change. Dr. Galina helps new mothers navigate this stage by addressing hormonal shifts, breastfeeding concerns, and energy levels, ensuring a healthy recovery.

Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause is another major time of change and naturopathic support can make a big difference. Every woman experiences this period of transition differently.

As you go through menopause, I can usher you through the change and help your body find its new equilibrium. Some of the specific symptoms I often help with include:

Hot flashes
Mood changes and fatigue
Bladder control
Weight loss

Life transitions such as perimenopause and menopause often come with hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disruptions. Dr. Galina provides expert care to ease these symptoms, improve quality of life, and promote long-term health.

Other Women’s Health Concerns

There are many other health issues that women may face in their life, and that occur only in the female realms.

Here are some of the other common concerns I help my female patients deal with:

Mood and energy
Bone health
Defense against breast cancer
Weight loss
Acne and other skin concerns
Hair loss
Vaginal imbalances – UTIs, yeast infections, or BV

Common Hormonal Issues in Women: Insights from Dr. Galina ND

Hormonal imbalances can significantly impact women at various stages of life, often presenting complex challenges that require expert care. Dr. Galina ND, a trusted naturopathic doctor in Chicago, specializes in guiding women through the intricacies of hormonal health with personalized, holistic approaches. Whether it’s Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or menopause, Dr. Galina ND empowers her patients to understand and manage these conditions effectively.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Understanding the Hidden Struggles

PCOS affects approximately 1 in 10 women, yet nearly 70% of cases go undiagnosed, according to the CDC. This condition extends beyond irregular periods or ovarian cysts; it often includes insulin resistance, obesity, and long-term risks such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Galina ND approaches PCOS with an integrative method, addressing not just the symptoms but also the root causes. By combining dietary management, lifestyle adjustments, and tailored supplementation, she helps women regain control over their health and fertility.

If you’re experiencing mood swings, excessive hair growth, or difficulty with weight management, consulting with Dr. Galina ND can be a transformative step in addressing PCOS effectively.

Thyroid Disorders: Balancing Metabolism and Well-Being

Thyroid issues, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are highly prevalent among women. The American Thyroid Association notes that women are five to eight times more likely than men to develop these conditions, which affect metabolism and energy levels.

Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction range from fatigue and weight changes to depression and anxiety. Left untreated, these disorders can cascade into more significant health complications.

Dr. Galina ND emphasizes early diagnosis and treatment, using naturopathic tools to support thyroid function and overall hormonal balance. Regular screenings and a comprehensive approach to care are essential for identifying thyroid issues and restoring vitality.

Menopause: Navigating Life’s Natural Transition

Menopause is a universal phase for women, yet its symptoms—such as hot flashes, mood swings, and reduced bone density—can disrupt daily life. The North American Menopause Society estimates that approximately 6,000 women in the U.S. reach menopause daily, underscoring the widespread need for specialized support.

Dr. Galina ND helps women navigate this transition with tailored strategies, including dietary guidance, lifestyle modifications, and hormone-balancing treatments. Her goal is to ensure that menopause is not just a phase to endure but an opportunity to embrace better health and self-awareness.

Top Treatments for Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances are more than just a health challenge—they’re a call to action to restore balance and vitality in our lives. Dr. Galina ND, a leading expert in naturopathic and functional medicine, is dedicated to helping women navigate these complexities. With tailored treatments, her approach integrates cutting-edge therapies and holistic practices to address hormonal concerns effectively.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

For many women experiencing menopause, Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can be transformative. By replenishing estrogen and progesterone levels with natural hormones, BHRT alleviates severe symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Dr. Galina ND works with her patients to create personalized plans, ensuring hormonal equilibrium tailored to their unique health profiles. The goal? Empower women to reclaim energy and vitality.

The Power of Lifestyle Modifications

Dr. Galina ND emphasizes the role of lifestyle in hormonal health. Adjustments in diet, regular physical activity, and stress management techniques can bring noticeable improvements. A whole-foods diet—rich in leafy greens, fatty fish, and nutrient-dense seeds—can reduce inflammation and promote hormonal balance. Dr. Galina’s patients often discover that small, consistent changes lead to significant, lasting results.

Medications and Supplements

For conditions like thyroid disorders or menopause-related bone density loss, medications and supplements are invaluable tools. Dr. Galina ND combines conventional solutions like levothyroxine with natural options, such as vitamin D and adaptogenic herbs, to support her patients’ specific needs. This integrative approach ensures comprehensive care, addressing both immediate symptoms and long-term health.

Lifestyle Tips for Hormonal Balance

Dr. Galina ND advocates for a multi-faceted lifestyle approach to support hormonal health:

Nutrition: Focus on fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats like avocados to stabilize hormones and improve gut health.
Exercise: Regular physical activity, including strength training and yoga, helps regulate insulin, boost mood, and improve metabolism.
Stress Management: Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can lower cortisol levels and restore equilibrium.
Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep by establishing a calming bedtime routine and avoiding blue light before bed.
Avoiding Endocrine Disruptors: minimize exposure to harmful chemicals like BPA by using glass or stainless steel containers.

Personalized Care for Lasting Results

Dr. Galina ND believes in empowering women with knowledge and practical strategies. Her patient-centered approach combines evidence-based medicine with holistic care to address the root causes of hormonal imbalances. Whether through BHRT, lifestyle changes, or tailored supplementation, Dr. Galina ND equips her patients with the tools they need to thrive.

By focusing on balance and vitality, Dr. Galina ND transforms lives—one patient at a time. Take the first step toward optimal hormonal health with her trusted expertise.

Why Choose Dr. Galina ND for Hormonal Health?

Dr. Galina ND brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her practice, making her a trusted partner in women’s health. Her holistic approach prioritizes understanding each patient’s unique needs, ensuring that care plans are as individual as the women she treats. From PCOS and thyroid disorders to menopause and beyond, Dr. Galina ND empowers her patients with knowledge and tools to manage their health. By addressing root causes and fostering sustainable lifestyle changes, she helps women lead vibrant, balanced lives. Contact us today!

Book a Consult

Naturopathic care can help you at any time in your life, with both minor and major health concerns. Holistic medicine isn’t about treating symptoms, but about finding their underlying causes and caring for your entire wellbeing.

If you’d like to improve your wellness and find balance, book your consultation today.