THE ROLE OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE IN WOMEN’S HEALTH

Women’s bodies undergo significant transformations over the course of their lives, from the onset of menstrual cycles, to pregnancy, to menopause. Every woman experiences these events differently depending on factors such as physiology, genetics, and environment. Unfortunately, their unique healthcare needs are not always well addressed by traditional medicine. That’s why an increasing number of women are seeking solutions outside of the conventional medical model for prevention, health, and healing. 

There’s a growing body of evidence that’s showing the efficacy of integrative medicine in women’s health. In fact, a branch of integrative medicine that’s dedicated specifically to women’s healthcare has emerged and is providing a wealth of options for women to achieve their wellness goals at every stage of their lives.

Integrative Medicine for Adolescents and Teens

A young woman experiences many changes as she leaves childhood and enters into her teen years. There’s a lot to navigate as she begins menstruation and adjusts to the physiological and emotional changes brought on by fluctuating hormones.

The overall goal of integrative physicians who work with young women is to set them up for a lifetime of excellent health, including reproductive health. An integrative physician will discuss proper nutrition, exercise, stress management techniques, and lifestyle choices aimed at helping young women develop healthy behaviors and tools for self-care that they can use throughout their lives. They may recommend acupuncture, massage therapy, or herbal supplements to treat specific issues like PMS, to alleviate pain and cramping during periods, and mood swings. They may also prescribe an herbal remedy to help regulate your cycles. If desired, traditional birth control options can be discussed as well.

Integrative Medicine for Adult Women

Integrative physicians continue be an invaluable resource to women as they transition from the teen years into adulthood. For women who are thinking about starting a family, they can talk to their integrative physician about the ways a healthy diet, adequate exercise, and stress reduction techniques can help a woman prepare for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

If you’re choosing to not have children, integrative medicine is still a great ally to help you achieve your health and wellness goals. From seasonal allergy relief, to digestion support, to thyroid health, integrative medicine blends patient-centered care and the best of both complementary approaches and Western medicine.

Integrative Medicine for Menopausal Women

When a woman enters menopause, she will likely experience a mix of physical symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and mood fluctuations due to changes in hormone levels. Integrative medicine provides support for every aspect of menopause. For many women, the focus is often on relieving these troubling menopausal symptoms, but it’s also important at this stage for women to be mindful of bone, breast, and heart health.

An integrative physician will talk to women about how to support their bodies through regular exercise, nutrition, lifestyle changes, stress reduction techniques, and taking steps to balance hormones, which are often the cause of some of the uncomfortable symptoms women experience in menopause. They may recommend adding foods high in calcium and vitamin D to the diet and an exercise routine that includes weight bearing exercises to build muscle mass and increase bone density in order to prevent osteoporosis.

An integrative physician will also discuss the role of acupuncture, herbal supplements, massage therapy, and meditation in balancing mood, reducing hot flashes, and decreasing stress. An integrative physician can also talk to women about the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy and help them make the best decision about that treatment option.

Integrative Medicine for a Lifetime of Health

Integrative medicine offers many effective treatments to support women’s bodies. By partnering with women helping them to be more attuned to their bodies and unique needs, the groundwork is set for optimal health and wellness as they age.

If you are ready to experience the benefits of integrative women’s health, then contact NJ Natural Family Health. Dr. Shannon DiCarlo RN LAc DAOM is a Registered Nurse and an integrative medicine practitioner offering acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutritional counseling. Her practice features an on-site herbal pharmacy which she utilizes to provide her patients with formulas that focus on managing symptoms and addressing any underlying causes. Dr. DiCarlo is dedicated to helping her patients enjoy a long, happy, and healthy life.