Why Can’t I Lose Weight…Is It My Hormones? Many people have experienced weight gain at some point in their life.  It often seems so easy to put on yet such a struggle to take off.  Certainly diet and exercise are integral to maintaining and losing weight, but for a lot of women that is not enough.  Calorie restriction and exercise can lead to frustration and anger when the scale does not move. While there are usually multiple factors at play when it comes to weight, hormones are often involved.  And it is not just our female hormones that are at play here, research has sho ..read more

Your menstrual cycle provides a lot of insight into your reproductive health, and an irregular menstrual cycle can indicate a number of health conditions. You were probably told by your mom and older sister that menstruation can be painful and every woman’s experience is unique. How accurate is that? Today, we’re taking a closer look at signs of menstrual irregularities and when you should schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN. When Should You See a Doctor About Menstrual Irregularities? When You Haven’t Menstruated in 90 Days If you haven’t menstruated in 90 days, it is time to schedule an ..read more

Hormone Therapy, What Does it Involve? Women face hormone fluctuations at different times throughout their lives. One of the most common and significant hormone changes occurs during perimenopause and menopause.  This often begins when a woman is in her 40s or 50s and it can have a negative impact on the quality of life.  The good news is that a GYN like Dr. Hartzfeld at Peak Functional Medicine can recommend hormones, natural supplements and lifestyle changes to restore balance and reduce symptoms.   Why Do Hormone Imbalances Happen? Hormone imbalances can be caused by facto ..read more

What Exactly Is Anxiety?  Anxiety is defined as the feeling of fear, worry or uneasiness. When it occurs during times of stress it can be a normal reaction. Anxiety that is present under normal everyday activities or becomes excessive and debilitating may be due to an underlying condition.   There are often symptoms that accompany the feeling of anxiety. These symptoms can include one or all of the following:  Racing heart rate  Sweating  Shaking/trembling  Feeling tired or weak  Rapid breathing  Difficulty concentrating  Gastrointestinal comp ..read more

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and What Are the Symptoms?  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex condition with the hallmark symptom of debilitating  fatigue. It is also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). With CFS, there is extreme fatigue or  exhaustion that does not resolve with rest and continues for greater than 6 months. It is more common  in women and often impacts the ability to perform daily activities. The severity of disease varies  greatly, with some people able to work and others that are confined to their bed.   Along with fatigue, ot ..read more

A hormone imbalance is a common problem that affects millions of women around the world. It can cause many unpleasant symptoms that interfere with your life. Fortunately, imbalances can be treated! However, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to treating them. That’s why we put together this guide to help you learn how hormone issues are treated, what causes them, what the symptoms are, and how they are diagnosed. How Can You Treat a Hormone Imbalance? Hormone irregularities are a complex issue, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Fortunately, there are many ef ..read more

Thyroid disorders are very common and can affect people of all ages.  While symptoms can be significant, many are often overlooked.  It is easy to test for a thyroid disorder and treatment can have profound effects on the body.   What Is The Thyroid and What Does It Do? The thyroid is a gland that is located in the front of the neck.  It produces two thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which are involved in many processes throughout the body. A third hormone, calcitonin, is produced by the thyroid to support bone health. The thyroid is often kno ..read more

The endocrine system supports nearly every cell, tissue, and organ within the body. You can therefore see why an endocrine system dysfunction can cause significant health concerns.  Your OBGYN can help!  At Peak Functional Medicine in Scottsdale, AZ, we  look for the root cause of the imbalance and treat it with an approach that complements the whole body – incorporating  lifestyle, genetics, and nutrition. Ask Your OBGYN: How Do You Treat an Endocrine System Dysfunction? Let’s start by discussing what the endocrine system is and what it does.  The endocrine system is ..read more

You may think of visiting your obstetrician-gynecologist only for your pap smears or to get support during pregnancy. However, they actually specialize in a lot more issues around women’s health and can help with many things you likely hadn’t even thought of. There are many reasons to visit an OBGYN, so perhaps you should be planning your visits more often. How Often Should You Visit Your OBGYN? To Create a Plan With Your Obstetrician-Gynecologist for Your Wellness It is important to see your physician once a year to review medical concerns and discuss factors for maintenance of health.  ..read more

Menstrual irregularities can be frustrating for a number of reasons. Some women hate that they never know when their period is going to come. Other women know exactly when it will come but know that it will be incredibly painful and last a lot longer than a week. Fortunately, if the cause of irregular menses is diagnosed, it can be treated. Read on to discover some of the most common causes of abnormal periods.   What Are the Most Common Causes of Menstrual Irregularities?  Endometriosis Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of irregular menses. It is a condition that occu ..read more