Menopause and Andropause

For women and men managing the transition through menopause or andropause, our naturopathic doctors at the Nardella Clinic in Calgary provide services that facilitate minimizing the effect of negative symptoms and decreasing longer-term health risks. These include:

• Body temperature fluctuations
• Mood fluctuations
• Cognitive issues
• Heart disease
• Pain
• Cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Weight gain

Often when we think of hormone therapy it is in association with women’s perimenopausal symptoms. However, by the age of 40, men typically deteriorate in several aspects of hormonal health. These include the following:

Health ImpactAssociated Hormone

Taking a proactive approach to maximizing hormonal health is appropriate at any age. There are both naturopathic and pharmaceutical approaches. These may be appropriate by themselves or in combination. Patients need the most comprehensive and sensitive testing to help determine appropriate dosages. All of our hormones work together. Adjusting the level of one will impact the rest. Periodic monitoring of hormone levels is done to ensure the patient is responding to treatment and that a synergistic balance of hormones is maintained.

Our naturopathic doctors at the Nardella Clinic in Calgary have received extensive training in hormonal health and hormone replacement therapy through both the American Association of Anti-Aging Medicine and the International Hormone Society.

Case Studies

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men

A 40 year old male presented to the clinic for a naturopathic consultation with the following symptoms:

• Decreased focus
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Unstable moods

Hormone testing revealed lowered growth hormone, mild hypothyroidism (too much thyroid stimulating hormone), and lowered DHEA. Supplements were recommended to the patient to bring these hormones back into balance. Elk velvet was used to address growth hormone. Thyroid supplements provided thyroid support. The patient now presents with restored energy levels, better sleep patterns and his moods are much more stable. Overall, his focus and energy are back to where he needs them to be.

Therapies Used for the Treatment of Menopause/Andropause

• Herbal and Nutrient Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Skin Care