Overview

Although simple intervention and basic hormone balancing may prove effective in a majority of cases, many patients will present with symptoms and underlying conditions that involve multi- layers of physiologic dysregulation and these cases can be more complex and challenging.  Even after years of experience with bioidentical hormone treatments and working to balance neuroendocrine symptoms, difficult and complex cases continue to arise. The need for a more complete and deeper evaluation of the neuroendocrine system with the relationship between hormone imbalances and neurotransmitter fluctuations is evident.

At the conclusion of the weekend, participants will be able to identify the nuances of hormone balancing, the complex relationship between sex hormones, the HPA axis and neurotransmitters, and recognize the complicated symptom presentation that can result from these imbalances. Discussion will be heavily based on current research and actual clinical cases, including pitfalls of practice and clinical pearls from seasoned practitioners. Participants will gain additional clinical insight and treatment considerations to evaluate some of the most prevalent and challenging conditions that patients present with, including depression, anxiety, altered mental focus and stamina, sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbances, addictions and dependencies, weight management, and chronic disease.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Justify and apply appropriate laboratory testing for a variety of persistent health conditions and recall appropriate interpretation of results towards planning patient-specific intervention protocols.

2. Discuss the role and biochemistry of acute and chronic inflammation, and how inflammation can influence hormone and neurotransmitter secretion (as well as the effects various hormones and neurotransmitters have on inflammation).

3. Explore various obstacles to cure (blood sugar imbalance, stress, gluten sensitivity, microbiome, inflammation, etc.) that will be different for each patient.

4. Identify tools for accurate assessment and evaluation of each individual via clinical intake and state of the art testing, determine the benefits, risks and side effects of most commonly utilized conventional treatments, and compare natural, non-conventional therapies and advanced treatment protocols utilizing CAM protocols.

5. Recognize the anatomy of brain structure as it pertains to cravings and reward seeking, as well the neural circuitry and biomarkers involved in cravings, compulsions and addiction.

6. Identify tools for in-office assessment and evaluation which facilitates stabilization and optimization of brain biochemistry

7. Differentiate the types of insomnia and identify how to treat each potential root cause effectively without prescription sleeping pills.

8. Recognize the importance of progesterone, estriol, iodine and vitamin D deficiencies, and explore at length specifically how it pertains to physiology of the breast.

9. Evaluate the use of breast thermography as a stand-alone or adjunctive screening tool for breast cancer.

10. Identify the risks that estrogen overload poses to physiology, and review appropriate testing as well as treatment considerations in this population.

11. Utilize neuroendocrine testing to better assist chronic disease patients and implement treatments more effectively.