October 4th, 2019 - Day One


 
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2:00 - 2:30 PM

Neuroendocrine Concepts

Presented by Lylen Ferris, ND

Participants will assess and clarify foundational concepts in integrative medicine. These will include estrogen dominance and progesterone insufficiency, categories of progestogens, how dysglycemia affects androgen secretion, and an overview of best practices for ensuring quality neurotransmitter collection and testing. Clinical evidence for lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, will be presented.


Inflammation Nation: Assessment and Management for Chronic Disease States

Presented by Lylen Ferris, ND

Chronic inflammation is recognized as the underlying basis of a significant number of diseases, including asthma, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, stroke, cancer, autoimmunity, and various neurodegenerative disorders. It is increasingly recognized as an etiology of depression. Participants will be able to identify and assess the role chronic inflammation plays and recognize this significant obstacle to cure.  Participants will analyze treatment considerations which utilize proven nutraceutical options combined with BHRT, diet and lifestyle programs. This presentation will summarize an integrative approach in addressing inflammation, which has been shown to be effective both for short term and long term sustained improvement.

 
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2:30 - 3:30 PM


 
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4:00 - 5:00 PM

Advanced Neurotransmitter Foundations

Presented by Scott Theirl, DC

Neurotransmitters: How are they made?  How do they function? Where do they act?  Most importantly, how do neurotransmitter imbalances present clinically? Patient’s symptoms rarely stem from just one hormone or one neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters always interact with the endocrine and immune systems. Understanding the biochemical pathways and interconnectivity of neurotransmitters is critical before determining clinical applications.  After the completion of this course, participants will be able to assess neurotransmitter levels and understand interactions with adrenal and hormone profiles.  Important lifestyle approaches that can effect neurotransmitters and the nervous system stress response will be covered.

 

 

Case Studies Examining Common Clinical Presentations

Presented by Scott Theirl, DC

Attendees will identify how neurotransmitter imbalances can influence mental and physical symptoms including energy/stamina, mood, attention/cognition, and sleep.  Participants will be able to assess neurotransmitters and how to use testing to gain additional insight into metabolic pathways, shaping more individualized treatment interventions. Patterns seen in neurotransmitter testing in early, mid and late stage neuroadrenal/sympathetic fatigue will be discussed. Attendees will be able to identify and employ integrative treatment protocols which utilize proven nutraceutical options that may be combined with BHRT, diet and lifestyle programs.

 
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5:00 - 6:00 PM

 

October 5th, 2019 - Day Two


 
 
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8:00 - 9:00 AM

Perception, Past Trauma and Persistent Stress: Clinical Corrections for HPA Axis Dysfunction

Presented by Erin Lommen, ND

In the absence of other psychiatric diagnoses, adverse events in childhood can predict the plasticity (i.e. reactivity) of the diurnal cortisol curve for later adult life, which can also present as a precursor to many chronic diseases.  This intensive presentation will establish a deeper understanding of the HPA axis/adrenal glands, their pertinent laboratory markers, and interpretation of these diagnostics. Participants will assess the complexities of the HPA axis, its interwoven neurochemistry, and its regulation through the critical roles of melatonin, CRF and ACTH, in addition to cortisol and DHEA. This presentation will review researched treatment protocols as an option for complex cases of “adrenal fatigue.”

 

 

Cravings: Cracking the Neuroendocrine Code

Presented by Erin Lommen, ND

Laying a strong foundation for healing through neuroendocrine balancing is essential and will be discussed at length in this lecture. HPA axis/adrenal resilience, sex steroid optimization and balancing of the key neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, GABA and norepinephrine) involved in cravings will be outlined and examined.  This presentation will provide the tools for evaluation and interpretation of lab assessments to discover the root causes of cravings and behaviors. Participants will evaluate potential solutions and successful practices to correct imbalances through the employment of natural bio agents which are designed to reduce/eliminate cravings.

 
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9:00 - 10:00 AM

 

 
 
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10:30 - 11:30 AM

Addressing Common Complaints with Comprehensive Support for Women under 45

Presented by Robyn Kutka, ND

Peri-menopause can last 5-10 years for the average American woman. Women in their 30’s can often present with symptoms that sound like menopause. Add those together, and that’s a lot of symptomatic years for many women, essentially an epidemic of hormonally-imbalanced young women. Environmental influences (xenoestrogens, for example) and declining nutrition are, in part, responsible for this change. Participants will review appropriate laboratory assessments and diagnostic strategies to identify HPA Axis (adrenal), hormonal, and neurotransmitter imbalances. Additionally, this lecture will summarize advanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to ultimately change the course for these young women to elicit balanced and vibrant health throughout their reproductive years.

 

 

The Aging Man's Guide to Robust Health

Presented by Jay H Mead, MD

The focus for men’s hormone health is still primarily directed toward testosterone: its evaluation, monitoring and replacement.  Just as women need adequate amounts of testosterone, the male body also has a critical requirement for progesterone.  Progesterone is imperative for optimal functioning of the cardiovascular system, the nervous system, and of particular importance, prostate health.

 
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11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

 
 

The male endocrine system is made up of many hormones, and proper balance of the entire complement of these will keep cognitive, cardiovascular, urinary and sexual function working optimally through the latter decades. This lecture will examine the clinical presentation and appropriate assessment criteria for hormone balancing for men. Participants will be able to identify the pathophysiology of testosterone and progesterone’s effects on cardiovascular, neurological and glandular (prostate) tissue. This lecture will present treatment options including bioidentical hormone supplements, nutrition and botanical therapies.

 

 
 
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1:30 - 2:30 PM

Menopause Specialists: Expert Neuroendocrine Solutions for the Integrative Practitioner

Presented by Laura Neville, ND

In the United States, there are 11,000 Americans turning fifty every day. As the baby boomer population passes through mid-life and beyond, an unprecedented 6,000+ women are reaching menopause every day.

While hot flashes remain a top concern for menopausal women, there are as many as 30+ less obvious manifestations of menopause that can affect a woman’s quality of life.  From insomnia and joint pain to irritability, weight gain and anxiety, it is no longer enough for a practitioner to assume treatment for hot flashes will suffice. There ARE potential solutions to not only address symptoms, but also support foundational health, so that aging is vital, vibrant and invigorating.

 
 

This presentation will equip the functional medicine practitioner with advanced tools for expert optimization of adrenal, hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalance, providing treatment considerations that extend far beyond vasomotor symptom control for a lifetime to come.

 

 

Advanced Cases

Presented by Robyn Kutka ND and Erin Lommen, ND

Clinical theory is a wonderful thing, but the practice and application of that theory is where the rubber meets the road. Diving deep into real world clinical cases, participants will assess difficult symptom pictures, including intake, patient history and test results, as well as identify the in-depth questions that will lead to a more precise and tailored testing and treatment plan.  Pulling from a knowledge base of seasoned clinician’s private practices, providers will be able to obtain advanced treatment considerations, including bioidentical hormones, nutraceuticals, amino acids and lifestyle modifications, and review follow-up test results to learn how the patient responded to treatment, or if further evaluation and treatment is warranted.

 
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2:30 - 3:00 PM

 

 
 
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3:00 - 4:00 PM

(Part 1)

Estrogen Overload: When Things Get REALLY
Out of Balance
(Part 1 and 2)

Presented by Lara Williams, MD

In our environment, toxins and pollutants are discovered routinely in our food, water and air, and more and more women are being exposed to increasingly higher levels of estrogen.  Estrogen imbalance can affect women of all ages.  Symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, hot flashes and menstrual irregularities can all be manifestations of this issue.  Development of breast and uterine cancers are also observed in patients with higher estrogen levels. 

This presentation will dive into clinical scenarios where estrogen has overloaded the system.  Participants will understand how this can occur through disease processes, medications and everyday surroundings. 

Attendees will understand where estrogen comes from, including both internal and external sources. This presentation will review the mechanism by which the body breaks down and eliminates estrogen, and attendees will assess methods for hormonal testing and appropriate clinical applications.

Case presentations will be reviewed, in addition to didactics to learn how to identify these patients, the risks that estrogen overload poses to the system as well as treatment considerations (including diet, lifestyle, botanical and hormonal management) to assist integrative practitioners tackle these often-challenging cases.

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4:30 - 5:30 PM

(Part 2)

 
 

October 6th, 2019 - Day Three


 
 
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8:00 - 9:00 AM

Breast Health Innovations

Presented by Jay H Mead, MD

Separating fact from fiction when it comes to breast cancer can prove to be difficult. Diagnosis and treatment of cancer has become a “big business,” with many interests beyond just the health and well-being of each woman, propagating literature and media attention. It is imperative that physicians remain educated and poised to understand best practices for diagnostics and treatment, as breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women today.  However, a more complete understanding of breast cancer is needed. Is estrogen “bad?” Does it cause cancer? Participants will examine all three estrogens: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3) and the ratio between them (the Estrogen Quotient) as an independent risk marker. Additionally, participants will be able to identify the importance of estrogen in relation to progesterone as another critical risk preventative ratio, which can elucidate estrogens’ risk and promote an approach of prevention.

 
 

General confusion and controversy still exist regarding screening mammography guidelines and also about the safety and efficacy of hormone replacement therapy. This lecture will summarize safe and non-invasive diagnostic methods, such as Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging as well as effective strategies to detect breast lesions and tissue changes early, spurring action to prevent major issues (such as malignancy). Focus of the discussion will include guidelines for the supplementation of vitamin D, iodine, phyto-nutrients, estriol and progesterone.

 

 

Advanced Cases

Presented by Laura Neville ND, Lylen Ferris ND and Jay H Mead MD

Clinical theory is a wonderful thing, but the practice and application of that theory is where the rubber meets the road. Diving deep into real world clinical cases, participants will assess difficult symptom pictures, including intake, patient history and test results, as well as identify the in-depth questions that will lead to a more precise and tailored testing and treatment plan.  Pulling from a knowledge base of seasoned clinician’s private practices, providers will be able to obtain advanced treatment considerations, including bioidentical hormones, nutraceuticals, amino acids and lifestyle modifications, and review follow-up test results to learn how the patient responded to treatment, or if further evaluation and treatment is warranted.

 
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9:00 - 10:00 AM

 

 
 
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10:30 - 11:00 AM

Laboratory Research Update: Saliva, Urine and Serum

Presented by Lylen Ferris, ND

Treating patients successfully is every practitioner’s primary goal. Tools which poise us to be highly successful include physical examination, thorough clinical history and valid laboratory testing. For the integrative practitioner, these diagnostic needs are greater than in usual care, since patients may be more complex and can present with numerous chronic complaints and conditions. Laboratory testing helps provide clarity when properly understood: what to order, where to look, and how to interpret results.  Excellent results in hormone balancing therapies can be built upon the fingerprint of accurate, reliable and valid testing.  This presentation will examine the pros and cons of testing in serum, urine and saliva. Discover when and why to use saliva and when or why to use serum and the best uses of urinary specimens.

 

 

Sleep: Suspended Consciousness for Health Solutions for a Successful Night's Rest

Presented by Laura Neville, ND

Sleep is a naturally-occurring, reversible, periodic and recurring state in which consciousness and muscular activity is suspended. This all-important passive act is becoming threatened by modern lifestyle choices, with far-reaching consequences.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 30-40% of American adults say they have had some symptoms of insomnia in the past 6 months, and 10-15% of adults have chronic insomnia. People who suffer from sleep deprivation are 27% more likely to become overweight or obese. US industry loses about $150 billion each year due to sleep deprived workers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show that 100,000 vehicle accidents occur annually due to drowsy driving, resulting in an estimated 1,500 deaths each year. Sleep loss is associated with a higher incidence of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and there is an increased risk of breast cancer in shift workers.  A growing body of research links sleep issues with depression and suicide, and ADHD.

 
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11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

 
 

While it can be argued that sleep is among the most fundamental requirements for the healthy growth, development, and maintenance of the human brain, sleep health is a relatively new field of research.  However, research thus far has found that levels of hormones and neurotransmitters are directly tied to the sleep cycle and imbalances can have profound consequences.

In this presentation, we provide an overview of the current understanding of sleep: the science, the act of sleeping and its influences, sleep changes in relation to age, and the effects of lifestyle on sleep health. Attendees will review the epidemiology of insomnia – define statistics for insomnia in the US, including a history of sleep research to present. Participants will understand the consequences of poor sleep including commonly associated symptoms and possible sequelae, and recognize the structure, function and development of the brain in regard to sleep, including the impact of childhood sleep patterns on later sleep health. Participants will examine the various etiologies of poor sleep and the impact of blue light, and evaluate the roles of sex hormones, cortisol, melatonin and neurotransmitters in healthy sleep. Attendees will review assessment tools to evaluate sleep health and evaluate treatment options available to support this necessary and mysterious daily practice of suspended consciousness.