Dr. Dana Cohen Integrative Functional Holistic Medicine

The Pros and Cons of Supplements What are Supplements? Officially, the definition of a supplement is anything that contains a dietary ingredient that people take orally. Ingredients in supplements could include herbs, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and other substances needed to maintain optimum health. Some supplements are complex formulas of many of these ingredients. Others are one vitamin, mineral, or herb to cover a specific deficiency. Supplements are not required to obtain FDA approval as they are not considered treatments or cures of any disease. The labeling of the products is also not regulated by the FDA, but the marketing does come under scrutiny. It is possible for dangerous or ineffective supplemental products to stay available without intervention, so consumers should always discuss their safety and effectiveness with their medical providers. Certain brands, like Mediherb supplements, have remained a popular choice of medical professionals. Brands like these have been ...

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for Perimenopause and Menopause  One of the most challenging phases of life for many women is perimenopause and menopause. The biological changes can begin in the 40s, as hormone production in the body slowly decreases, but a gradually decreasing level of estrogen and progesterone typically kicks in around age 50. At this point, the body will begin to increase its production of FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, as compensation for the reduction of estrogen. However, the bump in FSH does not alleviate all the physical symptoms many women experiences as their body changes. Symptoms of Menopause  Some of the experiences commonly felt as menopausal changes begin are hot flashes, libido changes, breast tenderness, night sweats, and much more. Many women struggle to lose weight and may even gain weight despite a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Depression, anxiety, and mood swings can add to the frustration for many women. Menopause treatments to ...

Do I have Hypothyroidism?   Many people experience a variety of ailments that can cause them to feel concerned for their overall health. Annual health exams may not always pinpoint a problem. If a diet change or other lifestyle changes do not resolve the issues, it is time to look more deeply for the cause of the problem. Sometimes, the concerns people feel could be due to an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism is a health issue that often goes undiagnosed. Here is how to determine if you should speak to a doctor about screening for this condition. Understanding the Thyroid The thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, produces hormones that affect how the organs operate. The gland can affect every organ in the body. When the thyroid slows down its production of the hormones the body needs, it can slow the function of the organs. This slowdown causes a variety of changes in the system. An underproducing thyroid is a condition known as Hypothyroidism. Causes of Hypothyroidism...