Hormones
Hormones can be a very complicated and complex mix of assessments, labs, and body systems involved that can create a global cascade of neuroendocrine imbalances. Utilizing her expertise and training in Neuro-Endocrine and Functional Medicine, Dr. Melissa focuses on addressing the root cause of your specific hormone imbalances.
A very key difference in her work is including your adrenal function and adrenal hormone output in its role in creating global hormone imbalance, inflammation, and hormone conversions that lead to common hormone imbalances and endocrine disorders.
What is Hormone Testing?
- Our natural and “root cause” focused services at Healthy Being Wellness Center often require us to run a series of test to help evaluate and identify the root cause of hormone imbalance, weight gain, metabolic syndrome, high cortisol levels, metabolic stress, thyroid dysfunction, and other endocrine-related imbalances.
- We order saliva and hormone testing through ZRT Laboratories and provide both alternative treatments for hormonal problems as well as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
- These Saliva Tests are very simple, at-home tests that are mailed to the lab. Results are provided in as few as 4-5 business days.
How does saliva testing work?
We test the following seven hormones in saliva:
- Estradiol (E2)
- Estrone (E1)
- Estriol (E3)
- Progesterone (Pg)
- Testosterone (T)
- DHEA-S
- Cortisol (C)
ZRT’s at-home test kits include everything you need for collection. We provide you with the kit in our center. When your sample has been collected, return the filled tube(s) with the completed paperwork in the pre-addressed, pre-paid packaging and mailer bag provided with the kit. Once ZRT has received your sample, results will be returned to you and/or your health care provider in approximately 5 to 7 business days.
How accurate is saliva testing compared to blood and urine testing?
Saliva testing has been used in scientific testing for decades and has been shown to be highly accurate. It is the most reliable way to measure free, bioavailable hormone activity — those hormones actually doing their job at the cell level.
Standard blood and urine tests do not measure bioavailable hormone levels. Numerous scientific studies have shown a strong correlation between the levels of steroid hormones in the bloodstream and the bioavailable levels of steroid hormones in saliva. The World Health Organization has used this method of hormone testing in worldwide comparisons of hormone levels among women living in industrialized vs. non-industrialized countries.
Saliva hormone testing more accurately reflects tissue uptake and response of hormones delivered through the skin in creams, gels, or patches than blood or urine tests.
Which saliva tests will give me a comprehensive picture of my hormone levels?
The basic panel, Female/Male Saliva Profile I, includes estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S, and cortisol. This will give you an overall sense of hormonal balance or imbalance as these five hormones work closely together.
Female/Male Saliva Profile II provides a more comprehensive idea of hormonal interactions. Of the four tubes included in this kit, two are used: one large tube for testing all the hormones of the basic panel (Female/Male Saliva Profile I discussed above), and a smaller tube for collecting a cortisol sample at bedtime as well. This panel is recommended for those with mild to moderate symptoms of fatigue, stress, sleep disturbance, allergies, and food cravings.
With severe symptoms, Female/Male Saliva Profile III, the most comprehensive of our saliva panels, is recommended. This test analyzes complete adrenal function by testing cortisol levels throughout the day. The Female/Male Saliva Profile III test kit contains four tubes, one large tube for testing all the hormones of the basic panel in the morning, and three small tubes for noon, evening, and bedtime collections of cortisol.
Should I test estriol and/or estrone?
Since estradiol is the more predominant and potent of the estrogens, this is the most commonly measured estrogen in testing. We recommend testing for estriol and/or estrone when you are supplementing with these hormones.
Naturopathic Hormone Services
Book an appointment with Dr. Melissa Gallagher
- ALL Virtual services will take place via Zoom. Appointments are recorded and you will be provided with the recording after your appointment.
- Please fill out as much detail as you would like to communicate for Dr. Melissa to prepare for your appointment.
- You can attach more recent labs via the attachment option. Any more than one lab will need to be emailed to Dr. Melissa within 24 hours of your appointment.
How much do Naturopathic Services Cost with Dr. Melissa Gallagher?
60 min. Virtual Initial Naturopathic Consultation
1 hour @ $295.00
30 min. Virtual Initial Naturopathic Consultation
30 minutes @ $175.00
60 Min. Virtual Follow-up Naturopathic Consultation
1 hour @ $295.00
A follow-up, “checking in” consultation with Dr. Melissa. Review existing plans, regroup and tweak as necessary to continue your optimal wellness plan.
30 Min. Virtual Follow-up Naturopathic Consultation
30 minutes @ $175.00
A follow-up, “checking in” consultation with Dr. Melissa. Review existing plans, regroup and tweak as necessary to continue your optimal wellness plan.
Lab Tests for Hormone Health
Adrenal Stress Profile: Cortisol Saliva Test 4 Panel
Recommended with chronic stress, fatigue, sleep disturbances, allergies and/or lowered immunity; an indicator of adrenal imbalance. Tests adrenal hormones DHEA-S and diurnal cortisol (morning, noon, evening, nighttime). (Saliva Test)
Cortisol Adrenal Response Kit (6 panel)
In order to assess the response capacity of the HPA axis, this test includes 6 small saliva tubes for collecting samples at waking, 30 mins after, 60 minutes after, noon, evening, and night.
Cortisol Saliva Test 4 panel (saliva test kit)
Recommended with situational stress and fatigue; an indicator of adrenal imbalance. Tests morning, noon, evening, and nighttime Cortisol.
Sleep Balance Test
The industry’s most accurate sleep-wake cycle testing reveals whether hormones are your hidden barrier to restful sleep. Measures cortisol and melatonin in dried urine at 4 time points – providing a true 24-hour sleep-wake pattern.
Comprehensive Thyroid Profile
Thyroid function can be affected by many factors, including nutritional deficiencies and environmental exposure to certain elements. This profile is designed to help evaluate elemental exposure and thyroid hormone synthesis.
Essential Thyroid Profile
This is a blood spot test for: TSH, Free T3, Free T4 and TPOab
Weight Management Profile
The Weight Management Profile detects hormonal imbalances, thyroid and Vitamin D deficiencies linked to weight gain, obesity, and difficulty maintaining weight.
Comprehensive Male Hormone Profile
(Saliva/Blood) (9 Hormones) Assesses gonadal, adrenal, and thyroid hormones. Saliva: Estradiol (E2), Testosterone (T), DHEA-S (DS), Diurnal 4x Cortisol (Cx4) Blood spot: Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), TSH, fT3, fT4, TPO
Comprehensive Male Hormone Profile + Vitamin D
(Saliva/Blood) (9 Hormones) Assesses gonadal, adrenal, and thyroid hormones. Saliva: Estradiol (E2), Testosterone (T), DHEA-S (DS), Diurnal 4x Cortisol (Cx4) Blood spot: Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), TSH, fT3, fT4, TPO + Vitamin D
Comprehensive Female Hormone Profile
Assesses gonadal, adrenal, and thyroid hormones. Includes saliva: E2, Pg, T, DS, Diurnal 4x Cortisol; and blood spot: TSH, fT3, fT4, TPO
Comprehensive Female Hormone Profile + Vitamin D
Assesses gonadal, adrenal, and thyroid hormones. Includes saliva: E2, Pg, T, DS, Diurnal 4x Cortisol; and blood spot: TSH, fT3, fT4, TPO + Vitamin D
Female Hormones + Cortisol Test
Assesses gonadal, adrenal, and thyroid hormones. Includes saliva: E2, Pg, T, DS, Diurnal 4x Cortisol; and blood spot: TSH, fT3, fT4, TPO + Cortisol Test
Fertility Profile
Assesses hormones associated with fertility. Includes blood spot: E2, Pg, T, SHBG, DS, TSH, fT3, fT4, TPO, FSH, LH; saliva: Diurnal 4x Cortisol.
Menstrual Cycle Mapping
This detailed, multi-point map provides a complete picture of a woman’s levels over the course of one menstrual cycle resulting in the ability to create more precise treatment plans. Tests include estrogen (E1G), progesterone (PDG), and Luteinizing Ho
The Prostate Fix – $9.95
An easy-to-follow step-by-step healing guide that outlines 4 important steps to take in transforming the state of your prostate health. Focused on the root causes of prostate inflammation, hormonal imbalances, stress, and cellular inflammation.
- Poor Lymphatic Health
- Cellular/Systemic Inflammation
- Estrogen Dominance
- Imbalanced Cortisol Hormone
Learn daily – step-by-step ways to transform the state of your prostate health. Focused on the root causes of prostate inflammation, hormonal imbalances, stress, and cellular inflammation.
This in-depth protocol includes a daily supplement list, daily body care, and recommendation to reduce excess estrogen exposure that is harmful to your body and your prostate.
PCOS Healing Protocol – $9.99
An in-depth full body system balancing protocol. 12 pages of detailed healing protocols to resolve multiple system imbalances to heal PCOS. From daily dietary to supplementation tips & ways to address the frustrating complex symptoms. This works!
Welcome to Dr. Melissa’s personal and professional step-by-step healing guide for ALL women of ALL ages dealing with PCOS and trying to manage the various frustrating and complex symptoms of PCOS.
Dr. Melissa healed her own body of androgenic dominance, cystic ovaries, high stress, poor sleep, and infertility.
This is unlike any other PCOS protocol and will have life changing impact for all those who follow this fully.
Natural Endometriosis Treatment Protocol – $14.95
A comprehensive treatment protocol for endometriosis healing. A step-by-step – day-by-day treatment protocol to ease endometriosis pain and resolve cell proliferation. Includes hormone balancing, dietary recommendations, herbal therapy & DIY care.
An in-depth, functional medicine-focused protocol to address the underlying causes of hormonal imbalances, systemic inflammation, immune regulation, and pain from endometriosis.
By following the 5 steps of my natural endometriosis protocol, you will begin to create a balanced hormone and immune system to resolve the inflammation that causes endometrial cell proliferation.
This comprehensive protocol includes:
- A list of Healing Protocol tools
- A detailed – step by step -Daily Care Protocol (dosing instructions)
- Before & During Period Pain Management
- Scar & Adhesion Reduction Protocol
- Estrogen & Chemical Detoxification Plan
- Endometriosis Preventing Super Smoothie Recipe
- Immune Sytem Regulation Plan
- Daily Therapeutic Care Plan
- DIY Body Care Guide
- Inflammation Reduction Resource List
General Thyroid Healing Protocol – $24.99
A step-by-step way for you to tackle the most impactful ways to keep your thyroid optimally balanced and working to support you and your lifestyle.
An excellent maintenance and optimizing plan to keep your thyroid healthy. This is why I’ve created a step by step way for you to tackle the most impactful areas of thyroid imbalances to see resolution and healing in your body like I did mine.
- Proven Effectiveness
- Easy to follow – step-by-step plan
- Monthly Protocol
- Supplementation
- Key Reflexology Point that Heals Thyroid
- Checklists
- 3 months – Supportive, Balancing, Energizing
- Daily, Weekly & Monthly Therapeutic Care
Hypothyroid Healing Protocol – $24.99
A step-by-step way for you to tackle the most impactful areas of thyroid imbalances to see resolution and healing. 3-month plan to tackle supplementation, diet, body care & therapeutic healing tips. Hypothyroidism can seem like an impossible diagnosis. You might feel alone, stuck, and frustrated. I know those feelings all too well and can totally relate to your experience. This is why I’ve created a step-by-step way for you to tackle the most impactful areas of thyroid imbalances to see resolution and healing in your body as I did mine.
- Proven Effectiveness
- Monthly Protocol
- Supplementation
- Key Reflexology Point that Heals Thyroid
- Checklists
- 3 months – Supportive, Balancing, Energizing
- Daily, Weekly & Monthly Therapeutic Care
Hyperthyroid Healing Protocol – $24.99
An effective and step-by-step way for you to tackle the most impactful areas of thyroid imbalances to see resolution and healing in your body. Hyperthyroidism can seem like an impossible diagnosis. You might feel alone, stuck, and frustrated. I know those feelings all too well and can totally relate to your experience. This is why I’ve created a step-by-step way for you to tackle the most impactful areas of thyroid imbalances to see resolution and healing in your body as I did mine.
- Proven Effectiveness
- Monthly Protocol
- Supplementation
- Key Reflexology Point that Heals Thyroid
- Checklists
- 3 months – Supportive, Balancing, Energizing
- Daily, Weekly & Monthly Therapeutic Care
Hashimoto’s Healing Protocol – $24.99
An easy-to-follow, step-by-step way for you to tackle the most impactful areas of thyroid imbalances to see resolution and healing. Includes checklists, monthly plan, and key tips.
Hashimoto’s can seem like an impossible diagnosis. You might feel alone, stuck, and frustrated. I know those feelings all to well and can totally relate to your experience. This is why I’ve created a step-by-step way for you to tackle the most impactful areas of thyroid imbalances to see resolution and healing in your body as I did mine.
- Proven Effectiveness
- Easy to follow – a step-by-step plan
- Monthly Protocol
- Supplementation
- Key Reflexology Point that Heals Thyroid
- Checklists
- 3 months – Supportive, Balancing, Energizing
- Daily, Weekly & Monthly Therapeutic Care
Master Classes to Support Hormones
Surviving Menopause Master Class – 75min- $24.99 USD
YOU CAN SURVIVE PERI-MENOPAUSE & MENOPAUSE! Ease your transition into peri-menopause and menopause with the health gems in this course! Gain hormone health SOLUTIONS you deserve so you can live your healthiest, happiest life!
COURSE INCLUDES:
- 75 min live video
- Special course-specific discounts
- Workbook Add On
- The key to hormonal balance!
Become the Master of Your Hormones- $24.99 USD
Stop letting your hormones run/ruin your life! Together we will get them under control!
- Discover why your hormones are imbalanced.
- Uncover the ROOT CAUSES behind your symptoms that your OB/GYN is NOT telling you.
- Learn how to manage your unique hormone imbalance.
- Identify what lifestyle choices and everyday products are wreaking havoc on your hormones.
- Master the natural approach to getting back in balance
- Walk away with specific nutrition & supplementation recommendations.
You Can Fix Your Prostate! -$24.99 USD
Learn how to TRANSFORM and REVERSE the state of your prostate, elevated PSA levels, and lower prostatitis inflammation with the health gems in this course! Gain prostate health SOLUTIONS you deserve so you can live your healthiest, happiest life!
- How to REVERSE assorted symptoms of prostate imbalance.
- Ways to PREVENT multiple late-night wake-ups to urinate only a trickle.
- RESTORE your virility, energy, and optimal urine flow.
- ID underlying common & uncommon causes of prostate inflammation.
- The IDEAL prostate diet that eases symptoms like straining to urinate, burning pain at the end of urine flow, lower pelvic discomfort, and overall stress/anxiety.
- How to CONTROL key male hormones that cause an assortment of prostate and sexual health dysfunction.
- ACTIONS you can take to lower PSA levels and reduce prostate size.
- Walk away with SPECIFIC nutrition & supplementation recommendations.
Course Includes:
- 60 min live video with open Q&A session with live class participants.
- Special course-specific discounts
- Workbook Add On
- The key to prostate healing!
Full-Length Courses to Support Hormone Health
The Ultimate Guide to Optimal Breast Health
Heal Breast Tissue, Balance Hormones, and Transform Your Health. In 2020 alone, 2.3 million women worldwide received a breast cancer diagnosis. In the last five years, we have seen numbers climb to 7.8 million, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer, according to the World Health Organization.
No matter what your experience with breast health has been, if you’re looking for answers you are in the right place. And you’re definitely not alone.
STOP Heavy Periods NOW | How to Get Rid of Heavy Menstrual Cycle, Heavy Bleeding & Heavy Clotting – Supplements for heavy periods
Unfortunately, heavy periods are a way of life for some. While some people have light bleeding for a few days, with barely any pain, others suffer from heavy cramps and bad bleeding. For a small percentage, it can even go beyond that. According to Natural Womanhood,...
6 Things Your Gynecologist Is Not Telling You That You Need To Know
There are various problems that can occur alongside hormonal imbalances, like weight gain, weight loss, mood swings, infertility and more. As a naturopathic therapist I like to focus on natural health and wellness for my patients to reach their optimal health goals....
Symptoms of a Thyroid Problem in Females – What Your Doctor is Missing in Treating Thyroid Imbalance
Thyroid imbalance impacts millions of individuals around the world. In fact, living with a thyroid imbalance was one of the main reasons I became a naturopathic physician. I’ve managed my own thyroid issues for 15 years. I encounter patients suffering from thyroid...
Benefits of Castor Oil Pack Therapy
Castor oil is extracted from castor beans called Ricinus. This is one of the most ancient of medicinal remedies and is quite a powerful therapy for a multitude of reasons. Castor oil therapy has been used as far back as ancient Egypt to cure a variety of diseases and...
How to Reduce Hot Flashes Naturally: Hot Flashes
Getting hot flashes is how your body communicates with you, giving you red flag notifications that there is some imbalance going on within your body. This often happens to women in Menopause but it could also plague the majority of pregnant women. Usually, when we...