Alopecia areata is a condition characterised by hair loss which may occur anywhere over the body, however it primarily affects the scalp. Patches of hair loss are experienced and the cause of the problem is unknown. Naturopathically addressing nutritional deficiencies is recommended as well as immunity, hormonal imbalances and sluggish liver function. In Chinese Medicine […]

The presence of excessive bodily and facial hair in females is often called hirsutism. Hirsutism may develop in children or adults as the result of androgen excess due to tumors or due to the increased production of androgen in the adrenals which affect the female reproductive organs with a masculine influence. CAUSES OF HIRSUTISM There […]

The herb Tribulus terrestris has gained popularity of the past decade as a herbal medicine used by sports people to increase energy, stamina and endurance. It was used in Ancient Greece and India as a restorative or physical rejuvenation tonic. In China it is used for conditions affecting the kidneys, liver, immune and cardiovascular systems. […]

Menopause depends on a complex network of hormonal communications between the ovary, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland in the brain. The hypothalamus secretes gondadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which triggers the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary gland. The FSH then stimulates the growth of the egg follicles in the ovaries to trigger ovulation. As the egg […]

Testosterone is a male steroid sex hormone (androgen) which is produced in the testes and in smaller amounts in the adrenals. Its production is stimulated and controlled by luteinizing hormone (LH), which is manufactured in the pituitary gland. Testosterone works within a negative feedback mechanism: as testosterone increases, LH decreases, whereas increased LH causes decreased […]

Every month after menstruation the body begins to rebuild oestrogen levels in the form of oestradiol (the active form of oestrogen). Some oestradiol is converted to a weaker oestrogen called oestrone.  Oestradiol and oestrone are then secreted into the bloodstream and travel to oestrogen sensitive cells to stimulate cell growth.  Peak oestrogen levels are found […]