Women have as many healthcare needs as men, if not more, but sadly, traditional Western medicine has a long history of neglecting them.
Even more unfortunate is that this pattern continues to put women at risk.
Western Medicine and Women
In “conventional” medicine, diagnosing illness relies heavily on lab tests that offer measurable pathologies. When these indicators fail to provide definitive answers, many women are told that their symptoms are “all in their head” and are often directed to seek mental health services.
This does not mean that blood tests are useless; quite the contrary. It’s just that there are so many variables when it comes to women’s health, and too many health professionals aren’t willing to make the additional effort necessary to understand the root of their female patients’ physical complaints.
Thankfully, some doctors are more aware of their colleagues’ less-than-compassionate and counterproductive mentality and are taking steps to rectify this imbalance in the medical community.
Still, for the most part, women’s health concerns are not taken as seriously as men’s, and they often need to take matters into their own hands, which, ironically, may have a silver lining. The unintended benefits of women seeking other options when their doctors can’t offer effective treatments include exploring more holistic methods to address their health concerns.
Alternative Medicine
Many women are turning to alternative medicine for relief. This approach involves using supplements like vitamins and herbs and some Eastern medicine practices like acupuncture and other less conventional methods to address their health issues.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, some natural remedies and mind-body practices can help relieve the following common women’s health issues:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding – Ginger is often used as a home remedy for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, but taking over 1 gram (1,000 mg) is not recommended. Gentle yoga may reduce anxiety, stress, and depression and is beneficial during pregnancy if no contraindicated condition exists.
Ginger, turmeric, and fenugreek may help increase milk production, but breastfeeding mothers should use caution with the dosages as they may cause gas and other unwanted effects in their babies if too much is consumed. When considering dietary supplements during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, talk to your obstetrician and pediatrician for advice on their safe use.
- Urinary tract infections – By now, most women understand the benefits of cranberry to help relieve or prevent recurrent UTIs and garlic as a natural antibiotic. However, urinary tract infections can be dangerous and lead to kidney infections if not adequately treated.
- Menopause – Herbs and supplements such as red clover, black cohosh, and soy have helped some menopausal women reduce hot flashes. While herbs and supplements are considered “natural,” that doesn’t mean they are harmless. These products should only be used under a trusted doctor’s supervision because women with certain conditions or who take too much may risk liver damage. Tai chi, yoga, acupuncture, and hypnosis, may also reduce menopause symptoms and don’t carry any risks of toxicity.
- Osteoporosis – Red clover and soy isoflavone mixtures can benefit bone health in older women, but insufficient research has been conducted, which may be due to the resistance of many scientists to promote natural methods over pharmaceuticals and, of course, the lack of interest in women’s health.
There are drawbacks to self-care with herbs and supplements because, like pharmaceuticals, they can have unwanted effects. However, there are many benefits as well.
For women, finding a balance between conventional and alternative medicine with a team of knowledgeable providers can be the key to achieving positive changes in their health. That’s where integrative medicine comes in.
Holistic and Integrative Medicine
Under a qualified medical doctor’s care, women can receive a combination of healthcare solutions tailored to meet their individual needs (holistic care). Some of the treatments and benefits offered in this setting include the following:
- Intravenous (IV) therapy – This preventive and anti-aging treatment optimizes cell health for the following benefits:
- Enhanced mental and physical well-being
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Added immune system support and improved healing ability
- Increased energy and libido
- Weight loss and improved sports performance
- Faster recovery after a medical procedure
- Detoxification from internal and environmental toxins
- Increased stamina
- Bioidentical hormone therapy – Hormone imbalances commonly cause physical and emotional distress in women, and traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lead to dangerous consequences. Bioidentical hormone therapy is a safe, effective alternative and can include:
- Estrogen therapy
- Testosterone therapy
- Thyroid therapy
- Human growth hormone and peptide therapy
- Adrenal fatigue therapy
- DHEA therapy
These hormone therapies have anti-aging, metabolic, energy-improving, and mood-enhancing qualities for the holistic treatment of menopausal symptoms and chronic fatigue.
- DiVa® laser vaginal therapy – The diVa® laser is a safe and comfortable treatment option that takes only three to five minutes per session to improve sexual function, sensitivity, dryness, painful intercourse, and urinary incontinence without surgery.
- NAD therapy – If you haven’t heard about the benefits of NAD, you’ll want to know all about how this coenzyme can help your body gain the strength and energy needed to function correctly. NAD deficiency causes fatigue and reduced cognitive function (brain fog), which may be mild, moderate, or debilitating.
Medically Supervised Integrative Healthcare for Women in Miami, FL
Dr. Leonard Hochstein is a well-known Miami plastic surgeon who doesn’t believe women should take a back seat in healthcare. Under his oversight, Hochstein Medspa provides holistic and integrative health services for women’s wellness in Miami, Florida.
In addition to all the therapies mentioned above, Hochstein Medspa offers the following treatments:
- PRP for hair loss
- Ozempic® for weight loss
- Digestive health
- Restful sleep
- Cardiometabolic and cancer testing
To take back control over your well-being and receive compassionate medical treatment and holistic care in Miami, call (305) 931-3338 today.