A Functional Approach to Balancing Hormones with Becky Murray

This episode of Conversations for Health features nurse practitioner Becky Murray.  Becky has been practicing functional medicine for over 25 years and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board at Designs for Health. Becky practices at The Institute for Hormonal Balance and is a member of various organizations including Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), American College for the Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (AIHM), and Age Management Medicine Group (AMMG).   Becky focuses on the functions that are designed to lead to even greater health. She expounds on the three key  hormones that can sabotage weight loss goals, the importance of high quality sleep, and the personal experiences that led her away from traditional medicine and into the functional medicine approach that has changed her personal life and the lives of those she works with.    I'm your host Evelyn Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.   Key Takeaways:   [1:15] The most common health problems Becky encounters in her practice.  [3:30] Dietary recommendations for blood sugar monitoring and insulin resistance.  [7:40] The role of estrogen metabolites in optimal health.  [12:23] Cortisol level spikes reflect stress and highlight gut health.  [16:38] Thyroid antibodies, dietary changes, and asymptomatic diagnoses.  [24:35] Becky's personal experience with functional medicine.  [25:12] Sleep disruptors including vaginal health and hormone levels.  [28:10] Adrenal response and the importance of high quality sleep. [32:05] Becky's top three supplements, her personal health practices, and the traditional medicine approach that she has changed her mind about.    Episode Resources:   Becky Murray   Design for Health Resources:   Designs for Health    Blog: Berberine's Potential to Support Heart Health and Blood Sugar Metabolism   The Association Between Stress and Hot Flashes   Blog: Dim Estrogen Dominance with DIM   Blog: Phytoestrogens to Help Diminish Mild Hot Flashes   Blog: Recent Systematic Review Investigates Relationship Between Selenium Supplementation and Ovarian Health   Blog: Selenium: Critical Support for Thyroid Function   Webinar: The Impact of Hormones in Women's Immune Health with Felice Gersh, MD   Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.