Overview

An Integrative Health approach to endocrine health focuses on the whole person, accounting for the power effects that glands like the thyroid, adrenals, and pancreas have on our health.  This approach builds on what matters most to each individual and draws in mindful awareness and self-care, along with conventional and complementary approaches.   Whether it is exploring ways to balance blood glucose, optimizing thyroid function, or discussing how dietary supplements might affect our hormones, an Integrative Health approach can be beneficial. 

As with care for all of the systems of the body, empowerment through self-care is key.  The Circle of Health highlights eight areas of self-care:  Surroundings; Personal Development; Nutrition; Recharge; Family Friends, & Co-Workers; Spirit & Soul; Mind and Emotions; and Physical Activity.  Using an example of an Integrative Health patient, this overview and related tools offer an array of options to consider.  More details for specific conditions, are available in various digestive health clinical tools.

Meet the Patient

Richard is a 62-year-old man who is following up in your office for discussion of abnormal labs detected on his physical exam two months ago.  He has not been to the doctor in several years and his fasting lab work demonstrated a blood glucose of 130, triglycerides of 260, high-density lipoprotein (HDL, “good” cholesterol) of 29, and a low-density lipoprotein (LDL, “bad” cholesterol) of 135.  His hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 6.7.  Other medical problems include obesity, with a body mass index (BMI) of 34, and borderline hypertension.  He has a history of alcohol use, but he quit drinking alcohol 5 years ago and does not smoke.  He is married and has three adult children. He is an avid outdoorsman.  He and his wife have been under significant financial stress over the past two years due to his unemployment, though he is about to start a new job at a local manufacturing plant.  Richard’s mother had diabetes and died of diabetic complications, and he wants to do whatever he can to avoid a similar course.  He understands he has diabetes and presents now for follow-up.  While he is willing to do all he can to treat early diabetes, he prefers to avoid medications if possible. 

Personal Health Inventory

On his Personal Health Inventory (PHI), Richard rates himself a 3 out of 5 for his overall physical well-being and a 4 for overall mental and emotional well-being.  When asked what matters most to him and why he wants to be healthy, Richard responds: