We just can’t seem to get enough of hormone talk around here!

These posts and episodes are always some of the most-listened-to, and with good reason: These sneaky little suckers rule everything from our moods to our bodies.

So let’s do another round with functional medicine expert and founder of Nuvitru Wellness, Lahana Vigliano.

Read on to be informed, and check out all the episodes we’ve done about hormones and health below!

Q&A with a Functional Health Expert on the Connection Between Hormones and Whole-Body Health

Sonni: What do most women get wrong about their hormones, or what do you wish more women knew?

Lahana: Most women want to jump into hormonal health when really sex hormones are some of the last “dominos” to fall and they are really just reacting to the environment. And to actually achieve hormonal health, we need to address the foundational underlying things FIRST.

These things are gut health, stress/adrenal support, blood sugar balance, refining the right nutrition to the person like the right amount of foods + the right kinds of foods, etc. These things all have to be checked off first before bouncing into just sex hormone health. Sex hormones are testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, etc.

What are the nonnegotiable tests we need to get to the root of our health concerns?

I think micronutrient testing is non-negotiable to ensure you have all the vitamins + minerals that are needed for every cellular function! Being deficient in one thing, will always lead to a kink in the system.

Another test that is so crucial to take at least once in your life is a stool test. The gut is the foundation to many other health issues and to optimal health and even ABSORBING the right nutrients. We have to make sure gut health is smooth sailing!

Tell us a little bit about why the gut and hormones are so interconnected.

The gut has a community of microbes that can influence how we get rid of hormones after they’ve been processed through the liver. If there is an imbalance of bacteria or overgrowth in yeast or parasites that throw off the balance, we can have increased enzymes in the gut, like beta-glucuronidase, that reabsorbs hormones trying to leave the body. This will leave you with a hormonal imbalance.

We need to make sure we are getting rid of the hormones once they are utilized throughout the body.

What’s a good rule of thumb for a diet that nourishes us without being too restrictive?

For the average person, we need to focus on real, wholesome foods. These foods provide us with the things we need to function.

So, ask yourself these two questions, and if you can say “yes” to these questions, you most likely are eating a whole food:

1) Can you grow it? 2) Can you kill it? This is a wonderful starting point to be at [when it comes to choosing the right foods.]

What testing should we be doing for our thyroid?

Thyroid testing should include TSH; Total T4 + Total T3; Free T4; Free T3; Anti-TPO; Anti-TG,; and rT3.

These markers will give you a comprehensive look at your thyroid hormones, so that you know every step of the way from thyroid production to thyroid utilization. You can find more details here.

Tell us a little bit about what Nuvitru does that makes your services so unique.

Nuvitru Wellness is a company that helps women DIG for the answers. We don’t take, “It’s just genetic” or, “You have to do this medication” as an answer.

We stop the gaslighting that women get and help them understand that what they are feeling isn’t invisible; there is something going on.

The lab testing we do is very different from conventional medicine, so it’s more comprehensive and in depth to help piece together your health puzzle.

Our services are unique because we’re your #nutritionbesties, we are in it with you every step of the way. While we do virtual video meetings, you can also depend on us inbetween meetings inside our app!

Ask questions throughout your day and get weekly feedback from food logs, so you feel supported! We are passionate about getting women’s hormones on the right track and their digestion to feel amazing!