Chronic Fatigue/Insomnia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Chronic fatigue is long standing severe fatigue without substantial muscle weakness and without proven psychological or physical causes. Fatigue is associated with almost every pathology or disease. It is important that a lot of the causes of fatigue be ruled out before giving someone the diagnosis of “chronic fatigue”.

A person with chronic fatigue syndrome doesn’t experience severe improvement from rest or sleep. In conventional medicine, it is stated the exact cause of chronic fatigue is unknown. Some physicians speculate that it is Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) or inflammation of nervous system but no specific virus or cause has been identified at this time.

 

Some examples of pathologies with fatigue that should be ruled out first are:

• anemia
• endocrine disorders (diabetes, hypothyroidism etc.)
• muscle disorders
• nerve disorders
• auto-immune diseases

The main symptoms of CFS are:

• severe fatigue greater than six months
• fatigue that impairs daily functioning
•  worse up to 24 hours after exercise
• headaches
• muscle aches
• impaired short term memory
• sore throats

Different physicians may treat CFS in a variety of ways. Some physicians prescribe anti-virals like acyclovir. Some physicians use amantadine which is a treatment for Parkinson diseases and influenza A virus. Some physicians refer the patient for psychological therapy, because they believe the fatigue is due to depression.

No laboratory test can be used to confirm the diagnosis of chronic fatigue. A great deal of patients present to medical office to be treated for headaches or muscle aches. Most of the patients will have the diagnosis of fibromyalgia instead of chronic fatigue syndrome.

At Global Integrative Medicine, PLLC if a patient presents with the symptoms of severe fatigue, first we rule out any other major disorder that may have fatigue associated with it. If the person comes with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia diagnosis from another doctor then a detailed medical history and intake is taken. On the initial visit the patient will spend one hour WITH the doctor discussing the person’s health and lifestyle. Each person is different and has unique living circumstances so the treatment is tailored the patient. Some of the patients may have adrenal insufficiency where they have been living with long term low levels of stress that have taxed their body. After treatment a lot of the patients say “I feel like my old self again”. Other patients may have an allergy where they are eating something everyday that they are allergic to which causes the patient to stay in a state of constant inflammation. In that case the person may be given a food allergy panel and given alternative to that food source etc. Another person may have a hormone that is imbalanced that was mistakenly overlooked by the previous healthcare personnel.  In that case the patient may obtain a hormonal panel. Others may need assistance with lifestyle management. For example, a person who works two jobs may have to learn to take short breaks throughout the day to “recharge” and supplement their body with more nutrients due to the increased demands placed on the body.

If you are person suffering from severe fatigue and given the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia many wonderful options are available at GIM besides medications. Some of the treatments available are but are limited to nutritional counseling and supplementation, life style change, specialty labs to help identify the cause of the fatigue, bio-identical hormone therapy and much more.

If you are suffering from severe fatigue give yourself permission to take a break today even if it is for just a few minutes. Take a walk in the park or a warm bubble bath or whatever allows you to relax. Realize there is hope for your condition and many excellent treatments exist with alternative therapies to help improve or even eliminating your fatigue.

Wishing you much health and happiness,

 

 

Dr. Matesa Pringle is a naturopathic physician who practices in Mesa, Arizona. She employs alternative medicine as well as traditional medicine and serves the East Valley cities of Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Phoenix, and even has some patients who travel from the West Valley!

 

Disclaimer:  The information on this site regarding medical conditions is presented for general informational purposes only.  It does not describe all available treatments. The information presented should not be used as a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician.  Neither Global Integrative Medicine, PLLC, nor Dr. M. Pringle, assumes liability for anyone using information on this site.  By using this site, you agree not to rely solely on any of the information for medical treatment. We strongly encourage you to see a licensed physician, such as Dr. M. Pringle or another of your choosing, and adhere to the physician’s recommended protocol first and foremost.

 

Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Is your hair thinning? Do you fear that soon you may need a wig or extensions? Perhaps you have already resorted to using artificial hair due to lack of growth of your own hair.  Trust me:  I understand what it is to have your hair fall out in the sink and not have a clue why. Is it stress?  Is it a vitamin deficiency?  What is going on? I went through a time when my own hair started to fall out.  It happened during medical school.  I went to a salon and asked the cosmetologist for advice.  Her recommendation was to get hair plugs surgery.  It was not an acceptable answer to me. As I sat in the salon, I saw many women getting extensions. I began to think of my friends and family members who had experienced the embarrassment of hair loss.  I internalized a desire to effectively treat hair loss in the future. Over time, I figured out the cause of my personal hair loss.  I then forgot about the topic.

This changed one day when I had a patient come in.  She had seen me lecture at a seminar on a different topic. She begged me to treat her hair loss. I expressed reservations, but she was adamant in her belief I could help her. She complained about her cosmetologist:  “She’s making my hair fall out!”  She had recently relocated to Arizona and thought it was due to her stylist’s lack of knowledge.   However, after a detailed intake was performed, it turned out to be a hormonal imbalance. Suitable treatment was prescribed.  After a few visits, her hair had grown back and she continued seeing her stylist. Her stylist was grateful for being able to keep her as a client and started to refer patients to me for hair loss.  Soon I was being requested to do seminars on hair loss.

I do not use any particular product, nor do I treat each patient identically.  Hair loss can be caused by a number of different reasons, such as hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, external damage, genetics, circulatory problems, etc.  Consequently, during an initial visit with a hair loss patient, I spend a great deal of time trying to determine the “root cause” of the person’s hair loss.  I then devise a treatment protocol the patient can actually adhere to.  Varieties of tools exist in natural medicine to stimulate the growth of hair.  Some of the treatments are acupuncture, hormonal testing, scalp treatments, etc.

Whatever the cause of your hair loss, whether due to cancer treatments, hormonal imbalances or other conditions, I strongly encourage you to consider natural treatments for the regrowth of your own hair.  I have experienced significant success with female patients who were losing hair.  However, if treatment is not something you desire at this time, I encourage you to know “you are not your hair.”  You are a beautiful being and your beauty radiates from your inner self.  However, more than the cosmetic concern, it should be noted that hair loss can be an indicator of an underlying pathology that needs to be identified to prevent other more serious health issues.  For example: hypothyroidism causes hair loss, but other more serious effects are weight gain, coldness, constipation and severe fatigue. Again, I encourage you to take care of your body and it will take care of you.

Wishing you lots of health and beauty from the inside that radiates outwards,

Dr. Matesa Pringle is a naturopathic physician who practices in Mesa, Arizona. She employs alternative medicine as well as traditional medicine and serves the East Valley cities of Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Phoenix, and even has some patients who travel from the West Valley!

Disclaimer:  The information on this site regarding medical conditions is presented for general informational purposes only.  It does not describe all available treatments. The information presented should not be used as a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician.  Neither Global Integrative Medicine, PLLC, nor Dr. M. Pringle, assume liability for anyone using information on this site.  By using this site, you agree not to rely solely on any of the information for medical treatment. We strongly encourage you to see a licensed physician, such as Dr. M. Pringle or another of your choosing, and adhere to the physician’s recommended protocol first and foremost.

 

 

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism also known as underactive thyroid. It is characterized by lots of symptoms. Some of the most prevalent being fatigue, intolerance to cold, weight gain (despite exercise and diet changes), joint edema, hair loss, depression and many more. On routine yearly labs, doctors usually test TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to diagnose hypothyroidism as well as gather a good medical history. Unfortunately the “normal range” for TSH on labs is from 0.4-4.5 so it is a large range of what is considered normal. Some people may test within that range and go undiagnosed with hypothyroidism although they exhibit symptoms. Others are diagnosed but experience horrible side effects from the standard medications prescribed.

I have treated several patients who had hypothyroidism, Depending on the life changes they are willing to make, they may be able to have optimal TSH levels without being on medication. Others have a very low dose of thyroid. Each patient is genetically different and has different degrees of flexibility in their willingness to make lifestyle changes. For some people it is an iodide absorption issue in the digestive tract.

If you have been expressing depression, inability to tolerate cold, unexplained weight gain, constipation or even diarrhea then maybe you should consider being treated for hypothyroidism. If your body temperature runs lower than normal then you should strongly consider thyroid testing.

At Global Integrative Medicine we prefer a natural approach. We will try to find the “cause” of your underactive thyroid. If the issue isn’t resolved we explore natural herbal treatments and in some cases, natural thyroid tablets. So if you are having problems with your synthroid, cytomel etc. maybe you should consider natural treatments for your thyroid.

Wishing you health and happiness!

 

Dr. Matesa Pringle is a naturopathic physician who practices in Mesa, Arizona. She practices alternative medicine as well as traditional medicine and serves the East Valley cities of Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Phoenix, and even has some patients who travel from West Valley!

 

Disclaimer: The information on this site regarding medical conditions is presented for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered exhaustive and doesn’t contain all available treatments. The information here should not be used as a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician. Global Integrative Medicine, PLLC or Dr. M. Pringle assumes no liability for anyone using information on this site but is not under the care of a medical professional. By using this site you agree not to rely solely on any of the information contained herein for medical treatment. It is strongly encouraged you see a licensed physician, like Dr. M. Pringle or a physician of your choosing and adhere to that protocol first and foremost.

Menopause & Low Libido

Menopause is not a disease! It is a natural stage of life. Just like going through puberty was a natural step. Menopause is the stage of life when a woman stops ovulating and menses cease. During menopause a woman doesn’t totally stop making estrogen. Other endocrine organs in her body can make estrogen for her if the organs are healthy. Symptoms of menopause range from hot flashes, sleep problems, depression, anxiety, memory problems, vaginal dryness, change in sex drive, acne, facial hair, hair loss, irregular bleeding, osteoporosis, etc.

However, some women show no symptoms of menopause except cessation of menses. Although it is normal for a woman to go through menopause she doesn’ t have to endure they myraid of symptoms listed above. Perimenopause is the period of time when a woman’s body is preparing for menopause. Hormones are dimishing but the woman is still menstruating.

A woman doesn’t have to endure the list of symptoms above nor does she have to run out and get a hormone to relieve the symptoms. At Global Integrative Medicine, we believe in making the woman’s body healthy and allowing her body to make its own hormones. We believe the aging process is beautiful and natural and you are strong, healthy and vibrant! You will be beautiful and healthy at any age!

We have treated hundreds of women and helped them navigate through the water of female change without prescribed hormones.  So if you are looking to feel great as you age and improve your overal health, then Global Integrative Medicine is the place for you!

Low libido is a problem for both men and women. Many people are getting prescribed testerone and estrogen. However, in the medical literature these hormones have been linked to cancer and cardiovascular incidents. At Global Integrative Medicine, we promote health naturally, therefore if a patient has lower hormones we treat the body to improve the health of the patient and his/her body makes its own hormones thereby decreasing the risk of taking hormones.

Whatever path you choose for your health, we wish you health and happiness.

 

 

Dr. Matesa Pringle is a naturopathic physician who practices in Mesa, Arizona. She employs alternative medicine as well as traditional medicine and serves the East Valley cities of Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Phoenix, and even has some patients who travel from the West Valley!

Disclaimer:  The information on this site regarding medical conditions is presented for general informational purposes only.  It does not describe all available treatments. The information presented should not be used as a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician.  Neither Global Integrative Medicine, PLLC, nor Dr. M. Pringle, assume liability for anyone using information on this site.  By using this site, you agree not to rely solely on any of the information for medical treatment. We strongly encourage you to see a licensed physician, such as Dr. M. Pringle or another of your choosing, and adhere to the physician’s recommended protocol first and foremost.

 

 

 

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting 4-8% of women of reproductive age. PCOS does not have a definitive cause at this time in medical literature however in alternative medicine the disorder is approached differently.  Patients  with PCO S have a steady state of relatively high estrogen, androgen, and LH levels rather than the fluctuating condition seen in ovulating women. PCOS patients can exhibit an abnormal growth of hair on the face or body, obesity, and virilization. Fifty percent of patients do not have a menstrual cycle and thirty percent may have abnormal menses. Additionally, many show insulin resistance so they may exhibit early signs of type II diabetes mellitus. Some of the patients have problems with fertility although they may ovulate occasionally.  PCOS patients have an increased risk of breast and endometrium cancer due to the unopposed estrogen secretion.

If you or someone you know has been given a diagnosis of PCOS realize many treatments exist for polycystic ovary disease. Every PCOS patient is not the same so the treatments vary depending on the symptoms the person expresses. In traditional American medicine, if the patient desires to become pregnant clomiphene or other drugs can be prescribed for ovulatory stimulation.  Other patients are prescribed metformin to help regulate blood sugar. Other patients have been given oral conception pills to help control hirsutism (hair distribution over the lips, chin etc.) Other patients have tried epilation and electrolysis to control hair growth.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can be diagnosed with medical history intake from a physician and a combination of laboratory test. A physician may order a glucose tolerance test to check to see if you have any blood sugar issues. A hormonal panel may be ordered as well to look at your hormones. A transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic laparoscopy may be done to look at the ovaries for cysts.

At Global Integrative Medicine for PCOS is treated more with an emphasis on natural treatments for the symptoms and cause of PCOS. We use herbal combinations specific to the patient symptoms. All PCOS patients aren’t given the same formula, because every patient isn’t identical. The medical director spends an hour with each patient to gather detailed information on that patient. Depending on the information provided by the patient and whether or not the patient desires to become pregnant a unique herbal compound is developed for the patient to assist with balancing the hormones in the person’s body thereby decrease the risk of developing cancer.  If the patient has elevated blood sugar it can be treated as well with herbal formulations and a few lifestyle modifications like diet changes and exercise.

Wishing you lots of health and happiness!

 

Dr. Matesa Pringle is a naturopathic physician who practices in Mesa, Arizona. She practices alternative medicine as well as traditional medicine and serves the East Valley cities of Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Phoenix, and even has some patients who travel from West Valley!

 

Disclaimer: The information on this site regarding medical conditions is presented for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered exhaustive and doesn’t contain all available treatments. The information here should not be used as a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician. Global Integrative Medicine, PLLC or Dr. M. Pringle assumes no liability for anyone using information on this site but is not under the care of a medical professional. By using this site you agree not to rely solely on any of the information contained herein for medical treatment. It is strongly encouraged you see a licensed physician, like Dr. M. Pringle or a physician of your choosing and adhere to that protocol first and foremost.