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Thrive Functional Medicine

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Thrive Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine, Integrative Health, Yoga A wellness service for those who want more from healthcare than just the treatment of disease.

With a focus on health optimization, from preventative care to early intervention, disease management and recovery. Treatment combines the best of conventional western healthcare, nutrition and evidence-based complementary therapies, with a functional medicine approach to achieve optimal health and healing.

With importance placed on the relationship between practitioner and patient, treatment is

centred on the whole person, addressing physical, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing and collaborates with appropriate health care professionals to treat the underlying cause of disease, not just suppress the symptoms.

04/07/2025

🧠 Why is your libido low?
And what can you naturally do about it?
Low libido is more common than you think — and it’s not just “in your head.” In functional medicine, we look at the whole picture: hormones, stress, sleep, nutrient status, and emotional wellbeing.

🌿 Natural Ways to Support Female Libido:
💥 Balance hormones — low estrogen, testosterone, or DHEA? Let’s test and support naturally.
🧘‍♀️ Calm cortisol — chronic stress can shut desire down.
💊 Check nutrients — zinc, iron, B12 & vitamin D all play a role.
🌸 Try herbs like maca, ashwagandha, and tribulus to gently restore balance.
❤️ Support your sensuality — safety, sleep, connection, and pleasure outside the bedroom matter too.

✨ For some women:
Bioidentical hormones like testosterone, estriol, or DHEA can make a huge difference — safely and effectively.

👉 Low libido isn’t something you just have to “accept.” Your body might be asking for more support — not less desire.
🩺 Let’s get curious, not judgmental.

24/02/2025

Over the last 25 years we have seen the most profound explosion of chronic disease in human history. Since 1996 there has been on a steady rise of an array of conditions, from depression and anxiety all the way to multiple sclerosis, ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This trajectory correlates perfectly with the increase in pesticide use in our environment. Research from around the globe suggests that these environmental factors have contributed to a combination of genetic, neurologic, autoimmune, and metabolic injuries that underpin the collapse of our health.

It is estimated that we now spray more than 4.5 billion pounds of glyphosate into the soils, plants, and water systems of our planet. It is sprayed in staggering quantities on most commercially grown staple crops, including wheat, corn & canola. Herbicides can volatilize into the gaseous state and be transported over long distances fairly rapidly through wind and rain, subsequently working its way into the water within the grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as infiltrating the groundwater, slowly making its way into rivers, oceans, our air, and ultimately our rainfall. We are eating it, breathing it and bathing in it.it.

The Key thing here is that Glyphosate is not patented as a W**d killer, it is patented as an antibiotic, antiparasitic & antifungal and this is why it is affecting human health. We have four times more antibiotic going into our bodies from the food chain than from doctors.

When it was discovered that humans only have around 30,000 Protein Coding Genes, a third that of a flee, it was discovered that the complex and intricate human experience is only possible with the 100 trillion microorganisms in our gut that interact with our DNA and alter how our genes express themselves. They create neurotransmitters which control our mood, build and eliminate hormones, regulate our metabolism and impact our detoxification pathways. When we kill off these organisms with the glyphosate in our environment we diminish our bodies ability to function optimally and heal from traumas.

21/02/2025

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is an acute and chronic, systemic inflammatory response syndrome acquired following exposure to the interior environment of a water-damaged building with resident toxigenic organisms, including, but not limited to fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes and mycobacteria as well as inflammagens such as endotoxins, beta glucans, hemolysins, proteinases, mannans and possibly spirocyclic drimanes; as well as volatile organic compounds.
CIRS generally happens after exposure to the interior environment of a Water-Damaged Building which can house fungi, bacteria, mycobacteria, and actinomycetes. Inhaling these dangerous inflammagens is what makes people sick. Many patients with this condition have been overlooked by the general medical system as many of their conventional test return normal, regardless of the fact that the illness that cause them to lose their quality of life. People who live in the same house may be totally well as only around 25% of the population have a genetic susceptibility to develop this illness based on their immune response genes (HLA–DR). Every person’s innate immune system is uniquely coded and works differently for each one us.
A non-mould susceptible person has antibodies that will target the antigen and clear it out. That protection doesn’t happen in mould patients. It is a vicious cycle for them. The foreign antigens stay in the body, causing the immune system to constantly fight back. This causes so much inflammation in the body that it leads to many debilitating symptoms and chronic illness which can destroy a person’s quality of life.
CIRS patients are often misdiagnosed with a myriad of other conditions and undergo multiple therapies without any benefits before they find the root cause of their illness. We use the Shoe Maker Protocol to Diagnose and Treat CIRS patients with a personalised treatment plan & ongoing monitoring and support.

18/02/2025

Gilberts Syndrome, which most conventional Doctors will tell you is just “benign hyperbilirubinemia” and nothing to worry about, is a condition which is quickly gaining recognition in the Functional Medicine community. It is a genetic and condition characterized by a defect in the Phase II detoxification enzyme UDP-Glucuronyl transferase (UDPGT) which is responsible for the glucuronidation detoxification pathway in the liver. People who have this condition are inefficient in detoxifying and conjugating both endogenous and exogenous toxins.
It is estimated that around 5% of the Australian population have this genetic mutation that causes only 30% of the enzyme UGT1A1 to be produced. This is the only enzyme that detoxifies bilirubin, a toxic product of the natural breakdown of red blood cells. This leads to higher levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream, which can cause mild pain in the abdomen, particularly in the upper right side, where the liver is located, jaundice and an increased risk of gallstones. High levels of bilirubin can make it difficult to digest fatty foods and high-protein meals. Most people with Gilbert’s Syndrome also have linked mutations in two other enzymes - UGT1A6 and UGT1A7, causing similar enzyme shortages which leads to elated toxins circulating in the body for longer periods as well so this can prevent the elimination of other carcinogens, drugs, hormones and biotoxins.
New research is showing that this “benign” condition is actually a deeper condition which requires recognition and slight control of lifestyle in order to be optimally lived with. Frequently reported symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, depression, anxiety, joint and muscle pain, IBS and more. Patients with this condition should avoid paracetamol, fasting for long periods and supplement with liver supporting products. A Functional Medicine Practitioner can help you to optimise this pathway, reduce symptoms and regenerate your health.

06/02/2025

How do we test hormones? Hormones are best tested on day 21 of your cycle when then reach their peak. Blood tests can be done through Medicare that give a really good understanding about your hormone levels, their balance, the stage of fertility or perimenopause that you may be in. We can also look at your day 2 hormones, when they should be at their lowest, to see how well your body is detoxifying and clearing out your hormones at the end of your cycle.

If there are any concerns in these blood test, we can also offer a DUTCH hormone test. This is conducted to better assess hormone levels and their metabolites to understand which pathways these hormones are taking and if they are having a positive or negative impact on overall health. For example, Oestrogen is actually a family of three different Oestrogens, some are very beneficial to the body where as others can be pro-inflammatory and foster disease development. From this test we can see exactly which your body is producing and if their are warning signs, give us a roadmap on how to direct it down the beneficial pathways instead.

This comprehensive test also provides insight into adrenal function, s*x hormone metabolism, and the daily pattern of cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels. It is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, and reproductive issues. The results of a DUTCH hormone test can guide personalized treatment plans and interventions to optimize hormone balance and improve overall well-being.

05/02/2025

CYCLICAL PROGESTERONE THERAPY 🌱
With its potential benefits in alleviating symptoms of menopause, improving bone health, reducing the risk of certain diseases, and enhancing overall well-being, it is no wonder that many women are turning to bio-identical hormone therapy as a potential solution. However, it is important to approach hormone therapy with caution and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. The decision to pursue hormone therapy should be based on a thorough assessment of individual needs, potential risks, and ongoing monitoring to ensure a safe and effective treatment plan.
Progesterone is one of the two most important women’s hormones. There is evidence to support the prescription of oral micronized progesterone for perimenopause, PCOS, PMDD, migraines, endometriosis and adenomyosis.
Cyclical progesterone therapy involves the administration of progesterone for the second half of a woman’s menstrual cycle, days 14-28. We use Bioidentical hormones which are structurally identical to the hormones your own body produces, boosting the quantity available for your body to utilise as its own production weans during peri-menopause or in progesterone deficiency.
Cyclical progesterone therapy can be useful for regulating the menstrual cycle and promoting the shedding of the uterine lining, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with irregular or heavy periods. Additionally, progesterone has been found to have a beneficial effect on PMS symptoms, such as mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness.
In cases of endometriosis, cyclical progesterone therapy may help to control the growth and shedding of the endometrial tissue, reducing pain and discomfort.
This therapy can also be beneficial for women to manage symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats.
Cyclical progesterone therapy can be a valuable treatment option for women with a range of conditions, providing symptom relief and promoting hormonal balance.

04/02/2025

Hormone imbalances can present as a wide variety of symptoms, from PMS to depression, as well as weight gain, headaches, sleeplessness, anxiety, decreased s*x drive, fatigue, dry hair or skin, even hair loss. These symptoms can be very distressing to many women and have significant impacts on their quality of life.
Hormone therapy has been the subject of a great deal of misinformation and confusion in the past 20 years. The Women’s Health Initiative Study of 1991 caused confusion and widespread panic among patients and practitioners. But it was flawed and was only looking at synthetic oestrogen given via an oral route to older post menopausal women.
Bio-identical hormones differ from synthetic as they are structurally identical to the hormones your own body produces throughout the menstruating years and do not have many of the side effects or risks associated with the synthetic versions.
This has led to a growing interest in bio-identical hormone therapy as a way to address hormone imbalances and their associated symptoms along side diet and lifestyle factors.

There are several benefits associated with bio-identical hormone therapy, including:
• Improves age related changes changes
• Relieves symptoms of menopause and perimenopause
• Reduced risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia and improved bone density
• Substantially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s & cognitive decline
• Improves mood and energy levels
• Improves muscle mass and overall strength
• Reduces risk of endometrial cancer and breast cancer
• Improves cholesterol levels and reduces the risk for developing heart disease
• Improves sleep
• Increases s*xual vitality and libido

Yes, in an ideal world, women would not need to supplement hormones, but our bodies were designed to start slowing down around 40, genetically we are not meant to still be working, raising kids and living the demanding life styles that we do. Our genetics and our way of life are currently at a mismatch and if you want to love life to the absolute fullest, these treatments may be able to help you.

31/01/2025

The Endocannabanoid system is a neurotransmitter system critical for almost every aspect of our functioning. It regulates and controls processes such as learning, memory, emotions, sleep, pain control, inflammation and immune responses. In order to activate this system our bodies produce endogenous cannabinoids, which have a structural similarity to molecules in the cannabis plant. The first endocannabinoid that was discovered was named Anandamide, the bliss molecule, after the Sanskrit word ananda which means bliss. All of us have endogenous cannabis-like molecules in our brains and nervous systems which help to create homeostasis in the body to optimise our functioning. So the cannabis plant, which humans have been using medically for at least 5,000 years, can target the body’s imbalances by triggering the ECS to help relieve some symptoms associated with chronic illness and disturbances in the mind and body.

30/01/2025

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant/anti-anxiety medications and although they may be effective in treating some mood-related conditions, their efficacy can vary from person to person and their side effects can range from mild to severe. It is common for people to experience nausea, diarrhea or constipation, headaches, weight gain, insomnia or drowsiness. Many people experience s*xual side effects, including decreased libido, delayed or**sm, or erectile dysfunction, which can persist as long as the medication is used. Some individuals report feeling emotionally numb or blunted, which can impact daily functioning and relationships. It can even increase agitation and particularly in young adults and adolescents, there is a small increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. So there are many reasons one may not want to be on these medications even if they are really struggling with their mental health.

Abruptly stopping SSRIs can result in withdrawal-like symptoms, including dizziness, tingling sensations, fatigue, vivid dreams, irritability, and flu-like symptoms. Gradual tapering is recommended to minimise these effects and should be monitored by a professional. We can help to develop an individual plan to support your body and mind should you need to go through this process.

The functional medicine approach to managing mental health issues focuses on addressing the root causes of symptoms and treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. This approach considers a wide range of factors, including nutrition, lifestyle, environment, and genetics, and often involves a personalised treatment plan.

The goal of functional medicine in addressing mental health is to empower patients to achieve a better quality of life by understanding the interconnectedness of their systems and optimizing their body's natural balance through personalized, holistic care.

27/01/2025

The Thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck below the Adam’s apple. It produces thyroid hormones, which affect the function of just about every organ system in the body. Thyroid hormones are responsible for the crucial tasks of stimulating metabolism of the foods we eat, extracting vitamins, and producing energy from food. They are also vital to the production of other hormones as well as to the growth and development of our nervous system.
Statistics show that up to 60 percent of thyroid disease remains undiagnosed. How could this be? This can be explained because thyroid symptoms and symptoms of hypothyroidism & hyperthyroidism often vary from person to person and can be non-specific, resulting in a litany of incorrect diagnoses that leave the patient untreated.
Common Symptoms include weight changes, fatigue, anxiety, hair loss, irritability, depression, sweating, joint pain, pounding of the heart, frequent bowel movements, temperature dysregulation, dry, flaky skin, trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep, changes to menstruation.

There are three main reasons that contribute to your thyroid not functioning correctly
1. Nutrient deficiencies from the four key nutrients such as Iodine, Zinc, Selenium and Tyrosine.
2. An autoimmune attack on the tissue itself. Gut pathology, intestinal permeability, infections, diet and lifestyle are key players here
3. Other systemic issues such a chronic viral load, gut infections, food intolerances etc

Key Treatments:
• Heal the Gut – Permeability or “Leaky” Gut, Dysbiosis, SIBO
• Address Nutrient Deficiency – Iodine, Zinc, Selenium, Tyrosine
• Remove Gluten and other Auto Immune Inducing Foods
• Reduce Stress
• Consider Medication - Natural, Synthetic, Bioidentical

The conventional treatment for disorders is usually the lifelong prescription of pharmaceutical drugs. A Functional Medicine approach to healing the thyroid aims to address all underlying causes to support the bodies innate ability to heal and avoid lifelong medications.

23/01/2025

Aside from maintaining a healthy gut flora, it is also crucial that we keep our gut lining intact. The wall of cells which separates what we absorb and what stays in our gut, is only as thick as one human hair and very vulnerable to damage. When the intestinal barrier becomes permeable it is called Leaky gut. Macro molecules of undigested food, toxins and wastes escape into the bloodstream and the body mounts an immune response to attack them. Studies show that these attacks play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s and type 1 diabetes, among others. The breach of the intestinal barrier by food toxins like gluten and chemicals like flouride and BPA’s (from plastics) affects not only the gut itself, but also other organs and tissues including the skeletal system, the pancreas, the kidney, the liver, and the brain. This is a crucial point to understand: you don’t have to have gut symptoms to have a leaky gut. Leaky gut can manifest as skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, heart failure, autoimmune conditions affecting the thyroid (Hashimoto’s) or joints (rheumatoid arthritis), mental illness, autism spectrum disorder, depression, headaches and more. This is one of the most important reasons to eliminate gluten from your diet. Its presence in the GI tract promotes the release of zonulin, an enzyme which causes the loosening of the tight junctions in the gut wall directly causing leaky gut. This is true in 100% of people, no matter if they are intolerant to Gluten or not. It also likely to have the same impact on the brain barrier causing in effect, leaky brain leading to depression, anxiety and neurocognitive decline. In order to heal your gut, eliminate all processed foods, refined carbohydrates, gluten, most dairy, added sugars, chemical additives & toxins and filter your water! Stop using plastics and NEVER heat anything in it, especially in a microwave and if you haven’t thrown yours away yet, you probably should. Not only does it kill all the beneficial microorganisms in your food which assist your digestion and absorption of that particular food, but it potentially destroys and depletes its life energy.

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