Cynthia Bugher Wellness

11/06/2024

☀️I support women with PCOS in my clinic. Curious to learn more about this? Send me a DM!

Do you know the signs & symptoms of PCOS?

Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. The signs and symptoms can vary widely among individuals but often include a combination of the following:

❌Irregular Menstrual Cycles
➤Infrequent Periods: Some may experience fewer than eight menstrual cycles per year.
➤Prolonged Periods: Menstrual cycles may be longer than 35 days, leading to fewer periods.
➤Heavy Bleeding: Periods can be abnormally heavy when they do occur.

❌Hyperandrogenism
➤Excess Hair Growth (Hirsutism): Increased levels of androgens can cause excessive hair growth, particularly on the face, chest, & back.
➤Acne: Persistent, severe acne that doesn’t respond well to typical treatments
➤Scalp Hair Thinning (Androgenic Alopecia): Thinning hair on the scalp or male-pattern baldness.

❌Weight Gain and Difficulty Losing Weight
➤Weight Gain: Particularly around the abdomen.
➤Obesity: PCOS is often associated with obesity, although women of all body types can be affected.

❌Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
➤Insulin Resistance: The body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to higher insulin levels and potentially contributing to weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
➤Type 2 Diabetes: An increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

❌Infertility
➤Anovulation: PCOS can cause problems with ovulation, making it difficult to conceive.

❌Skin Conditions
➤Darkening of the Skin (Acanthosis Nigricans): Dark patches of skin, often found on the neck, groin, and under the breasts.
➤Skin Tags: Small, excess skin growths can appear, often in the armpits or neck area.

❌Mood Changes
➤Depression and Anxiety: Hormonal imbalances and can contribute to mood swings, depression, and anxiety.

❌Sleep Disorders
➤Sleep Apnea: Obesity related to PCOS increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
➤Poor Sleep Quality: Difficulty sleeping or poor sleep quality.

👉🏼 Follow for more tips on hormone health & natural fertility!

10/17/2024

✨Save this post to come back to later!

💥Female hormones start with estrogen & progesterone BUT….They don’t end there.

If you’re dealing with period problems, PMS, mood swings, painful breasts, no libido, hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, or anything else you suspect *might* be your hormones, this post is for you! ☀️

Yes, it might be your hormones.

AND ALSO your hormones might be out of whack because of one of these 6 contributing causes I see most often in my practice:

1️⃣ Detoxification (estrogen is metabolized in the liver)
2️⃣ Gut Health (estrogen metabolites are eliminated in everyday healthy 💩)
3️⃣ Stress (stress causes the body to favor cortisol production over progesterone)
4️⃣ Blood Sugar (spikes in blood sugar and insulin lower the levels of SHBG, increasing free estrogen and testosterone)
5️⃣ Nutrient Depletion (magnesium and B6 are especially important for hormone metabolism)
6️⃣ Xenoestrogens (everyday chemicals can mimic our hormones)

👉🏼If you want to stay informed and empowered in your health and prefer a root-cause approach, you’re in the right place. Message us for next steps on how we can help you optimize your hormone health.

Follow for more tips on hormone health and natural fertility!

10/02/2024

✨DM us “SUGAR” to learn more ways to support your hormone health and supporting natural fertility!

Balanced blood sugar is crucial for hormone regulation, which directly impacts fertility. When blood sugar fluctuates wildly, it can lead to insulin resistance, disrupting ovulation and hormone balance. Stabilizing blood sugar helps your body function optimally, supporting hormonal harmony and improving fertility outcomes.

👉🏼Bump Up Your Fiber
Fiber helps slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing sharp spikes and crashes in blood sugar. By keeping blood sugar levels stable, fiber promotes balanced insulin levels, which supports healthy hormone production and ovulation.

👉🏼Be Carb Smart
Choosing low-glycemic, whole-food carbohydrates helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. Refined carbs can cause blood sugar spikes, which lead to hormonal imbalances, while smart carbs support a consistent energy supply and optimal hormone health.

👉🏼Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity improves your body’s sensitivity to insulin, helping regulate blood sugar levels. This, in turn, supports balanced hormones and reproductive health.

👉🏼Keep Stress at Bay
Chronic stress increases cortisol, which can raise blood sugar levels and lead to insulin resistance. Managing stress helps keep blood sugar stable and supports healthy adrenal function, contributing to balanced hormones and improved fertility.

👉🏼Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated helps your body efficiently manage blood sugar levels by supporting kidney function and allowing for smooth insulin regulation. Proper hydration also aids in detoxification, which is key for maintaining hormone balance and supporting reproductive health.

☀️ Follow or more tips on hormone health and fertility support!

10/01/2024

✨DM US “PCOS” if you want to learn more about how we can help improve your symptoms or naturally support your fertility outcomes!

Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that leads to reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. Common symptoms include weight gain, acne, hair thinning, and difficulty with fertility. Here’s a brief explanation of why the following symptoms occur with PCOS:

Weight gain: Insulin resistance, common in PCOS, makes it difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar and store fat properly, leading to weight gain, especially around the abdomen.

Excess body & facial hair: Elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) stimulate hair follicles, resulting in excess hair growth on the face, chest, and body, a condition known as hirsutism.

Skin tags on the armpits or neck: Insulin resistance can contribute to the development of skin tags, particularly in areas where skin folds, like the armpits and neck.

Hair loss: High androgen levels can lead to male-pattern baldness or thinning of scalp hair due to the same hormones that stimulate body hair growth.

Irregular periods: Hormonal imbalances interfere with the regular release of eggs (ovulation), causing missed or irregular periods, a hallmark of PCOS.

Ovarian cysts: The lack of regular ovulation can cause follicles (fluid-filled sacs) to accumulate on the ovaries, appearing as cysts on an ultrasound.

Infertility: Since PCOS disrupts ovulation, women with this condition may struggle to conceive due to the lack of regular egg release necessary for pregnancy.

Depression or anxiety: Hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated androgens and insulin resistance, can affect mood-regulating neurotransmitters, leading to feelings of depression or anxiety

☀️Managing PCOS naturally through lifestyle changes—like improving diet, managing stress, balancing blood sugar, and using targeted supplements—can be highly effective. Natural approaches address the root cause of the hormonal imbalances, improving ovulation and overall fertility. If you want to avoid masking your syptoms with medications, we can help!

👉🏼Follow for more tips on hormone health and fertility!

08/13/2024

07/05/2024

⚡️Struggling with weight gain, mood swings, or painful periods? Estrogen dominance may be to blame.

Estrogen dominance is a hormonal imbalance where estrogen gets too high. Estrogen is a hormone that wears many hats. It affects your reproductive health, brain health, skin, bone density, cholesterol, blood sugar, and more.

We need estrogen to function. But too much can pose problems and lead to a slew of symptoms.

Estrogen dominance can happen if:

x The body produces too much estrogen
x The body doesn’t produce enough progesterone to offset estrogen’s effects
x The body has trouble removing excess estrogen

Signs of Estrogen Dominance 👇🏽

- Heavy or painful periods
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Increased PMS symptoms
- Mood swings & irritability
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Memory issues
- Tender, fibrocystic breasts
- Decreased libido
- Headaches or migraines
- Infertility

Completing the right lab test is a great way to gain insight into possible hormone imbalances. And we’re here to help guide you! 🌼

07/02/2024

Cortisol is commonly referred to as the “stress hormone.” While cortisol is vital for the body’s fight-or-flight response, chronic stress can lead to consistently elevated cortisol levels, which can be disruptive to our overall health, especially our hormone health. Managing cortisol is essential for maintaining hormonal balance, which is vital for fertility health. By reducing stress and keeping cortisol levels in check, individuals can support their reproductive health and improve their chances of achieving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

🌱Strategies for Managing Cortisol🌱

✨Stress Reduction Techniques: Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress and lower cortisol levels.

✨Regular Exercise: Moderate exercise can help manage stress and improve overall health. However, excessive exercise can increase cortisol levels, so balance is key.

✨Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, antioxidants, and nutrients supports overall health and hormone balance.

✨Adequate Sleep: Prioritizing sleep hygiene and ensuring 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night helps regulate cortisol levels.

✨Social Support: Maintaining strong social connections and seeking support from friends, family, or support groups can help mitigate stress.

✨Professional Guidance: Working with a functional medicine expert or a healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan for stress and cortisol management.

07/01/2024

Why should you care about your blood sugar?

Because healthy blood sugar regulation can translate into…

✅ Sustained Energy
✅ Mental Clarity
✅ Fewer Cravings
✅ Better Sleep
✅ Stress Resilience
✅ Clear Skin
✅ Stable Mood

And those are just the effects you’ll notice.

Maintaining balanced blood sugar is crucial for hormone regulation and overall reproductive health. When blood sugar levels are consistently high, it can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where your body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. This, in turn, can disrupt hormonal balance and affect ovulation, making it harder to conceive.

If you have any questions about blood sugar or want personalized support, we’re here to help! Click on the link in the bio to learn more.

05/29/2024

🫐🍓I’ve always loved berries but this new research study cinches it!

Looking at a national sample of adults in the US, the research compared berry consumption with mortality rates over 8 years.

The results?

👉 People who were considered “berry consumers” had a 21% lower risk of all-cause mortality than “non-berry consumers.”

(PMID: 38184200)

Also, more specifically:
Cranberries supported ❤️ heart & metabolic health
Blueberries supported 🫁 respiratory health

Berries are a rich source of antioxidants and also contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support health.

Pro tip:
Frozen berries are equally nutritious and an excellent option when fresh berries aren’t in season!

Like this post ❤️ and be sure to tap FOLLOW if you want to learn more about natural and root-cause ways to optimize your health.

05/28/2024

Hi there! 👋🏽 Since it’s been a while and we have some new followers, I thought I would re-intro myself!

I’m Dr. Cynthia Bugher, I have completed countless training courses in nutrition, functional medicine and physical health. Specializing in women’s wellness, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients uncover the underlying causes of their health challenges and empower them with strategies to enhance their overall wellness. I owned a successful brick & mortar practice in Charleston, SC focusing on Women’s Wellness and prenatal/postpartum Chiropractic & Rehab. After transitioning out of my brick & mortar, I decided to continue sharing my knowledge and resources as a Health Consultant in a virtual capacity (which I am absolutely loving!)
I work with women all over the world to discover the root cause of their symptoms and help them optimize their health and wellness.

As a mom, I understand the intricate balance between caring for a family, managing work responsibilities, and ensuring personal care. It’s common for us to de-prioritize our own well-being while caring for those around us. Yet, I believe that your health is the cornerstone of your happiness and, by extension, your family’s well-being.
My mission is to equip Moms with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary for a sustained, healthier lifestyle. My approach to wellness is founded on authenticity. As a dedicated Doctor of Chiropractic and Registered Nurse, I believe that real success with my clients has always come from being a genuine advocate for their well-being. I am not only here to guide and support you, but to partner with you on your journey to feeling better than ever before.

To learn more about my services or if you’re interested in working together - head to the link in my bio! ✨

📸 :

05/23/2024

Benefits of Biohacking 💪🏽

👉🏼Improved Health: Many biohacking practices aim to improve physical health by optimizing diet, exercise, and sleep.
👉🏼Enhanced Cognitive Function: Techniques like nootropics and meditation can boost mental clarity, focus, and productivity.
👉🏼Increased Longevity: Some biohacking techniques focus on practices that may slow aging and extend lifespan.
👉🏼Greater Self-Awareness: Monitoring health metrics through wearable tech can lead to a better understanding of one’s body and its needs.
👉🏼Personalized Health: Biohacking allows for a tailored approach to health, catering to individual needs and responses.
👉🏼Performance Enhancement: Athletes and professionals use biohacking to improve physical and mental performance.

Interested in learning more about how to optimize your overall health and well-being? Reach out using the link in our bio ✨

05/17/2024

The easiest and most effective way to love your liver…
Is to eat nutrient-dense whole foods 🥗

That’s because there are 2 phases of liver detoxification, each of which depends on a steady supply of nutrients to keep it going. Foods to consider include:

🥦 Cruciferous Vegetables (foods like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and collards support both phases of liver detoxification)
🧄 Garlic & Onions (these provide sulfur compounds, vitamin B6, and antioxidants)
🫐 Blueberries (contain polyphenols to support antioxidant status)
🥣 Turmeric (a powerful health-promoting spice!)
🍵 Green Tea (rich in EGCG & antioxidants)

Think of it this way:
Your liver is working around the clock to process chemicals and toxins for elimination. If it doesn’t have the nutrients it needs, detox will slow down and you’ll start to feel the effects on your health.

Save this post 📍 and commit to eating at least one of these foods every day!