Why hormones matter so much
Oestrogens govern far more than the menstrual cycle and fertility. They protect the blood vessels, lower cholesterol, support brain performance, reduce inflammation and keep skin and mucous membranes supple. When oestrogen is lacking or the balance between hormones is disturbed, the effects show up in many parts of the body – often in places where nobody thinks of hormones at first.
As a specialist in gynaecology with a focus on endocrinology and reproductive medicine, Dr Kerle knows these connections from more than two decades of practice. That is the strength of our hormone consultation: we recognise what others overlook.
Recognising oestrogen deficiency – our experience
Joint pain. Many women notice stiffness and pain in the small finger joints after waking. A long series of investigations often follows, up to MRI scans and rheumatoid factors – with no findings. In our experience, oestrogen deficiency is frequently behind it. Joint complaints are often its first sign. Locally applied oestrogen has an anti-inflammatory effect and can relieve the symptoms quickly.
Dryness. “Drying out” is how people describe getting older – and oestrogen deficiency is often the real reason: dry skin, dry mucous membranes, vaginal dryness and dry eyes. After an ophthalmological check, we treat the dry eye with supportive endocrine therapy.
Water retention. Oestrogen influences the water balance right down to the individual cell. Oedema in the fingers, legs or chest is often a sign of hormonal imbalance.
Libido. The Greek word “oistros” means passionate excitement – no coincidence that desire peaks mid-cycle, when oestrogen is in the upper normal range. Any disturbance can reduce libido. In cases of loss of libido we also consider a deficiency of male hormones (androgens).
Typical reasons for a consultation
- irregular, absent or very painful periods
- breast tenderness before the period, premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- PCOS: cycle disorders, increased body hair, blemished skin
- recurrent miscarriages
- menopausal complaints: hot flushes, sleep problems, mood swings, joint pain
- dryness of skin, mucous membranes and eyes
- decreasing libido
- absent or delayed puberty
- thyroid diseases, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- hair loss (alopecia)
- erectile dysfunction – the hormone consultation is open to men too
Thyroid: Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism
The thyroid sets the pace of the metabolism – and is closely interwoven with the female hormones. We treat thyroid diseases including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where we also check the selenium supply. We treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), where necessary, with a combination therapy of T4 and T3. And we get to the bottom of the causes: if T4 is not sufficiently converted into the active T3 in the liver, we detect the causes of these conversion problems and, where necessary, substitute missing amino acids and support the liver with liver regenerators.
Hair loss and erectile dysfunction
Hair loss (alopecia) frequently has hormonal causes too – we clarify and treat them specifically. And because hormones are not a question of gender, we also treat men in the hormone consultation, particularly for erectile dysfunction and androgen deficiency.
How we work
- In-depth conversation. We listen. Symptoms, cycle, medical history, medication, life situation – everything belongs in the picture.
- Examination. Gynaecological examination and, where needed, ultrasound.
- Hormone diagnostics. Blood tests on the right days of the cycle, plus functional tests. On request we also use bioresonance testing to look for burdens and deficiencies.
- Treatment plan. We explain the results in plain language and decide together how to proceed.
Treatment – as much as necessary, as little as possible
Many hormonal complaints can be regulated naturopathically – that is always our first path. Depending on the cause we use:
- Naturopathy: homeopathy, acupuncture and bioresonance to stimulate the body’s self-regulation
- Nutrition and lifestyle as the foundation of every hormonal balance
- Local oestrogen application for dryness and joint complaints
- Hormone therapy for cycle disorders, PCOS and the menopause – where it is needed, individually dosed and regularly monitored
The combination makes the difference: where hormones are needed we use them precisely and sparingly – while strengthening the powers the body brings with it.
Anti-ageing medicine
Growing older in good health, with energy and joy is not a matter of luck but of hormonal balance. We advise you on how to support bones, blood vessels, skin, brain and vitality during and after the menopause, and accompany you with an individual concept of hormone medicine, naturopathy and nutrition.
Legal notice: Homeopathy, acupuncture and bioresonance are complementary medical methods; their effectiveness is not generally recognised by scientific evidence.