Depression

Your hormones play a powerful role in your health, influencing everything from metabolism and sleep to mood and energy levels.  When hormones are balanced, you feel your best. But sometimes, things get out of whack, leaving you feeling confused and frustrated. At Holtorf Medical Group, we understand the intricacies of the endocrine system and the […]

If you've sensed an increase in individuals around you who seem egotistical, unwilling to accept responsibility for their actions, and overly self-involved, your observations are spot-on. Recent studies in social psychology have identified a concerning rise in narcissistic tendencies among Americans, particularly those in university settings. These individuals, often referred to derogatorily as "Karens," have […]

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on thyroid health! In this blog, we're delving into some of the internet's most searched questions about thyroid health to empower everyone to make informed choices on their health journey. Where is the thyroid gland located?     The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just below the Adam's apple, and […]

The enigmatic MTHFR gene has become a focal point in the realm of healthcare, casting light on its potential role in various health conditions. A recent Epoch Health article follows the journey of Alison Hawe, whose son's experience unraveled the intricate connection between MTHFR mutations and health challenges. Alison initially administered folic acid to her […]

Indoor air quality is a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy living environment. Airborne mold spores can pose serious health risks when inhaled, causing allergies, respiratory issues, and even infections. Prolonged exposure to mold can lead to chronic health problems, making it essential to find effective ways to combat this issue. Learn more about mold […]

1) Can depression ever be the only symptom of hypothyroidism, at least for a while? While hypothyroidism is often associated with fatigue and inability to lose weight or weight gain, depression can be the only sign. In fact, the largest study done on the treatment of hypothyroidism with antidepressants found that supplementing with the thyroid hormone T3 […]

When it comes to women's hormonal health, many of us have a basic understanding of the role estrogen and progesterone play in the monthly menstrual cycle. However, the influence of these hormones extends far beyond reproductive health. In reality, hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, are instrumental in the overall well-being of our body. Hormones act […]

Cold Therapy Our bodies often bear the brunt of environmental stressors and demanding lifestyles. Cold therapy, such as ice baths, cold showers, and cryotherapy, is known for releasing endorphins and reducing systemic inflammation, which can help restore balance to both body and mind. Mindful Breathing and Meditation Mindful meditation is a type of meditation in […]

Chronic fatigue is a relentless adversary, affecting both our physical and mental well-being. One significant contributor to this unrelenting exhaustion is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid disorder known for wreaking havoc on our energy levels. Thankfully, there are ways to combat the fatigue associated with Hashimoto's, allowing sufferers to regain their vitality and bid farewell […]

Hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by insufficient cellular thyroid function, is a widespread health issue affecting countless individuals. The typical symptoms associated with hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, depression, muscle aches, and more. Unfortunately, this condition often goes undiagnosed due to the limitations of standard thyroid testing. In this blog post, we will delve into the […]

When it comes to thyroid health, the conventional approach of relying solely on standard thyroid tests may not provide a complete picture of an individual's thyroid function. The complexities of thyroid physiology, especially the role of deiodinases – enzymes responsible for activating and deactivating thyroid hormones within different tissues – challenge the conventional notion of […]

Understanding thyroid function involves delving into the intricate network of deiodinase enzymes that play a crucial role in regulating cellular thyroid activity. These enzymes determine the activation and deactivation of thyroid hormones within cells, thereby governing thyroid levels at a local level. This is a pivotal aspect of thyroid health, impacting various tissues and physiological […]

As we grow older, our hormone production decreases naturally, which can lead to various signs of aging such as poor memory, decreased energy levels, and low quality of sleep. Hormones are responsible for controlling a wide range of bodily functions, from appetite to sexual drive, and can also affect mood, heart health, bone density, skin […]

May is both Lyme Disease Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. While the two may seem unrelated, there is actually a significant connection between the two. Lyme disease, a bacterial infection primarily transmitted through tick bites, can cause neurological and psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and memory problems: The History of Lyme Disease Lyme […]

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. The symptoms of Lyme disease can be debilitating, including fatigue, joint pain, and neurological problems. However, recent research has suggested that there may be a link between Lyme disease and addiction. Studies have found that individuals with Lyme disease are more […]

Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland that is commonly known as the “love hormone” due to its role in social bonding, trust, and social interaction. However, its functions go beyond that, and it plays an essential role in our mental and physical health. This article explores the […]

The aesthetics world is growing at an astronomical rate as it was estimated to be worth approximately $63.5 billion in 2021 and this number has only continued to grow. Due to this extensive market, there is a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to ways to age optimally. It seems as though products experts previously […]

1. Get your thyroid checked Men should get their thyroid checked as optimal thyroid levels not only reduce the risk for heart disease and cancer but also reduce weight, increase energy, improve collagen production for better skin, reduce cholesterol and improve hair growth. The standard thyroid test called a TSH will, however, often miss low tissue thyroid levels so […]

1. Testosterone is known as the “hormone of desire,” as it is essential for a healthy libido. The ovaries produce half of the testosterone in women, but with chemotherapy that is frequently used in the treatment of breast cancer, there is a reduction in ovarian function, reducing estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels often resulting in […]

Below are Dr. Holtorf’s thoughts on commonly labeled “bad habits” and how some may actually be better for you than you think: 1. Can Swearing Actually Help Reduce Pain? Cursing has shown to increase the fight or flight response. This involves the release of norepinephrine, which can effect the central nervous system to reduce the […]

February is often referred to as the “month of love” as we all are being bombarded with messaging around Valentine’s Day and romance. As a result, this time of year can bring sexual health and libido to the forefront. Low libido and sexual dysfunction can be a sensitive topic for many, but the reality is […]

Your heart beats about 100,000 times every day. Given that the average US life expectancy is almost 79 years old, your heart will beat approximately 2.9 billion times during your lifetime. With the heart being your life force, it is essential to support your heart’s longevity in everyday life. In honor of American Heart Health […]

Many of us find it harder to stay healthy during the winter months to begin with - the shorter days affect our sleep cycle and circadian rhythm, there is more junk food around during the holidays, and the cold weather discourages many from going outside and staying active. However, the winter months may be particularly […]

Longevity is so much more than a long lifespan. Longevity is about, not only living a longer life, but living a healthier life. Oftentimes, people will say that would not want to live to 100 because they would not want to live to be in an incapacitated state. However, by taking steps towards your optimal healthspan and […]