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THE FACTS l If hormone imbalance symptoms are severe and ongoing, they can point to more serious problems such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts. You should request a blood test by your practitioner to measure hormone levels. If after testing and treatment you continue to have symptoms ask your practitioner for saliva and urine metabolite testing to get an accurate reading of hormones. l Practitioner treatments for hormonal imbalance can include lifestyle and dietary changes, the use of synthetic hormones, herbal medicine, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. All treatments are effective to some degree especially when used in a conjunction with a holistic approach of natural medicine and a supplement of synthetic hormones. All plants have a hormonal component and treating the disorder with a specific selection of these chosen plants has been very effective. l There are many women's health centres that offer natural medicinal programs for the recovery of polycystic syndrome, endometriosis, menopause and infertility. l Gynaecological medical centres are another place to look, especially if they use natural substances to balance hormones. Often the effectiveness of any programs implemented by a practitioner or health centre comes down to the compliance of each client and the careful diagnosis of each individual hormone that may be out of balance. 88 SHEILA MAY 2012 related DISORDERS hormone imbalance can also be the result of more serious conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, infertility and thyroid imbalance. Endometriosis is one of the most common problems affecting women and a leading cause of infertility. It affects women of all ages and alarmingly, an increasing number of teenagers. It is a painful condition which involves small sections of uterine tissue migrating to the ovaries and out into the wall of the uterus. KEEPING hormones balanced can reduce age The outcast tissue swells with blood, thickening and shedding. The activity causes chronic pain, inflammation, cramps and nausea. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is also very common and its complexity requires thorough testing to diagnose and treat. It affects women of reproductive age and creates imbalances of the thyroid, difficulties with sugar metabolism and fertility. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is caused by ovarian cysts: benign fluid containing tumors in the ovaries, which can grow, twist, rupture or