What is holistic health care?
Holistic is treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. It’s characterized by comprehending the parts of things that are interconnected and referenced as treating the person as a whole: this is emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
Do you have irregular or heavy cycles? I could prescribe a pill for you, absolutely…but don’t you want to find the root cause of why it’s happening? But because we live in and have been groomed in Western medicine, it can be daunting to focus on the whole rather than a quick fix. It is also very dependent on where you are in your health journey; healing and health are not linear, and progress can take time…pills or no pills. We find your fit together and decide what’s best for you, based on where you are in your health journey.
When we focus on you as a whole, we keep your health above the wellness line…before it becomes an illness. Some women are scared to try something new because it takes them out of their comfort zone. They can get uncomfortable, sometimes frustrated, or even fearful with the slowness of the progress. Listen, I get it. 110%.
When women hear “holistic wellness,” I see different reactions.
Some think it’s amazing.
Some have hesitation.
Some look terrified.
Some feel stuck.
Some are curious.
The Hormone Struggle
There is a hidden hormone epidemic and every woman holds a story. And let’s be honest, we live in western medicine where it’s easy to accept that “it’s normal.” An individual problem might be seen, but not the bigger picture or the common root cause. We miss the forest for the trees.
A startling number of women have been belittled, their concerns ignored, and made to feel invisible, or even made to feel they’re being “dramatic.” This leads to trust issues, lack of care and little guidance beyond the prescription pad and results in women struggling alone, feeling confused and wondering if their symptoms were all in their head. They might find themselves on undesired medications, which can lead to side effects, possibly creating more problems. And they may still struggle with the impacts of hormone imbalance.
At least 80% of women will struggle with a hormone problem in their lifetime and are often told it’s the “new normal.” Ladies, some things might be common, but that does not mean it’s normal. Women have been left feeling confused about their bodies and may struggle with “hidden” problems such as sleep issues, brain fog, weight gain, autoimmune diseases, high cholesterol, digestive symptoms, anxiety, depression, diabetes and more. Hormones orchestrate so many functions in our bodies and 96% of these feel like an invisible illness, stealing women’s joy and energy and causing them to suffer silently. Which affects overall wellness. This is a big deal. This is why we are in a hidden hormone epidemic. And why, as a women’s health provider, I choose to practice with a holistic approach.
Let’s Reclaim the word: Hormonal!
The word “hormonal” should not be an insult. Have you ever heard, “Oh, she must be on her period?” Or “Looks like it’s that time of the month?” In fact, I’m likely guilty of saying this to one of my teenage daughters. Society has deemed the word “hormonal” an insult to women who are irritated, irrational, intense or emotional.
Rhythms to our cycles induce harmony. If our emotions erupt, how do we know if it’s because of a hormonal imbalance or the stressors of our day-to-day life? Either way, it’s time to reclaim the word “hormonal.” We shouldn’t have to apologize for feelings, but rather dive deep as to why things are out of alignment. Your hormones are another vital sign; let’s listen and stop apologizing for stating something truthful with strong emotion. I want to support other women when they’ve been dismissed as hormonal, and reclaim hormones as inner signals of health information and guidance.
As women, let’s guide and reclaim together. It’s time to navigate your health information.
Let’s find your path, in your forest where your roots will flourish. In a time where there is so much female empowerment, many women are still harboring anxiety, fear and imbalance. Women are left feeling unseen and unheard. It’s time to nurture your soul and reclaim your body, your hormones and your vibrant self!
~ Anne, APRN, CNM, WHNP
I want all women to know: You are beautiful, loved, strong and made for a purpose! I see you, I hear you and I got you.
Let’s transform together and give you high-quality, personalized health care. Let’s find your full circle.
How can I help you?
I’m Anne (pronounced “Annie”), and I am the owner/founder of Full Circle Women’s Health Clinic. I believe women are a full circle, and I strive to provide evidence-based full spectrum women’s health care in a personalized and holistic approach, partnering “with woman” and empowering her to make informed choices for her care. My heart is to give back to my community by offering alternative healthcare options for women. I am a board-certified nurse midwife with master’s degrees from Frontier Nursing University in nurse midwifery and women’s health nurse practitioner.
