We are looking for a nurse who currently receives customized hormone therapy from the Piqua Medicine Shoppe/Happy Hormone Cottage to become an integral part of our BHRT team. This would be a full-time position at the Piqua Medicine Shoppe, and would include patient consultations and more.  To apply or for more information, email Lyn@happyhormonecottage.com

You know our little stone cottage is the oldest stone building in Montgomery County, Ohio. Since it was built in the late 1800's and is very rustic (aka c-o-l-d in winter!!!!!), we have decided to not suffer again this winter with freezing fingers and toes, so we are moving our consultations beginning December 15-February 28 to one of our other locations in Kettering. Come see us for consultations and supplements at 5450 Far Hills Avenue, Suite 201, Kettering. This is at the corner of Far Hills Avenue and Rahn Road in Rahn Fountain Plaza. (across the street from Tobias Funeral Home). We still have the same email and same phone number....just a warm and toasty location for the freezing winter months. My employees appreciate this, and so do our clients!

"The most wonderful time of the year" may unfortunately become "the most stressful time of the year" for many people. Societal expectations, family obligations, job pressures, and economic hardship can result in stress, and if that stress becomes chronic, it can result in Adrenal Dysfunction and ultimately lead to:
 
·  Mood disorders and depression
·  Increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases
·  Osteoporosis
·  Dementia/memory loss
·  Sleep disorders
·  Insulin resistance/diabetes
·  Reproductive disorders
·  Premature aging
 
The adrenal glands are involved in the "fight or flight" response. One of the body's initial responses to fear or stress is the release of hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and cortisol that initially help us to react or adapt to a stressful situation. Cortisol raises blood sugar and blood pressure, and increases the breakdown of protein while inhibiting protein synthesis. Cortisol interferes with thyroid hormone action and stimulates visceral fat deposition, which can lead to metabolic syndrome. Medical literature has confirmed the correlation between high levels of cortisol secondary to chronic stress (hypercortisolism) and disease development, including:
 
·  Cardiovascular disease
·  Immune suppression
·  Impaired thyroid function
·  Decreased kidney function
·  Exacerbation of skin conditions (acne, psoriasis, eczema)
·  Gastrointestinal problems (GERD, Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
 
Over time, the body may no longer be able to produce the needed amounts of cortisol and patients can ultimately end up with low cortisol levels (hypocortisolism).
 
Factors which influence the development and progression of adrenal dysfunction:
·  Duration and severity of stress
·  Previous exposure to chronic stressors
·  Individual coping mechanisms
·  Gender (females are more likely to develop adrenal dysfunction than males)
·  Personality (introversion)
·  Low self-esteem
 
Treatment of Adrenal Dysfunction
·  Stress reduction techniques -Gentle exercise, Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates, meditation
·  Sleep hygiene - Regular sleep-wake cycle, avoid third shift work. The following supplements may be helpful: 5-HTP, Melatonin, Phosphatidylserine, L-Theanine, Calming herbs (Valerian root, Chamomile, Hops, Passion flower)
·  Lifestyle modification - Delegating responsibilities to eliminate stressors, regular meals, avoid caffeine and alcohol
·  Vitamins and minerals - Magnesium Glycinate or Citrate, B Vitamins, selenium, zinc, calcium, manganese, Vitamin E with mixed tocopherols, Vitamin C (Ascorbate)
·  Adaptogens - Ashwaganda, Rhodiola, Holy Basil
·  Pharmacologic therapy - Low doses of hydrocortisone (by prescription, and closely monitored) have been found to help when the body fails to produce sufficient amounts of cortisol.
 
Our pharmacist will work together with patients and their physicians to treat adrenal dysfunction.

   At the Happy Hormone Cottage and The Piqua Medicine Shoppe, we recommend Dr. James Wilson's formulas for our clients with adrenal issues. In our online store, we offer three different formulas for adrenal support: Adrenal C Formula Caplets, Adrenal Rebuilder Caplets, Super Adrenal Stress Formula Caps. One of our professionals can help you make your selection or you can order all your nutritional supplements in our online store.