Melinda has a personal interest in therapies for conditions like chronic pain, as her father struggled for several years without finding any treatments that truly improved his quality of life. Adding to her training, Melinda underwent specialized instruction in ketamine therapy and IV hydration and nutrition at the online Ketamine and IV Nutritional Academy. She believes that her role is to provide the necessary education, resources, and motivation so that patients can be successful in reaching their health goals. Dr. Shelby is passionate about promoting evidence-based health to her patients through the use of chiropractic, acupuncture, and other holistic modalities. Always consult your medical provider before beginning any therapy program It is responsible for various functions, including maintaining muscle mass, bone density, libido, mood regulation, and overall energy levels. Testosterone is a vital hormone that plays a significant role in both men and women. We take a holistic approach to improving health and well-being. For functional medicine inquiries, contact our experienced functional medicine doctors. In search of a functional medicine doctor in The Woodlands? Testosterone production occurs mainly during deep sleep. Environmental toxins, such as pesticides, plastics, and heavy metals, contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that interfere with hormone production and metabolism. Chronic gut issues, such as leaky gut syndrome or dysbiosis, can lead to systemic inflammation, which interferes with testosterone production. Deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and B vitamins can negatively affect hormone levels. Research indicates that exercise affects women’s hormonal health differently compared to men. Short-term clinical trials suggest that low-dose testosterone therapy in women appears to be effective, safe, and economical. A well-functioning gut is important for overall health and to help maintain hormone balance. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is produced by the adrenals and may help balance cortisol levels and convert into testosterone if levels are low. While testosterone levels can be measured on any day of the month, the timing of the test is important. Additionally, medications such as ketoconazole have been demonstrated to affect testosterone levels. Our functional medicine providers can help you decide what strategies most align with your personal goals for optimal health and longevity. Optimized levels are important for a sense of well-being, energy, maintaining muscle mass, supporting healthy body composition, reproductive function, and libido in both sexes. As men age, testosterone levels naturally begin to decline, estimated at one to three percent per year after the age of 40.1 When testosterone production drops below certain levels and patients experience low-testosterone symptoms such as decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, loss of energy, fatigue, and reduced muscle mass or bone density, it may lead to a testosterone deficiency diagnosis. Dr. John Nieters shares safe, research-backed herbs and supplements that support testosterone naturally—without the risks of pharmaceutical hormone therapy. She connects with her patients through trust, education, and a "whole-body" approach to health care. Rather than relying solely on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), this approach aims to identify and address the root causes of hormonal disruptions. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the field of functional medicine, which focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. Your hormone production depends heavily on proper nutrition. Each method has its own benefits based on your lifestyle and health goals. This personalized approach will give you exactly what your body needs—no more, no less. We develop custom-formulated testosterone preparations based on your specific hormonal profile. This similarity leads to fewer side effects and better results for men with low testosterone symptoms.