http://www.optimizeyourhealthwithlori.com/, https://linktr.ee/ljcardiologynp

Lori Wendell APRN - Optimize Your Health, 510 C street, South Charleston, WV (2025)

10/07/2025

🔬 Deep Dive: SHBG — The Unsung Regulator of Your Hormones

Most people check their testosterone or estrogen levels…
but few realize that SHBG (S*x Hormone–Binding Globulin) determines how much of those hormones are actually usable by the body.

⚙️ What SHBG Does

SHBG is a protein produced by your liver that binds tightly to s*x hormones — especially testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol.
When bound, these hormones are inactive. Only the unbound or “free” fraction exerts biological effects.

Think of SHBG as your hormone traffic controller — it decides how much hormone is “free to act” versus “stored for later.”

📉 Low SHBG — What It Can Mean

Low SHBG can make hormones appear high on lab tests but still leave you symptomatic.
Common functional causes include:
• Insulin resistance or high insulin levels (often seen with metabolic dysfunction or PCOS)
• Obesity
• Hypothyroidism
• Androgen excess
• High growth hormone or cortisol levels
• Inflammation or liver dysfunction

💬 Low SHBG often signals metabolic or inflammatory stress rather than a primary hormone problem.

📈 High SHBG — What It Can Mean

When SHBG is elevated, most of your testosterone or estrogen becomes bound and inactive.
This can cause fatigue, low libido, poor recovery, or menstrual irregularities even if your total hormone levels look fine.
Common functional drivers include:
• Estrogen dominance
• Liver stress or overactivation (especially with excess estrogen metabolism)
• Thyroid hyperactivity or excess thyroid hormone
• Nutrient deficiencies (especially protein or zinc)
• Certain medications (oral contraceptives, anticonvulsants, etc.)

⚖️ Finding the Balance

In functional medicine, we don’t just look at “normal” lab ranges — we aim for optimal:
• Men: typically 20–60 nmol/L
• Women: typically 30–120 nmol/L (varies by age and hormonal status)

But these numbers mean little without context. The key is to interpret SHBG alongside:
• Total & Free Testosterone
• Estradiol
• Albumin
• Insulin or fasting glucose
• Thyroid panel
• Liver function tests

🧠 Bottom Line

SHBG is more than a lab value — it’s a metabolic and hormonal marker that connects your liver, thyroid, insulin balance, and s*x hormones.
When SHBG is off, it’s often a clue that your body’s regulatory systems are out of sync.

Functional tip: balancing insulin, supporting liver health, optimizing thyroid function, and ensuring nutrient sufficiency are key steps to bringing SHBG — and your hormones — back into harmony.

10/02/2025

Essential amino acids are critical because your body cannot make them on its own — they must come from food or supplements. Here’s why they matter:

🧬Protein Building Blocks → They form the foundation of proteins, which build and repair muscles, tissues, skin, and organs.

💪🏽Muscle Growth & Repair → Key for athletes, recovery, and preventing muscle loss with age.

💥Energy Production → Some essential aminos can be used as fuel when glucose is low.

🧬Hormone & Enzyme Regulation → Support the creation of neurotransmitters, hormones, and enzymes for body function.

🩺Immune Function → Help produce antibodies to defend against illness.

🌙Mood & Sleep Support → Aminos like tryptophan help make serotonin and melatonin.

👉 In short: without essential amino acids, your body can’t function properly — they’re the foundation of growth, repair, energy, and balance.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the 9 essential amino acids and their roles:

⸻

1️⃣ Histidine
• Helps make histamine (important for immune response, digestion, and sleep-wake cycles).
• Supports tissue repair and growth.
• Aids in protecting nerve cells.

2️⃣ Isoleucine
• Boosts endurance and muscle repair.
• Helps regulate blood sugar and energy.
• Supports hemoglobin production (oxygen transport).

3️⃣ Leucine
• One of the most important for muscle growth and recovery.
• Stimulates muscle protein synthesis.
• Helps regulate blood sugar and wound healing.

4️⃣ Lysine
• Critical for collagen formation (skin, joints, connective tissue).
• Aids calcium absorption → bone health.
• Supports immune function and hormone production.

5️⃣ Methionine
• Provides sulfur for detoxification and healthy hair, skin, nails.
• Precursor to other important molecules like cysteine and glutathione.
• Helps in metabolism and fat breakdown.

6️⃣ Phenylalanine
• Converts into tyrosine → makes dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.
• Important for brain function and mood.
• Supports memory and learning.

7️⃣ Threonine
• Maintains healthy skin, collagen, and elastin.
• Supports gut health (mucus production).
• Plays a role in fat metabolism and immune function.

8️⃣ Tryptophan
• Converts into serotonin → mood regulation and sleep.
• Precursor to melatonin (sleep-wake cycle).
• Helps with niacin (vitamin B3) production.

9️⃣ Valine
• Provides energy for muscles.
• Helps with muscle recovery and tissue repair.
• Supports mental focus and stress management.

09/30/2025

How do GLP 1 MEDICATIONS help with WEIGHT LOSS ? 🤔💡

💉 GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide / Wegovy, Ozempic, Tirzepatide, Zepbound, Mounjaro, etc.) help with weight loss by mimicking a natural hormone your body already produces — GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone plays a big role in blood sugar regulation and appetite control. Here’s how it works:

🧠 1. Appetite & Satiety (Brain Effect)

💉 GLP-1 drugs act on areas of your brain (hypothalamus) that regulate hunger.
• They reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
• People often feel satisfied with smaller portions and snack less frequently.

🫀 2. Slower Gastric Emptying (Stomach Effect)
• They slow down how quickly your stomach empties after eating.
• This leads to a longer-lasting feeling of fullness and helps curb overeating.

🩸 3. Better Blood Sugar Control (Pancreas Effect)
• GLP-1s increase insulin release when your blood sugar rises and suppress glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar).
• More stable blood sugar levels can reduce cravings, especially for carbs and sweets.

⚡ 4. Possible Increase in Energy Expenditure

Some evidence suggests these medications may slightly boost calorie burning or affect fat metabolism, though the main effect is appetite suppression.

📉 Result

Because you eat less, feel full longer, and your blood sugar is steadier, you naturally take in fewer calories — leading to weight loss over time.

Clinical trials show people often lose 10–20% of their body weight depending on the medication, dose, and lifestyle changes.

09/30/2025

Just what is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis ? 🤔

𝙷𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚘’𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚢𝚛𝚘𝚒𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜 is the most common autoimmune disease in the United States and the leading cause of hypothyroidism. 🤯

Unlike simple “low thyroid,” 𝙷𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚘’𝚜 is an autoimmune condition—meaning the immune system is mistakenly attacking thyroid tissue.

Over time, this can reduce thyroid hormone production and cause a wide range of symptoms.

🔹 Why it’s often missed:

Many patients are told they have “hypothyroidism” but never tested for thyroid antibodies (TPO or Tg antibodies), which confirm 𝙷𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚘’𝚜. Without this knowledge, treatment often focuses only on replacing thyroid hormone rather than addressing why the thyroid is under attack.

🔹 Common symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue, even with rest
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Cold intolerance
• Hair thinning or loss of the outer third of eyebrows
• Constipation or other digestive changes
• Brain fog, memory lapses, mood changes
• Dry skin, brittle nails

🔹 Functional medicine approach:

With 𝙷𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚘’𝚜, simply prescribing thyroid medication may not resolve symptoms if the autoimmune process is still active. A root-cause approach often involves:

• Comprehensive lab testing: thyroid panel + antibody testing
• Nutritional support: addressing deficiencies (selenium, zinc, vitamin D, B12, iron)
• Gut health optimization: since ~70% of the immune system lives in the gut
• Food triggers: identifying sensitivities (like gluten or dairy) that may fuel autoimmunity
• Stress & lifestyle support: reducing chronic stress, improving sleep, and balancing hormones

𝙷𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚘’𝚜 is not just a thyroid condition—it’s an immune condition. Addressing the root drivers can make a profound difference in symptoms, quality of life, and long-term health.

Ready to start HEALING ❤️‍🩹?

Give us a call 📱 or send us a text today : +1 (681) 549-7038

09/26/2025

Men’s Hormone Health Matters 💙🩺🧬

Hormones aren’t just about reproduction—they impact energy, mood, sleep, muscle 💪🏽 strength, and even heart 🫀 health.

🚹 Key hormones to know:
• T͟e͟s͟t͟o͟s͟t͟e͟r͟o͟n͟e͟ – drives energy, libido, and muscle mass.
• D͟H͟E͟A͟ – supports resilience, mood, and stress response.
• C͟o͟r͟t͟i͟s͟o͟l͟ – regulates stress and inflammation.
• T͟h͟y̲r͟o͟i͟d͟ h͟o͟r͟m͟o͟n͟e͟s͟ – power your metabolism and brain function.

⚠️ Signs of imbalance may include:
• Low energy or motivation
• Mood changes (irritability, low mood)
• Weight gain, especially around the middle
• Muscle loss or difficulty building strength
• Low libido or performance concerns

✨ The good news: hormone health can be supported through nutrition, sleep, stress management, and medical care when needed.

Your hormones work together as a team—optimizing them can help you feel like yourself again.

Schedule your appointment today to see WHAT HORMONE SUPPORT Your Body needs.

📲 +1 (681) 549-7038
Lori Wendell APRN - Optimize Your Health

09/25/2025

🌿 Thinking about a liver cleanse?

Your liver is the body’s built-in detox powerhouse. Instead of extreme cleanses or juice fasts, the best way to support it is through everyday choices that reduce the toxin load and improve how it processes waste.

🔬 Why your liver matters:

• Filters toxins from food, medications, and the environment
• Metabolizes hormones like estrogen, thyroid, and cortisol
• Produces bile to digest fats and absorb nutrients
• Stores vitamins and minerals for later use

✨ Ways to support your liver naturally:

1. Nutrition for detox pathways
• Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts) help phase II detox.
• Beets, garlic, onions, and turmeric aid bile flow and antioxidant support.

2. Hydration
• Water helps your liver flush toxins efficiently. Aim for half your body weight in ounces daily.

3. Reduce toxin exposure
• Limit alcohol, processed sugar, and trans fats.
• Choose clean household and beauty products where possible.

4. Support your gut
• A healthy microbiome reduces the burden on your liver by properly eliminating waste. Fiber is key!

5. Movement & sweat
• Exercise and sweating help your body offload toxins so your liver isn’t working alone.

Maybe YOUR body needs a deeper dive into what’s blocking your pathways…

Lori Wendell APRN - Optimize Your Health

09/23/2025

🧬 Deep Dive: 𝐻𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑐𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑒

What is it⁉️

𝐻𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑐𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑒 is an amino acid your body produces when it breaks down another amino acid called methionine (from protein in your diet). Normally, your body recycles ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑐𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑒 with the help of certain nutrients — mainly B6, B12, folate, and choline.

Why does it matter⁉️

When recycling doesn’t work well, ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑐𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑒 builds up in the blood. Elevated homocysteine is linked to:

• ✅ Higher risk of cardiovascular disease (artery damage, clot risk)
• ✅ Brain health issues like memory problems, dementia, and depression
• ✅ Poor detoxification and methylation, making it harder for your body to process hormones, toxins, and neurotransmitters
• ✅ Pregnancy complications if left unchecked

What causes high ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑐𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑒 ⁉️

• Low intake or poor absorption of B vitamins
• Genetic variations (like MTHFR) that slow methylation
• Poor gut health that limits nutrient absorption
• Smoking, alcohol, stress, and certain medications

What you can do: ✅

• Eat foods rich in B vitamins: leafy greens, eggs, salmon, grass-fed beef, legumes
• Consider methylated B vitamin support (with practitioner guidance)
• Support your gut health so nutrients absorb properly
• Prioritize stress management, sleep, and movement

Functional medicine perspective: ✅

Lab ranges often say up to 15 µmol/L is “normal,” but research shows levels above 7–8 µmol/L can already increase health risks.

Call is today to schedule your deep dive 📲 +1 (681) 549-7038

09/23/2025

💊Common Forms of Magnesium💊

⚡ Quick guide:
• For sleep & calm → Glycinate
• For constipation → Citrate or Oxide
• For brain health → Threonate
• For muscles & energy → Malate
• For heart health → Taurate or Orotate
• For topical use → Chloride or Sulfate

1️⃣ Magnesium Citrate
• Highly absorbable
• Gentle laxative effect → helpful for constipation
• Can also support general magnesium needs

2️⃣ Magnesium Glycinate (Bisglycinate)
• Gentle on the stomach
• Calming effect → supports sleep, relaxation, anxiety
• Less likely to cause diarrhea

3️⃣ Magnesium Malate
• Bound to malic acid (used in energy production)
• Supports muscle energy, fatigue, fibromyalgia, exercise recovery

4️⃣ Magnesium Threonate (Magtein®)
• Crosses the blood-brain barrier
• Supports memory, learning, brain health, cognitive function

5️⃣ Magnesium Oxide
• Inexpensive, but poorly absorbed
• Mostly used for constipation, heartburn, indigestion
• Not ideal for raising magnesium levels

6️⃣ Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt)
• Used in baths/soaks for sore muscles and relaxation
• Can be taken orally (with caution, often as a laxative)

7️⃣ Magnesium Chloride
• Well absorbed orally
• Also used in topical forms (sprays, oils, lotions)

8️⃣ Magnesium Taurate
• Bound to the amino acid taurine
• Supports heart health, blood pressure regulation, rhythm stability

9️⃣ Magnesium Orotate
• Often used in sports medicine
• Supports heart health and exercise recovery

Test don’t guess … schedule your appointment with us today 📲 +1 (681) 549-7038

09/21/2025

🌸 Why am I losing hair? It might not be what you think… 🌸

Hair loss is more common than most realize, and it’s not always “just aging.” Some of the biggest hidden causes include:

🩸 Low Iron Levels – Iron carries oxygen to your hair follicles. Without enough, hair becomes weak and sheds more easily.
⚖️ Hormonal Imbalances – Thyroid issues, PCOS, menopause, or postpartum shifts can all affect hair growth.
🥗 Poor Nutrition – Not getting enough protein, vitamins (like D, B12, biotin), or minerals (like zinc) can leave your hair thin and brittle.

✨ Other signs something might be off:
• Fatigue or low energy
• Brittle nails
• Changes in your cycle or skin
• Feeling “not quite yourself”

✅ The good news: Many of these causes are reversible when the root issue is found and treated. A simple blood test and nutrition check can often uncover what your hair is trying to tell you.

💡 If you’re struggling with thinning hair, don’t just cover it up—look deeper. Your hair is often a mirror of your overall health!

Concerns?
Text us at (681) 552-1662 or (681) 549-7038 to schedule an appointment✅

09/19/2025

The Importance of a Face-to-Face Consultation in Functional Medicine 👩🏻‍⚕️ 🩺

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞. 🩺 Functional Medicine isn’t about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all protocols—it’s about understanding the full picture of you. That’s why a face-to-face consultation is such a powerful part of your care journey.

H͟e͟r͟e͟’̲s͟ w͟h͟y̲ i͟t͟ m͟a͟t͟t͟e͟r͟s͟:̲

1. 𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚂𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙿𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚝 😊

Unlike conventional medicine, where the focus is often on symptoms alone, Functional Medicine begins with listening. In person, you have the space to share your full health journey—your past experiences, daily challenges, lifestyle, and goals. This helps your provider see not just what’s going on, but why it’s happening.

2. 𝙷𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝙱𝚞𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚜 𝚃𝚛𝚞𝚜𝚝 ❤️

Healing is more than lab results. Being face-to-face allows your provider to really connect with you, hear the emotion in your words, and pick up on the details that aren’t always obvious in virtual conversations. That human connection helps you feel seen, heard, and supported—something that’s vital when navigating chronic or complex health issues.

3. 𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝙱𝚘𝚍𝚢 𝚃𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚜 𝙸𝚝𝚜 𝙾𝚠𝚗 𝚂𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 🙋🏻‍♀️

Sometimes, your body language, skin tone, energy levels, or even posture can give important clues about your health. These subtle but powerful insights are often easier to notice in person, which can guide a more precise and individualized care plan.

4. 𝙰 𝚃𝚛𝚞𝚎 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙 𝚒𝚗 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚎 👏

Functional Medicine is collaborative. An in-person consultation fosters a deeper partnership—one where you feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and actively participating in the process. It’s about being a partner in your health journey, not just a patient.

5. 𝚆𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎-𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝙰𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 🩺

When you’re sitting together, your provider can integrate information from your story, your physical presence, and your labs or assessments in a way that creates a complete, personalized picture of your health. This holistic approach makes your care plan more effective and sustainable long term.

✨ In Functional Medicine, healing begins with understanding—and there’s no better way to truly understand you than through a face-to-face conversation.

C͟a͟l͟l͟ o͟r͟ T͟e͟x͟t͟ u͟s͟ t͟o͟d͟a͟y̲ 📲 +1 (681) 549-7038

09/18/2025

Are You Low on the Sunshine ☀️ Vitamin?

Did you know that over 40% of adults are ᴅᴇꜰɪᴄɪᴇɴᴛ ɪɴ Vɪᴛᴀᴍɪɴ D?

This powerful vitamin isn’t just about strong bones — it plays a big role in:

✨ Supporting your immune system
✨ Boosting mood & mental health
✨ Balancing hormones
✨ Reducing inflammation

Lᴏᴡ Vɪᴛᴀᴍɪɴ D can leave you feeling:
❌ Tired and achy
❌ More prone to illness
❌ Down or “blue”
❌ Struggling with bone or muscle weakness

👉 A simple lab test can tell you where your levels stand. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙖𝙡 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 “𝙞𝙣 𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚” — 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮.

💡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 “ 𝙾𝙿𝚃𝙸𝙼𝙰𝙻“ and we will get you scheduled to do a deep dive to check your Vitamin D levels — it could be the missing piece to your health puzzle!

Or contact us 📲 +1 (681) 549-7038

Lori Wendell APRN - Optimize Your Health

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