“Leaky gut” has become one of the most misunderstood—and often dismissed—terms in functional medicine. Some people hear it and think it’s a fad. Others assume it’s the explanation for everything . In reality, increased intestinal permeability  (the clinical term for leaky gut) is a well-documented physiological process that can play a meaningful role in inflammation, immune activation, and hormone and metabolic dysfunction. At Vitality Natural Wellness, we don’t treat leaky g

If you’ve ever looked at your lab results and thought, “I have no idea what I’m looking at—but my provider said everything is normal,”  you’re not alone. At Vitality Natural Wellness, many of our patients come in feeling dismissed, confused, or frustrated because their symptoms don’t match what their labs are telling them. One of the most common reasons? Key hormone markers are misunderstood, oversimplified, or never fully explained. Three of the biggest culprits: FSH, SHBG,

Hormones influence nearly every system in the body — mood, metabolism, sleep, energy, fertility, and more. Yet many women are left feeling confused, dismissed, or unsure when it comes to their hormonal health. This guide is designed to answer some of the most common questions you might ask about hormones — whether you’re cycling regularly, navigating perimenopause, or approaching menopause. Do I need to be in menopause to have hormone problems? No. Hormone imbalances can occu

Many women are told—directly or indirectly—that hormone care is something to think about later . Later, when cycles stop. Later, when symptoms are unbearable. Later, when menopause arrives. But here’s the truth: you do not need to wait for menopause to address your hormones —and in many cases, waiting can actually make the transition harder. Hormonal health matters throughout every stage of a woman’s life, from regular monthly cycles to perimenopause and beyond. The key is un