Women’s Health: Our approach

A deep dive into The Maas Clinic’s comprehensive approach to women’s health, led by Phoenix Maas.

Women’s health is a multifaceted topic that reaches far beyond the best-known pillars of a woman’s reproductive life, namely puberty, fertility, and menopause. Instead, a holistic approach to women’s wellness encompasses mental, spiritual, and physical well-being, and addresses the prevention of various reproductive disorders and diseases throughout a woman’s life. In this article, we delve into the various aspects of women’s health, discussing key health markers, menstrual health, hormonal balance, and essential nutritional improvements that can support every chapter of a woman’s life.

Defining Women’s Wellness.

According to Phoenix Maas, the women’s health lead at The Maas Clinic, women’s wellness is about “being holistically well in all aspects of life." It is not limited to pregnancy, fertility, or menopause but includes maintaining mental, spiritual, and physical health throughout a woman’s life. The goal is to prevent reproductive disorders and diseases while ensuring a balanced and joyful life.

Key health markers

When assessing female clients from an osteopathic and functional medicine viewpoint, several key markers are considered indicators of good health.

Joy and fulfilment

The biggest marker of health is how much joy a person experiences in their life. A lack of joy and motivation often indicates adrenal burnout and methylation issues. The gut-brain axis also plays a crucial role, as gut health directly impacts neurotransmitter production, affecting mood and overall well-being. A lack of exercise motivation or feeling exhausted after minimal exercise can indicate hormonal or methylation challenges.

At The Maas Clinic, a client presenting with a lack of joy would likely be suggested to undergo testing for adrenal burnout and gut health issues. The clinic’s approach is to investigate a client’s lifestyle choices and current biological state through a comprehensive health questionnaire and a bespoke testing plan. The results of these tests allow the dedicated women’s health team, led by Phoenix, to develop a custom treatment programme.

Regular periods

Regular, manageable menstrual cycles without excessive pain or other severe symptoms are a key marker of good female health. When hormonal levels are under control, a woman should progress through her menstrual cycle with minimal-to-no symptoms and a sense of ownership over the phases of her cycle. Painful periods, often accepted as part of the female experience, are abnormal and can indicate hormonal imbalances or inflammation. Extremely painful periods may suggest more severe conditions like endometriosis.

A healthy menstrual cycle should be regular, with a 28-30 day cycle and manageable bleeding. Cravings, fatigue, and other symptoms around periods are signs of underlying health issues, such as adrenal support needs or hormonal imbalances. Abdominal bloating, particularly around periods, suggests inflammation or gut dysbiosis. Stool and hormone testing can help identify the cause, and nutritional improvements, such as reducing inflammatory foods and incorporating omega-3 oils, can alleviate symptoms.

The Maas Clinic has helped innumerable clients over the past 30+ years to experience significantly fewer or no symptoms around their period. A practical first step is to begin tracking your period to gauge its regularity, which will be incredibly helpful for your practitioner should you seek help for hormonal balance.

Cravings and energy levels

Salt cravings, dark chocolate cravings, and needing an afternoon nap are signs that the adrenal glands need support. The adrenal glands secrete cortisol daily, impacting when you feel energised and when you feel relaxed and ready for bedtime. When cortisol is secreted correctly, it works in line with your circadian rhythm—more energy in the morning, less energy as the day progresses.

Adrenal burnout affects your ability to produce cortisol, disrupting your circadian rhythm and hormonal health. Lightheadedness and dizziness can indicate adrenal fatigue or other hormonal imbalances. Adrenal glands also produce other vital hormones, and when stressed, your body prioritises cortisol production over other hormones like progesterone, which is crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle.

Waking up at certain times of the night can indicate liver dysfunction or other hormonal imbalances, while trouble falling asleep can be linked to methylation challenges and neurotransmitter imbalances. Addressing adrenal health and optimising detoxification systems will positively affect your hormones.

Hormonal health and testing

Testing is an essential part of treatment programmes at The Maas Clinic. Accurate diagnosis requires comprehensive testing, and without test results, there is no concrete evidence of what is happening within a client’s body. The clinic partners with the best testing companies to ensure accurate results inform treatment programmes.

Two common hormone tests include:

The Dutch Test: This gold standard urine test provides a full picture of hormonal health, showing hormone levels and metabolites.

Saliva testing: Useful but less comprehensive than the Dutch Test.

Nutritional improvements

Eating healthily doesn’t mean bland or boring food. At The Maas Clinic, clients receive a nutritional plan tailored to them, including recipe suggestions for delicious, easy-to-make meals. The clinic also advises on the best foods for each individual based on their blood type.

Nutritional improvements can lead to:

• Greater and more stable energy
• Less inflammation
• A healthy and stable weight range
• Clearer cognitive function
•  Better lifespan

Nutritional improvements also contribute to a better experience of women’s health, reducing bloating and digestive discomfort.

Encouraging a brighter outlook on life

Joy and fulfilment are crucial health markers. The Maas Clinic not only looks at the biological elements of health but also dives deep into the emotional background. Trauma, grief, and persistent low-lying stress can contribute to overall energy depletion. The clinic’s holistic approach includes unwavering support for clients’ emotional health, creating an overall sense of well-being.

Get in touch!

The Maas Clinic’s comprehensive approach to women’s health, led by Phoenix Maas, emphasises a holistic view of wellness, integrating mental, spiritual, and physical health. Through thorough testing, personalised treatment plans, and a focus on joy and fulfilment, the clinic aims to help clients achieve optimal health. For those needing assistance with hormonal health, the clinic offers a complimentary call to new clients, inviting them to begin their journey to better health and well-being.

Reach out to the friendly team at The Maas Clinic today and take the first step toward optimal health!