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The “D”eal with Vitamin D? Benefits, Deficiency & Dosage
Original posting 12/13/2019, Updated: 10/20/2026 Vitamin D advantages, vitamin D deficiency, optimum vitamin D levels, and how much vitamin D you need We usually call vitamin D the "sunshine vitamin" as we have the ability to synthesize it using ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight, however, there is more to vitamin D than that! For example, vitamin D is crucial for bone mineralization, calcium absorption, muscle strength and function, and immunity, as well as being present
The PCNM Team
Oct 2015 min read
Functional Lab Testing for Hormones, Gut Health, and More: What's Available Without a Doctor's Visit
We see a particular kind of patient pretty regularly. Usually, they've been to their GP, maybe a gastroenterologist, an endocrinologist, possibly a rheumatologist. Every specialist rules out the thing they were looking for - which is genuinely good news - but nobody has actually explained why this person still feels terrible. Tired, bloated, anxious, wired at night, foggy during the day, gaining weight for no clear reason. All the standard labs came back as "normal" or "unrem
Dr. Teresa True
May 288 min read
Brain Fog? Here’s What’s Actually Causing It (Even With Normal Labs)
Feeling unfocused, forgetful, or like your thinking just isn’t clear, you’re not alone! This is often called "Brain Fog". Many people are told their labs are “normal,” yet they still struggle with constant brain fog, low energy, and poor concentration and are not given a clear solution on how to correct this. Brain fog is something we commonly see, every day even, in our practice among new patients. The reality is, there are often underlying causes of brain fog that aren’t be
Dr. Teresa True
Apr 296 min read
It’s Not Your Willpower: Why You Can’t Lose Weight (Even Doing Everything Right)
Struggling to lose weight despite diet and exercise? Learn how insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, and hormone imbalance may be blocking fat loss and what labs to check.
Dr. Teresa True
Apr 158 min read
When Chronic Stress Starts Affecting Your Physical Health
Most people think of stress as purely emotional or psychological. But chronic stress can affect far more than mood alone. Over time, stress can begin to influence digestion, sleep, immune function, hormone balance, blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and energy levels. In today's world, stress is very different than what we evolved to handle. Today's stressors are not tigers, bears and staying alive for most people. The lifestyle of constant connection through phones, email
Dr. Teresa True
Jan 57 min read
What Labs Can Show if Stress is Affecting Your Adrenal Glands
Find out how stress impacts your adrenal and hormone health. Learn about DUTCH and Doctor’s Data adrenal labs to uncover cortisol and hormone imbalance.
Dr. Teresa True
Nov 5, 20257 min read
How Cell Salts Support Digestion & Hormone Balance - And When to Use Functional Lab Testing
Discover how Schuessler cell salts support digestion and hormone balance and when functional lab testing can reveal the root cause of imbalance.
Dr. Teresa True
Nov 5, 20256 min read
Which Lab Tests Are Most Helpful for Women in Perimenopause?
Learn which lab tests are most helpful for women in perimenopause. Discover why saliva hormone panels and DUTCH testing provide more accurate results than standard bloodwork, and how they reveal adrenal function and hormonal balance.
Dr. Teresa True
Oct 22, 20257 min read
MIC Injections: Supporting Metabolism, Liver Function, and Sustainable Energy
Discover how physician-supervised MIC injections at Pacific Clinic of Natural Medicine support metabolism, liver health, and energy — a safer, natural alternative to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic®.
Dr. Teresa True
Oct 21, 20256 min read
Can Hormone Imbalance Cause Weight Gain? What Labs Should You Check?
Many people struggling with weight gain wonder if hormone imbalances are to blame. The truth is, hormones play a major role in regulating metabolism, appetite, fat storage, and energy balance. If they are out of balance, weight can be much harder to manage, even with healthy eating and exercise. Quick Answer: The most important labs to check for hormone-related weight changes include: Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T4, Free T3, antibodies) Sex hormones (estradiol at least, but a mo
Dr. Teresa True
Oct 2, 20254 min read
Embracing Change: Natural Solutions for Menopause Wellness
Menopause is a significant milestone in a woman’s life, signaling the end of the reproductive years. While it’s a natural transition, it often comes with various physical and emotional symptoms that can affect daily life. Hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and changes in metabolism are just a few challenges many women face during menopause. However, there is hope. By embracing natural solutions for menopause wellness, women can ease these symptoms and improve their quality o
The PCNM Team
Feb 28, 20257 min read
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month
Updated August 3, 2026 What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is characterized by endometrium-like tissue that is present outside of the uterus. It is a complex, chronic, and lifelong condition affecting over 10% of people born with a uterus. The true prevalence of the disease is likely much higher as a definitive diagnosis is dependent upon exploratory laparoscopy, which many people never have, and symptoms often mimic other conditions, which means getting an accurate diagno
Sharon Ona, MS, CNS, CN, LD
Mar 5, 20244 min read
Type 2 Diabetes: Exploring Integrative Approaches
What is Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. In this type...
Sharon Ona, MS, CNS, CN, LD
Feb 27, 20245 min read
The Microbiome and Your Health
Believe it or not, the bugs in our gut have a lot to do with our normal function and disease development. As more research on the role...
Dr. Teresa True
Sep 7, 20227 min read
Weight Loss, How Can a Naturopath Help? Your Questions Answered
While you've tried multiple weight loss plans none of them seem to work. You cringe in frustration at the thought of going on another diet or cleanse. Plans that your primary care doctor has given you have not been enough to make the lifestyle changes you know you need to make. You’ve heard that a naturopathic doctor can help with weight loss and bring back the health and vitality you’ve been missing. In this article, we will cover the basis of naturopathic medicine, the natu
The PCNM Team
Dec 21, 20208 min read
Increasing Testosterone Naturally
Testosterone’s Role in the Body While testosterone tends to only be associated with male characteristics - especially in the media, where there is no shortage of advertising for products to have men magically feeling twenty years younger - this hormone plays a critical role in the well-being of everyone . Produced in the testes, the ovaries, and the adrenal glands, testosterone has a crucial role in maintaining a host of physiologic processes including: Libido Sufficient lev
The PCNM Team
Aug 9, 20205 min read
Strong and Healthy Bones and Teeth
In children, poor bone health is more often seen as frequent cavities and dental decay, but this can be seen in adults as well.
Dr. Teresa True
Jul 10, 20208 min read
Painful Periods: Effective, Natural Treatment
To help make sense of your menstrual cycle, it is important to understand the interplay of hormones and physiologic responses your body goes through to build and shed the uterus lining. The cycle begins with menstrual bleeding which is the shedding of the lining of the uterus that builds up monthly to prepare for pregnancy. For many women a normal menstrual period typically lasts about four to eight days. Low levels of estrogen and progesterone tell your body to begin menstru
The PCNM Team
Jun 10, 20205 min read
Why You Should Love your Liver
The importance of the liver in our normal metabolism and function is often underplayed. Mostly known for its detoxification and bile production, the liver actually does much more to keep us healthy and functioning normally. In today's world of chronic exposure to toxins in the environment, poor diets, excessive alcohol and medication use and insufficient nutrient dense food, fresh air, sunshine and movement, our livers take a toll. Maximizing this amazing organ's function i
Dr. Teresa True
Feb 23, 20205 min read
Migraines - Effective Natural Treatment
Migraines are miserable! If you are someone who suffers from occasional or even chronic migraines, these can be debilitating. They are...
Dr. Teresa True
Jan 27, 20205 min read
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