How to Know if You Should See an Endocrinologist or a Hormone Specialist at New Leaf Wellness

When your hormones are out of balance, everything feels off — energy, mood, weight, sleep, and even relationships. But knowing who to see for help can be confusing. Should you book an appointment with an endocrinologist or with a hormone specialist?

At New Leaf Wellness, we make the process simple. Here’s a step-by-step decision guide to help you understand the difference — and why starting with us can be your most accessible first step.


Step 1: Identify Your Main Concerns

Take note of the symptoms that brought you here. Common hormone-related signs include:

  • Persistent fatigue or brain fog
  • Weight gain or loss that doesn’t make sense
  • Low libido, hot flashes, or night sweats
  • Irregular periods or trouble conceiving
  • Hair loss or thinning, new adult acne, or facial hair growth
  • Mood swings, anxiety, or trouble sleeping
  • Blood sugar spikes, frequent thirst, or constant hunger

If these sound familiar, it’s worth exploring whether hormones could be at the root.


Step 2: Understand the Role of Each Specialist

  • Endocrinologist → A medical doctor who specializes in complex or serious hormone conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid cancer, adrenal or pituitary disorders. They’re often the right fit when test results are highly abnormal or your condition requires advanced testing and hospital-based care.
  • Hormone Specialist at New Leaf Wellness → A provider focused on helping men and women restore balance through personalized hormone therapy, lifestyle guidance, and ongoing support. We treat symptoms that affect daily life — fatigue, low libido, menopause, perimenopause, and low testosterone — and offer accessible, patient-focused care.

Step 3: Use This Quick Decision Guide

Ask yourself these questions:

  1. Do I have a life-threatening or urgent condition?Severe chest pain, fainting, or dangerously high/low blood sugar → Call 911 or go to the ER.
  2. Have I been diagnosed with a complex hormone disorder?Pituitary or adrenal disease, thyroid cancer, or insulin pump management → Endocrinologist.
  3. Are my main concerns quality of life symptoms?Fatigue, hot flashes, weight gain, low libido, sleep problems → Start at New Leaf Wellness.
  4. Am I unsure, but I know I don’t feel like myself?That’s where we shine — we’ll run labs, listen to your story, create a tailored plan, and work with you all throughout your hormone journey.

Step 4: What Makes New Leaf Wellness Accessible

At New Leaf Wellness, we’ve designed our care around you:

  • Same-week or next-week appointments so you don’t wait months to be seen
  • Telehealth or phone call options for convenience and flexibility during your hormone wellness journey 
  • On-site lab testing to get answers faster
  • Transparent pricing and insurance support
  • Longer appointments so your provider truly listens

We believe hormone health should never feel overwhelming or out of reach.


Step 5: Preparing for Your Visit

To get the most from your appointment, bring:

  • A list of your current medications and supplements
  • Notes on your symptoms and when they started

This helps us create a care plan that’s specific to you.


Your Next Step: Start Here, Start Simple

If you’re unsure whether you need an endocrinologist or a hormone specialist, the safest and most accessible place to begin is right here at New Leaf Wellness. We’ll evaluate your concerns, order the right labs, and guide you toward relief.

 Don’t wait until symptoms take over your life — let us help you feel like yourself again.

👉 Call us today or book online to schedule your first appointment.

Menopause & Perimenopause Symptoms: You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Feel This Way

Menopause and perimenopause mark a significant transition in a woman’s life—and no two experiences are exactly alike. While some women move through this phase with minimal symptoms, many others experience a range of physical and emotional changes that can affect daily life and overall well-being.

Common Symptoms of Menopause & Perimenopause May Include:

  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
  • Vaginal dryness or discomfort
  • Irregular periods or skipped cycles
  • Decreased libido
  • Weight gain or changes in metabolism

Over two-thirds of women in North America experience hot flashes, but how long and how intense they are varies dramatically. For some, symptoms last just a year or two. For others, they can continue for more than a decade. The key takeaway? Every woman’s journey is unique—and support should be too.


💚 How New Leaf Wellness Can Help

At New Leaf Wellness, we understand the frustration that comes from not feeling like yourself. That’s why we partner with New Leaf Specialty Pharmacy, which compounds bioidentical hormones in personalized dosages, strengths, and combinations to meet your body’s unique needs.

Bioidentical hormone therapy is designed to:

  • Balance fluctuating hormone levels
  • Reduce symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue
  • Improve sleep, focus, and mood
  • Support sexual wellness and energy
  • Help you feel more like YOU again

Whether you’re in the early stages of perimenopause or deep into menopause, we’re here to support you with a personalized, compassionate approach to your health.


📞 Let’s Talk

If you’re experiencing symptoms or just feel “off,” don’t wait. Start a conversation with your New Leaf Consultant today. Together, we’ll create a plan that supports your body, your lifestyle, and your long-term wellness.

✨ Because this phase of life should be about thriving—not just surviving.

Are You Tired, Stressed, and Just Not Feeling Like Yourself? It Could Be Adrenal Fatigue.

Many people don’t realize that stress and poor health are deeply connected. If you’re constantly stressed or not getting enough rest, it can take a serious toll on your body—specifically on your cortisol levels.

Cortisol is one of over 50 hormones produced by the adrenal glands—two small but powerful glands that sit just above your kidneys. These glands play a key role in maintaining energy, managing stress, and supporting your immune system.

One of the most common things we hear from patients struggling with adrenal fatigue is:
👉 “After [a major stress or life event], I was never the same.”

That turning point often follows periods of:

  • Financial stress
  • Emotional strain
  • Infections or illness
  • Poor diet (especially sugar and processed foods)
  • Smoking or drug use
  • Unemployment or life instability

Over time, these stressors can cause your adrenal glands to struggle, leading to reduced cortisol production—your body’s main stress-handling hormone. And when cortisol levels drop, your energy, focus, and even your mood can take a hit.

Common Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Low blood pressure or blood sugar
  • Frequent headaches
  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Low libido
  • Fertility issues
  • Feeling “off” or not like yourself

💚 You don’t have to keep pushing through. If this sounds like you, New Leaf Wellness in West Des Moines and all the other locations can help. We offer cortisol testing and personalized support, including supplements designed to restore balance and help you feel like yourself again.

✨ Let us help you restore your energy, health, and vitality—naturally.

Struggling with Fatigue? Your Hormones Could Be to Blame!

Do you feel tired all the time? Older than your actual age? Lacking the energy to do the things you love?

Fatigue is a common issue, and it can stem from many causes—sleep apnea, heart conditions, anemia, infections, dehydration, poor nutrition, or lung problems. That’s why getting a thorough evaluation is crucial. But what if all your tests come back “normal” and you’re still exhausted?

Many people in this situation are prescribed antidepressants—sometimes necessary, but often not the real solution. If you’re between 35 and 55 years old, or even younger or older, a hormonal imbalance could be the true cause of your fatigue.

Hormones & Energy: What You Need to Know

While many associate low energy with thyroid issues, another major cause often gets overlooked—low Testosterone in both men and women.

✅ Men often aren’t treated until their Testosterone levels are dangerously low, and even then, they’re only offered synthetic replacements that don’t restore optimal levels.
✅ Women are rarely treated for low Testosterone at all, even though they need it—just at lower levels than men.

Why Ignoring Low Testosterone is Risky

Untreated low Testosterone can lead to:
❌ Persistent fatigue & brain fog
❌ Muscle loss & reduced vitality
❌ Increased risk of osteoporosis, dementia, and possibly heart disease

Get Your Energy Back at New Leaf Wellness in West Des Moines!

If you’re tired of feeling exhausted and haven’t found the help you need, New Leaf Wellness in West Des Moines is here for you! 🌿✨ Our expert team specializes in hormone therapy and will help you restore balance, energy, and overall well-being.

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Serotonin: The Natural Mood Booster and the Role of Natural Hormone Therapy

Experience Holistic Hormonal Balance!

In the complex orchestra of neurotransmitters influencing our mood and well-being, serotonin takes center stage as a natural mood booster. Often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, and overall emotional balance.

Serotonin is synthesized in the body from the amino acid tryptophan and is primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract. It is responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells and is associated with feelings of happiness, relaxation, and general well-being. Imbalances in serotonin levels have been linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Several lifestyle factors can impact serotonin levels, including diet, exercise, and exposure to natural sunlight. However, the intricate dance of hormones in the body, including serotonin, is also influenced by the delicate balance of various hormones.

Enter Natural Hormone Therapy – a holistic approach to hormonal balance that goes beyond just addressing serotonin levels. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play a significant role in modulating neurotransmitters like serotonin. As we age, hormonal imbalances can occur, leading to mood swings, irritability, and even symptoms of depression.

Natural Hormone Therapy seeks to restore hormonal equilibrium using bio-identical hormones that are molecularly identical to the body’s. This personalized approach addresses the hormonal fluctuations associated with aging and positively impacts serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels.

Advantages of Natural Hormone Therapy for Serotonin

MOOD REGULATION – By restoring hormonal balance, natural hormone therapy can positively influence serotonin levels, contributing to improved mood regulation and a sense of emotional well-being.

STRESS RESILIENCE – Hormones like cortisol, often associated with stress, can impact serotonin levels. Natural Hormone Therapy helps regulate stress hormones, indirectly supporting serotonin balance.

QUALITY SLEEP – Hormonal imbalances can disrupt sleep patterns. Natural Hormone Therapy aims to restore hormonal harmony, promoting better sleep quality and overall serotonin synthesis.

ENHANCED COGNITIVE FUNCTION – Balanced hormones positively affect cognitive function, including serotonin-related processes, potentially improving focus, memory, and mental clarity.

EMOTIONAL STABILITY – Achieving hormonal equilibrium through natural hormone therapy contributes to emotional stability, reducing the likelihood of mood swings and depressive symptoms.

In conclusion, while serotonin is a key player in maintaining a positive mood, its intricate relationship with hormones highlights the importance of a holistic approach to well-being. Natural Hormone Therapy emerges as a valuable tool in promoting hormonal balance, positively impacting serotonin levels, and fostering overall mental and emotional health.

Let New Leaf Wellness Join You on Your Journey.
BEGIN RENEWING YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH TODAY!