Mood – New Leaf Wellness

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:

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.
Have I been diagnosed with a complex hormone disorder?Pituitary or adrenal disease, thyroid cancer, or insulin pump management → Endocrinologist.
Are my main concerns quality of life symptoms?Fatigue, hot flashes, weight gain, low libido, sleep problems → Start at New Leaf Wellness.
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.

Male Menopause? Yes, It’s Real.

While most people are familiar with menopause in women, fewer realize that men experience their own version of hormonal change—called andropause. Andropause refers to the gradual decline in testosterone levels that typically begins in a man’s 40s and continues with age.

This hormonal shift can bring on a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including:

Low energy
Decreased muscle mass
Sleep issues
Reduced libido
Erectile dysfunction
Mood changes like anxiety, depression, irritability, and brain fog
Sound familiar? Many of these symptoms mirror what women experience during menopause, although they tend to be milder in men.

The term “low T” gained popularity in the early 2000s thanks to marketing campaigns promoting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Today, it’s estimated that 24–39% of men aged 30 to 79 have testosterone levels considered low (below 300 ng/dL). Even more concerning, testosterone levels appear to be dropping faster than in previous generations—likely due to lifestyle and environmental factors.

But does that mean most men with low testosterone should jump straight to TRT? Not necessarily.
Only about 6% of men with low testosterone actually show symptoms of androgen deficiency. Without those clinical symptoms, testosterone therapy isn’t usually recommended.

In fact, testosterone supplementation comes with real risks:

Heart attack, stroke, and blood clots (especially in older men)
Infertility
Sleep apnea
Enlarged prostate and elevated PSA levels
Acne
Testicular shrinkage

If you’re experiencing symptoms and suspect low testosterone, it’s best to start by talking with your healthcare provider, such as a primary care physician or urologist. Bloodwork can help determine whether hormone levels are a concern—and if treatment is appropriate.

In many cases, lifestyle changes can go a long way in supporting healthy testosterone levels and improving how you feel:

✅ Strength training (weights or bodyweight exercises)
✅ Reducing alcohol intake
✅ Managing stress
✅ Prioritizing sleep (aim for 7+ hours per night)
✅ Maintaining a healthy weight

These steps may seem simple—but they’re not always easy. Still, incorporating them into your routine can help slow testosterone decline, boost energy, and benefit your overall well-being.

Bottom line? Male menopause is real, but it doesn’t mean hormone therapy is the answer for everyone. Start with the basics, talk with your doctor, and take a proactive approach to aging well.

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.

Category: Mood