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PCOS: It’s More Than Irregular Periods (And Birth Control Isn’t a Cure)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women — yet it is often misunderstood and oversimplified. Many women are diagnosed after reporting: Irregular or absent periods Acne Weight gain Hair thinning or unwanted facial hair Difficulty getting pregnant And too often, the conversation ends with “Let’s just start birth control.” While hormonal contraceptives can regulate bleeding, they do not treat the underlying drivers of PCOS. I

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Feb 22 min read


Always Feeling Tired? Here’s Why You’re Exhausted (and What to Do About It)
If you’re constantly tired—even after a full night of sleep—you’re not lazy… and it’s not “just stress.” Fatigue is one of the most common complaints I hear, and the truth is: your body doesn’t just “randomly” run out of energy. When you’re chronically tired, your body is usually trying to send you a message that something deeper is off. Let’s break down what could be causing your exhaustion and what you can do to start supporting your energy again. First: Why Am I Always So

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Jan 144 min read


The 5 R’s of Gut Healing: A Functional Medicine Approach to Restoring Digestive Health
Your gut is at the core of your overall well-being — it influences your energy, hormones, immune system, mood, and even skin health. But when gut balance is disrupted, symptoms can show up anywhere in the body: bloating, fatigue, food sensitivities, brain fog, or stubborn weight changes. In functional medicine, we use a framework called the 5 R’s of gut healing to uncover and correct the root causes of digestive dysfunction. It’s a structured, step-by-step approach to restor

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Nov 11, 20252 min read


3 Functional Lab Tests That Go Beyond the Basics
Understanding the Root Causes of Fatigue, Immune Problems, Weight Gain, Hormone Imbalance, and Gut Issues When you’ve been told “your labs look normal” but you still don’t feel normal — it’s time to dig deeper. Functional lab testing helps uncover what standard labs often miss. Instead of simply identifying disease, these tests evaluate how your body is functioning and where imbalances are beginning to develop. Here are three functional tests used at Abundant Integrative Me

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Oct 29, 20252 min read


Understanding Insulin Resistance: The Hidden Root of Fatigue, Weight Gain, and Hormone Imbalance
You’ve probably heard of blood sugar issues or metabolic syndrome , but one of the most common — and overlooked — root causes behind them is insulin resistance . At Abundant Integrative Medicine, we see insulin resistance not just as a blood sugar problem, but as a metabolic communication issue between your hormones, your cells, and your lifestyle. It’s a sign your body is talking back — asking for balance, nourishment, and rest. 🔬 What Is Insulin Resistance? Insulin is a

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Oct 13, 20253 min read


Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin D
As a functional medicine nurse practitioner, vitamin D is one of the most common deficiencies I see in my practice. Despite being called...

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Sep 23, 20253 min read


5 Labs You Should Check Every Year (and Why They Matter for Your Health)
When it comes to feeling your best year after year, prevention is powerful. Annual lab work helps catch imbalances before they become...

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Sep 17, 20253 min read


Understanding the Different Types of Thyroid Medications
When it comes to treating thyroid conditions, one size does not fit all. The thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating metabolism,...

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Sep 1, 20253 min read


Why Adrenal Function Is Essential for Optimal Thyroid Health
When most people think about energy, metabolism, and mood, they immediately think about their thyroid gland . And while the thyroid is a...

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Aug 24, 20253 min read


Undiagnosed Thyroid Problems: The Silent Struggle
Is Your Thyroid the Missing Piece? When it comes to your health, your thyroid is one of the most powerful—and most overlooked—glands in...

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Aug 15, 20252 min read


Let's Talk Supplements
What to Look for in Quality Supplements (Plus My Favorite Trusted Brands) In a world flooded with supplements, it can be overwhelming to...

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Aug 4, 20252 min read


Integrative Medicine FAQs
What is integrative Medicine? Integrative medicine is a holistic approach that combines conventional Western medicine with evidence-based...

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Jul 29, 20252 min read


Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Functional Thyroid Optimization
Thyroid health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it often goes unnoticed until problems arise. As a nurse practitioner,...

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Jul 5, 20254 min read


Optimizing Thyroid Health: A Holistic Approach
Thyroid health is crucial for overall well-being. The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck, plays a...

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Jul 5, 20254 min read


All About Your Thyroid
Thyroid health is a crucial aspect of women's overall well-being. The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck,...

Amanda Alviz, FNP
Jul 5, 20254 min read
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