Dr. Wolfe is a highly respected practitioner in the field of women’s health and hormones. Her extensive knowledge and expertise in female hormone balance have made her a sought-after educator for both patients and fellow functional and integrative practitioners worldwide.
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Wolfe has helped countless patients navigate a wide range of internal health conditions, including hormone imbalances, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular health, metabolic syndrome, thyroid conditions, mold and mycotoxin illness, and gastrointestinal health. Her work as a functional medicine practitioner and health consultant has also allowed her to collaborate with top specialists and providers, including experts from the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins. Beyond her dedication to women’s health, Dr. Wolfe is one of the few doctors globally who specializes in Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS), a rare neurological condition that causes a persistent rocking sensation. Her expertise in this complex disorder has provided hope and solutions for patients seeking answers.
Learn more about Dr. Wolfe’s approach to functional medicine and her expert tips on navigating your cycle and menopause in this exclusive interview.
1. What motivated you to pursue a career in functional medicine, and how has your journey evolved over the past 24 years?
I’ve had a passion for functional medicine from a young age, thanks to being raised in a household that placed importance on preventative health and supplementation. But, it was my own health difficulties as a teenager that truly ignited my personal journey. Doctors continually told me my problems were simply caused by stress, which, after years of having no answers, led me to take matters into my own hands. That experience ultimately drove me to pursue a career in functional medicine, so I could become the doctor that I so desperately needed back at that time. Fast forward to now, things in this field are constantly progressing and more and more people are interested in taking a proactive approach to their health- which is a great thing! As a functional practitioner, it’s my job to get to the root cause of health conditions and not just look at the symptoms. Functional medicine allows me to be a health detective!
2. What inspired you to specialize in Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS), and what makes this condition unique?
My personal experience with Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is what inspired me to specialize in this condition. After suffering from MdDS myself, I experienced firsthand the debilitating and often misunderstood symptoms it causes, such as the persistent rocking sensation, headaches, and the feeling of walking on a trampoline. What makes MdDS unique is how it differs from other vestibular disorders, like vertigo. While vertigo causes spinning sensations, MdDS involves a constant rocking feeling (much like being on a boat in high seas) which can be confusing for patients who are looking for answers. It’s also challenging because many patients are dismissed by their doctors and told to just wait for it to go away. My empathy and true understanding of what patients are going through fuels my passion for helping those suffering with MdDS. The lack of effective treatment options available has driven me to explore new ways to approach this disorder. There is so much that can be done and the sooner it is diagnosed, the better! Through a Functional Medicine perspective, I’ve been able to uncover key genetic, hormonal, and methylation patterns that are common in patients with MdDS. This insight has allowed me to help others find remission by optimizing detox pathways, suggesting the appropriate supplements, and advocating for specific medications and exercises.
3. How does your practice address complex health issues such as hormone imbalances, autoimmune disorders, and GI conditions?
At Wolfe Functional Medicine, we take a personalized approach to addressing complex health issues like hormone imbalances, autoimmune disorders, and GI conditions. Our focus is on uncovering the root causes of these problems by thoroughly assessing each patient’s health history, genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Through comprehensive testing, including hormone panels, autoimmune markers, GI assessments, and comprehensive blood work, we are able to identify imbalances or dysfunctions that are contributing to each patient’s condition. We then design individualized treatment plans that incorporate dietary changes, targeted supplements and/or hormonal therapies, as well as lifestyle modifications; all aimed at restoring balance and supporting the body's natural healing ability.
4. What are some early signs of perimenopause, and what steps can women take to navigate this transition smoothly?
I love that we are talking about this! Understanding and planning for perimenopause should be part of women’s routine healthcare, not something that blindsides you! Perimenopause can start as early as a woman's late 30s or early 40s, and the first signs could include irregular periods, heavier periods, sleep disturbances and mood changes. Other symptoms may include changes in libido,hot flashes, night sweats, and memory issues. Navigating perimenopause smoothly means first being prepared for it and then addressing it head on—staying active, eating a balanced diet that supports hormone health, managing stress, and prioritizing rest. Routine hormone testing (once a year minimum) is essential both prior to, during, and after perimenopause to determine if supplements or bioidentical hormones can be beneficial. Having a solid self-care routine and working with a functional medicine practitioner can go a long way in managing symptoms and supporting overall well-being during perimenopause.
5. What are some common myths about menopause, and how can women shift their mindset to approach this phase with confidence and positivity?
A common myth I hear over and over again in my practice is that menopause means we’re coming to the end of our youthfulness, vitality or attractiveness. That’s absolutely false! Menopause doesn’t have to be like this! Women can stay vibrant, active, and healthy through proper diet, exercise, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Bio-identicals are effective in that they have the same molecular structure and function as our normal hormones. BHRT can improve skin elasticity, enhance libido, boost energy levels, support our immune and neurological systems, support a healthy metabolic system and overall allow women to feel more like themselves! To shift the mindset, we need to focus on the positives of this phase, such as having more freedom, less monthly fluctuation, and the ability to prioritize health in ways that we may not have been able to before. By taking charge of our wellness and becoming more informed, women can embrace this time as an opportunity for transformation!
6. How does functional medicine contribute to managing symptoms and promoting well-being during menopause?
Our approach to menopause is very personalized. At Wolfe Functional Medicine, we pay close attention to symptoms, not just test results, as every patient is different in how they metabolize their hormones. We also utilize saliva and urine testing for hormones, rather than serum blood draws. We do this because saliva and urine are more reflective of tissue-uptake and what is being broken down and metabolized on a regular basis, rather than what’s circulating around in your bloodstream. We also factor in dietary and lifestyle habits as well as educate our patients on symptom tracking that can help to optimize and support their hormone therapy.
7. How can understanding the four stages of the menstrual cycle help women optimize their health and productivity throughout the month?
We love to educate women on this! It’s really all about awareness and knowing and understanding what’s happening in your body throughout these four phases of your cycle—menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal. Each stage comes with different hormonal changes that affect energy, mood, appetite, immune function and our physical health. For example, you may want to eat different foods in different parts of your cycle or add in additional supplements depending on how you are feeling. In our office, we give our patients a symptom chart that they can reference throughout the month to become more aware of what is happening in their body and give them the tools and education they need to help support each phase of their cycle.
8. Why is it important for a woman's menstrual cycle to occur at the same time each month, and what might irregularities indicate about hormonal health?
As women, we are meant to have very regular cycles! This means that you should consistently have your cycle every 28 days. For some women it may be 27 or 29 but it should consistently be roughly the same number of days. This indicates healthy hormone balance and is a reflection of a woman’s broader health. Hormones have a significant impact on our immune function, cardiovascular function, metabolism and much more!
9. How can functional medicine principles help support a woman’s well-being throughout different stages of her menstrual cycle?
Functional medicine very much aligns with principles of understanding your cycle! It’s all about recognizing the dietary and lifestyle needs that support us throughout our menstrual cycle, as well as understanding our energy levels and brain function at different points. Functional medicine gives us the objective tools and findings to help support this approach with more specificity. Having a greater understanding of how our hormones work and function individually in our bodies can help us to prepare both mentally and physically for each stage.
To learn more about Dr. Wolfe, her functional medicine practice, and expert wellness tips, follow her on Instagram: @wolfe.fm and @drgingerwolfe or TikTok: @drwolfe.
