Hormones affect both men and women, and Kovalik says it takes a strategy to keep them balanced.
“My mom was a childbirth coach and taught classes, so I became interested in the medical field at a very early age. The seeds were planted,” said Dr. Kovalik, who was born and raised in Phoenix.
In pursuit of her dream, Kovalik attended Northern Arizona University and earned a degree in microbiology with a minor in art history. She then attended Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe and Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Phoenix, where she received her doctoral degree in natural medicine and a master’s degree in acupuncture.
“I also did an externship assisting an OB/Gyn for a couple years, so I understand the importance of integrating medicine for various women’s issues. Acupuncture has become my passion for balancing hormones for women.”
Kovalik wrote her master’s thesis on acupuncture and female infertility as well as published articles in the local Naturopathic Review Journal. Also, she completed continuing education courses in the research and safety of bioidentical hormones with Neal Rouzier, M.D., of Worldlink Medical. In addition, she studied prolotherapy at the American Academy of Musculoskeletal Medicine and was trained in restorative medicine and endocrinology.
Hoping to help others better understand more about how hormones work, Kovalik published the book, “Confidently Navigating the Hormone Shift,” a natural guide to improved energy, mood and vitality for hormone imbalances in men and women.
“Hormone therapy with Dr. Kovalik has really helped me and I feel amazing,” said Rae Brooks, stylist and owner of Gossip Girl Salon. “Dr. Kovalik’s approach to medicine is spot on. Plus, she listens to all your health concerns and helps address them to make you feel the best ever.”
Hormones affect both men and women, and Kovalik says it takes a strategy to keep them balanced.
“A lot of men experience a similar hormone imbalance as women associated with aging. Men experience andropause, like women experience perimenopause or menopause,” she said. “Men between the ages of 35 and 55 can have a gradual reduction of hormones, resulting in weakened muscle tone, low libido and sleep disorders. I try to help them with bioidentical hormone replacement and natural treatments to reduce the effects of aging. Bioidenticals are not like synthetic hormones and have not been shown to cause cancer.”
Tyrone Morgan, co-owner of Morgan & Son’s Custom Carpentry & Remodeling, is one of her patients. “I’ve been working construction my whole life, so my body is pretty beat up. My hormones were off and I was lacking vitamins and minerals. Dr. Kovalik tested me and got me where I needed to be. She has helped me a lot and I feel so much better. The acupuncture really helps my back pain and my knees, which are pretty worn out.”
As a family doctor who specializes in optimizing hormone balance and longevity, Kovalik also offers many anti-aging modalities for skin tightening for facial rejuvenation.
Retired marketing executive Shelley Grothaus says she feels younger and healthier than she has in years after seeing The Vitality Doctor. “I was looking for a new doctor to help balance my hormones and found Dr. Kovalik. What I really liked was the fact that she is also a naturopath. She was the perfect all-around doctor for me. I feel comfortable discussing anything with her and she is incredibly thorough and always suggesting new ways for me to feel my best.”
Kovalik is married with two teenaged sons and three dogs. She enjoys many outdoor activities, such as hiking local trails at Buffalo Park and on Mount Elden. She also enjoys traveling, gluten-free baking, gardening, cooking and painting with watercolors. FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN
Dr. Kovalik has been practicing medicine for more than 20 years. The Vitality Doctor offices are located in Doney Park and Scottsdale. For more information, visit www.thevitalitydoctor.com.
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: With The Vitality Doctor offices in Doney Park and Scottsdale, Dr. Christina Kovalik says acupuncture has become her passion for balancing hormones in women.