PMS, Menopause and Cancer
PMS
Why be concerned?
It has been reported that PMS is the most common concern of females of reproductive age, having symptoms severe enough to disrupt their usual activities ( Women’s Health in the Department of Health and Human Services, 1999).
Why is this happening?
Our modern day lives leave the liver to become overworked while it processes external sources of hormones such as estrogen like factors present in PCBs ( plastics ), pesticides and herbicides. The liver is instrumental in metabolizing hormones.
What are the Connections Related To This Trend?
All Hormonal changes are multifactorial but can be related to 6 general phases:
PMS can be treated according to the subtypes, common symptoms and causes:
- PMS-A (Anxiety)- High Estrogen and Low Progesterone
- PMS-C (Cravings) Hypoglycemic Sx’s
- PMS-D( Depression)- Insomnia, Low Estrogen and High Progesterone & Adrenal Androgens
- PMS-H ( Hyperhydration) –Maybe high aldosterone
(1) ( the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th) Ed.,2007 edition , 1994 ( DSM-IV)).
What are our Treatment Options?
- Food Intolerances-Determining yours will optimize the way you digest, reduce the load to the liver and hence improve PMS.
- Liver and Bowl Detox– Regular monitored cleansing assists the organs to function at the peak.
- Organ Strengthening to Improve Balance– Nutrition, Acupuncture, Botanical Medicine and Homeopathy all can be customized to strengthen the organs related to the above phases to improve PMS.
- Acupuncture- In Chinese medicine PMS is related to the stagnation of energy in the liver meridian.
- Vitamin B6- Can aide in the body’s creation of serotonin and help reduce depression, irritability and anxiety.
- Others: Calcium, Magnesium, EFAs, Herbs ( Vitex), Water, Blood Sugar Stabilization
- Expression of Emotions and Self Time– Breathing exercises, meditation, aromatherapy, journaling, creative outlets and yoga are some natural ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Menopause
Why be Concerned?
It is estimated that by the year 2015 nearly 50% of the women in the US will be menopausal ( A New Prescription for Woman’s Health , Healy M.D., ) 90% of all women will live beyond menopause many up to 30 years beyond.
What are the Connections Related To This Trend?
Women experience the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause due to the reduced focus on balanced living in a modern day face paced environment. The spectrum and phases of connections as presented for PMS applies to all hormone related concerns including menopause. In menopause we see the reduction of the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. These life changes can be broken down into :
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms include: Hot flashes-arise because as the estrogen decreases the body’s thermostat located in the hypothalamus changes it’s ability to function. 80% of North American women experience these versus minimally in Japanese women, Vaginal Dryness- greater than 50% of menopausal women experience this symptom . It can leave the vagina prone to infection,Headaches, Frequent Urinary Tract Infections ( UTI), Sleep Pattern Changes, Aches and Pains, Fatigue, Mood Changes and Stress
Other health conditions that must be monitored during this time are Cardiovascular Health , Blood Sugar Balance, Cancer ( breast, ovarian & endometrial) and Osteoporosis . For more information on these tests Optihealth laboratory and wellness programs.
What about the Research?
The Woman’s Health Initiative ( WHI) -In July 2002 the National Institutes of Health ( NIH) prematurely halted the study because it was determined that estrogen in combination with progestin increased a woman’s risk of invasive breast cancer by 26% , myocardial infarction ( MI) by 29% or death from coronary heart disease ( CHD) , stroke by 41% and blood clots by 200%. (JAMA 2002;288:321-333).
In a following study one year later the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study ( WHIMS), it was shown that an additional risk for women on combination estrogens and progestins is that it doubled the risk of developing dementia in women age 65 and older ( JAMA 2003;289:2651-2662).
What are our Treatment Options?
* 1. Phytoestrogens-
a. Soy Protein- Research shows that 50mg a day of isoflavones reduces hot flashes significantly ( J NAMS,1999)
b. Black Cohosh ( Cimicifuga Racemosa)- Has been shown to improve scores on the Kupperman Menopausal Index and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale in up to 80% of patients within 6-8 weeks ( Gyne,1982).
c. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense )-According to research published by the Journal of the British Menopause Society, red clover isoflavone supplements, have been shown to have a significant positive effect menopausal symptoms.
* 2. Phytoprogesterones
Wild Yam Creme- and Natural Progesterone Cremes- Its benefits include controlling hot flashes and protection to the uterus from cancer with estrogen use. In osteoporosis it may prevent and reverse bone loss ( AJNM,vol 7,no1).
* 3. Glandulars- support the adrenals, thyroid, ovaries and liver
*4. EFAs-. Flax oil renders human platelets less sticky and is recommended as protection against heart disease and stroke ( Lancet, 1994). Evening Primrose Oil which is high in GLA is required to make PG1 which is beneficial in preventing cardiovascular disease and reduces hot flashes significantly.
* 5.Others: B complex- helps to ease stress related fatigue, Vitamin E- Reduces hot flashes, antioxidant, supports cardiovascular health, Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids- Supports adrenals, liver and immune function, antioxidant effect, supports cardiovascular health and increases calcium absorption and Calcium and Vitamin D – Helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. To get the most out of the calcium you take in reduce inhibitors of calcium absorption such as: coffee, soft drinks, diuretics, excess protein ( meat), smoking, alcohol, sugar and salt.
*6. Homeopathy-Remedies are chosen based on each individual.
* 7.Acupuncture- The points are selected based on each individual.
Cancer
Why be concerned?
It is now estimated that 1 in 6 women will develop breast cancer (WHO,2008)
Why is this happening?
As with PMS, the liver works to process all the external sources of hormones such as estrogen like factors present in PCBs ( plastics ), pesticides and herbicides. The liver is instrumental in metabolizing hormones. Previous exposure to HRT for over 5 years increases breast cancer risk.
What are the Connections Related To This Trend?
The hormonal imbalance and change in immunity is related to the same 5 phases of organ relationships as PMS with the 6th being immunity changes and the development of cancer.
What are our Treatment Options?
Each person needs individual assessment and integration of where they are at with conventional treatment.
- Food Intolerances-Determining yours will optimize the way you digest, reduce the load to the liver and hence improve Immunity.
- Far Infrared Sauna– is very beneficial in promoting immune support, and prevention of breast cancer as it improves lymphatic drainage.
- Liver and other organs – herbs and nutrients to assist liver cell regeneration such as dandelion and milk thistle are helpful in reducing the strain put on these organs.
- Acupuncture– In Chinese medicine the development of hormonal imbalances can be related to the stagnation of energy in the liver meridian and reduced immunity results.
- Immune Support – herbs such as Coriolus , in the mushroom family have been well researched to stimulate T cells and B cells.
- Antioxidants– such as selenium assist liver clearance.
Consider also Medical Infrared Sauna Treatment.
Wellness:
Woman’s Bodies, Woman’s Wisdom- Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D.
Wellness Comments: The author is a M.D. with a complimentary approach to health which is in line with Naturopathic approaches. In this book a detailed description of the physiology of female health is given with an interpretation of the emotional relationships. Reading this book will empower any woman to make the right choices in her health as well as know the right questions to ask her health care providers while understanding how it relates to her and her emotions. Excellent and a recommended must read.
Dr. Joel Lee Villeneuve, N.D., www.optihealth.ca, 2008
Product Details
- Paperback: 944 pages
- Publisher: Bantam; REV edition (Oct 31 2006)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0553384104
- ISBN-13: 978-0553384109
