|
Ovarian Dysfunction, Menstrual IrregularitiesOvarian problems including ovarian cyst and PMS are often amenable to alternative medicine protocols. In fact, there is a strong movement toward more natural, non-drug forms of hormone replacement therapy and other issues relating to the female hormone cycle. With this trend well underway, it is imperative that a woman have an understanding of clinically relevant assessments of hormone function. We recommend that any person who falls in this category have her health care professional consider performing the Female Hormone Profile from Great Smokies Lab. See our Laboratories page, the link is below. It is an excellent method of assessment of the female cycle for a 30 day period of time. It is done on saliva samples which greatly simplifies the specimen collection process. The results of the test will guide your physician in the proper alternative hormonal therapies for you. One problem that is often overlooked in hormonal related difficulties is that of liver and adrenal function and more specifically, abnormally LOW cholesterol. Estrogen and progesterone are synthesized from cholesterol by the ovaries and adrenal glands. (Notice the same root word “ester” in cholesterol, estrogen and progesterone). It is not uncommon for women with serious hormonal imbalances to experience dramatic relief with simple nutritional supplementation support for the liver and adrenals. Cholesterol and other blood fats should be assessed by your physician with this thought in mind. Even though it may be considered within the “normal” range, any cholesterol reading below 140 should be considered as suspect and cholesterol readings below 100 should be seriously investigated. Your body needs that cholesterol, it's not all bad. Supplements which are beneficial for liver support are taurine, vitamin B6 and B complex and magnesium. The adrenals are usually supported by pantothenic acid and glycyrrhinized licorice. Nutritional supplements which have shown in studies to be beneficial for difficult menstrual periods include niacin, 100 mg twice daily. Niacin will cause a sometimes uncomfortable flush which if a problem for you, ask your nutritionist about inositol hexanicotinate, a relative new product which does not cause the flush. Other supplements which may be beneficial are vitamin B6, magnesium, vitamin E, iron, and essential fatty acids, particularly Evening Primrose Oil. Heavy flowing menstrual periods have been benefited by supplementation with vitamin A, 25,000 I.U. twice daily (don't take more than this without professional supervision), vitamin C and bioflavonoids, and iron. Herbal supplements which are beneficial for menstrual irregularities include chasteberry (vitex), dandelion root, burdock root, crampbark, dong quai, ginger root, wild lettuce leaf, peony root and nettle leaf. Nutritionally, one should avoid caffeine, dairy foods and high fat foods. Epidemiological studies have shown that cultures which consume high fruit and vegetable diets and especially foods rich in soy have a significantly lower incidence of hormonally related problems including menstrual and menopausal irregularities, breast, prostate and colon cancer, and osteoporosis. The foods highest in soy, in descending order of content are tofu, soybeans, tempeh, miso and soy milk. Some soy protein products have little or no isoflavone (the active ingredient) in them because of the process used in manufacture of the product.
Laboratories which perform hormonal testing.
Listed below are supplements we recommend for our patients with menstrual problems. They are available factory direct from the Metagenics Company. Metagenics sells pharmaceutical-grade nutrition products not available in stores. They are available only through healthcare providers. You may order them through our clinic web site, Performance Plus Rehabilitation Center. For your own security, you must register and log in to our clinic web site with a username and password. Once you have registered and logged in, which only takes a brief minute, Online Store will appear on the left panel and you simply follow the links to the supplements of your choice. Save your username and password for future use. Products we commonly recommend for this condition include: Fem Essentials These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Ovarian Dysfunction, Menstrual Irregularities Related Pages of this Web Site Adrenal axis/stress |
