Custom Search

Female Reproductive Disorders

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder, affecting approximately 6% of premenopausal women. It is the leading source of irregular periods, long cycles, ammenorhoea, subfertility/infertility, excessive body and facial hair, acne around the jaw etc. Recent discoveries have identified high levels of insulin as playing an important role in the development of this disorder.

Women with PCOS do not ovulate regularly because follicles on the ovaries fail to release the eggs within. This is due to hormonal imbalances, and over months, the multiple follicles build up and give a 'pearl necklace' effect around the ovary when investigated. Because of the failure to release the egg, women with PCOS have erratic cycles, often having heavy bleeding or may not menstruate at all. It is often triggered by the oral contraceptive pill.

Another component of PCOS is the production of abnormally high levels of androgens, primarily testosterone and androstenedione. These are responsible for physical characteristics commonly associated with PCOS - acne, male-pattern hair loss, excessive facial and body hair, and in more severe cases, acnthosis nigricans (dark velvety patches on the skin). The excess androgens are produced primarily by the ovaries.

In addition to the androgens, the ovaries also produce a steady supply of estrogen. However, because no corpus luteum forms from ovulation, women with PCOS have virtually no progesterone. This can lead to an overgrowth of the endometrium (endometriosis), and increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

Estrogen also stimulates the release of Luteinising Hormone (LH) by the pituitary. LH tells the ovaries to release the egg, and after ovulation the LH levels fall. In women with PCOS, since ovulation doesn't occur, LH levels remain elevated. High LH levels adversely affect egg quality, and lead to increased miscarriage rates.

PCOS has been linked with an increase in risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. They also have higher levels of LDL-cholesterol (the bad kind), total cholesterol, triglycerides and lower levels of HDL-cholesterol (the good kind).

Many women with PCOS are insulin-resistant (Syndrome X). Insulin is the hormone that enables glucose to get inside the body's cells to be used effectively instead of being stored. High levels of circulating insulin, or hyperinsulinemia, can be a precursor of non-insulin dependant diabetes. A tiny Chromium tablet taken daily can help to balance the blood sugars and reduce the quantity of insulin produced - this also helps reduce sugar cravings as well! A recent study found that high levels of insulin can stimulate the activity of an enzyme called cytochrome P450c17 alpha, which is necessary for the manufacture of androgens in the ovaries. It is possible that insulin resistance may be at the heart of PCOS. One theory is that women who have PCOS have a defect in cytochrome P450c17 alpha that makes the enzyme susceptible to overstimulation by insulin.

Therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms and the woman's goals - to eliminate excessive hair or acne, to have regular menstrual cycles and know your body is functioning healthily, or to get pregnant.

Weight Loss (or gain if underweight). Several studies indicate that this may correct hyperinsulinemia, reverse other symptoms and even restore fertility. Follow a sensible diet program, increasing protein content and decreasing carbohydrates and saturated fats. But be SENSIBLE! Supplement with Good Health Glucon for maintaining blood sugar levels and helping prevent diabetes.

Diet. The link between PCOS and hyperinsulinemia has led women to make radical changes in the food they eat. Diets such as the Zone and Atkins diet have been used to both lower weight and reduce the amount of circulating insulin. However, if you choose to follow one of these extreme diets, be very careful and do not continue the eating programs in the long term. We recommend the Sandra Cabot Syndrome X Diet which is specially for hyperinsulinemia, and we stock all the information and products you need to follow it.

Herbal Treatments: Because of the frustration many women face, PCOS is now commonly treated herbally as an alternative means of controlling their symptoms. Herbs such as Chaste Tree (for balancing LH and FSH, and normalising progesterone and oestrogen production), False Unicorn (to improve the cyclical function of the ovaries and return menstruation if absent), Wild Yam (which contains precursors to progesterone, and helps with menstrual pain), Raspberry Leaf (a uterine tonic), Poke Root (for reducing ovarian cysts), Ginger (for increased circulation in the uterus), Licorice (for inhibiting the development of ovarian cysts, and also for depression, stress, fatigue and mood swings found with hormonal imbalance), and Black Haw (for uterine pain) are extremely useful. All these herbs can be found in Good Health's Femzone, an amazing product specifically designed for women with reproductive problems. We recommend 2 caps twice daily to begin with.

Lymphatic drainage is also sensible to clear ovarian congestion. Avoid hormonally treated foods as well, because these play havoc with your hormone levels.

Fibroids

These are frequently caused by estrogen excess, xenoestrogens, allergies, candida, pelvic congestion and stagnation, infection, previous surgery, acute condition eg burst appendix etc. Symptoms include excessive bleeding, random spotting throughout the cycle, digestive disturbances and painful periods.

Because of their physical size, fibroids can lead to infertility, and can interfere with the site where the egg implants. They also increase the risk of miscarriage - especially if the baby cannot fit in the same space as the fibroid - they can grow up to 9kg in weight! The hormones produced to sustain the pregnancy are also the ones required for the fibroid to grow, so it is advisable to deal with this situation BEFORE deciding to become pregnant. Ovarian dysfunction and blocked fallopian tubes are also possible.

It is possible to have fibroids surgically removed, or if left too late, a hysteorectomy may be required. Generally fibroids shrink after menopause with the decrease in hormones.

Femzone is an especially helpful product to use with fibroids. The hormone balancing action of the herbs will help to reduce its size.

A detox is also a sensible idea, as you can conjugate some of the excess estrogens with the fibre from the detox so they are carried out from the body. This also helps to reduce congestion and improve circulation throughout the whole reproductive system - and fresh oxygen and clean nutritious blood will do wonders to improve cellular function. Increase iron, essential fatty acids like evening primrose oil or flax oil, magnesium and zinc for extra benefits and cell nourishiment. Avoid dairy foods and saturated fats - these are not helpful to any diet, and can in fact congest the fallopian tubes with the mucous they create.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is usually defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Endometrial tissue lines the womb and is shed during menstruation. Outside the uterus, this tissue may have been located around the ovaries, Fallopian Tubes, or anywhere in the pelvic cavity. Occasionally it is found on the bowel or on the surface of the bladder.

Cyclic hormonal changes stimulate the abnormally located tissue to bleed and shed, which can lead to the formation of cysts, scar tissue and adhesions. Eventually, inflammatory processes can cause the immobilisation of tissues and organs, fusion of organs (eg bowel to uterus) and the twisting and occasional blockage of fallopian tubes.

More often than not, endometriosis is a painful condition. This manifests as severe abdominal pain usually within two weeks preceding menstruation. However it may also occur at ovulation and during the menstrual period. Other symptoms include back pain, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), pelvic or back pain, pain on defacation or urination, depression, tiredness, insomnia, candida, hypothyroidism, heavy, clotted or erratic bleeding and finally infertility.

The causes of endometriosis are still theoretical and speculative. Commonly it is believed that menstrual blood and tissue can backflow into the fallopian tubes and escape into the pelvic cavity. Other theories include: endometrial tissue transferring to other areas of the body as a result of surgery in and around the pelvic area; the body's own circulation of blood and lymph spreading and transplanting endometrial tissue; cells lining the pelvic peritoneum changing to abnormal cell forms resembling endometrial tissue; an immune system response with the body fighting against itself - similar to an autoimmune disease - with decreased macrophage activity, decreased T-helper lymphocytes and more; parasite infection (everyone has parasites, but over time and with the right conditions they can overgrow, so everyone should be doing a parasite cleanse and a body cleanse at least once each year).

Other risk factors include: poor menstrual function, genetic link, excercise (over and under), pregnancy, contraception, caffeine, alcohol and tampons. During menstruation, it is advisable to use pads rather than tampons, as the tampons are holding the blood from the shed endometrium within the body and potentially causing a blockage at the cervix, so the blood may be forced upwards and excacerbating the problem.

25% of patients with endometriosis report a familial link, and it is estimated that 15-20% of all women between 20-35 years have the disease. Indeed, 30-40% of all infertile women are affected.

Definitive diagnosis can only be made via laparoscopic investigation and direct visualisation. Usually this procedure is performed to confirm the presence of endometriosis. If confirmed, diathermyl/laser treatment or laparotomy is applied to try and remove as much tissue as possible. However, often the disease is discovered despite the absence of preceding symptoms, when laparoscopy is performed to investigate the possible causes of infertility.

Naturopathic treatment of endometriosis firstly looks to balance hormones, particularly reducing estrogen excess, which is known to promote the disease, and increase progesterone if there is a deficiency. This can be achieved with herbal medicine (use Femzone here as well), phyto-estrogens, particularly those found in soy products (eg tofu, soymilk, miso), pulses (eg kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, splitpeas).

Use high doses of Essential Fatty Acids (Flax, EPO or Fish Oils) as these help reduce inflammation, and provide the right ingredients for your body to make whatever hormones it requires - so the low levels are topped up to create a balance. Vitamin E is very useful, and so care calcium, magnesium, zinc, antioxidants, betacarotene, vitamin C - these all have important roles to play in correct cellular function and repair. If all your cells are healthy, then as a whole, the organs are healthy and YOU are healthy - you must start from the cellular level for total health to be achieved. Vitamin B6 is also helpful for increasing progesterone production.

It is also advisable to reduce the consumption of foods injected with hormones (this advice covers ALL hormonal problems for both women and men) eg non-organic red meat and chicken, and saturated fats including dairy foods. Increase fibre (flax fibre is good), eat cabbages, deep sea fish, and avoid coffee, alcohol, chocolate and sweets.

Avoid allergens where possible as the overload of immune responses are not helpful. Support the immune system nutritionally (especially with Zinc) and herbally for optimum results. If candida is a problem, use Yeast Fighters and follow the Yeast Free Diet.

It is also important to pay attention to the liver (to ensure it is eliminating toxins correctly and is capable of manufacturing the right hormones), lymphatic and circulatory functions, reduce excess bleeding, inflammation, scarring and adhesions, alleviate pain and deal with stress.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

This is often caused as a result of infection from IUD, Genito-Urinary Infection, D&C, termination or pelvic operation, and is made worse by candida.

Typical signs and symptoms include feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, fever/chills, severe lower abdominal pain, pelvic swelling, abnormal vaginal discharge, irregular bleeding, heavy periods, tender uterus. This disease must be controlled quickly to avoid scarring which can lead to blocked fallopian tubes.

Herbal treatment involves: Femzone for reproductive anomalies, Echinacea & Golden Seal for infection and immune enhancement, Yeast Fighters for Candida control, Lymphatic support and Magnesium for muscular cramping.

For more information on products specified or fertility-related issues, please email me:

Belinda Hope-Too
Clinical Nutritionist, Natural Fertility Management Consultant