PMS, Menopause / Women's Health
Index of Diseases / Health Conditions
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Relieve the symptoms of ...
PMS:
The herb Chasteberry has shown to balance hormones, like prolacin and progesterone, which affect PMS. In two studies, taking chasteberry daily for three months greatly improved PMS related irritability and moodiness. Laurie Steelsmith, N.D., suggests 175 mg of powdered extract daily.
Monthly Cramps:
Regular consumption of Chamomile tea raises the levels of glycine (an amino acid) that relieves menstrual-related muscle cramps. Suggested: 5 cups of chamomile tea.
Hot Flashes:
Flaxseeds contain weak estrogen-like compounds that help reduce hot flashes. Preliminary Mayo Clinic research shows that eating flaxseed daily can reduce the number of hot flashes by at least 50% in just six weeks. Recommended doses: 4 tablespoons of crushed flaxseeds daily.
A good remedy for hot flashes is sage tea. Seep a tablespoon of sage tea in hot water for two hours and drink it once a day. Patients report that this remedy completely eliminates any flashes / sweats.
Bloating:
Dandelions are powerful diuretics that, if sipped as tea, encourage our kidneys to excrete more salt and water. In animal studies, dandelion was as effective as prescription meds in reducing bloating. Recommended were one to two cups daily when experiencing bloat.
Brittle Nails
Menopause & Estrogen Dominance:
For many years, women going through menopause have been told they need more estrogen -- but the latest research now says they may have too much! The result is called estrogen dominance. It happens at menopause, and whenever else your ratio of progesterone to estrogen falls too low.
Estrogen dominance needs to be corrected as soon as possible, as it activates a cancer causing gene. In a study of 3,000 breast cancer patients, 99% HAD ESTROGEN DOMINANCE! Progesterone promotes the formation of new bone tissue and keeps estrogen from promoting breast cancer.
Every woman over 40 should know her progesterone-to-estrogen ratio, and standard blood tests do not provide an accurate answer.
Standard HRT drugs make estrogen dominance worse, as they provide estrogen - but contain NO natural progesterone. Instead, they use a synthetic form called progestin, which does not protect women from breast and other cancers. In fact, it puts women at increased risk for stroke, epilepsy and asthma.
Even women who are not yet in menopause could suffer from estrogen dominance, as it can be caused by birth control pills, prolonged stress or eating too many sugary foods.
Symptoms of menopause and/or estrogen dominance may include:
- insomnia
- anxiety
- headaches
- weight gain
- bloating
- irritability
- low sex drive
- hair loss
- brittle nails
- bladder control problems as menopause can cause thinning of the vaginal wall and rethra - topical vaginal estrogen can sometimes be a safe and easy fix
- Also see: Breast Cancer ... Osteoporosis
Supportive Nutrition:
As more women refuse pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapy due to an associated increased risk of breast cancer, many are exploring non-hormonal dietary therapies.
Food:
- A pilot stud of postmenopausal women at the Mayo Clinic suggests that ingesting crushed flaxseeds can decrease the incidence and intensity of hot flashes. It appears to work because flaxseed contains phytoestrogens, or plant-based estrogen compounds. Flaxseeds are also rich in lignans, an antioxidant with weak estrogen-emulating characteristics that indicate anti-cancer effects. Study participants who ate 40 grams of crushed flaxseeds daily reported a 50 percent decrease in hot flashes. (Source Mayo Clinic, 2007).
- Mega-3 fatty acids create healthy cell membranes so hormones reach their destination more easily. They also help maintain and repair hormone receptor sites. Fish oil is one of the best sources of omega-3s but can contain harmful levels of mercury, so look for ones that were tested for heavy metals or filtered free of environmental pollutants.
- Suggested Dose (discuss with your holistic physician:) 500 mg per day
- Flaxseed would be a good source for omega 3s - please refer to this article.
- Diets rich in foods that promote estrogen levels, such as soy, apples, alfalfa, cherries, potatoes, rice, yams, collard greens, mustard greens, sea vegetables / sea weed and whole grains are great menopause treatments.
- Techniques for stress reduction, such as yoga or meditation, combined with regular exercise.
- Supplements:
- Evening primrose oil contains substantial amounts of polysaturated omega-6 fatty acids, essential fatty acids (EFAs) which are needed by the body to regulate a number of activities including insulin utilization, heart function, and mood. This herb is popular in Europe and Australia for premenstrual syndrome and symptoms of menopause, including breast tenderness, fluid retention, mood changes and hot flashes. Other conditions for which evening primrose oil is used include skin conditions (eczema), cancer and diabetes. Primrose oil has been suggested as a possible treatment for bone loss/osteoporosis. However, many of the suggested uses of evening primrose seed oil have not been substantiated by well-managed clinic studies and research.
There is some evidence that evening primrose oil can reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Suggested Dose (discuss with your holistic physician:) 600 mg per day
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) helps balance hormone excesses or deficits by boosting the efficiency of the sites where hormones bind with cells. Helps resolve adrenal- and thyroid-hormone imbalances, and allows the body to better cope with stress.
- Suggested Dose (discuss with your holistic physician:) 1300 mg (1 softgel) per day
- Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) helps alleviate he fuzzy thinking that can accompany a reproductive-hormonal imbalance as well as the hot temper and low immunity associated with hormone imbalances.
- Suggested Dose (discuss with your holistic physician:) 200-400 mg per day, with at least 4 percent ginsenosides
- Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) help in balancing estrogen levels that are too high or too low. May relieve PMS, hot flashes, and menstrual cramps.
- Suggested Dose (discuss with your holistic physician:) 150-300 mg per day
- Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea): Studies showed this herb to increase thyroid function, help the body adapt to stress, reduce fatigue, boost strength, improve brain function, and lift mood.
- Suggested Dose (discuss with your holistic physician): 100 mg daily of a standardized form containing at least 2.6 percent rosavin and 1 percent salidroside
Aroma Therapy / Essential Oils:
Anise: Well known for its effect on the digestive system. May have a good effect on asthma and breathing difficulties. Anise has estrogenlike properties, is an emmenagogue, aids childbirth, increases milk secretion, and is antispasmodic for nerves and muscles. Anise is indicated for lack of menstruation, menopause, colitis, and poor breathing due to nerves.
Cypress: It is anti-infectious, spasmolytic and a venous decongestant. This cypress is indicated for colitis or infections of the gut, to decongest the prostate and to stimulate pancreas and has primary use in the respiratory and circulatory systems. This is a warming, stimulating and uplifting oil and when inhaled just before bedtime can be soothing and relaxing. Seems to have a soothing effect on anger. Useful for sweaty palms or feet. As with many of the evergreen oils, it is useful to reduce fluid retention and cellulite and for aching muscles and arthritis pain. Useful after the loss of loved ones or endings of relationships. It is inhaled for strength and comfort. Its wonderful effect on varicose veins is well known (diluted in a carrier oil and massaged lightly into the legs every day). A few drops of this oil on a cotton ball placed under the pillow can help stop coughing. Regulates menstrual cycle, promotes and increases periods in conditions associated with dysmenorrhoea. It helps relieve painful periods and reduces abnormally heavy blood loss, particularly when it happens in the early stages of menopause.
Information contained on this website is provided as general advice only and does not replace the recommendation of a medical professional. Before beginning any treatment protocol, please consult with your doctor and/or vet.
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