Women's Health
Syndromes:
- PMS
- Fibroids
- Breast cancer
- Menopause
- Hot flashes
The events of a menstrual cycle are determined mainly by complex hormonal interactions. When hormonal imbalances occur, symptoms commonly arise prior to menstruation. Specific dietary adjustments and supplementation help to keep the reproductive system in women functioning normally.
The menstrual cycle in women is a process involving a complex interplay of factors. It chiefly involves rhythmic fluctuations of hormone levels. However, hormone release is affected by mental emotional and physical influences. Physical factors that interfere include travel, activity, exposure to light, temperature, humidity, odors, and food. The response of reproductive organs to hormones also depends on a woman's nutritional status. It is important to realize that great individual variability exists among women for the occurrence of the cycle and its phases. Since these differences can be entirely normal. The time periods mentioned below should only be regarded as average. Menarche is the time of the first menstrual period. It usually occurs between ages of nine and sixteen. Menstruation then reoccurs on a regular basis about once per month throughout a woman's life. The menstrual cycles are interrupted by pregnancies, after which their resumption is postponed by regular nursing. They continue through the climacteric. This is a time after age 40 when menstruation becomes diminished and irregular. They finally cease at menopause around age 50.
A typical menstrual cycle must be examined to appreciate the basic hormone changes and organ responses. The cycle depends on three sources of endocrine hormones: the hypothalamus of the brain the pituitary gland just below the hypothalamus and the ovaries. The hypothalamus secretes substances that cause the pituitary to release hormones which activates the ovaries. During the menstrual period the blood levels of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) begin to rise slightly. After the period the pituitary FSH rise causes the production of estrogen by the ovary follicle to steadily increase. Estrogen secretion causes a gradual increase in the production of cervical mucus that moistens the vagina. The follicular or proliferation phase is mainly characterized by thickening of the inner lining of the uterus. The estrogen level eventually reaches a peak to which the hypothalamus responds. The sensitivity of the hypothalamus to this peak can be influenced by sickness and physical or emotional stresses. The hypothalamus causes the pituitary to release a surge of FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH). The pituitary LH surge stimulates the release of an egg by the ovary follicle, a process known as ovulation. Just prior to ovulation the cervical mucus at the vaginal opening becomes slippery and or stretchy. This first part of the cycle from the beginning of the period to ovulation is the most variable. It usually takes from one to three weeks.
Estrogen helps to regulate the cycle by activating the hypothalamus with its drop just prior to the menstrual period and with its peak prior to ovulation. It also acts on the vaginal lining, the ducts in the breasts, the fallopian tubes and uterine muscle. Excessive estrogen (hyperestrogenism) can stimulate pituitary prolactin secretion and cause nausea, fluid retention, breast tenderness, depression and longer periods. Conditions correlated with hyperestrogenism include cystic breasts, cystic ovaries, uterine fibroids and functional uterine bleeding due to proliferation of the uterine lining. Factors that influence estrogen levels can disrupt the cycle and affect fertility. For instance, estrogen is converted to a less active form by the liver. If poor liver function slows this deactivation, stronger estrogen effects result. Obesity can lead to an increased conversion of other steroids to estrogen. Stress can increase adrenal production of estrogens and stimulate prolactin secretion.
Symptoms that occur before some women's periods are frequently related to hyperestrogenism. These symptoms include weight gain, edema, breast fullness, cramping, irritability and depression. Combinations of these symptoms are collectively known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Carbohydrate craving, acne, headache, constipation, fatigue, and insomnia are also associated with PMS. Low progesterone can lead to symptoms similar to those from high estrogen levels. Prolactin stimulates milk production by the breasts after birth but may also be involved in PMS symptoms. Thyroid hormone is antagonistic to estrogen, so poor thyroid function can aggravate problems that are caused by estrogen. Reducing the estrogen and prolactin effects and raising progesterone output may be the keys to reducing premenstrual symptoms. Lowering body weight and stress while improving liver and thyroid function are important considerations in resolving this condition.
Certain dietary practices help normalize the hormonal activity when applied regularly. Providing adequate iodine intake for thyroid activity is necessary. Avoiding daily consumption of goiter-causing raw vegetables from the cabbage family (cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, rutabagas, and turnips) improves thyroid output. Eliminating caffeine, fat, sugar and white flour in the diet and increasing consumption of complex carbohydrates (grains, beans and starchy vegetables) is important. These changes help maintain blood sugar and energy balance, lower body weight and reduce the metabolic demands on the liver. The increased intake of fiber from eating whole foods prevents constipation and improves excretion of estrogen adsorption.
Taking supplements can be important for relieving premenstrual symptoms. Black currant oil and evening primrose oil supply GLA, a precursor of prostaglandins that counteract prolactin. Vitamin B-6 affects nerve transmitter substances that inhibit prolactin secretion and control mood swings. Vitamin B-6 also improves liver metabolism of estrogen and reduces water retention. The entire vitamin B complex aids in energy metabolism and stress management. Vitamin C is important in stress and improves mineral absorption. Calcium and magnesium alleviate cramping and nervous irritability and aid sleep. And there are many herbs used to reduce uterine pain and cramping.