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Solutions to your tough problems: some women's health issues are difficult to treat. We found the natural answers you've been waiting for - Annual Women's Health Guide
Natural Health, Dec, 2002 by Julia Tolliver Maranan
Address Depression. Recent studies show that women who are depressed are less likely to get pregnant, according to Domar. Depression may decrease the production of luteinizing hormone, making it less likely that you'll release an egg. If for the last two weeks or longer you have been feeling sad or hopeless or are not excited about the future, talk to your doctor and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or another licensed mental health professional. Or visit the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's website at www.asrm.org to find an infertility counselor.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs when your ovaries don't release eggs. It is usually caused by an overproduction of androgens (hormones like testosterone). A complicated disorder, PCOS can cause one or more symptoms, including acne, amenorrhea (stopped periods), facial hair, thinning hair, elevated insulin levels, infertility, and weight gain. "Because not all women have a classic picture [acne, obesity, facial hair, and hair thinning], PCOS can be elusive," says naturopath Hudson. "It commonly goes undiagnosed."
If you have been diagnosed with PCOS or you think you might have it, seek out an M.D. or naturopath who can address your total health. Women who have PCOS are at an increased risk for a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and uterine cancer, says gynecologist Gaudet. If you try the following treatments and your symptoms don't improve, contact a reproductive endocrinologist. To find this type of practitioner, visit the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's website at www.asrm.org.
Relax to Lessen Symptoms. Since stress intensifies many PCOS symptoms, Gaudet suggests practicing anything you find extremely relaxing for at least 15 minutes a day, whether it's doing yoga, knitting, or reading a book. Relaxing can minimize your body's production of stress chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol, which exacerbate symptoms. If you practice relaxing daily, you may improve in two months, says Gaudet.
Balance Hormones Naturally. PCOS contributes to menstrual irregularities by suppressing your body's production of progesterone. If you experience irregular periods or missed periods, ask your doctor about using natural progesterone to help regulate menstruation. Your doctor will determine the dose and whether you should use cream or pills. Progesterone may also improve acne, according to Hudson. (If your doctor is not familiar with natural progesterone, seek out a holistic or naturopathic physician. For contact information, see "Find the Right Doctor," page 68.)
High testosterone levels, common in PCOS, cause acne, facial hair, and thinning hair. Flaxseeds, green tea (Camellia sinensis), and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) can help by increasing your body's levels of a molecule that binds excess testosterone. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds daily on cereal, salads, and vegetable dishes. Also take 300 to 400 mg of green tea extract (standardized to contain 80 percent total polyphenols and 55 percent epigallocatechin gallate) and 200 mg of saw palmetto extract (standardized to contain 85 to 95 percent liposterols) each day.
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