Nutrition Month

Showing posts with label pcod. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pcod. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Natural suggestions for hirsutism

For Hirsutism:    

Therapy is threefold:

 1) inhibition of androgen production;

 2) inhibition of androgen action and

 3) local treatment.

Cause of hirsutism Natural and alternative therapy

 1. Exercise and weight loss could be very beneficial. Dietary changes that may improve insulin resistance are the primary emphasis with a reduction of refined carbohydrates and total calories, while increasing the high fiber foods of vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Many individuals with PCOS will respond to a diet that is not more than 80 gm/day of carbohydrates, and 60-90 gm per day of protein.

 2. Inositol supplement could be helpful in reducing signs and symptoms of hirsutism.

 3. Myo Inositol supplement as natural hirsutism treatment

 
 Treatment of hirsutism with myo-inositol: a prospective clinical study. Reprod Biomed Online. 2008. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of myo-inositol treatment in hirsute women. Forty-six hirsute women were evaluated at baseline and after receiving myo-inositol therapy for 6 months. Body mass index (BMI), hirsutism, serum concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein(a), serum adrenal and ovarian androgens, fasting glucose and insulin concentrations were evaluated. No changes in BMI were observed. The hirsutism decreased after therapy. Total androgens, FSH and LH concentrations decreased while estradiol concentrations increased. There was a slight non-significant decrease in total cholesterol concentrations, an increase in HDL cholesterol concentrations and a decrease in LDL cholesterol

 4. Herbal remedies for many conditions including hirsutism are gaining a lot of popularity all over the world. You could use natural home remedies for hirsutism in combination with traditional medication, to expedite the treatment. Some of the herbs that help reduce the severity of hirsutism include:
 Black cohosh and Chaste tree...  These herbs plus other nutrients and vitamins are contained in Female Balance Ultimate.

 5. Laser hair removal is one of the most commonly done cosmetic procedures in the U.S. It beams highly concentrated light into hair follicles. Pigment in the follicles absorb the light. That destroys the hair. Ninety percent of patients have permanent hair loss after an average of three to five sessions. Radiancy Nono hair removal

 In some women, acne may be a sign of polycstic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is hormonal imbalance disorder characterised by irregular periods, hirsutism and acne. Acne, in this case, usually breaks out in the chin area and around the jaw.
PCOS must be addressed in order to resolve the acne problem. It is frequently due to estrogen dominance.  In this case, an estrogen blocker may help to reduce symptoms. For PCOS and estrogen dominance, Privita can be useful.
  The statements and products shown on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Those seeking treatment for a specific disease should consult a qualified integrative physician prior to using our products if possible.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Female Balance Ultimate

Female Balance Ultimate



It helps you feel healthy, balanced and relaxed - all month long, all life long! 

Female Balance, a dietary supplement, packed with nutrients, botanicals and other herbal blends helps support a woman's hormonal system and brings balance back to a woman's life.Whether there is a problem with PMS, menopause and most other concerns in women’s health, Symmetry's specially formulated dietary supplement works to help take care of the problems and maintain a healthy balance in women's lives.

The menopausal phase of a woman's life starts when her body begins to decrease its estrogen production. This transition process varies for each woman and can include hot flashes, headaches and mood swings. Female Balance is a unique combination of plant based wild yam, dong quai, and essential fatty acids that’s combined with potent vitamin B-6 to support the female body's natural ability to maintain proper hormonal function, health, energy, and overall well being.

NATURAL INGREDIENTS

Wild yam root extract: The active ingredient in wild yam root is a naturally occurring substance called progesterone, which is the primary precursor hormone for estrogen, cortisone, and aldosterone. Wild yam is also helpful in soothing occasional cramps.
Dong quai: A traditional Chinese herb, dong quai contains phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) to promote increased circulation and healthy function of the endocrine system.
Vitex angus cactus extract (Chaste berry): Chaste berry supports balanced hormone levels by supporting healthy levels of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates milk production during pregnancy from the pituitary gland. High levels of prolactin may be a factor in PMS and menstrual irregularity.

Herbs that are well-noted for promoting female hormone balance 

BLACK COHOSH

One of these herbs is Black Cohosh,  which is known as both Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa.  Black Cohosh has traditionally been used as a popular Native American and folk remedy for female ailments.  Black cohosh contains natural phytoestrogens [plant estrogens] and is well-noted for its antispasmodic properties and its ability to increase blood flow to the uterus; thereby reducing particularly painful cramps. It is also used to stabilize female hormone levels, which addresses the following premenstrual syndrome [PMS] symptoms:   

Painful Menstrual Cramps
Irregular Periods
Low Sex Drive [Low Libido]
Headaches 
Dizziness
Depression
Female Anxiety 
Nervousness.
Mood Changes
Muscle Pains

Black Cohosh is also a popular natural alternative to synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  It is used for many symptoms that frequently accompany perimenopause and menopause, including:  

Hot Flashes
Night Sweats
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal Atrophy [Loose Vaginal Muscles]

WILD YAM

Another potent herb used for female hormone balance is Wild Yam, also know as Dioscorea.  It  is used in labs to convert into the ovarian hormone progesterone. However, in its natural state without conversion, it contains the natural plant hormone diosgenin which is similar in structure to progesterone as well as to the adrenal hormone DHEA. The plant hormone diosgenin nourishes female organs and has a balancing effect upon the body’s hormones similar to the effects of DHEA and progesterone. Wild yam can help to overcome the negative effects of declining levels of DHEA and progesterone that usually begin to occur at around age 25-30. Natural plant hormones such as diosgenin are safer to take long term than are synthetic or animal forms of hormones. Its anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties are useful for reducing intense menstrual cramps.  Wild yam is used for the following PMS symptoms: 

Infertility

Menstrual Cramps 

Loss Of Sex Drive

Hot Flashes

Headaches

Fatigue

Depression

GINSENG

Modern Day Uses of Ginseng
In the Western world, ginseng´s uses are the subject of extensive scientific trials. Such trials aim to test the efficiency of ginseng in treating specific modern day ailments. Some of these include:
As an Energizer: To assist the body's natural capacity to heal. For this reason, both the American and Asian ginseng are often used in the process of rehabilitation for people recovering from injury or illness.

As Treatment for Sexual Dysfunction Problems: As a renowned stimulant, red ginseng is often used to help correct sexual dysfunction.
For Treating Menopause Symptoms: Ginseng has differing results depending on the person taking it. Despite these varying effects, many women take ginseng to lessen the often agonizing symptoms of menopause.
Ginseng is sometimes prescribed to treat mental well-being because it is considered a "normalizer" and "energizer". It is also a proven reliever of fatigue, nervousness, and stress.

DONG QUAI

Another potent herb used for female hormone balance is  Dong Quai, also known as Angelica sinesis.  Dong Quai is well-noted for its reputation as a female tonic. It has both anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.  It has the ability to increase blood flow to the uterus; thereby reducing particularly painful cramps. Coumarins are the active ingredients in dong quai, which dilate blood vessels and stimulate the central nervous system. When blood vessels are dilated, this causes an increase in blood flow throughout the body.  Coumarins also relax the smooth muscles of the uterus, which would help to explain the herb's traditional use for menstrual cramps.  It is not likely that Dong Quai has any direct estrogenic effects because it contains only 1/400th the estrogen that the prescription drug Premarin does, for example, and it may actually lessen the effect of a woman's own estrogen. However, Dong Quai does contain estrogenic substances that may exert some regulating effect on estrogen levels and on estrogenic biological mechanisms. These estrogenic substances stimulate the liver to process and excrete any excess estrogen and get female hormones back into balance again.  They seem to enhance estrogenic effects when estrogen levels are too low, and compete when levels are too high. This property substantiates how Dong Quai has become known as a menstrual tonic. Since PMS is thought to be partially caused by an estrogen excess, reducing the estrogen effect is very much an asset for female hormone regulation.  Dong Quai is used to promote uterine health by nourishing female organs and to stabilize female hormone levels, which addresses the following premenstrual syndrome [PMS] symptoms:   

Menstrual Cramps 

Irregular Menstrual Periods

Amenorrhea (Missed Periods) 

Menorrrhagia (Heavy Bleeding Or Prolonged Periods)

Endometriosis Pain

Inflammation 

Fatigue

Depression

Anxiety

Mood Swings

Headache


Dong Quai is also used to fight certain microorganisms, including the Candida albicans fungus, which is the primary causative agent in vaginal yeast infections, as well as genital herpes outbreaks. 

Dong quai is also used for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. 


MACA

It has many medicinal problems and helps women in the menopause. Women who consume it in Peru, and have been doing so all their lives, do not experience the menopausal symptoms we experience in the west, like hot flushes, vaginal dryness and libido problems. In Peru it is eaten either raw or baked. and can also be used dried.
Experiments and research have been carried out on this powerful plant which reveal that not only does it help women in the menopause, but it increases libido

It can help with anxiety and mood swings, lack of energy and loss of memory, depression, insomnia, hair loss, gum disease, brittle hair and fingernails and many more symptoms.

Maca is recommended for fertility problems, sterility, and other sexual disorders.

If you have an overactive thyroid or Graves Disease, do not use MACA

CHASTEBERRY

Another very important herb used for female hormone balance is Vitex, also know as Chasteberry, Chaste Tree and Vitex agnus-castus.  PMS consists of various physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation. The symptoms begin about mid-cycle and are generally the most intense during the last seven days before menstruation.  Vitex is probably the most important herb in relation to helping PMS. It works on the pituitary gland and has a balancing effect on the hormones especially in the second half of the cycle which is why it is such an important herb for PMS symptoms.  It has historically been used to maintain a healthy menstrual cycle by assisting with restoring a normal estrogen-to-progesterone balance. With prolonged usage, it is possible that it can totally reverse the premenstrual syndrome, which has been linked to abnormally high levels of estrogen, especially if symptoms tend to disappear when menstruation begins. It is specifically used to assist the body to secrete progesterone. Low progesterone levels during childbearing years produce the following PMS symptoms:

Fibroid Tumors

Ovarian Cysts 

Frequent Periods

Heavy Bleeding During Periods

Lack Of Ovulation

Missed Periods  

Headaches

Acne

Breast Tenderness

Backache

Bloating

Fatigue

Cravings For Sweets

Feelings Of Anxiety

Irritability

Depression

Mood Swings

Tearfulness

Libido Imbalance [Sex Drive Too High Or Too Low]

Difficulty Concentrating

Difficulty Handling Stress

Vitex is also used for menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

HORNY GOAT (EPIMEDIUM)

Animal studies have shown that epimedium may function a bit like an adaptogen (such as cordyceps, rhodiola, ashwagandha, and ginseng) by increasing levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine when they are low (an energy-promoting effect), but reducing cortisol levels when they are elevated (an anti-stress effect). There is also evidence that epimedium can restore low levels of both testosterone and thyroid hormone (bringing low levels back to their normal levels) - which may account for some of the benefits of epimedium in improving libido (sex drive). Animal studies using epimedium have shown a reduction in bone breakdown, an increase in muscle mass, and a loss of body fat-each of which may be linked to the observed return of abnormal cortisol levels back to normal values (and rhythm).

Horny Goat Weed may have other effects as well. Some use the plant as a natural energy booster. Some studies indicate that Horny Goat Weed may increase osteoblastic activity in the bones, which would help prevent osteoporosis.  Others have shown that the weed may help regulate cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid hormone levels in the body.

Menopause
A study tested the estrogenic activity of 32 herbs used for menopause. Epimedium brevicornum, was one of the highest estrogenic activity.


Comparison to other products I have seen my patients take:

Macafem is a non-prescription tablet that claims to reduce the symptoms of PMS, menopause, reduced libido and infertility with natural herbs that balance hormones. The company says its product will keep the body’s hormones balanced in a safe and natural way. This product lists one ingredient: Maca
A one month supply costs $29.99

It is important to remember that maca does not itself contain any hormones, but its action on the body jogs the pituitary into producing the precursor hormones which ultimately end up raising estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels, as well as helping to balance the adrenal glands, the thyroid and the pancreas.
Female Balance Ultimate also contains Maca. Female Balance contains 24 ingredients. I find that 24 herbs and vitamins working together have a better effect than one herb alone.
Female Balance Ultimate has been independently tested by Brunswick labs for potency and purity.

FertilAid for Women is designed to promote the balance of hormones that play a central role in menstrual health and regular ovulation, supporting a woman’s reproductive organs and the development of reproductive tissues." FertilAid for Women provides:
• A "Fertility-Enhancing" Formula: promotes regular ovulation and female hormonal balance. 
• Natural, scientifically-validated herbal ingredients, including chasteberry. A one month supply costs $28.95

Like the above product, Female Balance Ultimate Contains Chasteberry. Female Balance contains 24 ingredients.
Female Balance Ultimate has been independently tested by Brunswick labs for potency and purity.

Instructions:

With a proprietary herbal formula that includes chasteberry (vitex), red clover blossom, can help restore hormonal balance while supporting overall reproductive wellness. Each bottle contains a one-month supply. It may take up to 3 months to fully realize the benefits. Do not take if you are taking fertility drugs (such as Clomid). If taking Female Balance Ultimate for fertility purposes, use during menses, or if not menstruating, discontinue once pregnancy test is positive.

If taking Female Balance Ultimate for PMS, one can take it daily, or it can be taken just for the days that symptoms are noted, if this can be predicted.

As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules in the morning, and 1 to 2 capsules in the afternoon or as recommended by your health care practitioner.

It is not unusual for the length of your menstrual cycle to change during the use of this product. The FDA has not evaluated any of these statements or this treatment and there is no guarantee of cure with this treatment. Results may vary.