Jo's Health Corner: female health

What's Your PMS Type?

I think most women have experienced PMS at some stage during their life. When I was younger I felt horrible days before my period. Fortunately, I haven't had any problems since I started taking care of my body holistically.

PMS is mostly connected to toxicity, nutritional imbalances, and hormonal imbalance. A poor diet and nutritional deficiencies are the primarily causes of PMS. When your diet is high in sugar, white flour, corn syrup, and caffeine the chances are higher that you suffer from PMS. I noticed a significant difference when I removed all the refined white products and processed foods in favor of a diet high in vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, and good sources of protein. It is important to avoid synthetic estrogens in food and aim for organic dairy and meat. Good fats are important so experts suggest to increase your amount of omega oils, and especially Evening Primrose Oil which has proven helpful for many women.

According to Dr. Henry Bieler, in his book, Food Is Your Best Medicine, PMS means that the digestive tract and liver have become irritated from a poor diet, and as a result the toxins are entering the blood stream

PMS has been divided into different groups according to the symptoms and hormonal patterns. It is possible for a woman to suffer from all four types in one cycle, and only suffer from one in the next cycle. So, what type are you?

The different PMS types:

PMS-A (anxiety)

This group is associated with anxiety and symptoms include nervous tension, mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. This group biochemically shows a high estrogen to progesterone ratio. This could be related to congestion in the liver, and excess milk and animal fats. Steven Horne suggests that using liver cleansing herbs to clear congestion and progesterone cream may be helpful. Steven Horne also says magnesium, B6, and GLA, (Gamma-linolenic acid) may be helpful as well. GLA can be found in plant based oils such as borage seed oil, evening primrose oil and black currant seed oil.

PMS-C (craving)

This group shows an increased appetite and food cravings, especially for sugar and chocolate. Some of the symptoms are dizziness, fainting, fatigue, and heart palpitations. This is linked with hypoglycemia and low prostaglandins. Remedies for hypoglycemia may be helpful, and Horne recommends Licorice root, and Algae. Cravings for chocolate may be caused by magnesium deficiency and essential fatty acid deficiencies. He also says zinc and B6 are other supplements that may help.

PMS-D (depression)

Depression, forgetfulness, crying, confusion, and insomnia are some of the characteristics of this group. According to Steven Horne, this is related to high progesterone and low estrogen, and magnesium levels seem to be low in this group as well. Heavy metal toxicity from lead may be another factor. Steven Horne says natural phytoestrogens may be helpful. He also says antistress vitamin supplement in herbal base can supply essential B-vitamins. Horne says St. John's Wort is an herb that historically has been used for the nervous system.

PMS-H (hyper hydration)

This group is associated with fluid retention. Weight gain, breast tenderness, swelling of extremities, and abdominal bloating are some of the characteristics of this group. According to Steven Horne this is caused by elevated levels of the hormone aldosterone. He also says diuretics may help. Horne also says Vitamin E, GLA, magnesium and phytoestrogens may be helpful for this type of PMS as well.

Yeast infections may also contribute to PMS. Yeast infections are closely related to general toxicity. Progesterone affects yeast growth which means that women with yeast overgrowth often have more problems with yeast related symptoms during their later half of their cycle. You might want to consider Candida cleansing if you have problems with vaginal yeast infections, taken a lot of antibiotics or birth control pills. The endocrine glands work together, so thyroid problems may also contribute to PMS.

Aromatherapy
Essential oils and aromatherapy treatments may be beneficial in PMS. According to Battaglia, sweet fennel, geranium, and juniper berry used in a lymphatic drainage massage may reduce fluid retention.

Battaglia writes that clary sage, rose, geranium, sweet fennel influence the production of hormones and may be beneficial for PMS. He says Roman chamomile, rose, and bergamot may be used to reduce irritability and depression. Battaglia also says in order for the essential oils to be beneficial for PMS, the above essential oils need to be used daily in a massage blend with evening primerose oil as the base oil.

Source: Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

The best you can do is to avoid toxins and refined products. Eat a wholesome diet rich in vegetables, fruits and good proteins. Aim to buy as much organic food as possible, and don't forget to make sure you get sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

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Essential Oils & Menopause Part 2 - Hot Flashes

This is my second post in my series about menopause and essential oils. This time I will talk about hot flashes. It can be embarrassing when you suddenly break into sweat or turn red when you're around other people. Experiencing hot flashes is one of the unfortunate discomforts many women experience during menopause. The irregular function of the blood vessels when they constrict and dilate is what is causing the hot flashes and sweating. It increases the blood flow, slightly increases the heart rate and raises the temperature. It is a good idea to avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea and alcohol during this time.

Fortunately there are some essential oils that have historically been used for hot flashes that you can try to see if they relieve your symptoms. Many women have found relief using peppermint which has a refreshing and cooling effect and they think it is an easy and effective way.

Peppermint, clary sage, bergamot, fennel, and have traditionally been applied to the ankles at the ovary and uterus Vita Flex points.

Battaglia recommends the following formula for hot flashes:
Clary Sage 10 drops
Geranium 10 drops
Sage 5 drops
Lemon 5 drops
Evening primrose oil 50 ml

Valeri Worwood's formula is slightly different:
Clary sage 10 drops
Geranium 11 drops
Lemon 7 drops
Sage 2 drops
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

You can also make a spritzer and use as a cooling body spray:

2 oz. glass bottle

1 ¾ oz. distilled or filtered water

10-30 drops essential oils

Optional:

¼ Add witch hazel or vodka to emulsify the oils. Important for thick oils like jasmine and myrrh.

Remember, each person is different so you have to find what works for you. You also have to consider that it may take a while to see a positive change so you have to stick with it and not give up right a way. Please check out my previous post in this subject to learn more about menopause and see what other oils traditionally recommended for menopause.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Sources:
Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health

Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing

Valeri Ann Worwood, (1991). The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. New World Library, San Rafael, CA

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

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Essential Oils & Menopause Part 1

As I mentioned many times before, aromatherapy is considered to be one of the most effective methods of dealing with female concerns such as menstrual, pregnancy and menopausal problems. The aroma of the essential oil is very powerful, through the essential oils' molecular structure and fragrance, it can influence the limbic lobe and hypothalamus. Inhalation of essential oils is said to stimulate production of hormones from the hypothalamus.

Symptoms
Menopause affect women differently but most of the symptoms include dizziness, difficult breathing, hot flushes, depression, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and headache. The average age of menopause is 50 years but some women go through an early menopause in the 30s or early 40s while others continue to menstruate until the late 50s.

Progesterone
The level of progesterone decline as a women age and this can lead to osteoporosis and an increase risk of depressions, mood swings and uterine and breast cancer. Estrogen levels can also decrease and increase the risk of heart disease. The hormones decline to a point where menstruation ceases. The Essential Oils Desk Reference suggests that the topical application of progesterone and prenolone cream is the most effective way to replace and boost the declining hormone levels.

Dr. Dan Purser, M.D, is also promoting the use of progesterone in his new book, Progesterone The Ultimate Women's Feel Good Hormone.

Other things to consider:

Exercise is important.
Avoid stress as much as possible.
Avoid or limit, coffee, alcohol, refined food, artificial additives.
Increase water intake to 2-3 liters/quarts a day, especially if suffering from hot flashes.
Battaglia recommends to take 1,000 mg capsule of evening primrose 3 times a day if suffering from dry itching skin and dry vagina. Increase water to 2-3 liters a day.

So, what kind of essential oils can be used to make life easier during the change of life?

Battaglia recommends:

Geranium since it is a hormonal balancer
Rose since it tones the uterus and regulates the menstrual cycle
Chamomile, jasmine, neroli, and ylang ylang since they are antidepressant and calming. These can be helpful when used in a bath, massage or when diffused.

Battaglia also recommends sweet fennel, and bergamot.

The Essential Oils Desk Reference recommends the single oils clary sage, sage and geranium.

Other posts in this series:
Hot Flashes

Don't forget to check with your doctor before you start a new health program.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Sources:

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

The Essential Oils Desk Reference. (Fifth edition 2011). Life Science Publishing

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Essential Oils and Fertility

Increasing problem
Infertility is an increasing problem. There are a lot of factors involved that can be the cause of infertility. Poor nutrition, toxicity, and xenoestrogens are just a few things that can cause hormonal imbalance. Women pay thousands of dollars for medical treatments and many of them are not successful.

Essential oils may be helpful

Essential oils may be very useful for female concerns. In fact, aromatherapy is one of the most effective methods of dealing with problems of the reproductive system. Many essential oils have historically been used to help regulate hormone production. Some essential oil constituents have hormonal like behavior since their structure is similar to hormones. This means they interact with the receptors that identify hormones.

The powerful aroma
The aroma of an essential oil is very powerful. The fragrance can directly affect our emotions as well as other functions in the body. Many oils are very useful for reducing stress-related tension. Essential oils may also increase circulation and boost the immune system. The essential oil aroma is inhaled and transferred to the limbic system where the limbic lobe activates the hypothalamus.The hypothalamus acts as the hormonal control center and it releases chemical messengers. The inhalation of essential oils is said to stimulate the production of hormones from the hypothalamus, as well as combating stress and emotional trauma.

The following oils are said to have hormone like actions:

Female infertility
According to Valeri Ann Worwood, these oils help with infertility:
Clary sage, geranium, fennel, cypress, Roman chamomile, thyme, nutmeg, and coriander.

Worwood lists the following oils to help with Male infertility:
Thyme, cumin, sage, clary sage, basil, Cedarwood, vetiver and angelica.

Anise seed oil is also said to have estrogenic activity.

Uterine and ovarian tonics
Uterine tonics have a toning and strengthening effect on the whole system, on the tissue of the organs. Oils that are uterine tonics include jasmine, clary sage, myrrh, frankincense, rose, melissa, and geranium.

Let’s focus on some of the most popular oils used for fertility:

Geranium
Geranium has a balancing effect on the nervous system. It is considered an ideal oil to maintain homeostasis of the body. According to Battaglia, its stimulating effect on the adrenal cortex has a regulatory effect on the hormonal system. As mentioned above, it is also considered an uterine and ovarian tonic.

Clary sage
It balances the hormones. According to Gary Young, clary Sage contains natural phytoestrogen that mimics estrogen function. It is very calming and stress relieving. It is also an uterine and ovarian tonic.

Fennel
Fennel stimulates said to stimulate estrogen production. It has historically been useful in regulating the menstrual cycle.

Cypress
According to Battaglia, it said to stimulate estrogen production and has a regulating effect on the menstrual cycle. It strengthens an overburdened nervous system and restores calm. It’s an astringent and has traditionally been used to reduce abnormally heavy blood loss.

Jasmine
It is a great oil for emotional problems, and it is a known anti-depressant. Battaglia says it is also helpful in childbirth and will assist in labor. It’s hormonal activity is useful in menstrual problems. It may relieve spasms of the uterus.

Important

This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils. Be careful when using essential oils with hormonal activity and don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Make sure that you look over the safefy information before you start using essential oils.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contraindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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References

The Complete Book Of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, Valerie Ann Worwood, New World Library, 1991

Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide, Gary Young, ND, Essential Science Publishing, 2006

The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Salvatore Battaglia, The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd, 1997

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Hormonal Balance The Natural Way

We are constantly being exposed to news that girls are reaching puberty as young as 7 years old, fertility rates are going down, and breast cancer rates have increased. By the age of 60 one in three women has had a hysterectomy. It's more important than ever to balance your estrogen in order to protect your feminine health.

Ladies, it has not always been like this, and with so many having medical procedures done it may seem like it is supposed to be like this, but it is not.

Something is definitely wrong.

Weston Price toured the world in the 1930s studying various indigenous people, and he discovered that native women eating traditional diets didn't have any reproductive health problems. So, as you can see, these feminine problems are not normal. It is our modern lifestyle, especially the exposure to environmental toxins known as xenoestrogens, that is causing the problem.

Xenoestrogens

The body produces three estrogenic hormones, they are called estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Plants make substances that have estrogenic-like effects and they are called phytoestrogens.

Xenoestrogens are a third type of estrogenic compound. They are environmental pollutants that have estrogen-like actions. They are found in eggs, meat, and dairy products from hormone fed animals. They are also found in pesticide residues on food, plastics, and other sources such as shampoos, cosmetics, and other beauty products. It may not seem so harmful if you are exposed to these chemicals individually, but you have to consider that when a person is exposed to multiple xenoestrogens, then the estrogenic effect is 100 -1000 times stronger than the most potent form of estrogen made in humans.

By overstimulating estrogen sensitive tissues, xenoestrogens cause:

abnormal changes in breast and uterine tissues, contributing to the development of breast lumps and uterine fibroids.
mood swings
menstrual irregularities such as cramps and heavy bleeding
thinning of hair
hot flashes
weight gain

Estrogen itself is not bad, it is just that xenoestrogens overstimulate an estrogen response. Unfortunately, our food and water supplies are laden with xenoestrogens from herbicides, pesticides, and petrochemical residues. Estrogen compounds are fed to chicken and cattle to increase meat, egg, and dairy production. It is very wise to minimize the exposure to xenoestrogens since they are involved in so many health problems

How to avoid xenoestrogens

Animals that are raised organically cannot be given estrogens. I know it can be pricey, but choosing organically grown meat, milk, and eggs reduces your exposure to estrogens.
Pesticides are another source of xenoestrogens, so choose organically grown fruit, seeds, nuts and vegetables. Buy what's in season, sometimes locally grown food is grown organically even though it is not certified.
Eat foods rich in phytoestrogens. Many natural foods contain phytoestrogens and they bind to the same receptor sites that xenoestrogens do. Xenoestrogens can't attach to the site if they are occupied by a phytoestrogen. Foods that contain phytoestrogens are beans, flax seeds, many whole grains, dark green, leafy vegetables, and flax seeds with lignans. Lignans are a phytoestrogen.
Avoid beauty products with parabens. Don't heat food in plastic if you are using a microwave oven.

Detoxify xenoestrogens

The liver is responsible for breaking down excess hormones and environmental toxins. You can help your liver get rid off excess xenoestrogens and other toxins by supporting it with appropriate herbs and supplements. Most herbal and supplement companies carry liver cleansing products. Fiber binds toxins so don't forget to take some when you cleanse your liver.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower may also reduce the levels of xenoestrogens due to their compound indole-3-carbynol. You want to go easy on the cruciferous vegetables if you suffer from hypothyroidism.

A balance between progesterone and estrogen is important. Many natural health care practitioners suggest to increase the progesterone to keep the hormones balanced. However, I suggest that you research more before you add progesterone.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:

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