Symptoms of Endometriosis, Uterine fibroid & Ovarian cyst:
? Painful period
? Heavy bleeding during period
? Pain when passing stool or urine during period
? Nausea or vomiting during period
? Difficulties in conception
Endometriosis
Among the health problems that affect women, endometriosis could be considered one of the most mysterious. It is a condition whereby uterine tissues migrate to other parts of the pelvic region. It generally affects women between the ages 25 to 35. The symptoms of endometriosis vary greatly from one woman to another. The most common are severe menstrual cramps, excessive bleeding, irregular periods, infertility and painful sexual intercourse. These symptoms disappear during pregnancy, which may cure the condition.
Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are benign tumours that are mainly made up of muscular and fibrous tissue. Often uterine fibroids produce no symptoms. However, some women complain of heavy bleeding, painful periods, bleeding between periods, infertility, frequent urination, backache and abdominal swelling. Like endometriosis, the exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown. Fibroids occur most frequently in women of ages between 35 and 45.
Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are swellings that contain fluid in the ovary. When they are filled with blood, they are called chocolate cysts. Most of the time, there are no symptoms but if the cysts twist or rupture, there can be excruciating pain.
The conditions above are linked in some way to excessive oestrogen in the body. Thus, the reason for doctors to use drugs to suppress oestrogen production. However, the body’s very own regulatory function of controlling this female hormone should also be considered. The liver regulates oestrogen by deactivating it. The body is then able to get rid of these conjugated hormones by excreting them in the bile or urine. Symptoms such as constant fatigue, allergies plus poor complexion that are often associated with endometriosis, ovarian cyst and uterine fibroid, may very well be signs of sluggish liver function and not directly caused by the conditions themselves.
Natural Therapies Help
Herbal medicine together with nutritional therapy can be very successful in assisting hormonal balance. Although treatment time may be lengthy (6 months or more), most women find their symptoms, like period pain and heavy bleeding, improved within twelve weeks or so. This is especially true if the conditions are treated early. One interesting finding – endometriosis and fibroids are more prevalent in women who are overworked or those who repress anger, frustration, resentment and worry. Thus, stress management is important in overall treatment.
Helpful Herbs
Hormone balancing - Vitex berry, Peony root, False Unicorn root, Wild Yam root.
Liver tonics – Schisandra berry, Globe Artichoke leaf, Milk Thistle seed.
Alleviate pain – Cramp bark, Willow bark, Chamomile flowers
Reduce heavy bleeding – Shepherd’s Purse herb, Thuja leaf
Help Shrink Fibroid – Poke root, Beth root, Rapberry leaf, Cranesbill root
Supplements For Hormonal Balance
Vitamin C 2000mg
Vitamin E 500iu
Zinc 30mg
Evening Primrose 3000mg
Fish Oil 3000mg
Magnesium 400mg
Eat More
Vegetables
Fruits
Tofu
Legumes
Fish
Crushed flaxseed
Green Tea
Soya milk
Tempeh
Eat Less / Avoid
Margarine
Butter
Cow’s milk
Cheese
Deep-fried food
Coffee
Chocolate
Chicken skin
Patricia Loh is an educator and writer on natural therapies. A qualified clinical herbalist, she practices Holistic Medicine in the Klang Valley. Comments and inquiries: herbalorigins@yahoo.com or 03-5631 7751.
THE SUN, INSERTION DATE – 22 APRIL 2003
