Mar
10

Postpartum

Part 3 of our 3-part Fertility Series: Postpartum

Article by Bianca Sheedy

Welcome to the third and final part of our fertility series, where we will be focusing on the postpartum period. The months after birth are a period of recovery and replenishment for both the birthing and non-birthing partner, and where issues with milk flow may arise.

Promoting healthy milk flow!

The first 3 months of the postpartum period is an important time to replenish depleted nutrients and support healing after giving birth. Nutrient requirements actually increase during breastfeeding so ensuring you have a nourishing diet and the right type of nutritional support helps to encourage healthy milk flow and establish breastfeeding.

Top tips for increasing milk flow for breastfeeding:

  • Eat a nutrient dense diet, with a wide variety of whole foods.
  • Continue taking a good quality natal multivitamin supplement throughout the breastfeeding stage
  • Increase your dose of a high-quality, breastfeeding specific probiotic to support key species of important bacteria that can be passed onto your baby. This will help to support their immune system, gut health, and potentially reduce the prevalence of eczema.
  • Make home-made lactation cookies using Bianca Sheedy’s recipe below. 


Traditions of post birth; would it benefit our modern-day new mothers?

There are many cultures around the globe who engage in traditional rituals to support maternal recovery in the postpartum period. Traditional Chinese customs practice “Sitting the month”, a sacred time where new Mothers are advised to stay home to focus on their own postpartum recovery while looking after their baby. 

In modern day society, new parents can have the pressure of entertaining family and friends who want to meet their newborn baby. New Mothers may benefit from saying ‘yes’ to help when offered, taking periods of rest, and allowing themselves to be “mothered” during this transition period. 

Our Naturopathic fertility specialist, Bianca Sheedy, recently went to a friend’s Blessingway where, rather than gifts, the new mother requested that her guests make a healthy postpartum meal that she could freeze and enjoy during the first few weeks after giving birth. Perhaps this extra quality time is the best gift we could give new parents. 


How can we support the non-birthing partner?

Welcoming a new baby into your life can be a big adjustment for parents. The recovery of new Dad’s/non birthing parents is just as important! Father’s and non-birthing parents can also experience antenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression; therefore, it is important that we find more ways to support them during this new stage of life. 

Our Naturopaths at Bondi Health and Wellness can support the non-birthing partner by providing nutrition and lifestyle advice, as well as herbal and nutritional medicine, where indicated, to help them adjust to this new stage of ife. So if you would like to book an appointment with one of our Naturopaths please click here

Jul
15

How to survive the hormonal rollercoaster in your 40s

Mood swings, hot flushes and night sweats? Remember that menopause is not a disease, it won’t last forever, and natural therapies can be very helpful.

Menopause is a natural part of life, marking the end of our fertile years. But in our youth-focused culture, it can be treated like a dirty little secret and is rarely discussed openly.

Often, women will never have considered how their own personal journey through this time of transition will play out, until they get their first signs of change.

In an ideal world, there would be a period of gentle transition starting in your 40s where your body adjusts slowly to the gradual decrease in hormones, so that by the time your periods eventually stop, the process is all but completed. You are officially considered menopausal once you haven’t had a period for more than 12 months.

It’s a common misconception that the symptoms we associate with menopause in the West, such as hot flushes, insomnia and irritability, only occur once the menstrual cycle stops. It is actually the transition to menopause, or perimenopause, that is usually the most challenging time and some women will start to experience symptoms while they still get regular periods. Perimenopause and menopause are all part of the same continuum.

Signs and symptoms

Various factors dictate the start of perimenopause.

Women with a history of smoking are far more likely to experience earlier hormonal changes, due to accelerated ovarian ageing.

Having a healthy diet and lifestyle during your 20s and 30s helps to preserve ovarian function and protect against early perimenopause.

Other issues, such as how old you were when you got your first period, ethnicity and body mass index, also influence the age of perimenopause onset.

Speaking with your mother about her experiences may help, as genetic factors definitely play a role.

If you are in your 40s and starting to experience symptoms, it may be worthwhile having your hormones tested. A simple blood test will clarify matters: elevation of follicle-stimulating hormone and a decrease in oestrogen are markers that you’re starting perimenopause.

The female reproductive hormones are delicately balanced during our fertile years. As ovarian function starts to wane the master hormone, oestrogen, starts to decrease, along with other sex hormones.

These hormones play a much more complex role in our health than just reproduction and this is evidenced by the broad range of symptoms experienced during perimenopause and menopause. Hot flushes, depression, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, low libido, vaginal dryness, low energy, weight gain, back, neck and muscle pain are the most common symptoms of perimenopause. They can vary widely in severity; some women experience only mild symptoms, while others’ symptoms are so severe they significantly impact their life.

The intensity of these changes can cause women to reach for a quick solution. Often younger perimenopausal women are put on the oral contraceptive pill and older women may be offered hormone replacement therapy. These medications can stop symptoms, but there are a range of risk factors that need to be considered, including the fact that long-term hormone supplementation increases the risk of certain oestrogen-dependent conditions in susceptible women.

Another factor to consider is what happens when you eventually come off hormone supplementation. The sudden withdrawal of hormones can put you right back where you started.

Thankfully, natural medicine offers some very effective solutions.

Meal plans

There is a big disparity between the experiences of menopause in women from Western cultures and that of their Asian sisters. Hot flushes are reported by only 10 percent of Chinese women, while approximately 75 percent of Western women get them.

The reason for this contrast lies in the diet. Typical Western diets are much higher in animal protein and fat, which is associated with higher oestrogen levels. Westerners also consume far less fibre, which is needed to support healthy hormone metabolism.

Traditional Asian diets are rich in plant foods that provide beneficial phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, flavones, coumestans, and lignans. These compounds bind to oestrogen receptors on the cell and exert weak oestrogenic activity. A diet high in plant phytoestrogens reduces the symptoms of menopause and softens the effects of decreased oestrogen.

It is thought that Western women have generally higher oestrogen levels due to dietary factors and therefore experience a far greater drop in oestrogen levels at perimenopause, causing more severe symptoms; while Asian women with a higher intake of phytoestrogens and fibre in the diet have a more gentle transition. It is essential to have ample vegetables in the diet. A good rule of thumb is to include two to three handfuls at each meal, which also boosts overall vitamin, mineral and antioxidant intake.

Cruciferous vegetables – broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, bok choi and other leafy greens – are particularly beneficial as they support healthy liver function and effective hormone metabolism.

An increase in vegetables will also add beneficial fibre. A fibre-rich diet will ensure healthy bowel function and improve oestrogen metabolism and hormone health by encouraging effective elimination. Other great fibre foods include legumes – lentils, chickpeas and kidney beans – that have the added benefit of providing phytoestrogens, which reduce symptoms of menopause.

Exert yourself

Exercise is not only nature’s best antidepressant and energy booster, it also helps you maintain muscle mass, which in turn drives metabolism and keeps weight in check.

We start to lose bone mineral density during menopause, so regular weight-bearing exercise, a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and healthy exposure to sunlight are essential at this time to keep bones strong. Interestingly, regular exercise actually improves oestrogen metabolism.

Even though we are not making as much oestrogen as we used to, healthy hormone metabolism helps to lessen symptoms. Regular exercise has been shown to improve oestrogen metabolism, which partly explains why it reduces symptoms of menopause. Menopausal women who participated in a supervised regular exercise program over 12 months experienced significantly fewer symptoms than their non-exercising counterparts and reported an increase in their quality of life.

So the message is: Move! It doesn’t matter what type of exercise you do as long as it’s regular weight-bearing exercise. Thirty minutes, five times a week will get the best results.

Heal with herbs

Herbal medicine has long been used to support every stage of women’s hormonal health and is particularly effective in treating menopausal symptoms.

Black cohosh, wild yam and red clover are traditionally used to support women during menopause, because they are rich in phytoestrogens, which decrease hot flushes and minimise other symptoms; they also regulate hormone production.

Dong quai can be a lifesaver for perimenopausal women who are experiencing erratic periods and hormonal fluctuations. It has a balancing effect on hormones and gently regulates periods.

St John’s wort is an effective antidepressant herb which can be used to elevate mood and stabilise erratic emotions. It has a soothing effect on the nervous system and can also promote deeper sleep.

Other herbs, such as skullcap, oats and lemon balm, nourish the nervous system and soothe anxiety.

To tame night sweats, take 5 to 15 drops of sage tincture three times a day in half a cup of water. This herb has astringent qualities that can help ease abnormal sweating in a day or so.

Withania, rehmannia and licorice are adaptogenic herbs that have a beneficial effect on the adrenal glands and modulate the stress response. They are extremely useful if irritability and exhaustion are present.

Zizyphus and sage are particularly beneficial for hot flushes, acting specifically to reduce sweating.

However, as every woman’s experience of perimenopause and menopause is different, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to treatment. Herbal medicine needs to be prescribed individually after consultation with a qualified practitioner to get the best results.

Chill out

Stress management is vital during this phase of your life. Hormonal changes can cause a rollercoaster of emotions – irritability, anxiety and depression – which are worsened by broken sleep, due to night sweats.

Exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress; meditation, massage, yoga or tai chi are also very beneficial.

Remember, in many traditional cultures women who have reached this stage of life are held in a position of respect in their community, as it signifies experience and wisdom. In the West, however, it is seen as a sign of ageing and this can be quite challenging for women. Counselling can be of great benefit to help women adjust, especially if perimenopause has started at a younger age.

Top up your levels

While having a healthy balanced diet should be your first choice to provide a good range of nutrients, supplementation can also benefit women during perimenopause.

  • B group vitamins: Support the nervous system during stress; B6 is particularly important to assist with hormone balance.
  • Magnesium: Nourishes the nervous system, relaxes the body, and promotes restful sleep. It works synergistically with vitamin B6 to support healthy nervous system function and mood and also assists with hormone balance.
  • S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe): Supports serotonin production and helps to stabilise mood.
  • Flax seeds: Provide a valuable source of phytoestrogens. Clinical studies show that 40g of crushed flaxseeds daily provides significant relief from menopausal symptoms.
  • Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D: Perimenopause is the perfect time to start thinking about supporting your bone health with these important nutrients.

This article first appeared in Nature & Health magazine.
Download the article

Feb
25

How to treat PCOS

Like a hormonal stealth bomber, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can strike a woman at any stage in her reproductive cycle. 

Sarah (27 years) started to notice her periods were becoming irregular around the time she got a promotion at work; prior to that her cycle had always been perfect, so she just put it down to the stress of her new job. She was incredibly busy in the first year of her new role, so when she stared to gain weight she decided it was probably because she didn’t have enough time to exercise and eat properly, so she vowed to address this as soon as things settled down at work.

It wasn’t until she started to develop deep cystic acne and excess hair growth around her jawline that she realised that something was going horribly wrong with her hormones. A trip to the doctor and a range of tests ultimately lead to a diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a common condition that has the potential to cause complications with fertility and metabolism.

So what is PCOS and how can we restore hormonal health and fertility once it has been diagnosed?

Like a hormonal stealth bomber, PCOS can strike at any stage of a women’s life, and while some women experience symptoms from puberty, other women only experience problems later on in life, often after a period of stress.

According to the Medical Journal of Australia, PCOS affects between 12-21 percent of Australian women of reproductive age and is more common in women who are overweight or of indigenous background. It is also the most common cause of anovulatory infertility in Australian women. However, its impacts on fertility are only part of the story.

Women are often prescribed the Pill to minimise symptoms of PCOS; however, this may cause further deterioration of glucose tolerance.

What are the signs of PCOS?

  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Weight gain
  • Cystic acne
  • Excess hair growth
  • Male pattern hair loss

Increased risk of:

  • Obesity
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Type II diabetes
  • High triglycerides
  • Vascular disease
  • Endometrial cancer

What’s in a name?

The term polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a misleading name for what is essentially a multifaceted metabolic condition that has broad ranging systemic effects which impact hormonal and metabolic health. A more appropriate term for the condition would be polycystic ovarian spectrum, as some women may have only a few signs of PCOS, while others may experience the full range of symptoms.

A diagnosis of PCOS comes as a shock for most women and its potential to lead to fertility problems can be terrifying. However, natural medicine along with dietary and lifestyle modification can achieve great results. With the right type of support, PCOS can be successfully managed and symptoms can be completely reversed in some cases.

The cause of PCOS remains poorly understood. There is no single triggering factor; rather it is the result of a complex interaction between genetics and environment.

How to treat PCOS

Like many complex conditions, there is no one quick fix and we must address all of the driving factors simultaneously in order to get the best results. These are:

Genetics

Undoubtedly genetics play a role in PCOS. We all carry subtle genetic polymorphisms (or variations) that may predispose us to certain conditions, especially if those genes are triggered by our environment. In the case of PCOS, it seems that stress and poor diet can trigger genes that influence insulin signalling, hormone metabolism, and the production of androgen hormones from both the ovaries and the adrenal glands, which can contribute to the development of PCOS. However, everyone is individual, and what triggers PCOS in some women may not impact another. The type of treatment required to restore metabolic health needs to be individualised for each woman, as one size does not fit all.

Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is a major driving factor behind PCOS and the main focus of research. Insulin is a transport molecule that escorts glucose into the cells in order to provide energy. When women are insulin-resistant, their cells are less able to receive fuel from the bloodstream, so the pancreas makes more and more insulin to compensate. Instead of being transported into the cell for energy, glucose remains in the blood, which leads to weight gain. Ovarian follicles are stimulated prematurely when insulin resistance is present, causing the appearance of multiple ovarian follicles (cysts). It is estimated that 50-80 percent of all women with PCOS have some degree of insulin resistance. Women are often prescribed the oral contraceptive pill to minimise the symptoms of PCOS; however, this is not necessarily the best option as it may cause further deterioration of glucose tolerance.

Once only associated with obesity, normal weight women with PCOS can also have insulin resistance; however, overweight women are more likely to experience more pronounced menstrual irregularity, infertility and signs of androgen excess, such as acne and hair growth. The development of insulin resistance relies on several factors including diet, stress, and inflammation. Some women are more sensitive to a diet high in refined carbohydrates, due to individual genetic susceptibility. So an average Australian diet, which is usually high in refined foods, can be enough to trigger insulin resistance in some women. We should never assume that a woman with insulin resistance has made bad dietary choices: there can be a complex array of triggering factors and genetic influences here.

Stress

Stress can play a significant role in the development of PCOS due to its ability to alter glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and impact the production of adrenal hormones. In fact, it has been suggested that there is a separate subtype of PCOS – “adrenal PCOS” – that tends to surface in women who are over-exercising, have a highly stressful lifestyle, and are fundamentally burning the candle at both ends. These women may have significant signs of androgen excess, including acne and hair growth, and despite their exercise regimen they may experience insulin resistance and weight gain.

In women, both the ovaries and the adrenal glands produce hormones that act as androgens. In the face of chronic stress and exhaustion the adrenal glands start to produce higher levels of a range of androgenic hormones, including one called dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) which can be used as a marker to assess how stress and adrenal function is contributing to PCOS. The treatment of these women needs to be handled very differently from women who have spiralled into PCOS due to a strong genetic tendency towards insulin resistance. When chronic stress and burnout have played a role, it must be addressed differently – and more exercise is not the answer. These women require adrenal support, stress management and lifestyle modification, along with hormonal regulation.

Inflammation

Inflammation is an often overlooked causative factor in PCOS; it acts as a double-edged sword, driving both insulin resistance and the production of androgens from polycystic ovaries. There are many causes of low-grade systemic inflammation, and one of the most common is poor digestive function and leaky gut. Leaky gut is a common condition caused by an overgrowth of normal bacteria (dysbiosis) irritating the pores through which we absorb nutrients. This creates a hyper-permeable gut and leads to the absorption of toxins into the bloodstream, causing low-grade inflammation. Causes of dysbiosis include: a refined, high sugar diet; herbicides, pesticides and additives in food; antibiotics and other medications, including the oral contraceptive pill; and most importantly, stress. Healthy bowel function is imperative for hormone metabolism, so if you have sluggish gut function, bloating or irregular bowels, this needs to be addressed. Treating leaky gut can improve insulin sensitivity and jump-start weight loss.

Take back control

The first line of treatment for women with PCOS is dietary intervention designed to normalise insulin responses and support weight loss. A low glycaemic index diet that avoids all refined carbohydrates and sugars is essential. Carbohydrate intake should be well controlled and include only small amounts of whole grains, such as quinoa, buckwheat, and red rice. Legumes are a great source of low glycaemic index carbohydrate that is rich in fibre to support bowel health and inositol to regulate hormones.

The main focus should be on an anti-inflammatory diet: that is, one which is high in plant foods, with a moderate intake of fish, seafood, and nuts and seeds to provide healthy fats.

Saturated animal fats from dairy and red meats should be kept to a minimum, due to the increased risk of metabolic syndrome and elevated triglycerides.

If this type of diet fails to improve insulin sensitivity and support weight loss, then you may wish to consider overnight extended fasting. This type of eating plan means you fast, usually between the hours of 8 p.m. until noon the following day, and this helps to sensitise insulin and increase weight loss.

It’s important to note that not all women who present with PCOS have obvious problems with insulin resistance, however this type of clean eating plan can support hormonal health for all women with PCOS. For best results speak to your nutritionist or naturopath for an individualised eating plan.

Overnight fasting helps to reduce insulin sensitivity and support weight loss. Exercise is an important part of any PCOS recovery program, but must be individualised for each woman. Overweight women with PCOS primarily driven by insulin resistance should exercise for 45 minutes four to five times per week. This will improve insulin sensitivity, weight loss and all other metabolic markers when combined with a carbohydrate- and calorie-controlled diet.

Women with primarily stress-induced PCOS need a modified exercise plan. And, while not all women with PCOS are overweight, all will benefit from a healthy nutrition and exercise program. An appropriate exercise and nutrition program will help to improve insulin sensitivity, regulate BMI and promote fertility. Studies have shown that, in overweight women with PCOS, even a weight loss of five percent can lead to significant improvements in fertility and a reestablish regular ovulation.

Nutritional medicine

Inositol is a compound found naturally in legumes and fruit. Research has shown it regulates insulin and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), promotes glucose uptake into the cell, and protects the quality of women’s eggs. In one study, PCOS insulin resistant women took 500mg of inositol per day for 12 weeks. Lutenising hormone (LH) and FSH:LH ratios improved, as did insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. It was also noted that the women all lost weight without any changes to diet or exercise regimes.

N-acetylcysteine is another nutrient that improves insulin sensitivity. In a randomised clinical trial, women taking 1,500mg daily, for 24 weeks, experienced a significant decrease in body mass index, fasting insulin, and testosterone levels, and their menstrual cycles regulated. Magnesium, chromium and lipoic acid can also be used to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Peony and licorice have been used in combination for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat menstrual irregularities. Peony is a key fertility herb that regulates ovarian function and improves ovulation. Licorice is a powerful adrenal herb that helps to regulate the production of adrenal hormones, modify the effects of stress, and reduces the production of androgens in the ovaries. It exerts an anti-androgenic effect on the hair follicle and may help to reduce symptoms of excess hair growth. Together, these herbs have been shown to reduce testosterone levels and improve pregnancy rates with prolonged use.

Tribulus is another fertility herb, which acts as a reproductive tonic and regulates the production of oestrogen and androgens. Chaste tree supports ovulation and regulates progesterone, and may be useful to help re-establish a regular cycle in some circumstances. Other herbs that can be used to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance include gymnema, goat’s rue, and bitter melon.

Herbal medicines should always be professionally prescribed.

This article first appeared in Nature & Health magazine.
Download the article


Jan
07

Hormonal help for 40-something women

You hit forty years old and all of a sudden you’re waking up in hot sweats, your periods become erratic and your moods are up and down. Welcome to perimenopause: the years that take you, at times not so gently, up to menopause.

Did you know that menopause actually only lasts for just one day? Menopause is defined as the day on which we have not had a period for one full year.

Perimenopause, therefore, is the period leading up to this event. We can actually be in perimenopause from anywhere as little to a few months up to a decade.

Perimenopause is characterised by some hormonal fluctuations, however many women we see in clinic have no idea that the effects of these hormonal changes would be so profound.  It’s only in recent times that perimenopause has been recognised as a true condition.

So what’s actually happening to our bodies during perimenopause?

The physical changes of perimenopause are due to the variation in circulating oestrogen and a decline in progesterone.  Some months you may ovulate twice during your cycle and some months not at all.  Hot flushes and night sweats are caused by a drop in oestrogen before your period — but then it can shoot back up to cause swollen painful breasts.

In clinic we have had a huge success with herbal medicines during perimenopause. Herbs have a great affinity to the female reproductive system.  The type of herbs we use are adaptogens which have a nice modulating effect on the body.

Some of the herbs we use are:

  • Black Cohosh – a great herb used for both perimenopause and menopause to help with hot flushes, excessive sweating, vaginal dryness and changeable moods;
  • Dong Quai or Angelica Sinensis – often called the ‘female Ginseng’ can also help support any hot flushes, insomnia and changeable moods;
  • Vitex – a well researched herb for the reproductive system, Vitex can be so effective in stabilising the reproductive system and increase your progesterone by promoting ovulation.  It can be very beneficial for any fluid retention, breast pain and irritability.

These herbs can be very powerful and so we always recommend seeing a qualified practitioner to ensure they are the right herbs for you and not contraindicated to any of your symptoms and medications.

In clinic we would also help support you with a few lifestyle changes which can also make a huge difference.

Most women are very intuitive about their own bodies and with the right support this can be a much easier transition. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, come in and see us.

Dec
17

Where have my periods gone? Why your monthly cycle may not be happening

While most women may have one or two cycles that go astray in their lifetime, some women have prolonged periods without a menstrual cycle at all and this is known as amenorrhoea. There are a number of reasons this happens.

Primary amenorrhoea is when menstruation has not happened by the age of 16 whilst secondary amenorrhoea can be caused by a number of reasons, including hormonal imbalances, poor nutrition, prolonged physical or emotional stress, over exercise, low body weight, autoimmunity and polycystic ovaries amongst others.

Naturopaths will always assess any underlying causes of amenorrhoea including diet and lifestyle, medications, past history and weight changes.  We also utilise a full standard pathology and integrative testing to investigate the underlying cause.

Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years to support the hormonal health of women. Using liquid herbs in clinic we are able to individualise herbal medicine tinctures that can address several causative factors in one formula.

The type of herbs used in the treatment of amenorrhoea are aimed at rebalancing the hormones, promote ovulation and support healthy hormone metabolism. Other herbs called ‘emmenogogues’ are used, specifically, to provoke menstruation. They can vary in strength but some of the herbs that we like to use are:

  • Angelica Sinensis – also known as Dong Quai, used in Chinese medicine to enrich and promote blood flow.  This herb can also help with menstrual cramps;
  • Shatavari – a beautiful herb that has great affinity to the female reproductive system and will help to balance out our hormones as well as supporting fertility and the nervous system;
  • Chamomile – perhaps a surprising herb to find in this category but chamomile has a long history of being used to promote menstruation and to promote childbirth.

In clinic, we have many tools to regulate and support hormonal balance.  If you are experiencing amenorrhoea come into clinic and let us help you regulate your cycle.

 

Oct
06

Natural remedies for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder with a spectrum of symptoms, including multiple ovarian cysts, abnormal blood sugar levels, weight gain, elevated androgens, excess hair growth, acne, and irregular periods.

Why it occurs

PCOS is a complex condition caused by a combination of genetic predisposition, dietary and lifestyle factors, and can range in severity from mild cases of acne and slightly irregular period to absent periods, obesity and type II diabetes. The good news is natural medicine and nutritional intervention have significant benefit in managing the condition.

What you can do

The first step is to ensure that you focus on a low glycaemic index, wholefoods diet, and strictly avoid processed carbohydrates and sugar. This promotes blood sugar regulation and healthy body composition.

Magnesium, chromium and inositol assist blood sugar control, as does regular weight-bearing exercise.

PCOS is an oestrogen-dominant condition, where we have too much oestrogen relative to progesterone, so supporting healthy hormone metabolism by making sure the liver and bowel are working well is essential. Broccoli sprout extract, turmeric, rosemary, St Mary’s thistle and B group vitamins can help with this.

Stress is a major trigger factor for PCOS. I often see women in their 30s, who have never had problems with their skin or cycle, present to clinic after a particularly stressful year at work with classic PCOS symptoms. Prolonged stress disrupts adrenal hormones, including DHEA, which is associated with PCOS. So stress management and adrenal support is critical.

Traditionally, we use peony, which is an ovarian herb that normalises the cycle, along with licorice, a powerful adrenal herb.

Treatment varies depending on symptoms, so see your health practitioner for advice.

 

Sep
30

Natural remedies for menopausal weight gain

Women have very specific health concerns; unlike men, we are hormonally more complex. We have to learn how to maintain our health while under the influence of the (not always) gently shifting sands of fluctuating hormones. This delicate balancing act occurs single every day of our reproductive lives, and then continues into menopause.Read More

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