Chinese Medicine for Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder

Chinese Medicine for Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder

Chinese Medicine for Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder

 

Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder (PMDD) is a health concern that is similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) but is more serious. PMDD causes severe moodiness such as feeling irritable, crying a lot, depression, anger outbursts or anxiety in the week or two before the period starts. Other symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, restless sleep, breast tenderness, digestion changes, trouble focussing, binge eating, feeling out of control and suicidal thoughts. 

About 80% of women report at least mild premenstrual symptoms, 20%–50% report moderate-to-severe premenstrual symptoms, and about 5% report severe symptoms for several days with impairment of functioning. The 5% of women with the severest premenstrual symptoms and impairment of social and role functioning often meet the diagnostic criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (1). 

 

Risk factors may include:

  • A family history of PMS or PMDD
  • Women with a personal or family history of depression, postpartum depression, or other mood disorders
  • Cigarette smoking (2)

 

How is PMDD diagnosed?

Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder (PMDD) is typically diagnosed by a healthcare provider after performing a physical examination and speaking to the patient about signs and symptoms. Researchers do not know for sure what causes PMDD or PMS, however hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle each month may play a role due to the brain chemical called serotonin levels changing throughout the cycle. 

Healthcare providers may also ask patients to keep track of symptoms over several menstrual cycles, or order tests to check certain things related to hormones. 

 

What are the treatment options for PMDD?

Treatment for Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder (PMDD) typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Medications used to treat PMDD include antidepressants, hormonal control pills/medications, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In some instances, gonadotropin releasing hormones may be given.

Natural approaches for Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder (PMDD) can include regular exercise and nutritional changes individualised to the patient to support serotonin, and lifestyle modifications such as sticking to a daily routine, practicing meditation and taking care of oneself, recognising emotions and managing stressful situations. Other natural remedies that have been used to treat symptoms associated with PMDD include acupuncture and herbal medicine.. Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs can be given to patients the week or two before their period is due to ease symptoms. This can be a good alternative to pharmaceuticals.  

It’s important to remember than it’s normal for women and young girls to experience fluctuations in energy levels, mood or food cravings in different stages of their menstrual cycle. Iron levels for example drop once the uterus lining has shed, so it’s normal to feel lower energy before or on your period. Women live on a 28 day cycle and can sometimes even sync with the moon cycles. Whereas, men live on a 24 hour one! However when signs and symptoms are really affecting your quality of life, then it’s important to seek help.

 

 

This is an image of chinese medicine for Tanya Keam is an integrative Chinese medicine Doctor and registered Acupuncturist in Nambour in the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland in Queensland, Australia. If you’re experiencing the above symptoms or interested in Chinese Medicine Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder treatment specifically, please reach out to see if Acupuncture, herbal medicine and lifestyle guidance might support you to feel better.

You can see Tanya’s training here, call us here, or book online here. 

 

 

References:

  1. Pearlstein, T., Steiner, M. (2008). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: burden of illness and treatment updateJournal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience; 33(4): 291–301.
  2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd
Post Partum Depression

Post Partum Depression

Post Partum Depression

Post Partum Depression includes feelings of deep sadness and emptiness accompanied by fatigue after childbirth. Low energy or even exhaustion after childbirth is completely common and normal that would last about a week. It isn’t just feeling drained after childbirth alone, carrying around all those extra kilograms for months is exhausting, especially if you’re working during pregnancy or you have other children to also look after. However if someone is feeling flat, anxious, crying a lot, experiencing panic attacks, feeling unconnected from their newborn for longer than 2 weeks, then this might be Post Partum Depression.

 

Symptoms associated with Post Partum Depression can include:

  • Feeling overwhelmed, sad or hopeless
  • Memory problems or trouble concentrating
  • Feeling disconnected from the baby
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
  • Crying a lot
  • Broken sleep which leads to sleeping too little or too much
  • Feeling withdrawn from family and friends
  • Feeling worthless
  • Having feelings of hurting yourself or the baby
  • Racing thoughts
  • Racing heart rate
  • Having no energy or motivation
  • Headaches, digestive complaints or other pains in the body
  • No appetite

What causes Post Partum Depression?

Post Partum Depression isn’t completely understand but it thought the sudden drop in hormones; progesterone and oestrogen after childbirth has a significant role to play.

Estrogen and progesterone rise to the highest levels during pregnancy then suddenly plummet once the baby is born as the mother doesn’t need to keep feeding the baby via the placenta. The Thyroid gland that is involved with making hormones and regulating metabolism can also fluctuate or drop after childbirth leading to feelings of apathy and sadness.

 

How Common is Post Partum Depression?

More common than you think. Approximately 1 in 10 woman will experience some level of Post Partum Depression, with varying levels of severity and symptoms.

In very rare cases, Post Partum Psychosis may occur within the first 48-72 hours or up to the first 2 weeks after giving birth. It is considered an episode of bipolar illness with rapid periods or elation and feeling low, delusions or hallucinations.

 

What can you do to help yourself or a loved one who may be experiencing Post Partum Depression?

Get support. Untreated Post Partum Depression can lead to thoughts of self harm from the mother or further disconnection from the newborn where the mother feels like the baby is not hers. Contacting your doctor or paediatrician is the first step to get support.

Seeking further treatment from an allied health practitioner may also be helpful. Regulating the nervous system with Chinese medicine and Acupuncture, adjusting nutritional deficiencies and correcting hormonal imbalance with herbal medicine safe for breast feeding may be helpful.

Having a child is not easy, so getting the right support for the mother is the first step. You can book an appointment for our Sunshine Coast Acupuncture Clinic or give us a call to have a chat about your healthcare needs.

Phone: 0417 732 213

 

Further resources In Australia: 

https://www.panda.org.au/

 

This is an image of Acupuncture for Adrenal Fatigue

Hi, I’m Tanya Keam, an AHPRA registered Acupuncturist and integrative health practitioner in Nambour in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Queensland Australia. 

I practice Chinese medicine because its safe, logical, relevant and has effectively shown methods of natural wellness for thousands of years (read more about my training here). Life doesn’t need to be complicated and nor does the treatment approaches to get people feeling vibrant and well. I’ve seen people gain a lot from treatments, much more than just alleviating symptoms. It’s exciting to connect with people and share deep wisdom from the classics of ancient and traditional medicine, with modern protocols for todays mind-body living. See you in the clinic ! 

Endometriosis and Chinese Medicine

Endometriosis and Chinese Medicine

Endometriosis and Chinese Medicine

 

First of all, What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is a common condition in which the tissue that is similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of the uterus and in other parts of the pelvic cavity. Whilst endometriosis most often affects the reproductive organs, thus damaging fertility, it is also frequently found in the bowel and bladder, but has rarely been found in muscle, joints, the lungs and the brain. More than 10% of Australian women suffer from Endometriosis at some point in their life (1). Endometriosis and Chinese medicine

Some women experience Endometriosis as debilitating period pain, pelvic pain and pain during intercourse. They may need to seek medical attention to ease their painful symptoms. While others have no symptoms but may have difficult falling pregnant naturally (1, 2). 

How is Endometriosis diagnosed?

Patients will generally have a pelvic examination and internal and external ultrasounds first to look at the whole lower pelvis including ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, however Laparoscopy (key hole surgery) is needed to confirm diagnosis. 

There are multiple stages of Endometriosis Endometriosis and Chinese medicine

  1. Mild Endometriosis appears in small patches or surface lesions scattered around the pelvic cavity.
  2. Moderate Endometriosis appears as larger widespread starting to infiltrate tissue and often found on the ovaries, pouch of douglas and utero-sacral ligaments.
  3. Severe Endometriosis affects most of the pelvic organs, often with distortion of the anatomy and the adhesions (1).

What can cause of Endometriosis?

  • In utero exposure to a non-steriodal oestrogen that was commonly given to woman (prior to 1971) as it was thought to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications
  • Use of low dose contraceptives
  • A family history (first generation) can make you more prone to having Endometriosis
  • Irregular menstrual cycles that are heavy and prolonged
  • Delayed childbearing
  • Teenagers starting their period after the age of 15 years
  • A high amount of physical exercise from a low teenage years
  • Multiple births and prolonged lactation 
  • Hormonal defects such as Mullein duct defects 

Conventional Treatment Options 

  • Your doctor typically recommends trying conservative treatment approaches first, depending on how severe your signs and symptoms are and whether you hope to become pregnant. If this fails then surgery is the next option. 
  • Over the counter pain medicines such as NSAIDS.
  • Hormone therapy to slow endometrial tissue growth and prevent new implants of endometrial tissue. Hormone therapy is only temporary as they are suppressing hormones, so once treatment stops, your symptoms may return.
  • Hormonal contraceptives – the birth control pill, vaginal rings or patches. Many women have lighter and shorter menstrual flow when they’re using a hormonal contraceptive. 
  •  Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists – These drugs block the production of ovarian-stimulating hormones, lowering estrogen levels and preventing menstruation. This causes endometrial tissue to shrink.
  • Aromatase inhibitors – a class of medicines that reduce the amount of estrogen in your body.
  • Progestin therapy – a variety of progestin therapies, including an intrauterine device with levonorgestrel (Mirena, Skyla), contraceptive implant (Nexplanon), contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera) or progestin pill (Camila), can halt menstrual periods and the growth of endometrial implants, which may relieve endometriosis signs and symptoms.
  • Laproscopy surgery to help remove a lot of the endometrial tissue, while trying to preserve the ovaries and uterus. This is helpful if you doctors plan is to improve chances of conceiving and your diagnosis is in the severe. 
  • Hysterectomy – surgical removal of the uterus and cervis and sometimes the fallopian tubes and ovaries. This type of treatment is the last resort and should only be considered when the woman has already conceived children and is of age that is suitable (3).

 

Endometriosis and Chinese Medicine

Endometriosis is seen as a ‘blood stagnation’ pattern. When the Endometrial tissue is outside of the uterus, it forms a blockage preventing blood from exiting downward out of a woman’s body, instead it pools in the pelvic cavity which therefore causes severe pain. 

The treatment of Endometriosis with Chinese medicine has a specific emphasis on looking at the whole menstrual cycle and promoting proper circulation of blood through each week of the cycle. Promoting blood flow in this way reduces pain during menstruation, reduces and prevents the endometrial tissue that builds up in the pelvic cavity and decreased inflammation, thus restoring a healthy and functioning reproductive system. 

In the traditiol of Chinese medicine, different areas and prescription are used for each individual such as acupuncture treatment, moxibustion (heat therapy). herbal medicines such as Peony Root (4) that is often used for menstrual disorders, nutritional and lifestyle advice. 

Advice from Endometriosis Australia

Using other health professionals such as physiotherapists, acupuncturists, herbalists, nutritionists, homeopaths and psychologists can be very helpful for women with endometriosis. You should discuss these treatments with your doctor before commencing them, or if you are on any of these treatments and are having surgery, then it is also important to tell your doctor.

Research:
  1. Endometriosis Australia > https://www.endometriosisaustralia.org
  2. Lyttleton, J. & Clavey, S. (2004). Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine. UK. Elsevier.
  3. Endometriosis 2018. Mayo Clinic > https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354661
  4. Takeuchi, T. Nishii, O. Okamura, T et al. Effect of Paeoniflorin, Glycyrrhizin and Glycyrrhetic acid on Ovarian Androgen Production, The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 19(1), 1991, pp73-8) > https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/pdf/10.1142/S0192415X91000119
  5. Briden, L. 2018. Period Repair Manual: Every Woman’s Guide to Better Periods. Pan Macmillan Australia Pty Ltd, NSW, Australia.

 

 

 

If you are ready to seek support from an experienced health professional in women’s health for Endometriosis with Chinese medicine and Acupuncture, you can book an appointment for our Sunshine Coast Clinic or give us a call if you have further questions.

Phone: 0417 732 213
This is an image of Acupuncture for EndometriosisHi, I’m Tanya Keam, an AHPRA registered Acupuncturist and integrative health professional in Nambour on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Australia. I practice Chinese medicine because its safe, logical, relevant and has effectively shown methods of natural wellness for thousands of years (read more about my training here). Life doesn’t need to be complicated and nor does the treatment approaches to get people feeling vibrant and well. I’ve seen people gain a lot from treatments, much more than just alleviating symptoms. It’s exciting to connect with people and share deep wisdom from the classics of ancient and traditional medicine, with modern protocols for todays mind-body living.

See you in the clinic!

Chinese Medicine helps balance hormones

Chinese Medicine helps balance hormones

Chinese Medicine helps balance hormones with simple nutrition changes. Let’s look at the cultural differences first.

 
Many Western women treat their menstrual cycle as biological pre-determined:
 
* Painful or not
* Long or short
* Regular or irregular
* Clear skin or break outs
 
Many women stay on the contraceptive pill for 15+ years “for reasons such as clearer skin and fewer headaches”, when they haven’t had a proper period since they were teenagers. Remember the contraceptive pill only mimics a period, any bleeding that occurs is due to withdrawal of the pill. Thus, menstrual cycles and having a baby are treated like it’s all an act of fate, that their cycles will automatically regulate post pill – when the contraceptive pill actually turns off ovulation.
 
While in Eastern cultures, women believe that it is imperative that they take certain care to look after their cycles throughout their entire life.
 
 
 
What does this mean?
Firstly, there are genetic pre-dispositions that we all face with our health, but that doesn’t mean we have to go down the same path as our ancestors. I once heard a quote “Our genes load the gun, but our environment is what pulls this trigger”. In other words our daily life habits and individual environments are important to change these patterns to prevent illness and maintain wellness. 
 
 
 
In the east, women live by a rule that it is very important to not eat cold foods during one’s period and to rest for a month after giving birth. Why so?
 
 
 
Chinese medicine helps balances hormones by looking at 4 concepts – hot, cold, excess and deficient. As an example, ‘excess’ means too much, while ‘deficient’ means too little. These concepts describe basic pathological states that are to be addressed in treating gynaecological health. An excess pattern can be seen as Endometrial fibroids inside the pelvic cavity (otherwise known as a blockage), while a deficient pattern can be seen as a very light or no period present at all. In relation to temperatures, the hot and cold nature of food is distinctive from the physical temperature of food, yet both states mutually reinforce each other.
 
 
 
Consuming cold foods during your cycle 
Chinese medicine helps balance hormones by recommending to not consume cold foods just before or during the menstrual cycle. The reason is that ‘cold’ has the property of contracting and constricting, while ‘warmth’ is more moving and flowing. The key to healthy, manageable and pain free cycles is to maintain the proper flow of discharge of menstrual blood on a regular monthly basis. This includes the quality of the menstrual blood – not too dark and clotted or too little and light coloured.
 
Many women visit the clinic and say “My period is always quite painful and I feel like I can’t quite function for a couple of days but it’s just my normal”. Just because this is the way you have always felt in your cycle, does not mean it is okay or healthy. There are better ways so let’s keep reading …
 
 
Cold foods and bodily exposure to cold temperatures just before or during menstruation can cause painful cramps and in certain situations lead to ongoing gynaecological issues. Swimming on your period is a big NO NO in Chinese medicine – you guess it.. Cold! While you are menstruating, the cervix is more open, leading the cooler temperature of the water to lodge inside your pelvic cavity. The advancement of tampons made life a little easier for women, but if you can miss a swim on day 1-3 of your cycle, your health will thank you for it.
 
 
 
I have found that in my clinical practice that almost all of my patients with digestive complaints in one form or another have come to understand this basic understanding of temperatures and how Chinese medicine helps balance hormones this way. For these patients, physically cold foods such as salads or too many smoothies with ice and raw fruit, will exacerbate their digestive complaints and therefore upset the natural rhythms of their cycles. Even symptoms such as bloating can be resolved by reducing cold foods and drinking room temperature water. 
 
 
 
Some women can object and say they can eat a very cold diet of raw vegetables, drink ice water and swim to their hearts content and have pain free, non-clotted, easy flowing periods! Yes, some women don’t seem to be as vulnerable as others, but that doesn’t validate the principles in general. These women may experience ‘contracting and constriction’ in other areas of their health, such as tension headaches, acne, breast tenderness, mood swings and pain elsewhere in the body.
 
 
 
 
To learn more about the specific nature of how food is determined cold, neutral or hot, or to learn more about how Chinese medicine help balances hormones with acupuncture and herbal medicine, then get in touch.You can contact me or you can now book online.
 

Acupuncture Sunshine CoastHi, I’m Tanya, an Acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia. I practice Chinese medicine because its safe, logical, relevant and has effectively shown methods of natural wellness for thousands of years (read more about my training here). Life doesn’t need to be complicated and nor does the treatment approaches to get people feeling vibrant and well. I’ve seen people gain a lot from treatments, much more than just alleviating symptoms. It’s exciting to connect with people and share deep wisdom from the classics of ancient and traditional medicine, with modern protocols for todays mind-body living. See you in the clinic ! 

 

Research:

C Batres, A Porcheron,G Kaminski et al. Evidence that the Hormonal Contraceptive Pill is Associated with Cosmetic Habits, Frontier in Psychology, 2018; 9: 1459.
 
Yin nourishing foods

Yin nourishing foods

Have you heard of Yin and Yang? 

In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang describe how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they may give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another. Many tangible dualities (such as light and dark, fire and water, expanding and contracting) are thought of as physical manifestations of the duality symbolized by yin and yang.

Yin qualities include: 

Darkness, moon, feminine, shade, quiet, inward

Yang qualities include:

Light, sun, masculine, brightness, loud, outward

Example include:

Night (yin) and day (yang)

Yoga exercise (yin) and boxing exercise (yang)

Yin represents the energy that is responsible for moistening and cooling bodily functions. When this energy is depleted your body begins to show signs of “heating up”. This is not a true heat such as a fever, but rather a lack of the moistening and cooling functions that are necessary to maintain a healthy balance.

Women are more yin, while men are more yang – for example yin is all of the fluids in the body for women (breast milk, menstruation, vaginal discharge/lubricant) – men don’t have this. Men do have some yin qualities, as well as women having some yang qualities.

This post is focused on yin foods, thus nourishing the body and rebalancing conditions. These can include dry skin, menopausal hot flushes, tendon and ligament tightness or flaccidity, vaginal dryness, lack of breast milk production, low libido, insomnia, feeling low, scanty menstruation, hot hands and feet, constipation, dull headaches or anxiety.

Why is your yin imbalanced? Well, lots of reasons – genetics, age, stress on the body, trauma, blood loss, excess sexual activity, recreational drug use, too many yang hot foods, poor diet and lifestyle to name a few.

Nutrition is a simple way to balance yin and yang. Yin foods are cool and expanding; Yang foods are warm and contracting. Think of a shell of iceberg lettuce (Yin), and now a chunk of beef steak (Yang), and you will instantly recognise this meaning.

Foods to nourish Yin include:

  • Grains:  barley, millet
  • Vegetables:  alfalfa sprout, artichoke, asparagus, kelp, mung bean sprout, pea, potato,seaweed,string bean, sweet potato, tomato, water chestnut, yam, zucchini
  • Fruit:  apple, apricot, avocado, banana, lemon, lime, mango, mulberry, pear, persimmon, pineapple, pomegranate, watermelon
  • Beans: adzuki, black beans, black soya, kidney, lima, mung
  • Bean Products:  tofu
  • Nuts and seeds: coconut milk, sesame seed, black sesame seed, walnut
  • Fish:  fish in general but especially clam, fresh water clam, crab, cuttlefish, oyster, octopus, sardine
  • Meat:  beef, duck, goose, pork, pork kidney, rabbit
  • Dairy:  cheese, chicken egg, cow’s milk, duck egg
  • Herbs and spices:  marjoram, nettle
  • Oils and condiments:  honey, malt,

Common supplements:  Ginseng, royal jelly

Examples of every day foods that can be used to build yin, include:

  • Fruit smoothies with honey and banana or a fruit salad
  • Fish dishes with coconut milk
  • Omelettes with cheese
  • Asparagus and egg salads with sesame seeds
  • Tacos made with Kidney beans and topped with a small amount of cheese
  • Baked Potato stuffed with tofu with soya sauce and sesame seeds.
  • Pork and apple dishes
  • Miso soup with tofu and seaweed

Foods to avoid:

  • Stimulating foods such as the following will only further deplete yin: caffeine, alcohol, sugar and strongly heating, pungent spices.

Note: Like yin tonifying herbs, yin building foods have a tendency to congest the digestive organs and promote stagnation if large amounts are consumed. It is therefore important to consume small quantities frequently rather than large helpings irregularly. Such as a large portion if a fish coconut curry late at night is not ideal as it will sit in your stomach, stagnate and not digest properly before bed. Thus a small portion between 5-6pm is more ideal as there is more time before you go to bed to digest it. 

Also, It’s not to say that yang foods you already consume such as roast chicken, other types of fish, coffee, tea, black pepper etc are to be completely avoided. Remember yin and yang balance each other out, are contrary forces that are actually complementary, interconnected, and interdependent of each other. 

Other yin tips: meditate; eat more fresh fruit and salads; drink more water, teas and juices; wear pastel colors; wear loose, flowing clothes; stretch; get out into nature; listen to relaxing music; light candles at night.

Take care of you, see you in the clinic,

TK xx

 

Tanya Keam Wellness is an experienced health clinic in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast. Helping you to feel better in all aspects of your health and wellbeing.

 

Temperature charting for women

Temperature charting for women

What does BBT mean?

BBT stands for basal body temperature. It is your lowest body temperature in a 24-hour period.

Why do you map your BBT?

I asked clients to map their BBT if their treatment involves regulating their menstrual cycle, managing hormonal imbalance and for fertility. It is such a useful tool to understand many aspects of them as an individual woman and allows me to pin point specific imbalances. Most unexplained infertility cases are actually not infertile at all, but are actually subfertile. Through looking at charts as well as lab results and symptoms, the cause can often be found. Charting can be an excellent tool for diagnostics, especially in cases of unexplained infertility and is also a great way for woman to be self aware and gain understanding for what is going on in their bodies.

How to record your BBT 

Take your temperature (with a thermometer orally or vaginally) upon waking and record it on a simple chart. This means before you get up and do your morning rituals. Your temperature can slightly increase once you are up and about getting breakfast ready, chasing kids around, exercise etc. Try to take your temperature at the same time each day or your reading may not be accurate. If the time varies, please make a note of this, as well as any illness or life changes (cold/flu, stomach bug, migraine, unsettled sleep, a sudden increase in stress etc). I always suggest to keep your thermometer by your bedside table so its always handy.

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Your menstrual cycle

A women’s menstrual cycle is approximately 28-32 days. Day 1 of your period is day 1 of your cycle.

The first phase (follicular phase) is the phase in which the follicles develop. Typically we see that this level is low and steady, where Estrogen is the dominant hormone during this phase.

Around mid cycle (day 14), you may or may not see a slight dip in temperature, followed by a strong rise in temperature of approximately 0.3- 1 degree. The day before the temperature rises is the day you ovulate.

Ovulation is when you are most fertile.

The second phase (luteal phase) is the phase in which the egg travels down the fallopian tube and the process of fertilisation or implantation may occur. Typically we like to see that this phase is high and steady. Progesterone is the hormone which keeps the luteal phase at a high temperature.

What do your readings mean?

When the follicular phase is too long, too short, too high or too low in temperature, or your cycle is irregular (such as 23 days long, then 40 days long, then 50 days long, then 22 days long) this can mean there are hormonal imbalances.

What causes hormonal imbalances?

Thyroid conditions – The thyroid gland is located at the front of you neck. Thyroid hormones travel from the thyroid gland through the blood to all parts of the body, where they do their work in affecting your metabolism rate, which means how fast or slow your brain, heart, muscles, liver, and other parts of your body work. The thyroid can be tested through pathology tests to check the levels of specific hormones.

Through BBT charting, we tend to see an abnormally low or high temperature reading in the follicular phase when the thyroid is under or overactive. 

Emotional stress and inconsistent sleep patterns – Often shows up as an up and down movement of temperature from day to day.

In the case of stress, we tend to see instability of temperature, and in the case of primary hormonal imbalance we tend to see either an increase or decrease in length of this phase.

Poor ovarian reserve (also known as impaired ovarian reserve, premature ovarian aging or declining ovarian reserve) and poor egg quality – Can be due to a number of reasons.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – is a complex condition in which a woman’s ovaries are generally bigger than average. Polycystic means the ovaries have many cysts or follicles that rarely grow to maturity or produce eggs. Symptoms can include excessive hair growth, moodiness, weight gain, irregular cycles, no periods or a long follicular phase, acne and painful periods.

Diagnosis of PCOS is likely to involve your medical history, an examination which may include an abdominal ultrasound, and tests to measure the hormone levels in your blood. 

Through BBT charting we can see if your follicular phase is longer than usual, which for PCOS can indicate insulin resistance or excess androgens (male hormones).

Insufficient nutritional elements – Poor diet and lack of nutrients can be another cause of hormonal imbalance. Diabetes can also be a culprit.

Progesterone deficiency – Mid cycle, we see a spike in temperature, which is related to secretion of the hormone progesterone and is the result of ovulation. The temperature will rise the day after ovulation occurs. If you don’t see this spike, you may not have ovulated. f there is a downward decline occurring earlier than 12 days after ovulating, this suggests that there may not be sufficient progesterone production to maintain pregnancy. Implantation may occur 7 – 12 days after ovulation, in which case you may see an implantation dip on your chart. This is a normal and healthy finding, but like implantation bleeding it is also not necessary for a healthy pregnancy.

Through BBT charting we can see if the temperature reading in the second phase of the cycle (luteal phase) does not remain steady, your progesterone secretion may not be enough to maintain implantation and pregnancy. If the length of this phase is either too long or too short, this can indicate problems with the health of corpus luteum, or nutritional deficiencies (the corpus luteum is the outer part of the follicle left after you have ovulated, which continues to secrete the hormone progesterone allowing you to maintain pregnancy).

Perimenopause and menopause – A woman’s ovaries gradually decrease production of estrogen and progesterone with age.

There are many other more complex breakdowns of the variations in basal body temperature charting as well.

What is helpful to balance hormones?

In Chinese medicine  we use diagnostics, acupuncture, herbal medicine, heat therapy, nutrition and lifestyle care to treat hormonal imbalances and other gynaecological factors. Depending on which scenario (above) you are, will determine your treatment.

Treatment plans for preparing to conceive specifically, are designed to optimise ovarian function, sperm and egg vitality, regulate the immune system, reduce stress, promote restful sleep, promote digestion, and weight loss if necessary. Treating gynaecological conditions have also proven success in regulating menstrual cycles and improving fertility.

Chinese medicine can work safely in accordance with IVF to improve the outcome. Acupuncture protocols will help to improve blood flow and drug delivery to the ovaries and uterus during the stimulation phase, improve rates of implantation of embryos and reduce stress and side effects.

IVF is the process of fertilising eggs with sperm outside of the human body. Once the eggs are fertilised, the resulting embryos are placed in the woman’s uterus in the hope that a successful pregnancy will follow.

Information derived from Lyttleton, Jane (2013) Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine, Second edition.

Tanya Keam-44

What do the treatments involve?

Depending on why your hormones are imbalanced or other gynaecological factors, will determine the treatment plan and outcome. As a practitioner I advise regular treatments such as weekly, in accordance with health changes you need to do at home, such as nutritional changes or herbal remedies to assist the treatment outcome. The male partners are also advised to receive treatment.

I advise all women seeking treatment to start BBT mapping their cycles and fill in a symptom chart which includes daily symptoms relating to; energy levels, PMS, menstrual cramping, vaginal discharge and mood changes, to name a few. The symptom chart allows me to see what is happening in between your acupuncture treatments so that I can treat you accordingly.

Changes to your plan will be made for IVF protocols and specific gynaecological conditions. Acupuncture can be used to manage anxiety and any side effects you might experience such as fatigue, moodiness, abdomen swelling and discomfort that can be experienced with the IVF process.

Please see the FAQ’s page and What to Expect page for more information.

Other factors to consider regarding your fertility and gynaecological health

Environmental toxins – clean up your environment at work and at home – exposure from various sources such as BPA in plastics, pesticides in food.

Do you exercise? Adopting the right amount of exercise is important, however exercising too strenuously releases the stress hormone Cortisol which can interfere with reproductive organs. Opt for gentle exercises such as swimming, yoga, tai chi and pilates.

Sanitary products with bleach and other chemicals that are being inserted into the body – organic tampons and pads are now easily found in major supermarkets and health food stores and their quality and absorpancy is nothing less. Menstrual cups found here > https://www.menstrualcupsaustraliaonline.com.au/what-is-a-menstrual-cup/ are also becoming more popular as they are sanitary, medical grade silicone, environmentally friendly and save you money (they cost $40-60AU and will last you 10 years!). All you have to do is wash them out and boil them in hot water at the end of your period to kill any bacteria. Many women experience less period pain when using a cup !

Look after your abdominal area – A poor diet can cause your digestive system to malfunction. Unhealthy foods collect in the abdominal environment, blocking the blood circulation needed to nourish the area. Pay attention to foods that cause bloating, fatigue, wind, abdominal cramps, irregular bowel motions or sensitivity. Acupuncture and herbs can stimulate circulation and improve the function of the digestive system.

Start with a healthy body weight – Women who are either underweight or overweight can ovulate less regularly, and men in the same situation will produce fewer and less healthy sperm.

Are you stressed – Physically, mentally or emotionally? Stress is a huge factor for fertility, especially if you and your partner have been trying for a baby for a long time. However other stressors in life such as work or relationships also play a part. Find time to resolve stress and put relaxation time in your diary! Talking to a friend or professional may also be helpful to get things of your chest.

Be aware of your immune system – If you are getting every cold/flu going around, having upset digestion from a gut bug or generally feeling unwell then you are not in optimal health to conceive.

For women – stay warm. In Chinese medicine, we place a strong emphasis on keeping warm to encourage blood flow. Keeping your ‘midriff’ and lower back warm is said to encourage a ‘warm womb’. Swimming on your period is also not recommended, as your cervix is open when menstruating, the cold temperature of the water enters a warm body, causing the ‘cold’ to lodge inside. Remember its all about the warmth and circulation! However for men its important that their testicles are kept cool as heat can affect sperm quality.

Are you sleeping well throughout the night? Even just one week without well-rested sleep plays havoc with your hormones. Opt for the same bed time every night such as no later than 10pm. Avoiding stimulants such as caffeine after 3pm is important so that you aren’t kept awake.

Have you been on the pill for a long time where your hormones have been told what to do for years? Your body will need time to adjust to its own cycle. Acupuncture can regulate the menstrual cycle and manage symptoms such as fatigue, menstrual headaches, tender breasts and mood swings.

Do you have any nutritional deficiencies? For example, your uterus needs a certain amount of iron for the lining of the uterus to thicken for conception, if your iron levels are low then conception decreases.

Do you have a family history of any gynaecological conditions? Ask the women in your family about their fertile health.

Be aware of infection – Previous STD’s and noting any thrush or constant urinary tract infections could make conception more difficult.

Having a GP check up – blood tests, ultrasounds and infection tests are all helpful to rule out anything first.

Lastly, do you have time to welcome a baby into your life? Are you working so many hours already, trying to make ends meet financially or too many other commitments for a baby to come into your life?

Take the time to cover all bases listed above so your health is the priority 🙂

Take care of you, see you in the clinic,

TK xx

Learn more > http://www.tanyakeamwellness.com

Blood building nutrition

Blood building nutrition

Blood deficiency

Is a diagnostic term we use in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for someone who is showing signs and symptoms of inadequate nourishment of the blood within the body. It is not uncommon for women to present with this type of deficiency as women lose blood in every menstrual cycle, however men can also present with it.

Many of the symptoms (below) are similar to iron deficiency anaemia, however the concept of blood in TCM refers more to the quality of the blood in its entirety to nourish the body as a whole. Whereas, anaemia in a Western term relates to deficiencies of folic acid, B12, protein building blocks and other nutrients. It may be beneficial to share with your TCM practitioner if you are aware that you are iron deficient so that dietary changes can be made.

Symptoms include :

Low energy

Blurry vision

Light headedness

Poor memory

Dry eyes, skin and hair

Pale complexion, lips, tongue colour, nails and inside the eyelid

Difficulty falling asleep

Hair loss or premature greying

Women – light or absent periods, migraines/headaches at specific times in the cycle

Tremors, numbness, tics

Weak nails

Anxiety or other mood fluctuations

 

To correct the deficiency

We first look at where the deficiency is coming from:

1. A diet which is lacking in the appropriate nutrients

2. Poor digestive function (the ability to absorb nutrients)

3. Excessive bleeding (often menstrual but also due to trauma or following surgery)

 

 

greens

Nutritional support

Grains Barley, corn, oats, rice, sweet rice, wheat, bran
Vegetables Alfalfa sprout, artichoke, beetroot, button mushroom, cabbage, celery, dandelion leaf, dark leafy greens, kelp, shiitake mushroom, spinach, watercress, wheatgrass
Fruit Apple, apricot, avocado, date, fig, grape, longan, mulberry
Beans/legumes Aduki, black soya, kidney, chickpea, red lentils
Nuts, seeds Almonds, black sesame
Fish Mussel, octopus, oyster, sardine, tuna
Meat All red meat especially bone marrow and liver (beef, pork, sheep). Bone broths are particular helpful
Dairy Chicken egg,
Herbs, spices Nettle, parsley
Oils, condiments Amasake, molasses
Beverages Soya milk
Common supplements Algae, pollen

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Foods especially useful 

Vegetables artichoke, beetroot, dandelion leaf, kelp
Fruit avocado, date, mulberry, grape
Nuts /seeds black sesame
Fish oyster
Meats beef, liver (both pork and sheep)
Herbs/ spices nettle
Oils/ condiments molasse

Acupuncture

You may be consuming the correct foods, however if your digestive function is depleted than the nutrients are being passed through your stools instead of being transported to the cells around your body. This is where acupuncture comes in!

Acupuncture alone cannot nourish the blood, but it can greatly improve on the digestive function, like giving your body a 10-20% boost in what your digestive function should be doing, thus increasing the absorption of nutrients from food.

Cooking methods

There is also great importance on the way that foods are cooked. To support your digestive system, lightly cooking (steaming, blanching, soups, stews) and consuming warm foods is ideal. Add in some spices to aid digestion such as ginger, cumin, fennel and cardamom.

Herbs and supplements

To support your system further (on top of acupuncture treatments and dietary changes) and to nourish the blood more efficiently, a herbal formula may be developed for your individual situation. Supplements may include iron, vitamin B12, folic acid and to enhance iron absorption vitamin C (lemon juice) may be also taken with foods such as leafy greens.

Take care of you, see you in the clinic,

TK xx

Learn more > http://www.tanyakeamwellness.com