What are Menstrual Problems?

The experience of menstruation varies from woman to woman.  Problems such as pain and irregularity are usually the result of natural hormone changes, and do not necessarily signify illness.  Below are some of the most common menstrual problems.

 

Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhoea)

 

This is most common in girls or young women.  Cramp-like pains are experienced in the lower abdomen at the beginning of a period, which may be accompanied by feelings of being unwell or faint.  Symptoms usually pass after a couple of days, and rarely signal an actual illness.  Usually, this is caused by a 'tight' cervix (the muscle at the neck of the womb), which normally loosens after the first pregnancy, and thus relieves the problem.  Sometimes painful periods are caused by wearing an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) or by menstrual cycles in which no egg is produced.

 

Lack of Periods (Amenorrhoea)

 

This condition is normal during pregnancy and the menopause.  At other times, it may occur after use of the contraceptive pill, or it may be a symptom of anorexia.

Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)

Some women have naturally heavier periods than others, but unusually heavy blood loss may be caused by use of an IUD, by small, non-cancerous growths in the womb known as fibroids, an infection of the womb or uterine tubes, or a hormone imbalance. 

Premenstrual Tension

This is primarily caused by an alteration in the balance of female hormones during the menstrual cycle.  Physical and psychological symptoms include food and alcohol cravings, headaches, skin problems, swollen joints, particularly ankles, water retention, weakness, weight gain, decreased sex drive, depression, insomnia, irritability, poor concentration, weepiness.  For a more detailed analysis of this condition, please refer to the section What is Premenstrual Tension? 

Menstrual Migraines

Migraine headaches are more common during a period than at other times of the month, and are caused by *** 

Self-Help for Menstrual Problems

All menstrual problems can be helped by taking regular exercise, and eating a well-balanced diet rich in iron, calcium and B vitamins.  Iron supplements may be required if heavy periods is causing anaemia.  Therapies such as aromatherapy, homoeopathy and reflexology can also help to alleviate menstrual problems.  Iron supplements may help heavy periods. 

Self-Help for Painful Periods

Painful periods will be alleviated by taking rest and relaxation during a period, and taking hot baths or putting a hot-water bottle on the lower abdomen.  More exercise taken during the remainder of the menstrual cycle, and a high-fibre diet, to prevent constipation during periods, may help to alleviate pain.  Hot-and-cold compresses to the lower abdomen and back may also help.  Calcium and Evening primrose Oil supplements may be taken just before the start of a period. 

Herbal Help for Menstrual Problems

Herbal remedies for menstrual problems include: camomile and ginger for period pain.  Antispasmodics include: Cramp bark, Motherwort, and Wild Yam.  Wild Yam contains phytoprogesterone, a natural form of progesterone, which may be used to restore hormone levels naturally.  Uterine tonics include: False Unicorn Root, White Deadnettle, and Ladys Mantle. 

The Importance of Regular Check-ups

It is strongly advised for women to have regular gynaecological check-ups to ensure that any menstrual problems experienced are not the result of an underlying illness.  Blood tests can be taken to measure iron and hormone levels.  A bi-manual internal examination can detect the presence of cysts and fibroids.  Regular cervical smear tests can detect early signs of cancer.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our body, and accounts for around 1.5% of total body weight.  The distribution of calcium is mainly in the bones and teeth (99%), with a little found in soft tissues and the blood.  In children, the bodys calcium is completely renewed annually, and every ten years in adults, and so regular input is essential.

The Benefits of Calcium

Rickets a lack of calcium may lead to this deficiency disease.

Osteoporosis calcium may have a role in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Hypertension calcium may lower the blood pressure.

Properties

Calcium is required for the structure of bones and teeth, and is also involved in normal muscle function, nerve function, as well as blood clotting.

It is the most abundant mineral in the body, comprising over 1.5% of the total body weight, of which about 99% is found in the bones.  The remaining 1% of calcium is found in the soft tissues.

Calcium absorption is dependent upon Vitamin D.

Contra-indications/Precautions

Calcium should be avoided by anyone with hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria, renal impairment and renal stones.

Drug Contra-Indications

·        ·             Certain diuretics, especially thiazides increase the calcium level in the blood.

·        ·             Tetracycline antibiotics should be taken a few hours apart from any calcium supplementation.

General Contra-Indications

If you have high blood pressure, be sure to get it monitored regularly when using a calcium supplement.

Food Sources

Milk and milk products such as yoghurt and cheese. 

Green vegetables such as broccoli, chard, turnips etc.

Sesame seeds, Tahini (ground sesame seed paste used as a savoury bread-spread or in recipes such as hummus)

Whole grains and unrefined cereals, soybeans, tofu, peanuts,

Fish Sources such as sardines and salmon.

Bone meal with Vitamin D.

Dietary Tips

Adding Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds to your diet is an easy and healthy way to increase your calcium intake.  Have it on whole-wheat toast in the morning, add it to salad dressings, sauces, or put some on a stick of celery or a carrot.

Dolomite

Dolomite is a naturally occurring mineral (Calcium Magnesium Carbonate), which is obtained from extensive deposits, from which stone of only the highest quality is selected.  The mined mineral is subsequently ground using pebble mills to give a powder of the desired specification.

The Benefits of Dolomite

Maintains healthy bones and teeth it is especially important for menopausal and pregnant women.

Muscle cramps it can alleviate muscle cramps and twitches (especially premenstrually).

Bone replacement between 10% and 20% of adult bone calcium is replaced annually.

Properties

Dolomite is a particularly useful product because the two minerals are provided in such quantities that they are perfectly balanced nutritionally, ensuring maximum utilisation of each.

Magnesium necessary for calcium and vitamin C metabolism, as well as phosphorus, sodium and potassium.  It is an essential part of many enzyme systems, including those controlling nerve and muscle function.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral within the body, and works with phosphorus to make healthy bones and teeth.  Calcium works with magnesium to promote cardiovascular health.

Contra-indications/Precautions

Should be avoided by anyone with hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria, renal impairment and renal stones and hypertension.

Evening Primrose Oil

Latin name: Oenothera biennis.

Evening Primrose Oil, (EPO), is extracted from the seeds of Oenothera biennis, which is not actually a member of the Primrose family, but is part of the Willow herb family.  The plant acquired the primrose name because its bright yellow flowers resemble primrose flowers, and its flowers open in the evening, hence its current name.  The plant has a two-year cycle, and it is during the second year that the flowers appear, from which seeds are eventually harvested. 

The origins of the plant were in North America, from where it came to the UK by accident when cargo ships bringing cotton over, dumped the soil brought back as ballast, and seeds began to grow.  The plant was officially introduced in 1614 into Europe, and rapidly became known as Kings Cure All because of its useful medicinal properties.

EPO was not examined closely, however, until 1919, when the gamma linolenic acid (GLA) content was reported in Germany, and consequently its effects on cell generation and cholesterol levels were soon monitored.  This led eventually to experiments that have given us the depth of knowledge that we have about this product today.

The Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil

EPO has been shown to be beneficial for a wide range of conditions. 

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) has been shown to eradicate swollen abdomen and breast discomfort as well as reducing irritability and depression.

Eczema and other skin disorders available on prescription for eczema Psoriasis may be helped by EPO and Fish Oils.

Cholesterol and Blood Pressure has been shown to reduce high serum cholesterol and blood pressure, but may take several weeks or longer to achieve.

Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers have discontinued use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after supplementation, but it is more effective when taken in conjunction with fish oils.

Alcoholism may make withdrawal easier, and reduce post-drinking depression.

Immune System low levels of essential fatty acids may stop the action of interferon, and bodys natural virus killer.

Other conditions Obesity, Benign Breast Disease, Childhood Hyperactivity and Schizophrenia have all been shown to be helped by EPO supplementation.

Properties

EPO is rich in the fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is an important intermediary in the metabolic conversion of linolenic acid into Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1).  PGE1 is one of many prostaglandins which are interconvertible, and which modulate the action of many hormones.

Quality of Evening Primrose Oil

It might be worth considering taking Cold pressed Evening Primrose Oil as the action of cold pressing helps to keep the quality of the essential nutrients. Vitamin UK belives that quality and choice of Health supplements is important and stocks Natures Aid Cold Pressed Evening Primrose oil. Natures Aid is one of only a few manufacturers who supply Cold Pressed Evening Primrose Oil

Evening Primrose Oil for Vegetarians

Evening Primrose Oil is available for Vegetarians as either a liquid by companies such as ESI Laboratories or in vegetarian capsule form by Arkopharma.

Suggested Dosage

Most people take 2 x 500mg per day, but it may be more effective if you take between 3 to 6 capsules of 500mg per day.

Contra-indications/Precautions

Should be avoided by persons taking blood-thinning products such as aspirin and warfarin.  Not recommended for people with temporal lobe epilepsy.  Probably best avoided during pregnancy due to effects on hormones.

Vitamin B6

This is a water-soluble vitamin, which is excreted within eight hours after ingestion, and therefore it needs to be constantly replaced by eating whole foods or taking supplements.  Vitamin B6 is actually a group of three substances: pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine.  All forms exist routinely in foods, and have equal vitamin B6 activity.  Vitamin B6 is fairly stable to heat but may be lost in cooking water.  Exposure to alkalis and UV light lead to a reduction of vitamin B6 content.

The Benefits of Vitamin B6

Several groups of people who may become deficient in vitamin B6 and may therefore benefit from supplementation are:- 

• Woman on the contraceptive pill may alleviate depression sometimes associated.
• Pregnant women.
• Alcoholics.
• Smokers.
• Bodybuilders consuming 200-300grams of protein a day.

As well as those listed above, there are several other conditions that have been shown to benefit from vitamin B6 supplementation.  These are:- 

• Premenstrual syndrome many medical practitioners are beginning to prescribe vitamin B6 for this condition up to 200mg daily.
• Prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting due to irradiation, drug therapy, anaesthesia and travel sickness.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome.

Properties

Vitamin B6 is rapidly converted in the body to the coenzymes pyridoxal phosphate and pyridoxamine phosphate.  The coenzymes play essential parts in:- 

Protein metabolism

Energy production

Fat metabolism

Central nervous system activity

Haemoglobin production

Contra-indications/Precautions

Should not be taken by anyone taking levadopa, or the anticonvulsants phenytoin and phenobarbitone 

Vitamin B Complex

There are eight B vitamins in vitamin B complex as well as several related substances.  The eight vitamins are thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamine (B12), folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin.  The other related substances include choline, inositol and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).

Although each individual vitamin or related substance performs a different function in the body, they all work together to maintain good health and vitality.  A well balanced diet should provide us with all the B vitamins we require, but because they are water soluble and therefore not retained by the body, we need a daily dietary source. 

Historically the B vitamins were discovered from what was know originally as vitamin B, and hence they were grouped together as B complex.

The Benefits of B Complex

B complex has been shown to be beneficial in the following conditions:- 

• Anxiety and stress
• Convalescence and fatigue
• Dermatitis
• Diverticulitis
• Poor hair condition
• Tinnitus

Properties

B complex has a wide range of properties, including:- 

B1 (thiamine) needed for release of energy from carbohydrates; aids in functioning of nervous system; helps maintain stomach acidity and normal appetite.

B2 (riboflavin) needed for converting proteins, fats and carbohydrates into energy; necessary for healthy skin and eyes.

B3 (niacin) needed for release of energy from food; maintains health of skin, mouth and digestive tract; necessary for normal mental function; can increase circulation and reduce high blood pressure.

B5 (pantothenic acid) needed for release of energy from food; helps in the functioning of the adrenal gland and in the formation of antibodies.

B6 (pyridoxine) needed for metabolism of protein, hence requirements related to protein intake; helps to maintain fluid balance, a requirement for healthy red blood cells.

B12 needed for red blood cell production and maintenance of protective sheath around nerves.

Folic acid Essential for growth and reproduction of cells, particularly red blood cells.

Biotin involved in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.  Required for healthy skin and hair.

Contra-indications/Precautions

Taking some B complex tablets may result in a darker yellow coloration of urine, which is due to the body eliminating excess riboflavin (vitamin B2).

What is Premenstrual Tension?

The term premenstrual tension, or PMT, is used to cover a range of symptoms experienced by some women for up to two weeks before their monthly period.  As many as three out of four women suffer from the condition.

What are the symptoms of PMT?

The symptoms of PMT cause varying degrees of discomfort, but are largely harmless, and may be physical and/or psychological.

Physical Symptoms of PMT

Physical symptoms of PMT include: 

• Food and alcohol cravings.
• Headaches.
• Skin problems.
• Swollen joints, particularly ankles.
• Water retention.
• Weakness.
• Weight gain.

Psychological Symptoms of PMT

Psychological symptoms of PMT include: 

• Decreased sex drive.
• Depression.
• Insomnia.
• Irritability.
• Poor concentration.
• Weepiness.

What Causes PMT?

The main cause of PMT is an alteration in the balance of female hormones during the menstrual cycle, which creates an accumulation of salt and water in the system, and a reduction in progesterone, the hormone that prepares the uterus to receive a fertilised egg.  Hormone imbalance can also be caused by a lack of essential fatty acids, such as Linoleic Acid in the diet.  Lack of Vitamin B6 also causes irregularity in the menstrual cycle.

How Serious is PMT?

Women suffering from PMT may not experience all the symptoms, and can suffer them in varying degrees of severity.  Some women experience psychological symptoms of PMT to such an extent that they may act like a completely different person, experiencing violent mood swings, and even demonstrating physical violence towards loved ones.  Judgment is often affected in PMT sufferers, and they may become accident prone at this time.

Ways to Reduce PMT

• Avoid putting yourself under unnecessary stress or setting unreasonable goals.
• Eat less salt to reduce water retention.
• Reduce alcohol intake, as alcohol robs the body of essential vitamins and minerals.
• Reduce caffeine intake by cutting down on tea, coffee and cola drinks, as caffeine lowers the bodys ability to absorb certain essential nutrients, and can aggravate skin problems.
• Reduce intake of saturated fats by eating less meat and dairy produce, as these can inhibit the bodys production of essential fatty acids, which can result in a hormone imbalance.
• Reduce sugar intake to combat weight gain and depression.  Control sugar cravings by taking a Vitamin B complex with added magnesium and chromium.
• Relax by taking gentle exercise, such as yoga, and by taking warm baths.

Natural Treatment of PMT

A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise can help to reduce the symptoms of PMT.  Therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, Bach remedies, homoeopathy and massage may also help to alleviate the physical and psychological symptoms of PMT.

Vitamin, Mineral and Herbal Supplementation

Vitamin B, particularly Vitamin B6, and the mineral Magnesium have been shown to be very effective in relieving some of the physical and psychological symptoms of PMT, and in regulating the menstrual cycle.  Medical practitioners frequently prescribe Vitamin B6 and a course of Evening Primrose Oil (described below) for PMT sufferers.   

Camomile tea, taken two or three times a day in the week or fortnight before the start of a period is calming, and acts as a diuretic, removing some of the bodys retained fluid.  Stronger herbal diuretics, such as boldo, dandelion, juniper and parsley piert can also be used.  Most herbal diuretics work gently on toning and strengthening the bodys kidney function, with none of the harsh effects of conventional diuretics.  Evening Primrose Oil and Starflower Oil both contain the fatty acid Gamma Linoleic Acid, which helps to regulate hormone balance, and has been shown to relieve abdominal swelling and breast discomfort, and also to reduce irritability and depression.

Restoring Hormone Levels Naturally

The herb Wild Yam, which contains phytoprogesterone, a natural form of progesterone, and successfully used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, may be used as an alternative to the synthetic hormone, progesterone, which is often prescribed in various forms to be taken during the second half of the menstrual cycle to restore hormone levels.  Many women feel more confident taking a natural rather than a synthetic hormone.

What is the Menopause?

The term menopause is used in the technical sense to refer to the ending of menstruation, or monthly periods, but in general use it embraces a wide range of symptoms that accompany the climacteric, or change of life.  This normally occurs in a womans life between the early forties to the mid-fifties, and usually lasts two or three years.  During this time, the ovaries stop producing eggs, and fertility declines and eventually ceases.

A Physical and Psychological Change

Several psychological factors are related to the process of physical change.  A woman may experience fear of losing her attractiveness, uncertainty about her purpose in life as a middle-aged woman, sadness at the passing of the fertile prime of life.  These feelings may even outweigh the physical discomfort caused by the complex hormonal changes.

When does the Menopause begin?

In some women, menstruation may stop suddenly, with no previous change in the cycle being experienced.  However, in most women, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular.  Periods often become less heavy and occur farther apart, but they may also occur more frequently, or follow the usual timing, but miss some out.  Bleeding or spotting between normal periods, after sexual intercourse, or which occurs a year or more after the last period should always be brought to the attention of a medical practitioner promptly.

Physical Symptoms

During the menopause, the ovaries reduce and eventually cease production of eggs and oestrogen, the hormone responsible for female reproductive function.  Some oestrogen is still produced in other parts of the body, notably in the layers of fat beneath the skin, therefore plumper women often experience fewer effects. 

Loss of oestrogen causes symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, a reduction in lubricating fluid in the vagina, and a need to pass urine more frequently.  About 70% of women suffer these symptoms in varying degrees during menopause.

There is a gradual but progressive loss of bone mass, or osteoporosis, which leads to a greater risk of fractures in later life, particularly hip fractures.  After the menopause, lower oestrogen levels cause a reduced protection against heart attacks.

Hot Flushes or Flashes

Women experience hot flushes or flashes in varying ways, and to varying degrees of severity.  Some women experience them only as night sweats, where they awake in the middle of the night, their whole body covered in sweat, throw off the sheets, cool down and go back to sleep.  Other women may experience hot flushes anywhere at any time, for example, when driving a car on a long journey, going into a confined area, such as an aeroplane, or being in a social situation, such as a dinner party.  The symptoms can range from feeling extremely hot and needing to drink cold water and stand in fresh air, to an acute sense of anxiety.

Psychological Symptoms

During the menopause, women may suffer anxiety, irritability, mood swings, poor concentration, insomnia, and depression.  These symptoms may be exacerbated in women whose children have grown up and left home, who may not be engaged in work outside the home, and who consequently suffer an acute loss of identity.

Anxiety in Menopause

Women who have never previously experienced anxiety may start to do so at this point in their lives.  Things that they have done routinely for years, e.g., driving a car, travelling by plane, participating in social interactions, leaving the house to pursue daily activities, such as shopping, going to work, etc., may suddenly become either very difficult or impossible.  This can be extremely distressing and confusing because, not only do they have to cope with these new anxieties, but they also have to face the repercussions of them.  So, for example, not being able to drive a car might mean that a ten-minute car journey becomes a one-hour journey by public transport; not being able to travel by aeroplane might mean they are unable to take a holiday abroad with their family or friends; not being able to leave the house means that they may not be able to shop or even go to work. 

An additional difficulty is the problem of feeling unable or actually being unable to talk through such problems with friends, family or colleagues.  Women who have not previously suffered from symptoms of anxiety, and have felt relatively emotionally stable up to this point in their lives, may find the unfamiliar symptoms very frightening and overwhelming.  It is very important to talk about these problems openly, and get support from close family and friends.

Experience of the Menopause varies

Womens experience of the menopause varies greatly.  Some may suffer debilitating physical and/or psychological symptoms, while other experience relatively little discomfort and/or few psychological disturbances.  Some women feel fit during the menopause, and may welcome the cessation of the nuisance of monthly periods, and the ability to enjoy their sex life free from the need for contraception.  Vaginal shrinkage and dryness are lessened by an active sex life.

Conventional Medical Help for Menopausal Symptoms

The conventional medical treatment for menopausal problems is Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT.  Women on HRT have continued monthly bleeding, but without an egg being produced each month.  Some women experience a vast improvement in menopausal symptoms, such as relief from hot flushes and vaginal dryness, improvement in skin tone, increased energy and a lifting of depression.

How is HRT given?

Women are usually given oestrogen tablets to take over either three or four weeks of the menstrual cycle.  If nausea or diarrhoea is experienced, oestrogen pellets, which release small amounts of oestrogen continuously for up to six months, can be implanted under the skin, under anaesthetic.  Alternatively, oestrogen is also available in the form of creams, pessaries and stick-on skin patches. 

Most women are also given another hormone, progesterone, which is taken in tablet form for one or two weeks of the cycle.  This counteracts overstimulation of the womb lining, a major side effect of HRT, which may increase the risk of cancer.  Women who have had a hysterectomy are given oestrogen only.

Pros and Cons of HRT

The major benefit of HRT is the protection it offers against osteoporosis and the risk of hip, wrist and spine fractures.  Some studies have shown that HRT can protect against heart disease and strokes, through the action of oestrogen, although other studies have indicated an increased risk of these, possibly through progesterone.  However, one of the main drawbacks of HRT is the slightly increased risk of some cancers.  HRT is not advised for women with a history of cancer of the breast or uterus, a family history of breast cancer, or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.  A thorough case history and medical examination should be carried out by a medical practitioner prior to HRT being prescribed.  Women on HRT should receive regular medical check-ups, and report any symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, pains in the calf muscles, breast lumps, or an unusual vaginal discharge.

Alternative Medical Help for Menopausal Symptoms

Many menopausal symptoms will be helped with a healthy, balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and the use of relaxation techniques.  Cleansing diets, aromatherapy, acupuncture and homoeopathy may all help to alleviate symptoms.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

Vitamin and mineral supplementation is a safe alternative to HRT.  Vitamin B helps to counteract symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and fatigue.  Vitamin C is important for tissue repair and iron absorption.  Vitamin D is needed to aid absorption of calcium, an essential mineral supplement during menopause.  Vitamin E helps prevent cardiovascular disease.  Calcium helps to maintain bone health and to prevent osteoporosis.  Magnesium is needed for efficient calcium utilisation.  Evening Primrose Oil contains Gamma Linoleic Acid, which is important for cell generation, and Prostaglandin E1, which regulates the action of many hormones.

Herbal Supplementation

Herbal supplementation is also a safe and effective alternative to HRT.  Camomile tea and lime-blossom tea may be taken as relaxants.  Passiflora tablets may help to relieve tension and anxiety.  Hot flushes may be alleviated by liquid Sarsaparilla, Ginseng tea, Life Root, Dong Quai and St Johns Wort.  St Johns Wort is also effective in relieving symptoms of depression.  Agnus Castus contains prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds), and can be used at the beginning of the menopause for hot flushes.  Black Cohosh also helps to alleviate hot flushes, and can reduce vaginal atrophy and depression.

Phytoestrogens and Phytoprogesterone

Certain plant foods and herbs, such as Soya, Wild Yam, and Dong Quai, contain phytochemicals, known as phytoestrogens and phytoprogesterone, which have hormone-like properties.  Many women find Wild Yam to be very successful in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, as it contains phytoprogesterone, which helps to regulate hormone imbalance.  Wild Yam also contains DHEA, a substance identical to a hormone produced in the adrenal glands of mammals, and the most abundant steroid in the plasma of healthy humans.  Higher levels of DHEA protect against obesity, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.  Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens, which may exert a regulating effect on oestrogen levels, and thus help to regulate hormone imbalance.   

Other herbs that may help in the treatment of menopausal symptoms include: Avena Sativa, Dandelion, Liquorice, Blue Cohosh, Hawthorn, Motherwort, Blessed Thistle, Sarsaparilla, Squaw Vine and False Unicorn.  Some herbal supplements may suit an individual more than others, and therefore experimentation may be required to find the most effective ones.

Coming to Terms with the Menopause

Many women dread the approach of the menopause.  It is an extremely significant period, not only because it heralds the end of fertility, but because in many societies it is symbolic of a woman ceasing to be a woman in the fullest sense of the word.  Women are under so much pressure from the media and advertising, etc., to stay constantly young and sexually attractive, that when a woman starts to experience peri-menopausal symptoms, she finds it difficult to face up to the changes that her body is going through, and the fact that this is the beginning of the menopause.  

It is important to get support from other women who are going through or have been through the menopause, because, however much a woman does not wish it to happen to her, it is essential to come to terms with this change.  Many women find that once they have gone through the menopause, it no longer holds the symbolic significance that it did, and they often feel exactly the same as they did before, physically, sexually, emotionally, and mentally.

Wild Yam

Latin name: Dioscorea villosa.

Wild Yam has a long history of usage in Central America, and was popular amongst the Ancient Aztec and Maya people primarily for pain relief.  The plant is also known as colic root and rheumatism root.  One of the constituent parts of the plant has in recent years become important as a starting point for the synthesising of progesterone (one of the main female sex hormones) and also cortisone.  The progesterone synthesised from wild yam was subsequently used in the manufacture of the first contraceptive pill.

The Benefits of Wild Yam

Menstrual problems in North and Central America, wild yam has been used traditionally as a relaxing remedy for painful menstruation, ovarian pain and to alleviate cramps.  Many women have found this a useful herb during the menopause.

Anti-inflammatory due to the herbs anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic action, it has been regularly used to ease the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and rheumatism.

Muscle spasms and pain due to the high levels of plant steroids, the wild yam has been effective in pain relief for many centuries, and is also effective in the relief of digestive problems such as colic, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis.

Properties

Diosgenin this steroid-like substance is a precursor in the synthesis of progesterone, and it is said that without the wild yam we would not be able to meet the worldwide demand for synthetic corticosteroids.  Diosgenin provides about 50% of the raw material for steroid synthesis.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) this substance is identical to a hormone produced in the adrenal glands of mammals, and is the most abundant steroid circulating in the plasma of healthy humans.  Recent research has shown that the higher the level of DHEA in the blood, the lower is the risk of developing obesity, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.  It would also appear that low levels of DHEA may actually lead to premature death because men with higher levels actually live longer.

Contra-indications/Precautions

Not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the hormonal effects of the product.  Oral oestrogen supplementation may retard the metabolism of the steroidal hormones within the wild yam.