Fibroids and Uterine Bleeding

Fibroids, also known as Fibromyoma uteri or leiomyoma uteri, are benign tumors originated from the muscle tissue that adhere to either the inner or outer of the uterine wall. According to the statistic from National Uterine Fibroid Foundations approximately 80% of all women have uterine fibroids with the majority usually have no symptoms. Every 10 minutes, 12 hysterectomies are performed in the United States alone.

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Symptoms
Most common symptoms of fibroids uterine bleeding and pelvic pressure, but most women with small fibroids tumor are experience no symptoms at all, depending to the location and size of the tumors.
1. Uterine bleeding
Prolonged and/or profuse uterine bleeding are one of most common symptoms of fibroids, but women with submucous fibroids are particularly prone to this complication.
2. Pelvic pressure
It can be caused by the size and location of the fibroids as it can interfere with bowel movements and painful defecation or urinary frequency and incontinence.
3. Painful periods and sexual intercourse
As the result of over size fibroid.
4. Abdominal discomfort or bloating

As the result of over size fibroid.

5. Painful Defecation

As the result of over size fibroid.

6. Backache

As the result of the pressure of oversize fibroids.

7. Anemia
It may be result of heavy bleeding.
8. Infertility
Although it is considered uncommon affected only 3% of all cases , but it can happen, if the fibroids are in the stage of severity. In a study of "Pregnancy-related changes in the size of uterine leiomyomas" by Neiger R, Sonek JD, Croom CS, Ventolini G. Source Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA. rneiger@mvh.org for evaluated 137 leiomyomas in 72 women (average, 2.3 +/- 1.8 per woman). Each underwent an average of 3.7 +/- 2.1 scans. The average gestational age at the time of first assessment was 14.4 +/- 5.4 weeks. The average diameter of the leiomyomas at the first study was 34.2 +/- 23 mm. On average, there was no significant change in the size of leiomyomas during pregnancy. We found that the size, location and our ability to visualize leiomyomas varied significantly during pregnancy. Four of the 72 women had obstetric complications related to the presence of leiomyomas., researchers concluded that The findings of our longitudinal sonographic assessment of 137 uterine leiomyomas suggest that despite the commonly held belief that they tend to enlarge during the course of pregnancy, this phenomenon is in fact quite rare.

9. Miscarriage
If the fibroid are growth large enough, it can interfere and cause miscarriage.

10. Premature labor
It may be as as result of the fibroid interfering with growth of the fetus.

11. Etc.

Diagnosis
If you are experience certain symptoms of the above, it is advised that you should check with your doctor for fibroids. After taking the family history and physical exam, including
1. Pelvic examination
Pelvic examination taken when there is no menstruation and advised not to have sex for at least 24 hours, is type of complete physical exam of a woman pelvic organ by a medical instrument to detect any infection, abnormal cells growth such as cysts, fibroid, Etc. The pap test usually is also taken. If your doctor found any abnormal cells growth or suspected uterine cancer, further tests may be suggested, icluding

2. Pelvic ultrasound
Ultrasound allows your doctor to visualize the kidneys and around structures and to assess blood flow to the uterus as well as looking for any abnormal cells growth mass, including fibroids.

3. Pelvic MRI
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is one of many advanced technology used to visualize internal structures cross sectional imaging of your body used effectively in providing the better details of the fibroids in the uterus and surrounding areas.
4. Etc.

Causes and risk factors
1. Recurrent miscarriage
Women who have family history of miscarriage with fibroids are at higher riks of recurrent miscarriages.

2. Age and before menopause
Women who are over the age of 30 are at increased risks of fibroids.

3. Hormone estrogen
According to the article of "Fibroid Research Update from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine Conference" posted on fibroids-a gynecologist's second opinion, the author indicated that Women with fibroids have normal blood levels of estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen dominance does not cause fibroids. Fibroid cells can make their own estrogen, so the level of estrogen inside fibroids is higher than in blood or other tissues.

4. Hormone progesterone
in a study of "Progesterone Is Essential for Maintenance and Growth of Uterine Leiomyoma" by Ishikawa H, Ishi K, Serna VA, Kakazu R, Bulun SE, Kurita T. Endocrinology. 2010 Apr 7, researchers found that found that estrogen plus progesterone stimulated growth of fibroid cells, and this growth was blocked with anti-progesterones. Withdrawal of progestrone caused fibroid tissue to shrink. Interestingly, estradiol (estrogen) without progesterone had no effect in this study.

5. Xanoestrogen
According to the study of "Xenoestrogens the cause of Uterine Fibroid Tumors ( Myomas ) by Elizabeth Smith, M.D.

6. Heridity

Women who have a family history of fibroid are at greater risk of developing fibriod.

7. Etc.

Prevention

A. How to prevent
1. Exercise

Exercise increases blood flow to the uterus thus reducing the risk of fibroids

2. Avoid excessive animal fat and trans fat
Animal fat and tran fat enhance the over production of estrogen in the body, thus increasing the risk of fibroids.

3. Fried food

They contain high amount of fat and trans fat.

4. Excessive drinking

excessive damage the liver function in controlling the production of prostaglandin hormones, that cause heavy menstruation and menstrual cramps and pain.

5. Smoking

Smoking increase the risk of free radical attacks and free radical chain attacks and decrease the immune system in fight against irregular cells growth.

6. Etc.

B. Diet (please read 100+ Healthy Foods Classification for more information)
1. Whole grains

Whole gains contains high amounts of fiber which help to detoxify the environment toxins accumulated in the body including xanoestrogen and enhance the liver function in reducing the risk of over production of prostaglandin hormone that can lead to uterine bleeding.

2. Vegetables and fruits

Vegetables and fruits contain high amount of antioxidants of which can increase immune system fighting against the irregular cells growth and damage from free radicals attack.

3. Soy

Soy contains high amount of antioxidants and phytoestrogen that can promote the immune system as well as balance the levbels of estrogen and progesterone hormones.

4. Legumes and beans

Legumes and beans contain are rich in phytoestrogens and act as fibroid fighters.

5. Water

Drinking 8 cups of water a day increases the blood flow of the uterus, thus reducing the risk of fibroid growth.

6. Etc.

C. Nutritional supplements
1. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids

Balancing Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids can enhance the liver function and protect against the over production of prostaglandins hormone, thus reducing the uterline muscle constraction.

2. Antioxidants scavengers

Vitamin A, C, E are antioxidant scavengers, they protect the cells against the free articles and chain free articles attack and ehance the immune system in fighting against irregular cells growth icluding the cells of the muscle tissue that adhere to either the inner or outer of the uterine wall.

a. Vitamin A
b. Vitamin C
c. Vitamin E

For more information of antioxidant, please visit: Antioxidants and cancers and diseases

3. Vitamin D

In a study of "Vitamin D inhibits proliferation of human uterine leiomyoma cells via catechol-O-methyltransferase." by Sharan C, Halder SK, Thota C, Jaleel T, Nair S, Al-Hendy A, researchers found that Vitamin D inhibits growth of human fibroid cells a deficiency of vitamin D might allow fibroids to grow. The authors reference another article that found that while 45% of African-American women have vitamin D deficiency, only 4% of white women have this deficiency.

4. Iron
It is beneficial for women with heavy and profused menstrual flow as a result of oversize fibroid.

5. Phytoestrogen

Phytoestrogens are plant base weak estrogen, they can help to inhibit the rpoduction of bad estrogen by occupying the estrogen receptors sites and balance the levels of estrogen and progesterone, thus reducing the risk of fibroid's growth.

6. Resveratrol

According to the articles of "Resveratrol and Fibroids" posted in Resveratrol, 60 Resveratrol benefits report on online medical research, the author indicated that recent studies conducted by a fibroid research team headed by Dr. Bill Catherino and published and presented at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine Conference in Atlanta indicated that Resveratrol decreases the growth and induce fibroid cell death in vitro.

7. Etc.

Treatments
A. In conventional medicine
According to the study of "Uterine Myomas: An Overview of Development, Clinical Features, and Management" by Wallach, Edward E. MD; Vlahos, Nikos F. MD, researchers indicated that Treatment choices are wide and include pharmacologic, surgical, and radiographically directed intervention. Most myomas can be followed serially with surveillance for development of symptoms or progressive grow. The past century has witnessed development of highly sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic technology for myomas. The tools currently at our disposal permit greater management flexibility with safe options, which must be tailored to the individual clinical situation.
A. Medication
1. Oral contraceptive pills
a. According to the article of "American Society of Reproductive Medicine Patient Booklet: Uterine Fibroids, 2003" Published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine under the direction of the Patient Education Committee and the Publications Committee., Oral contraceptive pills can be prescribed to reduce uterine bleeding and cramps.

b. Levonorgestrel (a progestin)
With the implant of the Mirena if the fibroids are small enough to keep the device in place, Levonorgestrel release from the device can effectively shrink the fibroids. According to the study of "The effectiveness of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in menorrhagia: a systematic review" by Antony Stewart, Carole Cummins, Lisa Gold, Rachel Jordan, Wendy Phillips researchers found thatEffectiveness and cost effectiveness relative to other treatments and the effect on surgical waiting lists can only be established in larger trials measuring patient-centred outcomes in women with menorrhagia.

2. GnRH(Gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonist
GnRH agonist, Lupron is effective to decrease in GAGs, leading to the shrinking of the fibroids by dehydrating them. Some researchers suggested that Lupron increase the production of estradiols thus reducing the production of estrogen that cause fibroid to shrink.

3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs therapy is one most effective medicine to relieve menstrual cramping and reduce heavy menstrual bleeding for many women with fibroids as the medication reduce inflammation by inhibiting the effects caused by over production of prostaglandins hormones.

4. Etc.

A. 2. Surgery
1. Myomyectomy

a. Most women with fobrois do not need suhery, unless the sympyoms have become so sever, depending the size and location of fibroids. Myomyectomy is a procedure to remove the fibroids that cause sever symptoms but does not interfere with future conception by uterus reconstruction.
b. Risk and side effect
b.1. Surgerical and anesthesia risk
b.2. New fibroid develop
b.3. Scar tissue that may cause infertiltiy
b.4. Childbirth complcation.
b.5. Etc.

2. Hysterectomy

a. Hysterectomy is the surgical procedure to remove the entire uterus, if infertility is not the concern or you have exausted other options. Please make sure you under stand the risks and side effects of hysterectomy before operating.
b. Risks and side effects
b.1. Surgical and anesthesia risks
b.2. Infertility
b.3. decreased sexual desire
b.4. Depression
b.5. Etc.

3. Fibroid embolization

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is surgical procedure to shrink the fibroids by cutting off the blood supply to the woman's uterus performed by a radiologist. According to the ACOG NEWS RELEASE, January 30, 2004, ACOG Office of Communications, (202) 484-3321

communications@acog.org "ACOG Issues Opinion on Uterine Artery Embolization For Treatment of Fibroids" the release indicated that To date, most data on patient satisfaction, fibroid and uterine size reduction, fertility, and complications are from case reports. In general, the reports have shown a short-term reduction in the size of fibroids and uteri, as well as short-term improvement in menstrual bleeding and other symptoms caused by fibroids. The complication rates associated with UAE are low, but in rare cases can include hysterectomy and death. ACOG recommends that all patients be informed about the potential complications with UAE.
Approximately 50 pregnancies have been reported in women who have had UAE. Nearly 60% of the resulting births were delivered by cesarean, 28% were preterm births, and 13% of patients had postpartum hemorrhage. According to ACOG, this procedure is still considered investigational for patients who may want to become pregnant, as further data are needed to draw conclusions about the safety of UAE in these patients.

4. Surgery with the guide of MRI (magnetic resonance image)
These 2 techniques are new and required further study
a. Ultrasound waves
With the guide of MRI to the precised location of the fibroids in the uterus, then using utrasound waves to destroy them
b. Laser beams
With the guide of MRI to the precised location of the fibroids in the uterus, then using laser beam to destroy them

6. Etc.

B. Herbs
Please consult with your doctor or specialist in the related fields before applying
1. Curcumin
In a study of "Inhibitory effect of curcumin on uterine leiomyoma cell proliferation." by Tsuiji K, Takeda T, Li B, Wakabayashi A, Kondo A, Kimura T, Yaegashi N., researchers found that found that curcumin significantly inhibited ELT-3 cell proliferation. PPARγ was expressed in ELT-3 cells and curcumin acted as a PPARγ ligand. This inhibitory effect of curcumin was attenuated by the treatment of cells with PPARγ antagonist and concluded that these experimental findings in vitro show that the inhibitory effect of curcumin on ELT-3 cell proliferation occurs through the activation of PPARγ. Curcumin may be useful as an alternative therapy for uterine leiomyoma.

2. Chaste berry tree
Chjaste berry tree contains high amounts of phytoestrogen and condidered as the queen herb in herbal medicine as it balance the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the women body. According to the article of "Help for Women With Fibroids" By Susun Weed, the authors write that Vitex or chasteberry tincture, 25-30 drops two to four times daily, often shrinks small fibroids within two months. But results come from long-term use - up to two years.

3. Red Clover
Red Clover has a rich source of phytoestrogen and has been used in herbal medicine to treat fibroids as its function of balance the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the women body by its activity on estrogen receptors. According to the article of Red Clover: Herbal Remedies by Jennifer Brett, N.D., the author wrote that what this means is that some substances in plants produce the same effects in humans as some hormones. Isoflavones in red clover are able to bind to estrogen -- and possibly other -- receptors. They appear to have moderate hormonal effects .

4. Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil helps regulate hormone production and may even shrink fibroids. According to "Uterine fibroid tumors (myomas), like breast fibrocysts, are a product of estrogen dominance (too much estrogen). Estrogen stimulates their growth, and lack of estrogen causes them to atrophy." John Lee, M.D

5. Burdock Root
Burdock Root contains high amount of arctigenin, a natural tumor inhibitor which can help stop and reduce the growth of fibroids.

6. Etc.

C. Traditional Chinese medicine
Please consult with your doctor or specialist in the related fields before applying

1. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, fibroids are classified commonly as the result of either Yin Deficiency Fire, Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency or Qi and Blood Stagnation.In this article, I would like to provide you with Chinese herbs formula Qui Zhi Fu Ling Wan. According to The Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (PPRC) is the official pharmacopoeia of China. The most recent English edition was published in 2000 and comprises two volumes. Volume 1 covers the Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, including Traditional Chinese Patent Medicines, while Volume 2 is dedicated to conventional pharmaceuticals. Gui zhi Fu ling Wan is a brown pill used in Traditional Chinese medicine to "activate blood circulation, to remove blood stasis and mass in the abdomen".

2. Ingredients
a. Gui Zhi ( Cinnamon twig)
Main use: Promotes sweating, Releases the Exterior; Warms the channels, Tonifies the Yang,...
b. Fu Ling (Poria)
Main use: Eliminates Water, Strengthens the Spleen,..
c. Mou Tan Pi
Main use: Clears Heat, Cools and Moves Blood, Eliminates Blood accumulation,...
d. Tao Ren (Peach Seed)
Main use: Moves Blood, Eliminates accumulations, Moistens the Intestines,...movement;
e. Shao yao (Peony)
Main use: removes blood stasis, Relieves pain, Regulates & harmonizes Qi & blood, Clears Heat,...

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Menstrual Conditions/Irregularities - Oligomenorrhea in Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In TCM, Oligomenorrhea is also considered as one type of irregular menstruation, depending to the unique diagnosis and differentiation of a women. In most similar symptoms of 2 women in irregular menstruation are given different treatments
(Same diseases with different herbs and different diseases with the same herbs)
For more information of Oligomenorrhea, please read Menstrual Cycle - Irregular Menstruation in Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

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Menstrual Conditions/Irregularities- Irregular Menstruation in Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

All women experience irregular period sometimes during their child bearing years, before menopause. While Western medication has never viewed that irregular menstruation is a problem of women reproductive system, traditional Chinese medicine looks at this problem seriously, if left untreated, it will disharmonize the women ecosystem, leading to nervous tension and other health problems, including infertility. Girls in South East Asia have learned in their early women life from grand mother wisdom, that they do not engage in any activity, distorting their regular period.. Irregular period should be treated immediately, otherwise, it may cause wide range of women diseases, such as infertility, according to Traditional Chinese medicine.

Irregular menstruation or period in conventional medicine is defined as condition in which a woman is experience abnormal variation of length of the menstrual cycle. While the normal menstrual cycle is 28-35 days, women who are experience with irregular menstrual cycle can have a length variation between 8 and 20 days or shorter than 21 days, or longer than 36 days.

Symptoms and signs
1. Menstrual bleeding
Menstrual bleeding for women with irregular menstruation is last more than 7 days.

2. Length of period
A length variation of one period to the next is between 8 and 20 days or shorter than 21 days, or longer than 36 days.

3. Heavy bleeding
Heavy bleeding that soaks menstrual pad or tampon every two to three hours is a sgin of irregular menstruation.

4. Amenorrhea
If a woman is experience with absence of period for more 90 days may be a sign of irregular menstruation.

5. Heavy bleeding with Blood clot
In answering the question of irregular period, thick blood, light flow, and clotting, Dr. Dr Rajesh Ramuka indicated that Hello, you need not to worry about your period because passing clot during menses is totally normal as during menses your body release anticoagulant to keep blood thin and prevent it from clotting,but during heavy period blood is released rapidly but anticoagulant do not get enough time to do his work so clot is formed.If you are getting clots of very large size on regular basis then consult your gynecologist.

6. Infertility
Women who are experience irregular menstruation are st higher risk of infertility. According to the article of "Irregular Periods and Getting Pregnant" posted at WebMD, Reviewed by Mikio A. Nihira, MD. the author stated that irregular or abnormal ovulation and menstruation accounts for 30% to 40% of all cases of infertility.

7. Etc.

Causes
1. Hot and spicy foods
Hot and spy may be needed to improve the immune system, increase blood flow to the reproductive organs and warm the uterus for natural conception, but over intake of them may distort the kidney function in nourishing and moistening the body tissue and increase the blood flow, causing over reproduction progesterone and testosterone, resulting in heat accumulated in the body and irregular blood flow.

2. Cool and cold foods
Over eaten some cool and cold foods such as cold drink, icy drink and raw foods over prolong period of time will decrease the yang qi in the body, leading to reducing the qi and energy flow to the reproductive organs. In some sever case, it blocks the flow of energy and increases the risk of accumulation of cold in the body, distorting the the yin phrase of menstrual cycle, causing painful irregular period and increasing the risk of infertility.

3. Occupation
People who work in cold or hot environment may cause the lost of their underlayer of yang or yin weather in the body, because our body need to divert our yang or yin weather to fight the constant cold and hot temperature accordingly. Over a long period of times, if diet can not support the lost of energy and flow in the body, it causes either yang or yin deficiency that distort the normal menstrual cycle, leading to irregular period. In some severe cases, it causes infertility.

4. Rigid exercise
Moderate exercise is alway good for our body, rigid exercise may cause blood moving upward to the organs other than the productive organs, leading to not enough to sustain a menstrual period, thus causing irregular period and infertility in some cases.

5. Raw food diet
Raw food diet is healthier, if compare with the typical American diet. According to traditional Chinese medicine, raw foods are considered yin pathogen, if over intake of them for a prolong period of times will cause yang deficiency, distorting the yang phrase of the normal menstrual cycle, resulting in irregular period and sometimes infertility.

6. Diet against internal weather
Eating slightly opposite to the internal constitution is always recommended. For example, if your internal constitution is yang, then you should eat a slightly more cool foods than people with neutral constitution.

7. Stress
Stress can impair the proper functions of the spleen in food digestion and transporting blood and qi to the reproductive organs, leading to abnormal menstrual period and increasing the risk of infertility.

8. Artificial sweetener and Processed foods
All these foods exhibit the yin and dampness in the body, according to TCM. While deficiency of yang causes the constriction that interferes with spleen function in food digestion and transport nutrients to our body, making our qi flow sluggish, leading to irregular period, weight gain and lack of energy.

9. Imbalance or blockage of the internal organs
Damage or unhealthy diet or emotional stress affect the effectiveness of zhangfu organs to carry theirs function in transformation and distribution of body' fluid, essence, blood, qi, etc. due to excess or deficient pathogens.

10. Blockage of Internal channels
It is caused by the zhangfu organs' inability to move qi along theirs channels.

11. Etc.

Types of irregular menstruation
There are many different causes of irregular period in traditional Chinese medicine but the most common of them are
1. Long Term Irregularity
Women with prolong period of irregular menstrual month after month, such as delay of menstruation, prolong period bleeding, very painful period, etc. should consider to see their doctor immediately. According to traditional Chinese medicine, it is a serious condition, because the entire ecosystem may be distorted, including function of spleen, kidney and liver. If it is left untreated, it not only causes hormone imbalance and other reproductive disorder such as damaging liver, abnormal thyroid function, kidney dysfunction, etc, but also increases the risk of infertility.
Normally, women with long term irregular period may need to harmonize their imbalance for period of at least 3 months by herbs, acupuncture, acupressure, exercise, etc, depending to types of deficiency (spleen, kidney, liver, energy flow, qi and blood deficiency or stagnation,etc.)

2. Sudden or short term irregularity
Short term irregular period may be caused by sudden change in diet or activity that diminishes the spleen function in food digestion and energy transportation caused intake of high spicy food or too much cold drinks, or exhibits the blood or qi stagnation caused by over drinking or toxins accumulated in the liver, reducing the liver function in blood formation, leading to little for menstruation, or decreasing the kidney function in moistening and nourishing the reproductive organ caused the activity or occupation, leading to irregular period. Normally, women with
this type of condition is easier to treat, if you pay attention to your diet and adjust them oppositely to your body internal constitution, you will be fine.

Treatments
A. Kidney Qi Deficiency
A.1. Symptoms
1. Dizziness
2. Ringing in the ears
3. Weak or sore lower back
4. Fatigue
5. Pale complexion
5. Frequent urination
6. Premature ejaculation in men
7. Asthmatic panting upon exertion
8. Weak legs
9. Water retention in the legs
10. Poor appetite
11. Loose stools
12. Amenorrhea
13. Etc.

A.2. Treatments
A.2.1. With herbs
1. Ren shen (Ginseng)
Ren shen is considered as one of most powerful herbs in strengthening the original qi in the body. Besides improving the spleen function in qi absorption, thus reducing the symptoms of distended chest and abdomen cramps and pain, it also enhances the lung qi by moistening the channels.

2. Xi yang shen (American ginseng)
Besides promoting the lung and spleen qi, it also increases the digestive system in absorbing vital energy and reducing the heat causes of qi stagnation by moistening the all qi transportation channels.

3. Dang shen (Pilose asiabell root)
Dang shen is a spleen and lung tonic herbs. It improves the lung function in moving qi smoothly through its channels and spleen function in absorbing qi after foods entering the stomach.

4. Etc.

A. 2.2. With Foods
1. Sweet potato
2. Watercress
3. Cherry
4. Chestnuts
5. Walnuts
6. Mussel
7. Lamb
8. Basil,
9. Black pepper
10. Cinnamon bark
11. Fennel seed
12. Garlic,
13. Ginger
14. Peppermint
15. Sage
16. White pepper
17. Jasmine tea
18. Etc.

B. Liver Qi Stagnation
B.1. Symptoms
1. Heavy or scanty menstrual blood
2. Menstrual blood is either normal or purplish color,
3. Menstrual flow comes and stops with clot
4. Breast tenderness and sore
5. Cramps and pain relieve when menstruation arrives
6. Nervous tensions
a. Depression,
b. Axiety
c. Irritability
d. Frustarte easily
7. Hiccup
8. Sigh
9. Difficulty swallowing
10. Bitter taste in mouth
11. Constipation
12. Etc.

B.2. Treatment
B.2.1. Herbs
1. Xiang Fu (Nut grass rhizome)
It is one the herbs helped to regulate the qi flow by smoothing the liver and congestion of Spleen qi caused by excessive yin or yang, thus reducing qi stagnation caused by disharmonization of liver and Spleen causes of abdominal cramps and pain. It is said that xiang fu also has a function impromoting regular menstruation.

2. Wu Yao (Lindera Root)
Wu yao is one the warm with the main function of warming the kidney caused by kidney yang defieciency. It is only used for patient with evidence of liver qi stagnation caused by prolong intake of cold foods or working in a cold environment. Since its function is to restore the liver qi flow due to cold constraint, it reduces the blood stagnation causes of menstrual pain.

3. Zhi Ke (Ripe fruit of zhi shi)
Zhi ke promote healthy liver, it promotes a strong liver qi function, thereby, increasing its function in blood formation and transportation to the heart for circulation.

4. Bai Shao (White Peony Root)
White peony root nourishes the blood and tones the uterus, it reduces the symptoms of yin deficiency causes of abdomen cramps and pain.

5. Dang Qui (Angelica Root)
Angellica root is considered as a queen herb in TCM, beside helping to tonifies the blood and qi and regulate the women menstruation, it also promotes blood flow to the abdomen, thus reducing the risk of liver qi stagnation.

6. Etc.

B.2.2 Foods
1. Garlic
2. Turmeric
3. Cherries
4. Chicken
5. Tofu
6. Squash
7. Sweet potato
8. Dates
9. Red bean
10. Onions,
11. Mustard greens
12. Watercress
13. Etc.

C. Spleen Qi Deficiency
C.1. Symptoms
1. Weakness
2. Breathing Low
3. Nutrition deficiency
4. Little desire to speak
5. Poor appetite
6. Dizziness and tiredness
7. Headache
8. Abdominal discomfort
9. Indigestion
10. Bloating and gas
11. Etc.

C.2.Treatments
C.2.1. Herbs
1.Ren shen (Ginseng)
Ren shen is considered as one of most powerful herbs in strengthening the original qi in the body. In spleen, it improves the spleen function in qi absorption, thus reducing the symptoms of distended chest and abdomen cramps and pain.

2. Xi yang shen (American ginseng)
Xi yang shen is yin in nature, besides promoting the lung and spleen qi, it also increases the digestive system in absorbing vital energy and reducing the heat causes of qi stagnation by moistening the all qi transportation channels, especially for qi stagnation caused by deficiency of yin.

3. Dang shen (pilose asiabell root)
Dang shen is a spleen and lung tonic herbs. It improves the lung function in moving qi smoothly through its channels and spleen function in absorbing qi after foods entering the stomach. It also helps to restore the qi which is damaged by heat caused by infection, inflammation or heat generated due to excessive fluids accumulation.

4. Tai zi shen (pseudostellaria root)
Besides helping to increase the spleen and lung qi, it also improve the blood transportation and spleen and stomach in absorbing vital energy for our body cells and generates fluids to prevent the heat causes of qi stagnation.

5. Huang qi (astragalus root)
It is one of the herb that helps to increase the function of liver in generating more blood and liver qi in blood transportation due to excessive blood loss during menstruation.

6. Da Zao (Jujube Dates)
It is a good herb for tonifying spleen qi and short of breath and nourishing blood.

7. Etc.

C.2.2. Foods
1. Asparagus
2. Cabbage
3. Peas, potato
4. Pumpkin
5. Sweet potato
6. Yam
7. Cherry
8. Date
9. Tofu
10. Black sesame seeds
11. Oyster
12. Tuna
13. Beef
14. Chicken
15. Lamb
16. Etc.

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Menstrual Stages - Perimenopause and Post Menopause in Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Traditional Chinese medicine, herbal formula and herbs used to treat Perimenopause, menopause and post menopause are similar to certain extend, depending to the unique diagnosis and differentiate of a woman.
Please refer to Menstrual Conditions- Menopause in Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective for more information

Menstrual Conditions/Irregularities - Oligomenorrhea

Oligomenorrhea is an irregular menstruation and defined as a condition of infrequent period or a woman menstrual period does not occur at a interval of greater than 35 days.

Symptoms

1. Menstrual bleeding
Menstrual bleeding for women with irregular menstruation is last more tham 7 days.

2. Length of period
Woman menstrual period does not occur at a interval of greater than 35 days

3. Menstruation
Women with oligomenorrhea may be experience very light menstruation with with only four to nine periods in a year.

4. Infertility
Women who are experience irregular menstruation are st higher risk of infertility. According to the article of "Irregular Periods and Getting Pregnant" posted at WebMD, Reviewed by Mikio A. Nihira, MD. the author stated that irregular or abnormal ovulation and menstruation accounts for 30% to 40% of all cases of infertility.

5. Irregular menstrual periods with unpredictable flow
It is a result of hormone imbalance. It can happen to women in the perimenopause as well as 2 years after puberty.

6. Etc.

Causes
1. Perimenopause

As a woman approaches the perimenopause stage, menstrual cycle is disturbed due to lower production of sex hormones as a result of irregular response of ovaries to the higher amount FSH produced by pituitary gland.

2. Benign tumor

Adenomas grows at the anterior pituitary gland can affect the function of the gland in secretion of either FSH or LH that can lead to loss of normal menstrual cycles including oligomenorrhea.

3. Certain diseases
a. Hyperthyroidist can cause Oligomenorrhea as a result of over production of thyroid hormone, leading to lightening less often of menstrual flow.
b. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
According to the article of Oligomenorrhea posted at the free dictionary by Farlex, the author wrote that Women with PCOS show menstrual irregularities that range from oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea on the one hand to very heavy, irregular periods on the other. The condition affects about 6% of premenopausal women and is related to excess androgen production.

Due to to excess androgen production.
c. Graves disease

Graves disease is an autoimmune disease with overactive the thyroid gland causing production an excessive amount of thyroid hormones, that leads to oligomenorrhea.

4. Intensive exercise

Intensive exercise can affect the women reproductive physiology, that can lead to irregular menstruation including Oligomenorrhea. In study of Reproductive system function in women cross-country runners." by Wakat DK, Sweeney KA, Rogol AD., researchers found that Evaluation of seven runners from one school who qualified for the national meet (1 amenorrheic, 5 oligomenorrheic, and 1 normal) revealed that the basal estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and thyroid hormone levels were normal and that there were normal luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone responses to synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). These data are consistent with an alteration of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian function above the level of the pituitary.

6. Breast feeding
Breast feeding can increase the risk of oligomenorrhea, due to delay of ovulation as a result of hormonal change.

7. Eating disorders
Eating disorder that can affect your monthly cycle as a result of irregular menstruation. According to the article of "Eating disorders may disrupt menstruation" By Anne Harding, posted in Reuters, the author wrote that any type of eating disorder can boost a woman's likelihood of having irregular menstrual periods, a new study confirms in a survey of 1,705 women participating in a genetic study who met strict diagnostic criteria for eating disorders, Bulik and her team found menstrual irregularities including absence of periods, skipping periods, and very light periods among women with every subtype of eating disorder, including bulimia nervosa.

8. Etc.

Diagnosis
After recording the family history and the time, frequency, length, and quantity of bleeding and physical exam, including pelvic exam and pap smear to rule out certain physical causes of Oligomenorrhea.
1. Blood test
The aim of the test is to rule out the abnormal levels (too high or too low) of thyroid hormone cause of Oligomenorrhea.

2. Ultrasound
Ultrasound allows your doctor to visualize and assess any abnormality and surrounding area of the pelvic with image taken from the test to rule out other cause of diseases.

3. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is one of many advanced technology used to visualize internal structures cross sectional imaging of your body used effectively in providing the better details of any abnormality and surrounding areas.

4. Etc.

Preventions
A. How to prevent in common sense approaches
1. Reduce stress by meditation or yoga
Meditation and yoga can help to keep breathing slow and controlled and to relax and energized the body, thus reducing the stress.

2. Avoid intensive exercise

Intensive exercise can reduce estrogen levels, which can lead irregular menstrual cycle including Oligomenorrhea

3. Nutrient deficiency
unhealthy diet can cause deficiency of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B complex and magnesium , leading to Oligomenorrhea.

4. Weight loss

Weight loss too quickly increases the risk of hormonal imbalance that can lead to Oligomenorrhea

5. Moderate drinking
According to the answer to the question of Does alcohol affect menstruation?, Chosen by AskerAppolnia_76 stated that YES it does... in a couple of different ways.First, it inhibits the secretion of the ADH, or anti-diuretic hormone from the pituitary gland in the brain... that's why we pee so much when we drink. You are essentially getting dehydrated, so the blood thickens and your menstrual flow will slow down until you re-hydrate yourself. Second, when you drink hard core, like lots of hard liquor or go on a bender for a few days, you can have extra periods or have skipped or late periods too. the reason for this is it messes up your metabolism and your hormones.

6. Etc.

B. Diet
1. Soy Products
Soy products contain high amount of phytochemicals, that can help to balance the body hormones, thus reducing the risk of Oligomenorrhea

2. Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and plenty of antioxidants, that can provide the necessary nutrient to the body and reduce the risk of nutrient deficiency cause of Oligomenorrhea.

3. Flaxseed
Flaxseed not only contains high amount of essential fatty acids which are necessary for heart and reproductive health but also is an extraordinary source of the phytoestrogen lignans, containing 75 to 800 times as much as other plant sources, helped to reduce the risk of the diseases.

4. Beans
Due to high amount of fiber, bean can help to slow the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream, thus reducing the risk of high blood sugar for some menopause with disease of diabetes.Beans are also high sources of vitamin and mineral,such as calcium, folic acid and vitamin B-6. And they also contain some sources of phytoestrogen.

6. for more information of healthy food visit 100+ Healthy Foods Classification

C. Nutritional supplements

1. Iron
Iron is essential for women suffering from menorrhagia. Since excessive bleeding causes the loss of iron causing iron deficiency, without enough iron our body cannot reproduce red blood cells to replace those lost in bleeding resulting in symptoms of paller, weakness, fatigue as well as increasing the risk of inflammation.

2. Vitamin B complex
Vitamin B complex is a liver tonic vitamin. It helps the liver to convert the bad estrogen, xanooestrogen into weaker and less dangerous forms and converts omega 6 oils into a form that can be used by the body to produce the good type prostaglandins instead of dinoprostone resulting in reduced menstrual cramps and pain.

3. Cod liver oil
Cod liver oil contains high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids that control heavy bleeding during periods. Since red meat and dairy products contain arachidonic acid without balancing intake of omega 3 fatty acid, this causes the over production of dinoprostone leading to increased blood flow, and reducing blood-clotting ability.

4. Zinc
Besides having an important role in treating enlarged prostate in men's health, this mineral is vital for the healthy functioning of the reproductive system in women as well as maintaining hormone balancing.

5. Flavonoid
Flavonoid is a powerful antioxidant activity. It helps to protect small blood vessels from damage resulting in protecting against the blood loss of menorrhagia during menstruation.

6.Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an antioxidant. It works together with iron and copper to help enhance the production of red blood cells. Vitamin A deficiency has been found in women with menorrhagia.

7. Vitamin C
Besides being an antioxidant that helps our body to fight against free radicals from building up and the digestive system's metabolism to reduce menstrual pain.

8. Etc.

Treatments
A. In conventional medicine
A.1. Hormone treatments
1. Contraceptive pill
a. Low-dose combination birth control pills which contains low-dose synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen and progesterone may be use to treat amenorrhea by controlling the menstrual cycle or bring the period back to mormal.
b. Risks and side effects
b.1. Growth of fibroids
Growth of fibroid is caused high level of estrogen and progesterone. The intake of the pill increase the level of both hormones resulting in increase the risk of growth of fibroid.
b.2. Recurrent of menstrual symptoms
Some women stop taking the pill may see all the menstrual symptoms coming back.
b3. Blood clots
Estrogen in the pill may cause blood clots in the small vessels in the leg and the lung.
b.4. Stroke and heart diseases
Study shows that women who have higher natural estrogen levels may have a higher risk of stroke and heart diseases.
b.5. Depression and mood swing
At the beginning, it may cause abnormal fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone elevate both physical and psychological stress, eventually resulting in both depression and mood swing
b.6. Bleeding and spotting
Bleeding and spotting is normal for the first six months for women who begin with any oral contraceptive combination pill treatment.
b.7. Lost interest in sex
Some women may experience lower sexual desire
b.8. Nutritional deficiency
Oral contraceptive pill causes vitamin and mineral imbalances or deficiencies.
b.9. Etc.

2. Progesterone only pill
Norethisterone a progestogen and has been used used treat premenstrual syndrome, painful periods, abnormal heavy bleeding, irregular periods. In a study of A comparative study of danazol and norethisterone in dysfunctional uterine bleeding presenting as menorrhagia M. Bonduelle, J.J. Walker and A.A. Caldert, researcher found that Since this study was undertaken, a report of
objective measurement of blood loss in small groups of patients9 casts further doubt on the
efficacy ofnorethisterone, although it confirms that of danazol. Since norethisterone is very widely used, a detailed assessment of its efficacy and safety in comparison to danazol is overdue. Should such a study confirm the findings discussed here then danazol could usefully be employed as first line therapy in the management of dysfunctional uterine bleeding presenting as menorrhagia.

B. Herbs
1. Black Cohosh
Black cohosh beside has been used as an emmenagogue to contracts the uterus and initiate menstruation, it also enhances hormone balancing.

2. Chaste tree berry
Chaste tree berry is considered as a queen herb in herbal medicine to regulate the women menstrual cycle by balancing the estrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries throughout the menstrual cycle.

3. Raspberry leaf
Red Raspberry leaf, a pale-green leaf produced by the raspberry plant has been used in herbal medicine because of its rich content in vitamins, minerals, and tannins and as an aid in delivery. Herbalists suggested that red raspberry leaf enhances the lining of uterus and promotes female reproductive system, including Oligomenorrhea.

4. Cat's claw
Cat's claw is a woody vine found in the tropical jungles of South and Central America> The herb has been used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal ailments, Crohn's disease, gastric ulcers tumors, and women's hormone imbalances.

5. Turmeric
Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family and has been use as an antiseptic agent for cuts, burns and bruises as well as an aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate menstruation, in traditional medicine.

6. Etc.

C. Traditional Chinese medicine
1. Angelica root
Chinese Angelica is a sturdy perennial plant that is native to China and Japan. It has been used for over 5000 years in traditional Chinese medicine in treating an overall tonic for the reproductive system as well as balancing hormones and it is also used to relieve the discomforts of premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation. oligomenorrhea and amenorrhagia. It is well known as female ginseng.

2. Radix Notoginseng
Also known as tian san qi or tien chi ginseng. It has been used in China for centuries in treating excessive bleeding in irregular menstruation. It is widely used in Asia for angina to help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and to expand coronary arteries in order to promote blood circulation and prevent blood clots thereby helping to control excessive menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. It also is a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce inflammation thus reducing pain caused by menstruation disorders.

3. Licorice
Licorice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to detoxify and to enhance or balance the effects of other herbs in herbal formula as well as promote estrogenic activity. In a study of "Estrogen-like activity of licorice root constituents: glabridin and glabrene, in vascular tissues in vitro and in vivo". by Somjen D, Knoll E, Vaya J, Stern N, Tamir S., researchers concluded that glb behaved differently than E2 or gla, but similarly to raloxifene, being a partial agonist/antagonist of E2. Glabridin, on the other hand, demonstrated only estrogenic activity. Therefore, we suggest the use of glb with or without E2 as a new agent for modulation of vascular injury and atherogenesis for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in post-menopausal women.

4. Motherwort
Motherwort is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family, It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine in tonifying the uterus and preventing the uterus against infection. Leonurine, a compound in the herb has an effect in promoting uterine contractions. As an emmenagogue, it enhance blood flow.

5. Skullcap
Skullcap is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to tonify the heart, treat insomnia and enhance immune system. It is said that a infusion of the plant can be used to promote menstruation. According to the article Skullcap - Botanical and Common Names posted in Innvista, the author indicated that An infusion of the fresh aerial parts (if possible) is used to soothe nervous exhaustion, excitability, overanxiety, and premenstrual tension.

6. Etc.

For other health article, please visit
http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/
Please follow me at http://twitter.com/kylejnorton

Menstrual Conditions/Irregularities- Irregular Menstruation

Irregular menstruation or period is defined as condition in which a woman is experience abnormal variation of length of the menstrual cycle. While the normal menstrual cycle is 28-35 days, women who are experience with irregular menstrual cycle can have a length variation between 8 and 20 days or shorter than 21 days, or longer than 36 days

Symptoms and signs
1. Menstrual bleeding
Menstrual bleeding for women with irregular menstruation is last more than 7 days.

2. Length of period
A length variation of one period to the next is between 8 and 20 days or shorter than 21 days, or longer than 36 days.

3. Heavy bleeding
Heavy bleeding that soaks menstrual pad or tampon every two to three hours is a sgin of irregular menstruation.

4. Amenorrhea
If a woman is experience with absence of period for more 90 days may be a sign of irregular menstruation.

5. Heavy bleeding with Blood clot
In answering the question of irregular period, thick blood, light flow, and clotting, Dr. Dr Rajesh Ramuka indicated that Hello, you need not to worry about your period because passing clot during menses is totally normal as during menses your body release anticoagulant to keep blood thin and prevent it from clotting,but during heavy period blood is released rapidly but anticoagulant do not get enough time to do his work so clot is formed.If you are getting clots of very large size on regular basis then consult your gynecologist.

6. Infertility
Women who are experience irregular menstruation are st higher risk of infertility. According to the article of "Irregular Periods and Getting Pregnant" posted at WebMD, Reviewed by Mikio A. Nihira, MD. the author stated that irregular or abnormal ovulation and menstruation accounts for 30% to 40% of all cases of infertility.
7. Etc.

Causes and risk factors
1. Age
As a woman approaches the age of 30, hormone production begins to change to the lesser stage. Women in the peri menopause stage can experience more irregular period than the younger age women as the result of diminishing of sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.

2. Reproductive diseases
Reproductive diseases such as fibroids, uterine bleeding and polyps can cause abnormal bleeding between period or heavy bleeding in the period.

3. Metrorrhagia
Metrorrhagia is defined as a condition of irregular period between expecting period.

4. Stop Using of birth control pill
Women who stop using of the birth control pill may experience irregular menstruation as a result of the women reproductive organs require time to adjust to the withdraw of the pill.

5. Birth control pill

Birth control can alter the length, blood volume, that can lead to irregular menstruation as a result of hormonal change.

6. Intensive exercise

In most cases, women who are extremely active in sports activities, are experience absence of period but in some women, it is the irregular menstruation instead.

7. Stress
Stress can cause hormonal change and prolonged period of stress can cause hormonal change large enough to affect the menstrual cycle normality.

8. Diet
Unhealthy diet such as typical American diet with high in saturated and trans fat with less fruit and vegetable is at higher risk of irregular menstruation of a result of hormonal change.

9. Medical condition

Certain medical condition such as disorders of the thyroid gland can cause menstrual irregularities if the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood become too low or too high.

10. Eating disorder
Eating disorder that can affect your monthly cycle as a result of irregular menstruation. According to the article of "Eating disorders may disrupt menstruation" By Anne Harding, posted in Reuters, the author wrote that any type of eating disorder can boost a woman's likelihood of having irregular menstrual periods, a new study confirms in a survey of 1,705 women participating in a genetic study who met strict diagnostic criteria for eating disorders, Bulik and her team found menstrual irregularities including absence of periods, skipping periods, and very light periods among women with every subtype of eating disorder, including bulimia nervosa,

11. Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
According to a study of 13 females with delayed sleep phase syndrome and 13 healthy controls. The subjects responded to a questionnaire regarding their reproductive health, including irregularity of their cycle and premenstrual symptoms, either in the past or present by Kari Sveum, of Northwestern University in Chicago, Ill presented on Tuesday at SLEEP 2008, the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS), researcher indicated that delayed sleep phase syndrome reported an irregular menstrual cycle compared to controls.

12. Nutrient deficiency
In an article of "Eating behaviors in female volleyball players - Nutrition and Women's Topics" posted in Nutrition Research Newsletter. FindArticles.com. 16 Aug, 2011., the author indicated that the results show that dietetics professionals must take a proactive role in educating female athletes about the potentially severe consequences of chronic energy restriction, nutrient deficiencies and menstrual dysfunction on physical performance and health, while emphasizing the importance of a balanced, nutrient-dense diet.

13. Etc.

Diagnosis
If you are experience some of the symptoms above. there are certain test that you doctor may order.
After taking the precise family history to rule out medication and diseases and a physical exam, including the pelvic exam to rule out the abnormality, including cervical polyp or fibroid, or a uterine infection, causes of irregular menstruation.
1. Complete blood count (CBC) test
The aims of the test is to rule out the irregular menstruation as a result of anemia.

2. Blood Clotting test
If you are experience heavy bleeding, blood test of coagulation is to rule out the bleeding problem

3. Pelvic ultrasound
The aims of the test is make sure and rule out the abnormalities of the uterus, ovaries and the fallopian tubes causes of irregular menstruation.

4. Thyroid testThe aim of the test is to rule out the abnormal levels (too high or too low) of thyroid hormone cause of irregular menstruation.

5. Etc.

Prevention
A. How to prevent in common sense approaches
1. Reduce stress by meditation or yoga
Meditation and yoga can help to keep breathing slow and controlled and to relax and energized the body, thus reducing the stress.

2. Avoid intensive exercise

Intensive exercise can reduce estrogen levels, which can lead irregular menstrual cycle including irregular period

3. Nutrient deficiency
unhealthy diet can cause deficiency of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B complex and magnesium , leading to irregular menstruation.

4. Weight loss

Weight loss too quickly increases the risk of hormonal imbalance that can lead to irregular menstruation.

5. Moderate drinking
According to the answer to the question of Does alcohol affect menstruation?, Chosen by AskerAppolnia_76 stated that YES it does... in a couple of different ways.First, it inhibits the secretion of the ADH, or anti-diuretic hormone from the pituitary gland in the brain... that's why we pee so much when we drink. You are essentially getting dehydrated, so the blood thickens and your menstrual flow will slow down until you re-hydrate yourself. Second, when you drink hard core, like lots of hard liquor or go on a bender for a few days, you can have extra periods or have skipped or late periods too. the reason for this is it messes up your metabolism and your hormones.

6. Etc.

B. Diet
1. Soy Products
Soy products contain high amount of phytochemicals, that can help to balance the body hormones, thus reducing the risk of irregular menstruation

2. Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and plenty of antioxidants, that can provide the necessary nutrient to the body and reduce the risk of nutrient deficiency cause of irregular menstruation.

3. Flaxseed
Flaxseed not only contains high amount of essential fatty acids which are necessary for heart and reproductive health but also is an extraordinary source of the phytoestrogen lignans, containing 75 to 800 times as much as other plant sources, helped to reduce the risk of the diseases.

4. Beans
Due to high amount of fiber, bean can help to slow the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream, thus reducing the risk of high blood sugar for some menopause with disease of diabetes.Beans are also high sources of vitamin and mineral,such as calcium, folic acid and vitamin B-6. And they also contain some sources of phytoestrogen.

6. for more information of healthy food visit 100+ Healthy Foods Classification

C. Nutritional supplements

1. Iron
Iron is essential for women suffering from menorrhagia. Since excessive bleeding causes the loss of iron causing iron deficiency, without enough iron our body cannot reproduce red blood cells to replace those lost in bleeding resulting in symptoms of paller, weakness, fatigue as well as increasing the risk of inflammation.

2. Vitamin B complex
Vitamin B complex is a liver tonic vitamin. It helps the liver to convert the bad estrogen, xanooestrogen into weaker and less dangerous forms and converts omega 6 oils into a form that can be used by the body to produce the good type prostaglandins instead of dinoprostone resulting in reduced bleeding during menstruation.

3. Cod liver oil
Cod liver oil contains high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids that control heavy bleeding during periods. Since red meat and dairy products contain arachidonic acid without balancing intake of omega 3 fatty acid, this causes the over production of dinoprostone leading to increased blood flow, and reducing blood-clotting ability.

4. Zinc
Besides having an important role in treating enlarged prostate in men's health, this mineral is vital for the healthy functioning of the reproductive system in women as well as maintaining hormone balancing.

5. Flavonoid
Flavonoid is a powerful antioxidant activity. It helps to protect small blood vessels from damage resulting in protecting against the blood loss of menorrhagia during menstruation.

6.Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an antioxidant. It works together with iron and copper to help enhance the production of red blood cells. Vitamin A deficiency has been found in women with menorrhagia.

7. Vitamin C
Besides being an antioxidant that helps our body to fight against free radicals from building up and help the digestive system's metabolism to reduce menstrual pain, it also helps excessive blood flow during menstruation as a resulting of strengthening small blood vessels known as capillaries.

8. Etc.

Treatments
A. In conventional medicine
A.1. Hormone treatments
1. Contraceptive pill
a. Low-dose combination birth control pills which contains low-dose synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen and progesterone may be use to treat amenorrhea by controlling the menstrual cycle or bring the period back.
b. Risks and side effects
b.1. Growth of fibroids
Growth of fibroid is caused high level of estrogen and progesterone. The intake of the pill increase the level of both hormones resulting in increase the risk of growth of fibroid.
b.2. Recurrent of menstrual symptoms
Some women stop taking the pill may see all the menstrual symptoms coming back.
b3. Blood clots
Estrogen in the pill may cause blood clots in the small vessels in the leg and the lung.
b.4. Stroke and heart diseases
Study shows that women who have higher natural estrogen levels may have a higher risk of stroke and heart diseases.
b.5. Depression and mood swing
At the beginning, it may cause abnormal fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone elevate both physical and psychological stress, eventually resulting in both depression and mood swing
b.6. Bleeding and spotting
Bleeding and spotting is normal for the first six months for women who begin with any oral contraceptive combination pill treatment.
b.7. Lost interest in sex
Some women may experience lower sexual desire
b.8. Nutritional deficiency
Oral contraceptive pill causes vitamin and mineral imbalances or deficiencies.
b.9. Etc.

2. Progesterone only pill
Norethisterone a progestogen and has been used used treat premenstrual syndrome, painful periods, abnormal heavy bleeding, irregular periods. In a study of A comparative study of danazol and norethisterone in dysfunctional uterine bleeding presenting as menorrhagia M. Bonduelle, J.J. Walker and A.A. Caldert, researcher found that Since this study was undertaken, a report of
objective measurement of blood loss in small groups of patients9 casts further doubt on the
efficacy ofnorethisterone, although it confirms that of danazol. Since norethisterone is very widely used, a detailed assessment of its efficacy and safety in comparison to danazol is overdue. Should such a study confirm the findings discussed here then danazol could usefully be employed as first line therapy in the management of dysfunctional uterine bleeding presenting as menorrhagia.

B. Herbs
1. Black Cohosh
Black cohosh beside has been used as an emmenagogue to contracts the uterus and initiate menstruation, it also enhances hromone balancing.

2. Chaste tree berry
Chaste tree berry is considered as a queen herb in herbal medicine to regulate the women menstrual cycle by balancing the estrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries throughout the menstrual cycle.

3. Raspberry leaf
Red Raspberry leaf, a pale-green leaf produced by the raspberry plant has been used in herbal medicine because of its rich content in vitamins, minerals, and tannins and as an aid in delivery. Herbalists suggested that red raspberry leaf enhances the lining of uterus and promotes female reproductive system, including decreasing profuse menstrual flow and treating irregular menstruation.

4. Cat's claw
Cat's claw is a woody vine found in the tropical jungles of South and Central America> The herb has been used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal ailments, Crohn's disease, gastric ulcers tumors, and women's hormone imbalances.

5. Turmeric
Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family and has been use as an antiseptic agent for cuts, burns and bruises as well as an aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate menstruation, in traditional medicine.

6. Etc.

C. Traditional Chinese medicine
1. Angelica root
Chinese Angelica is a sturdy perennial plant that is native to China and Japan. It has been used for over 5000 years in traditional Chinese medicine in treating an overall tonic for the reproductive system as well as balancing hormones and it is also used to relieve the discomforts of premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation and amenorrhagia. It is well known as female ginseng.

2. Radix Notoginseng
Also known as tian san qi or tien chi ginseng. It has been used in China for centuries in treating excessive bleeding in irregular menstruation. It is widely used in Asia for angina to help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and to expand coronary arteries in order to promote blood circulation and prevent blood clots thereby helping to control excessive menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. It also is a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce inflammation thus reducing pain caused by menstruation disorders.

3. Licorice
Licorice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to detoxify and to enhance or balance the effects of other herbs in herbal formula as well as promote estrogenic activity. In a study of "Estrogen-like activity of licorice root constituents: glabridin and glabrene, in vascular tissues in vitro and in vivo". by Somjen D, Knoll E, Vaya J, Stern N, Tamir S., researchers concluded that glb behaved differently than E2 or gla, but similarly to raloxifene, being a partial agonist/antagonist of E2. Glabridin, on the other hand, demonstrated only estrogenic activity. Therefore, we suggest the use of glb with or without E2 as a new agent for modulation of vascular injury and atherogenesis for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in post-menopausal women.

4. Motherwort
Motherwort is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family, It has been used in trdiational Chinese medicine in tonifying the uterus and preventing the uterus against infection. Leonurine, a compound in the herb has an effect in promoting uterine contractions. As an emmenagogue, it enhance blood flow.

5. Skullcap
Skullcap is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to tonify the heart, treat insomnia and enhance immune system. It is said that a infusion of the plant can be used to promote menstruation. According to the article Skullcap - Botanical and Common Names posted in Innvista, the author indicated that An infusion of the fresh aerial parts (if possible) is used to soothe nervous exhaustion, excitability, overanxiety, and premenstrual tension.

6. Etc.

For other health article, please visit
http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/
Please follow me at http://twitter.com/kylejnorton

Menstrual Conditions/Irregularities - Dysmenorrhea Caused by Damp Heat Pattern In Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Conventional medicine, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) is defined as a condition of severe uterine pain during menstruation. Some women may experience periodic pains during or prior to, or after menstrual periods in the lower abdomen as resulting of over production of certain hormones in the prostaglandins family. In traditional Chinese medicine, dysmenorrhea is defined as a pain in the lower abdomen, appearing with menstrual cycle that can spread over to the whole abdomen and lumbosacral region, depending to diagnosis.

Differentiation
In TCM, dysmenorrhea may be caused by Blood and Qi stagnation, Qi and Blood deficiency, Damp Heat pattern, Kidney and Liver deficiency, depending to the differentiation.

Damp Heat Pattern
Damp heat is defined as a condition of excessive yin deficiency or the failure of yin to control yang and yang becomes hyperactive, thus giving rise to internally extreme heat, due to abnormal function of liver in qi regulating. It is said that the symptoms can be solved by clearing liver heat, soothing liver qi.
A. Symptoms
1. Lower abdomen pain
Lower abdominal pain may be caused by liver function in blood formation and spleen in transporting the blood to the abnormal region, since damp heat accumulated in the lower abdominal region, it causes abnormal function of spleen, leading to blood stagnation in the abdomen cramps and pain.

2 Joint Pain
As the damp heat moving downward to the abdominal region, it causes the breaking off of small veins in the joint of leg, leading to blood leaking resulting in increasing the risk of swelling and pain.

3. Menstrual discharge with dark red with clots
Menstrual discharge with dark red with clots is caused by liver qi and blood stagnation and inability of spleen in fluid metabolism.

4. Slippery rapid pulse.
Slippery rapid pulse is generated by abnormal spleen function in water metabolism caused by resistance of fluid and heat in the in the blood.

5. Red tongue
Since kidney is responsible in regulating the fluid metabolism, eating hot and spicy food may cause kidney yin deficiency, leading to distorting the kidney function in moistening and lowering the fluids levels in the body, resulting in red tongue.

6. Dark urine
Since spleen is important in transporting fluid in the body, heat causes abnormal function of spleen, thus decreasing the function of kidney in urinary secretion, leading to dark urine.Damp heat sometimes is caused by infection or inflammation of the reproductive organ as a result of sexual transmitting diseases.

7. Etc.

B. Causes
1. Intake of spicy foods
Intake of spicy and hot foods may increase the body temperature that depletes the internal yin and causes liver's heat to rise and affects the normal function of nervous system in information transmitting between themselves and gland, leading stress, anxiety and emotional and physical stress.

2. Over drinking alcohol
Alcohol damages the liver that affects its ability in blood formation and storing, leading to liver blood stagnation in certain region in the productive organ, resulting in purple clots in the period.

3. Over exercises
Moderate exercise is helpful for blood circulation, over exercise diverts blood aways from the reproductive organ that cause not enough blood to support the normal function of the uterus in the yang phrase of menstrual cycle, leading to menstrual cramps and pains before, during and after menstruation

4. Kidney Yin deficiency
Kidney yin deficiency causes abnormal function of kidney in regulating the fluids the body tissues, leading to abnormal water retention in the body.

5. Infection or inflammation
Infection or inflammation caused by invasion of bacteria and virus due to weakening immune system in guarding our body from foreign substances, causing heat pattern in the body that affects the kidney yin, leading to its inability to support the normal function of uterus, thus increasing the risk of uterus contraction.

6. Etc.

C. Treatment
1. Long dan cao (Gentian)
Besides it is used to treat liver heat caused by dampness accumulation due to spleen' inability in materials absorption, It also enhances the liver and the gallbladder function in draining damp heat in the body through kidney urinary secretion.

2. Huang qin (Scullcap)
Huang qin is important to enhance the lung function by moistening the qi, thus reducing the risk of fever, irritability, thirst, cough. It also improves the stomach function in absorbing vital vitamins and minerals by clearing the heat caused extreme dampness that causes diarrhea and thirst with no desire to drink.

3. Zhi zi (Gardenia)
It improves the circulatory function by clearing the liver heat due to constrained liver and heat caused by infection or inflammation as a result of fluids accumulated in body for a prolong period of time.

4. Mu tong (Akebia)
Mu tong besides increases the kidney in clearing dampness through urinary secretion, it also enhances the blood function by draining the blood heat caused by blood stagnation.

5. Che qian cao (Plaintain root)
Che qian cao has a vital function by eliminating the toxin accumulated in the body and promoting damp heat expelling through urinary secretion.

6. Chai hu (Buplerum)
Chai hu enhances the spleen and stomach in qi and materials digestion, thereby reducing damp heat in the abdominal region caused by liver blood stagnation, resulting in lessening the menstrual cramps and pain and pain caused lung qi stagnation due to spleen abnormal function in qi transportation.

7. Gan cao (licorice root)
Gan cao reduces damp heat accumulated in the body in many different ways
a) It moistens the lung, thus reducing the lung dryness causing symptoms of coughing and promoting the smooth qi movement.
b) It reduces the heat caused by toxins in the body by eliminating them through urinary secretion.
c) It enhances the heart in regulating the movement of blood by strengthening the blood that stop the irregular pulse.
d) It increases the liver function in regulating the abdominal muscles, thus reducing the menstrual cramps and pain.

8. Etc.

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Menstrual Conditions/Irregularities- Dysmenorrhea Caused by Kidney and Liver Deficiency In Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Conventional medicine, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) is defined as a condition of severe uterine pain during menstruation. Some women may experience periodic pains during or prior to, or after menstrual periods in the lower abdomen as resulting of over production of certain hormones in the prostaglandins family. In traditional Chinese medicine, dysmenorrhea is defined as a pain in the lower abdomen, appearing with menstrual cycle that can spread over to the whole abdomen and lumbosacral region, depending to diagnosis.

Differentiation
In TCM, dysmenorrhea may be caused by Blood and Qi stagnation, Qi and Blood deficiency, Damp Heat, Kidney and Liver deficiency, depending to the differentiation.

Kidney and liver deficiency
a) Kidney is defined as a organ in regulating the reproductive system, function of uterus and growth of our body. Defiency of kidney yin or yang causes the uterus to become depleted, leading to irregular periods. Unhealthy diet, raw food diet or occupation can cause deficiency of kidney qi.
b) Liver is the organ in regulating the formation of blood and the function of spleen in blood transportation, including the reproductive organs. Abnormal function of liver may disrupt the qi and blood flow in the body, leading to blockage of the meridian system, resulting in dysmenorrhea. Excessive drinking, unhealthy diet, physical and emotional stress are said to cause liver deficiency.
A. Symptoms
The liver is an organ of storing blood. The kidney is the organs that regulates the reporductive system and that distributes fluids according to TCM. Deficiency of liver and kidney causes symptoms of dysmenorrhrea includes
1.Lower abdominal pain either proceeding and/or following menstruation.
If liver qi is stagnated, it causes the abdominal muscles to contract, leading to menstrual pains preceding the period. If the kidney is not functioning normally because of a lack of fluid, it causes the rise of liver heat, leading to abnormal cramps and pain. It is said that applying external pressure will ease the pain.

2. Thin and light color menstruation
Thin and light color period discharge is caused by the liver's inability in blood formation and the kidney's function in fluid regulation.

3. Fatigue, dizziness
It is caused by the spleen's inability in energy (nutrients and oxygen) transportation, as a result of a stagnation of liver blood formation.

4. Fever
In some cases, liver deficiency may cause the inability of the immune system in fighting against the invasion of bacteria and virus, leading to infection and inflammation. Sometimes it generates liver heat, leading to increasing the body temperature.

5. Scanty urination
Scanty urination may be caused by the kidney's abnormal function in urinary secretion as a result of the inability of the kidney to distribute fluids throughout the body.

6. Lower back pain.
Lower back pain is a result of qi and blood stagnation in the abdominal region.

7. Etc.

B. Causes
In traditional Chinese medicine, kidney and liver play a very important role in promoting regular menstrual cycles as well as natural conception.
1. Kidney deficiency
a) Kidney yang deficiency
Kidney yang deficiency is normally caused by prolong period of eating cold foods, engaging in rigid exercise, working in the cold environment, etc,. leading fluid and water retention, breast tenderness and menstrual cramps and pain.
b) Kidney yin deficiency
Kidney yin deficiency is normally caused by eating of spicy and hot foods, working in hot environment, out go in the extreme hot weather without proper clothing, etc., leading to distorting the menstrual cycle and afflicting fertility.

2. Liver deficiency
a) Liver qi Stagnation
Liver qi stagnation is caused deficiency of spleen in transporting the qi essence to the lung. When your liver overworks, it tends to get clogged up and performs sluggishly.
b) Liver blood deficiency
Liver blood stagnation is normally caused by liver qi stagnation or the liver is no longer function in blood storing and formation.
c) Liver heat
Liver heat is caused by extreme deficiency of yin or reaction of the liver due to accumulation of dampness in the body, intake of hot and spicy or spleen and kidney abnormal function in balancing the yin and yang in the body, leading to abundant yang qi that affects the liver, cauing liver heat. Liver heat exhausts the blood and injures the vessels, causing abnormal bleeding and abdomen cramps and pain.

3. Etc.

Treatment
1. Rehmannia glutinosa (shu li huang)Rehmannia glutinose besides has been used in traditional Chinese medicine in treating kidney disorder, it also helps to restore the balance of yin and yang qi of the kidney resulting in increasing the kidney function in fluid distribution and promoting healthy reproductive organs.

2.Morinda root ( ba ji tian)Morinda root besides is used in traditional Chinese medicine in improving the kidney abnormal function caused kidney yang qi deficiency, thus enhancing the immune system and promoting sexual desire.

3. Cuscuta (tu si zi)
Cuscuta is a kidney and livertonic medicine, besides helping to tonify the kidney fluid distribution through urinary secretion, it also maintaining the strong the liver qi flow, thereby decreasing the risk of blood stagnation and water retention causes of weight gain and menstrual cramps and pain.

4. Cinnamin bark (rou gui)
Cinnamin bark is qi tonic herb and hot in nature, besides helping the liver in maintaining the smoothing qi flow to the entire body, it also promotes the kidney yang qi circulation and healthy adrenal gland.

5. water plaintain root (ze xie)
Water plantain root helps to release the kidney qi stagnation and improves the kidney in water metabolism, resulting in lessening the symptoms of water retention and weight gain.

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Menstrual Stages - Post Menopause

Post menopause is defined as a condition in which women have not had a menstrual period in a minimum of 12 months period as a result of the inactive ovaries, assuming the women are not pregnant and experience the ease of visible symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats but not the invisible effects of menopause. During post menopause, any bleeding or spotting should be reported to your doctor immediately, it may be caused by tumors rarely but it is possible.
Symptoms

1. Bleeding or spotting
During post menopause, any bleeding or spotting should be report to your doctor immediately, it may be caused by hormonal change in the stage of post menopause or tumors rarely but it is possible.

2. Vagina itching and dryness
It is one of most common system in the post menopause stage as a result of hormone change that cause the acidic levels to rise from 4.0 to 6.o that can lead to vagina dryness and itching. In some cases, it can be caused by infection, sexual transmitting diseases, etc.

3. Hot flash
It is the symptoms commonly happened to women in the menopause stage, but in post meno
pause, the symptoms can only happen at night, leading to night sweat and heart palpitation as a result of hornomal change.

4. Bone pain and fracture
In the post menopause stage, women a prone to have bone pain and fracture, they are due to the affects of low levels of calcium as a result of diminishing levels of estrogen.

5. Bladder infection
Bladder infection is one of common symptom as a result of Urethritis & Cystitis or bacteria that lead to burning sensation while urinating, lower back pain, stress continence, etc.

6. Skin wrinkle
As a result of aging due less and less production of female hormones.

7. Hypertension
According to the article of "Is there a connection between menopause and high blood pressure?" by doctor Sandhya Pruthi, M.D. in anwsering the about question, the doctor stated Blood pressure generally increases after menopause. Some doctors think this increase suggests that the hormonal changes of menopause may play a role in high blood pressure. Others think an increase in body mass index (BMI) in menopausal women may play a greater role than hormonal changes.

8. Bone density loss and fracture
As a result of less estrogen produced by the body.

9. Etc.

Diagnosis
If you have been diagnosed during the year of the years of perimenopause or you are in your 50 years of age. Testing may be unnecessary. But you are in your 30s or 40s and you are experience certain symptoms of post-menopause without surgical removal of some of the reproductive organs, including your uterus, ovaries and have had no period in 12 consecutive months, certain tests should be necessary.

Causes
1. Aging
Post menopause is a biological process, as the ovaries has approached the inactive stage as they are longer produce any sexual hormones, including estrogen and progesterone when the a woman has reached certain age.

2. Surgery
The removal of the ovaries or uterus can be result of post menopause as a result of less estrogen and progesterone produced the woman body.

3. Certain cancer treatments
Cancer treatment including hormone therapy, cemenotherapy. can increase the risk of premature menopause as a result of medication used to inhibit the estrogen produced by the body. In an article of "Drug May Prevent Chemo-Linked Menopause in Breast Cancer Patients" By Amanda Gardner HealthDay Reporter, Amanda indicated that Triptorelin appears to protect the ovaries by halting ovarian function temporarily, although it's not entirely clear why. The authors found that among women who took triptorelin in addition to chemotherapy, more than 63 percent regained the ability to menstruate, compared to about 50 percent of the women who had chemotherapy alone.

4. Etc.

Prevention
No woman can prevent post menopause but reduce the symptoms. Some researchers believe post menopause stage can be delayed by a healthy diet and live style.
A. How to prevent
1. Healthy diet
By providing your body with maximum nutrients is the best way to a optimal health and reducing the symptoms of menopause.

2. Moderate exercise
Frequent moderate exercise can increase the blood flow to the body that can stimulate the production of energy by increase the function in metabolism and get rid of waste. It also tire you out and therefore improve sleep and mood.

3. Avoid Alcohol
Acccording to the article of Alcohol - Menopause- Alcohol's Effect on Menopause by June Russell's Health Facts, the author wrote "Approximately 30 percent of American women are older than age 50, the average age of menopause, and approximately 50 percent of these women consume at least moderate quantities of alcohol. Therefore any adverse effects of alcohol among this population could have a significant effect on public health. Approximately 25 percent of postmenopausal women take supplemental estrogens to alleviate unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Even moderate alcohol consumption may increase estrogen levels in postmenopausal women receiving HRT, potentially affecting their risk for various adverse health effects." {Alcohol, Hormones and Postmenopausal Women," NIAAA, 1998}.

4. Avoid Smoking
According to Dr. Jeanne Morrison in answering the question of How does smoking affect health during menopause? posted at sharecare, smoking can trigger symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. Also, smoking increases your chance of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other serious illnesses.

5. Mediation and yoga
Mediation and yoga can help a woman to calm and relax, thus reducing or lessening the occurrence of the symptoms.

6. Avoid Sugar and artificial sweetener
According to Foods to Avoid or Limit," excerpted from "The Women's Health Companion," Susan Lark, MD, healthy.net - Feb. 2002, the author indicated that alcohol and sugar can actually intensify almost every type of menopause symptom,... No artificial sweetener is without drawbacks or potential health hazards.

7. Intake of Calcium and vitamin D
To void the bone density loss and fracture.

8. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are vital for the immune system fighting against free redical causes of cancer and virus and bacteria invasion. We don't die because of old age but diseases.

9. Etc.

B. Diet
It is important that foods should contains some amounts of phytoestrogen to relive the symptoms of post menopause and enhance the healthy body and logevity.
1. Soy Products
Soy products contain high amount of phytochemicals, that can enhance the needs of the body reduced estrogen stage due to reduced estrogen produced by the ovaries.

2. Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and plenty of antioxidants, that can provide the better protection due to reduced metabolism during the years of menopause.

3. Eat Calcium-Rich Food Every Day
Calcium is essential to a woman's health in the stage of menopause. the amount of calcium lost due to low levels of estrogen produced by the ovaries. Some doctors adviced that menopausal women should get at least 1,000 to 1,500 mg of calcium from food or supplements, taking together with the vitamin D to enhance the absorption.

4. Flaxseed
Flaxseed not only contains high amount of essential fatty acids which are necessary for heart and reproductive health but also is an extraordinary source of the phytoestrogen lignans, containing 75 to 800 times as much as other plant sources, helped to relieve the symptoms of menopause.

5. Beans
Due to high amount of fiber, bean can help to slow the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream, thus reducing the risk of hgih blood sugar for some menopause with disease of diabetes.Beans are also high sources of vitamin and mineral,such as calcium, folic acid and vitamin B-6. And they also contain some sources of phytoestrogen.

6. For more information of healthy foods, visit 100+ Healthy Foods Classification

C. Nutritional supplements
1. Isoflavones
In a study of "Soy isoflavones have a favorable effect on bone loss in Chinese postmenopausal women with lower bone mass: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial." by Chen YM, Ho SC, Lam SS, Ho SS, Woo JL. researchers found that the positive effects of soy isoflavone supplementation were observed only among women with lower initial baseline BMC (median or less). In conclusion, soy isoflavones have a mild, but significant, independent effect on the maintenance of hip BMC in postmenopausal women with low initial bone mass.

2. Soy phytoestrogens
Imn a study of "Design and baseline characteristics of the soy phytoestrogens as replacement estrogen (SPARE) study--a clinical trial of the effects of soy isoflavones in menopausal women." by Levis S, Strickman-Stein N, Doerge DR, Krischer J., researchers found that The SPARE study recruited 283 women, 66.1% were Hispanic white. With a large cohort, long duration, and large isoflavone dose, this trial will provide important, relevant, and currently unavailable information on the benefits of purified soy isoflavones in the prevention of bone loss and menopausal symptoms in the first 5 years of menopause. Given the high proportion of Hispanics participating in the study, the results of this trial will also be applicable to this minority group.

3. Phytoestrogen supplements
In a study of "Phytoestrogen supplements for the treatment of hot flashes: the Isoflavone Clover Extract (ICE) Study: a randomized controlled trial." by Tice JA, Ettinger B, Ensrud K, Wallace R, Blackwell T, Cummings SR. found that Of 252 participants, 246 (98%) completed the 12-week protocol. The reductions in mean daily hot flash count at 12 weeks were similar for the Promensil (5.1), Rimostil (5.4), and placebo (5.0) groups. In comparison with the placebo group, participants in the Promensil group (41%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 29%-51%; P =.03), but not in the Rimostil group (34%; 95% CI, 22%-46%; P =.74) reduced hot flashes more rapidly. Quality-of-life improvements and adverse events were comparable in the 3 groups. Although the study provides some evidence for a biological effect of Promensil, neither supplement had a clinically important effect on hot flashes or other symptoms of menopause.

4. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
In a study of "Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) might reduce hot flushes: an indication from two controlled trials on soy isoflavones alone and with a PUFA supplement." by Campagnoli C, Abbà C, Ambroggio S, Peris C, Perona M, Sanseverino P., researchers concluded that The reduction of hot flushes observed in the Study B might be due to the PUFA supplement. PUFAs, particularly Omega (Omega) 3-fatty acids, could reduce hot flushes through their influence on neuronal membranes and/or the modulation of the neurotransmitter function and the serotoninergic system. Studies specifically designed to document the action of PUFAs on hot flushes would be welcome.

5. Magnesium and calcium
According to the study of "The magnesium and calcium content of pre- and postmenopausal myometrium.". researchers found that significant differences of the electrolytic contents of the myometrium. In the premenopausal uteri, the magnesium levels decrease significantly (p < 0.001) from the corpus (mean = 4.14 mmol/kg) to the cervix (mean = 2.14 mmol/kg). The same scenario can be observed for the potassium levels (Corpus mean = 56.2 mmol/kg and cervix mean = 25.4 mmol/kg). In contrary, the calcium levels (Corpus mean = 1.60 mmol/kg and cervix mean = 2.26 mmol/kg) and sodium levels (Corpus mean = 69.3 mmol/kg and cervix mean = 93.0 mmol/kg) increase significantly (p < 0.001). In the postmenopausal group, we found slightly elevated concentrations of magnesium, sodium and potassium. Only the calcium content of the corpus uteri rises up to three times about 20 years after the menopause (from mean = 1.60 mmol/kg) (p < 0.001). The electrolytic contents in the myometrium were shown to be different in the corpus, isthmus and cervix uteri.

6. Soy isoflavone extract tablets
In the study of "asomotor symptom relief by soy isoflavone extract tablets in postmenopausal women: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study." by Upmalis DH, Lobo R, Bradley L, Warren M, Cone FL, Lamia CA., researchers found that Soy isoflavone extract was effective in reducing frequency and severity of flushes and did not stimulate the endometrium. Soy isoflavone extracts provide an attractive addition to the choices available for relief of hot flushes.

7. Etc.

Treatment to relieve the post menopause symptoms
A. In conventional medicine
Hormone replace therapy is one most use treatment to reudce symptoms of post menopause by introducing the synthetic version of estrogen, progesterone, etc. hormones, but with some deadly side effects
According to the study of The Women’s Health Initiative of 16,608 postmenopausal women took either a hormone combination of estrogen and progestin or sugar pills, the study found that This study concluded that the use of estrogen, in combination with a progestin, increases the risk of breast cancer, stroke, blood clots in legs and lungs ( so called life-threatening pulmonary emboli) and heart attacks during their first year of treatment. Maybe most importantly, however, the treatment demonstrated no protective effect whatsoever from heart disease, as had been assumed up to that point.

B. Herbal medicine
1. Red clover (Promensil)
In a study of Isoflavones from red clover (Promensil) significantly reduce menopausal hot flush symptoms compared with placebo. by van de Weijer PH, Barentsen R., researchers found that treatment with 80 mg isoflavones (Promensil) per day resulted in a significant reduction in hot flushes from baseline. At the end of the study there was a significant decrease in hot flushes of 44% between the active and placebo group, demonstrating the effectiveness of Promensil in the management of hot flushes.

2. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Black cohosh, in a study of 629 women, within 6 weeks, 80% women are experience the improvement, compare to only 72% of women in estrogen replacement therapy, the herb has advantaged over the therapy, according tohealthy herb by Woolen, MH., C.Ac and Ted Snider page 15.
In a study of "Review of alternative therapies for treatment of menopausal symptoms." by Amato P, Marcus DM., researcher found that Although phytoestrogens and black cohosh appear to be safe when used for short periods of time, much larger and longer studies are needed to detect infrequent but potentially serious adverse events. Women who do not wish to take hormone therapy to treat menopausal symptoms should be encouraged to consider using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other conventional therapeutic options.

3. Chaste tree berry
Chaste tree berry is considered as the queen herb in herbal medicine, it have been used over thousand year since the ancient time in treating the women reproductive problems by restoring and regulating rhe balance of estrogen and progesterone.

4. Licorice
Ofir R, Tamir S, Khatib S, Vaya J., Hatzeva Research and Development Center, Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel, researchers found that the licorice root derivatives glabridin and glabrene inhibited serotonin re-uptake by 60% and 47%, respectively. The ability for these licorice root constituents to reduce serotonin re-uptake demonstrates their benefits in treating mild to moderate depression in menopausal women.

5. Asian ginseng
Asian ginseng may be used by menopausal women to reduce stress, improve general well-being, decrease feelings of depression, and enhance memory. In 37 clinical studies published between 1968 and 1990, ginseng improved physical and cognitive performance, mood, or metabolism. Still other studies suggest a plethora of ginseng actions, according to the article Ginseng, Asian posted in drug area.

6. Etc.

D. Chinese herbs
In Chinese Medicine, the symptoms associated with menopause and postmenopause are considered to be a result of a decline in the yin energy of the body. In other word, it is caused by the slow depletion of kidney essence which governs the women reproductive cycle.
1. According to the Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, In a section 4 of Chinese herbs and application, Yin tonifying formulas. In one clinical study, 23 patients with menopausal symptoms were treated with Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and experienced marked improvement in 9 patients (39.1%), and moderate improvement in 14 patients (60.9%). The treatment protocol was to administer this formula in pills, 9 grams twice daily, in the morning and at night, for 3 months. Clinical improvements included relief of hot flashes, tidal fever, perspiration, palpitations, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, forgetfulness, and others. In addition, after taking the herbs continuously for one year, it was noted that there was a decrease in FSH and an increase of estradiol. The mechanism of action was attributed to the formula’s stimulating effect on the endocrine system.
2. Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan, also known as Eight Flavor Rehmannia Teapills, is a Traditional Chinese Medicine whose formula was 1st listed in "Pattern, Cause, Pulse, and Treatment" (Zheng Yin Mai Zhi) by Dr. Qin Jing-Ming in 1702 AD. You can find information of the above formula in the PHARMACOPOEIA OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (English Edition) The English edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia compiled by the Pharmacopoeia Commission of the Ministry of Public Health, is an official andauthoritative compendium of drugs. It covers almost traditional Chinese medicines, most of west medicines and preparations, giving information on the standards of purity, description, test, dosage, precaution, storage, and the strength for the drug.
Ingredients
1. Anemarrhena Asphodeloides (Zhi Mu)
Main use; Clears Heat, Disperses Fire, Nourishes Yin, Moistens Dryness.
2. Phellodendron (Huang Bai)
Main use; Clears Heat, Dries Dampness, Disperses Fire, Expels toxins.
3. Rehmannia Glutinosa (Shu Di Huang)
Main use; Nourishes Yin and Blood, Tonifies the Essence, Strengthens the Marrow.
4. Cornus Officinalis(Shan Zhu Yu)
Main use; Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, Benefits the Liver and Kidneys.
5. Paeonia Suffruticosa (Mu Dan Pi)
Main use; Clears Heat and Blood Stasis, Cools Blood, Clears Fire of Yin Deficiency.
6. Discorea Opposita (Shan Yao)
Main use; Tonifies Qi, Lung, Spleen and Kidneys and Nourishes Yin.
7. Poria Cocos (Fu Ling)
Main use; Eliminates Water, Strengthens the Spleen, Calms the Mind.
8. Alisma Orientale (Ze Xie)
Main use; Eliminates fluid, Clears Heat and Diuretic.

According to the study of The effects of Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan and Jian Pi tang to release the symptoms of menopause by Shun Bin, posted at JOURNAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, researcher found that the formulas have been effectively releasing the symptoms of menopause with great success.

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