Posts Tagged ‘Hormones’
Relieving PMS Symptoms
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
Q : Every month I suffer from PMS can you recommend anything to help ?
A : Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) covers a variety of symptoms both emotional and physical. Studies confirm that PMS symptoms are predominantly caused by raised oestrogen and progesterone levels. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, an excess of stress chemicals such as adrenaline and physical stress from food allergy & digestive related problems may all make matters worse.
Reduce fat intake (fat produces oestrogen) & supplement with omega 6 & omega 3 fatty acids (Evening Primrose Oil / Flaxseed oil). Introduce high-fiber (ground flaxseeds) to assure daily bowel motions (oestrogen is excreted from the large intestine) and exercise more. Avoid caffeine and chocolate as they stimulate stress hormones.
Liver support (site for oestrogen clearance in the body) Herbs: Goldenseal, barberry bark, milk thistle, and dandelion root all provide liver support & help treat digestive disorders.
Supplements : vitamin B6 & magnesium-calcium supplements help relieve PMS. Vitamins A, C, and E and the minerals selenium, zinc, and iron are also beneficial.
Herbal support: Agnes Castus for cramping, breast pain, acne flare ups & irregular menstrual cycle (usually late) (do not take if you are on the pill); Wild yam for painful menstruation & ovarian pain; Dong Quai for cramping, migraine & ovarian pains, it is a menstrual regulator; Damiana is an hormonal tonic, helps libido, depression & energy levels. These herbs can taken together if needed. However, supervision would be recommended.
Homoeopathic remedies in a 30C & taken twice daily; Sepia for irregular periods with sadness & weeping. Dragging sensations.; Calc Carb for early periods, profuse and long lasting periods; sore breasts before & during period; Kali Carb for backache before & during menses, feels badly week before menstruation; Pulsatilla late or irregular periods, pains changeable and weepy.
For further information on PMS please call ICIM Medics 045 844 819 or visit our website www.icimmedics.com
My lower chin area is prone to break-outs of acne
Thursday, January 8th, 2009
Q : I’m 26, and my lower chin area is prone to break-outs of acne. Can you recommend anything?
A : Acne is the most common of all skin complaints. Acne can accompany many conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid imbalances, digestive disorders, blood glucose imbalances, intestinal yeast infections, poor diet, etc. Acne on the chin area is often linked to hormonal and digestive related problems. At ICIM Blood testing, ultrasound, and CTI (computerised thermographic imagining) screening can help identify possible underlying causes.
Other possible influences include drug medication, chemical agents, cosmetics, excessive washing and rubbing.
Some recommendations to consider:
Introduce a diet high in protein (organic poultry and fish rather than red meat) cut out simple carbohydrates (bread, pizza, pasta, sugar) and remove trans fatty acids and iodine from your diet.
If signs of fungal infections are present such as thrush, athletes foot, coated tongue etc. then a systemic treatment is called for. Gut fermentation testing or ICIM Blood Analysis can help confirm such infections. Naturopathic advice will probably be required with dietary and specific herbal and nutritional prescribing necessary. Some highly beneficial medicines include Berberis vulgaris, Hydrastis, probiotics and digestive enzymes ! Supervision would be advisable.
If hormonal imbalances are present explore underlying disorders such as Polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis. The herb Agnes castus provides excellent assistance but again needs supervision. Stress (other hormones), can also play a role. Saliva testing of Cortisol and DHEA levels can help confirm this. Herbs such as Licorice, Scullcap and Siberian Ginseng could prove helpful here. However, best avoid these herbs if you have high blood pressure.
Nutritional supplements such as vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, selenium are also supportive. B6 could be helpful for acne associated with PMS. If you have sugar cravings Chromium picolinate could prove beneficial.
Topical support using tea tree oil, azelaic acid, or calendula soap cleansing can help but remember that although your acne is visually an external problem it does require internal treatment !
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For further information on acne or skin related conditions contact the Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine, St. John’s Grove, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare. Tel. 045 844 819. http://www.icim.ie/
