CERVICAL DYSPLASIA
Cervical dysplasia is usually diagnosed upon gynaecological examination through inspection and the Pap smear. It is confirmed by the finding of abnormal cells on biopsy of the cervical lesion, and is generally regarded as a precancerous lesion.
The risk factors for cervical cancer and cervical dysplasia are similar. Research has shown that smoking, nutrition, higher frequency of pregnancies and oral contraceptive use are major risk factors of cervical cancer. Smoking and oral contraceptive use have also been reported to be associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, which in turn has been established as a main cause of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN or cervical cancer) at grades 2 and 3.
Other lifestyle and nutritional factors that appear to play a prominent role in the development of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer include early age of first intercourse, multiple sexual partners, Herpes simplex type-II and papilloma viruses, and lower socio-economic class.
The above factors suggest that cervical cancer is in some respects a venereal disease, since the implicated infectious agents appear to be sexually transmitted. Furthermore, some of the substances released by sperm while it breaks down in the vagina could be mild stimulants of cancerous-type changes in the cervical cells.
Two classes of viruses are currently suspected of playing a causative role in cervical cancer, Herpes simplex type-II and the human papilloma (genital wart) virus. The latter has been detected in the cervix of patients with cervical dysplasia. Although these agents have been shown to be related to cervical dysplasia, it has not been determined whether they reflect decreased resistance or are themselves the causative agents.
Either way, including vitamins, minerals and herbs in the diet that have an immune boosting or antiviral action, can only help in the prevention of cervical dysplasia. Vitamins A, C and E are all essential to ensure optimum functioning of the immune system. Zinc shows antiviral action, as do the herbs Echinacea, St Johns Wort and Liquorice. Vitamin A, beta-carotene and Vitamin C have all been found to be at low levels in patients with cervical dysplasia. A good antioxidant formula will provide the vitamins and minerals needed for the immune system and for their antioxidant action.
Micronutrients, such as folic acid, vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene, the antioxidants, have shown a protective effect against cervical cancer in some studies and interestingly, these are the nutrients depleted by the contraceptive pill and smoking. Perhaps when we take the pill or smoke, by depleting the nutrients that safeguard our body, we are exposing ourselves to the risk of developing conditions such as cervical cancer. Some research has shown that the use of the oral contraceptive pill induces a folic acid deficiency, and is therefore a risk for cervical cancer. Certainly in my own practice, most women who have had abnormal pap smears have been on the pill at that time. Although anaemia is the most commonly recognised sign of folic acid deficiency, abnormalities in the cervical cells are seen many weeks earlier. Folic acid supplementation has resulted in improvement or normalisation of pap smears in patients with cervical dysplasia. As folic acid is the most common vitamin deficiency in the world, I would advise that all women, especially if on the pill, take a supplement containing at least 200mcg folic acid per day.
Smoking has appeared to be the most significant environmental risk factor, showing up in studies as being dose dependent so the more you smoke the higher your risk. Some studies have indicated that cessation of smoking facilitated the regression of cervical cancer. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain this association:
- Smoking may depress immune functions, allowing sexually transmitted agent to promote abnormal cellular development, leading to the onset of cervical dysplasia.
- Smoking is known to cause a vitamin C deficiency, as vitamin C levels are significantly depressed in smokers.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, essential in protecting cells against damage and for the functioning of the immune system.
- Vaginal or uterine cells may concentrate carcinogenic compounds from inhaled smoke.
- There may be unrecognised associations between smoking and sexual behaviour.
A visit to the Naturopath to get the most suitable dosages for antioxidants and herbal medicines is the best idea for individual treatment.
PERIOD PAIN
Period pain, or dysmenorrhoea, is an annoying complaint that many women suffer from. Periods do not have to be painful - generally pain indicates a hormonal or nutrient imbalance.
While you are working with your Naturopath to treat the cause of the problem there are a number of techniques you can use to relieve symptoms.
Techniques to Relieve Pain:
-Place a hot water bottle on your abdomen.
-Avoid drinking cold water (straight from the fridge) for a week before and during your period.
-Sip herb teas - chamomile, ginger, raspberry leaf and peppermint are good choices. Your Naturopath will make up a more specific herbal formula in conjunction with your consultation, usually containing herbs to balance the hormonal cycle and antispasmodic herbs to help relieve the cramping symptomatically.
-Massage your abdomen - rub around your abdomen in a clockwise direction.
-Celloid minerals can be used. Take Magnesium Phosphate every 1-2 hours to relieve cramping.
-A warm bath may help - add some chamomile flowers (or a few teabags) to the water.
-Use pads instead of tampons.
-Pressure points - gently press on these points and increase pressure gradually. Make sure you continue to breath rhythmically.
-Spleen 6 - this point is found in a hollow that is about 3 finger widths above the interior anklebone.
-Colon 4 - found in the V between the thumb and first finger.
-Yoga - take care with these postures. If they cause any discomfort or pain stop immediately. It is always best to speak to your yoga teacher if you are new to yoga.
-Bow - lie on stomach and bend knees. Grab ankles and pull legs up towards head. Release gently and rock back and forward.
-Lie on back and bring knees up to chest. Hold for 10 seconds. Do both legs together and also one at a time.
You may find some of the above techniques more effective than others. Should you have any questions do not hesitate to contact Kerrin. If you do suffer from period pain, Naturopathy offers very effective treatment – it is not something you need to put up with every month, but a condition that indicates an imbalance in the body that needs to be addressed. Whilst these methods suggested above may help to relieve pain every month, Naturopathic treatment offers gentle improvement every month so that eventually you should have no pain at all.
MENOPAUSE
Menopause, or the cessation of the menstrual cycle, occurs in women usually between the age of 38 and 58.
It is the result of the loss of the menses and is a natural occurrence that affects all women.
Menopausal symptoms may also follow a hysterectomy. Symptoms of menopause can come on suddenly or over a period of time.
Usually menstruation stops, slowly decreasing a little each month or the periods may stop for a few months and then start again. These symptoms may only last a few months or may continue for up to five years. There is no absolute.
The onset of change of life may in some women be signalled by hot flushes, night sweats, headache, arthritic pain, palpitations, weight gain, bladder weakness, skin and vaginal dryness, anxiety, depression and emotional instability.
In others, the symptoms, apart from the cessation of the menstrual cycle, may not be noticeable.
Menopause is not the end of womanhood or sexuality. For some, the opposite is the rule.
Menopause is only the end of the reproductive cycle; it is not a sign of old age. This change has nothing to do with greying of the hair or a loss of sexual desire; post-menopausal women can live a very enjoyable and active life in all respects.
If you are going through menopause and the symptoms are intense then natural therapies have a lot to offer, before you consider the alternative of HRT. A number of studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation can eliminate or reduce the symptoms associated with menopause, particularly hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Evening primrose oil in conjunction with herbs and vitamins for many hormonal disorders, including menopause, has met with good results.
Dong Quai has been used in Asia for thousands of years and its reputation is second only to ginseng. Dong Quai is regarded as an effective female remedy and has been used for many female disorders including menopause and menstrual problems. Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens). These natural plant oestrogens compete with the oestrogen in the body for binding sites. The phytoestrogens in Dong Quai produce oestrogenic activity when the body´s oestrogen levels are low, as is the case in menopause, and the ability of the phytoestrogens to occupy oestrogen receptor sites also helps high oestrogen levels. Dong Quai is specifically of use in menopausal hot flushes.
There are many other plants that contain phytoestrogens including soy, which can either be incorporated into the diet or taken in tablet form, red clover, Black Cohosh, sage and many more. It is also important at this time of life to take a calcium supplement, making sure it contains a well-absorbed form of calcium such as calcium phosphate, the form found in the bones, as well as vitamin D and magnesium.
Make sure you are drinking 2L water per day to hydrate the skin and mucous membranes, and avoid caffeine, which can aggravate hot flashes. Increase food rich in natural oestrogens, such as soy, tofu, linseeds, sesame seeds, split peas, oats, apples, carrots, parsley, green beans, barley, alfalfa, squash and olive oil.
A visit to your Naturopath is the best option, to make sure there are sufficient phytoestrogens in the diet and if there is anything in your diet that may be aggravating hot flushes. There can be underlying issues aggravating menopausal symptoms, such as sluggish liver function and adrenal exhaustion as a result of stress, your naturopath will address these issues as well as looking at natural hormone replacement.
PMS
Pre-menstrual syndrome is characterised by a collection of potentially distressing symptoms prior to menstruation. Women whose health and resistance are good are apt to have less PMS than those suffering from poor nutrition and lack of physical exercise.
The symptoms can be mood related such as depression, irritability or fearfulness, or they may by physically oriented such as breast tenderness, fluid retention, food cravings, cramping, headaches, skin complaints, abdominal bloating and fatigue.
Low blood sugar is common prior to the start of menstruation and can contribute to the mood problems, food cravings and headaches.
PMS is usually associated with a hormonal imbalance and this can be addressed by your Naturopath using a combination of essential fatty acids, vitamins and herbal medicine.
Any treatment for hormonal disorders is best used for a minimum of 3 months for optimum results.
Mood swings and depression experienced around the time of menstruation can be relieved using herbal medicine and flower essences.
Irritability, nausea, headaches and migraines associated with PMS can often be due to a congested liver. If any of these symptoms do occur around period time it is most important to treat the liver using dietary changes and herbal medicine. Working with balancing the hormones and cleansing the liver may also help balance blood sugar levels and reduce food cravings.
Magnesium is an important mineral involved in the nervous system and in the relaxation of muscles. It can be used to help nervous system symptoms, such as irritability and fatigue, and can also be used to relax muscle spasm in period cramps.
Magnesium is also involved in blood sugar regulation, and can help with pre-menstrual sugar cravings. Limiting the amount of refined carbohydrates including soft drinks, cakes, biscuits, sugar, honey and white flour, can help conserve magnesium levels and balance blood sugar levels, reducing mood swings and blood sugar swings.
Refined sugar can increase the excretion of magnesium, making the cravings worse. It can also be useful to decrease your intake of dairy products at this time, as excess calcium may impair the absorption of magnesium.
Decrease your intake of saturated fatty acids found in animal fats – dairy products and all meats (except fish) as these can increase inflammation and pain associated with period cramps. Increase your intake of unsaturated fatty acids found in fish, avocado and raw unsalted nuts and seeds and their cold pressed oils, as these have an anti-inflammatory action and also help maintain proper hormonal balance.
Decrease your intake of salt, as this can contribute to fluid retention, which is what causes the breast tenderness, abdominal bloating and can contribute to headaches. Make sure you drink 2L water per day, also to reduce fluid retention. Decrease cola, tea, coffee and chocolate, as caffeine can increase symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, mood changes and period pain.
PREGNANCY
During pregnancy it is particularly important that you are getting the right level of nutrients for your growing baby and yourself. Certain niggly symptoms during pregnancy can indicate a deficiency of vitamins and minerals and it is your Naturopaths area of expertise to recognise these deficiency signs and correct them before they become a bigger problem.
Your diet is important as a source of nutrients, and it is also important to check that you are not eating too many preservatives and that caffeine and alcohol are kept to a minimum. Although it is ideal to get all your nutrients through your food, especially in pregnancy supplementation is recommended as insurance against any deficiency.
Naturopathy is also excellent for treating various pregnancy ailments, such as leg cramps, heartburn, morning sickness, varicose veins and haemorrhoids, constipation, tiredness, insomnia and feelings of anxiety and depression. Celloid mineral therapy, homoeopathy and flower essences are all very safe during pregnancy.
Finally, comes the birth. There are herbs such as Raspberry Leaf and Squaw Vine that tone the uterus and prepare it for labour. These can be started as early as 3 months into the pregnancy in low doses and increased later. It is always best to ask the advice of your Naturopath or herbalist, as there are various forms, brands and potencies of these herbs. Homoeopathic remedies and flower essences, such as Rescue Remedy, can also help during labour.
It is always good to talk to your Naturopath about breast-feeding issues that may arise and any questions you have regarding natural products to use for the baby in cases of colic or nappy rash. These issues may arise during the first 6 weeks, when it is difficult for you to get out to see your practitioner, so having an idea prior to the birth about what is available to you is always of value.