FEMALE HORMONES DISORDERS AND APPROACHES

SYNTHETIC VS NATURALPatent law- only synthetic allowed not natural

– so drug companies forced to concentrate on active ingredients only.

The 3 main oestrogens are – OESTRONE, OESTRADIOL & OESTRIOL.

Oestradiol is most commonly used in pill/ cream and patch – Vivelle, Climara, Estraderm, Estrace

What happens with syntheticsUsing synthetic hormones block natural

production = affects the delicate balanceSources – contraceptive pill, HRTLoss of ovarian function leading to-Dec immune responseDec sleep responseInc ulcersAnxiety , panic attacks

Synthetic oestrogensMestranol – converted to ethinyaoestradiolStops production of FSH so follicle not

matured or released – no ovulationSynthetic = stilbestrol – used forBirth controlRegulate menstruation, amenorrhoeaOsteoporosis treatment – post menopausal

Side effectsAs not enough progesterone to balance itWeight gain, Fluid retentionMigraines – nausea vomitingMood swings, depression, PMSBlock thyroid function, Infertility with long term use, and change in

cycleHigh BP, Thrush, skin rashesIncrease risk of stroke and cancer, gall

stones, fibroids

Synthetic Progesteroneused for – HRT, to offset cancer effects of oestrogen, as contraception, to stop uterine bleeding, regulating cycles, endometriosis

Those related to Testosterone

Norethisterone Acetate(Norgestrel, Agestin )Behave like Androgens

and steroids

Dydogesterone (Duphaaston)

Hydroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera, Provera)

Side EffectsStrokesLoss of visionPhotosensitivityMigrainesExcess hair growthWeight gainFluid retentionAcne

Changes in libidoInsomniaBreast tendernessOvarian cystsEctopic pregnancyBirth defectsDepression, fatigueJaundice

Hormonal ImbalanceAnovulatory cycles – normal menstruation,

causes include poor nutrition, stress and extremes of exercise, exposure to unopposed estrogens - xenoestrogen

Dysmenorrhoea – painful menses. Before, at onset or during menses. Primary – since menarche, usually > after childbirth. Secondary – appearing later, due to hormonal imbalances, fibroids, PID, etc

Amenorrhoea Absence of mensesInvestigations – blood tests, scan, x-rayPrimary – no menarche, unusual associated

with endocrine disorders.Secondary – later in life. PregnancyStopping the pill – recovery longNutritional states – anorexia etc PCODEndocrinal abnormalities

Dysmenorrhoea Painful menses – lower abdomen and back,

may radiate down legsUsually cramping in nature, also griping or

twisting, squeezingAssociated symptoms include – nausea,

vomiting, headaches, diarrhoea, constipation, weakness, frequent urination

Conventionally treated with painkiller, or the pill.

Patho-physiology

Secondary/ Pathological causes

Homeopathic approachMag phosBellPulsSabinaSepiaCimicViburnum op

P.I.D PELVIC IFLAMMATORY DISEASECauses – STDIUDLess commonly during douching, vaginal

delivery, surgical procedures, abortionsVaginal discharge – yellowish, smellyFrequent urination (UTI)Painful intercourse

ENDOMETRIOSISGrowth of abnormal endometrial cells outside

the uterine cavityOvaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic areas, scar

tissue after hysterectomy.This tissue bleeds during menses, but that

blood cannot escape and thus pain is severeAssociated with tampons, intercourse during

menses, abdominal surgery and use of coil IUD.

Endometriosis Symptoms Pain – begins about 12 days before menses, and

very painful during. May be diffused in the lower abd/ pelvic area and cause pain during sex and stool.

Bleeding between periods, painful intercourseAllopathic treatment – to stop menses using

Danazol ( side effects are masculinisation), Norerthisterone; induce early menopause or simulate pregnancy; laser surgery

Common Locations

MENOPAUSEHOT FLUSHESDryness , atrophyWeight gain, water retentionInsomniaDecreased libidoMood swings, depressionHeadachesThinning of skin and hairOsteoporosis Memory loss

Common remediesLachesisNat MurSepiaBellAgnus castusPulsatillaBowel Nosodes

FIBROIDSBENIGN tumours of the muscular walls of

uterus.Vary in size and locationGrow in groups and develop slowly over

many yearsShrink after menopauseCauses include – exposure to excess

oestrogen, genetic, pregnancy, overweight, pelvic congestion (exercise>)

Common locations

signs/symptomsAsymptomatic when smallAbnormal bleeding during and between

menses; longer and heavier menstrual flow depending on location of fibroid.

Anaemia – weakness, body pain, dizziness etcObstruction to bowels and urethra leading to

colon/ kidney damageIf large – bloating, abdominal swellingPelvic congestion – varicose veins and piles

Major RemediesThujaAur Mur NatThlaspi BursaSepiaSabinaCalc carb