A number of the health problems specific to
women centre around the hormonal system. Whilst many lucky women have no
problems with their menstrual cycle, reproduction or the menopause others are
not so lucky. Some of these issues are discussed below.
Pre-menstrual
Syndrome
Feeling tearful, moody, angry are a few of
the feelings that many women suffer in the days before menstruation and for
some this is because of imbalances of their hormone production. Some women are
oestrogen dominant, with progesterone being the other main female hormone. A
severe imbalance can be seen alongside such conditions as endometriosis and
fibroids both of which can be quite painful. Balancing hormones through a good
diet and lifestyle changes can alleviate some of these problems.
Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome (PCOS)
This endocrine system disorder affects
approximately 5% of women and is a leading cause of infertility. In PCOS, the
ovaries produce high amounts of male hormones, especially testosterone.
Luteinising Hormone (LH) levels also remain abnormally high while Follicle
Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels are abnormally low; therefore, the follicles
do not produce eggs. Instead they form fluid-filled cysts that eventually cover
the ovaries. This is accompanied with obesity and insulin resistance, which
could progress to diabetes if left untreated. A diet to balance blood sugar
levels, balance hormones and lifestyle choices to minimise stress are of high
importance in the treatment of this disorder.
Infertility
Some other causes of infertility may be
endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (leading to infertility). A variety
of ovary or hormonal disturbances may be at the root and it is essential to
eliminate dietary hazards which can lead to imbalanced hormone levels and add
in foodstuffs known to help balance out hormone levels. Anovulation may be due to the failure to produce mature cells, a malfunction of the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland.There are also
environmental hazards such as plastics that can also be harmful as they are producing toxic environmental ostrogens.
Menopausal
Problems
The menopause is a natural phase in a lifetime and we should be sailing through it and glad of the fact that we
do not need to concern ourselves with pregnancy. In the western world the
menopause is often treated as if it is a disease rather than a natural
progression. The worry of osteoporosis is often at the root of this but if we
have plenty of phytoestrogenic foods within the diet and minimise poor dietary
and lifestyle habits there is no reason that we should not have good bone
strength. There are many supplements that will help us to keep any unpleasant
menopausal symptoms at bay. However, a good diet may eliminate these uncomfortable symptoms
in the first place. A lack of the essential fats and having a diet high in
refined sugar are two hazards that will lead to hormonal problems. There are
many nutrients that can help with nurturing the monthly cycle and these may
also be low in menopausal women so having an adequate supply is of optimum
importance.