Natural ingredients, containing hidden vitamins, have been used
to treat menstrual problems for hundreds of years but it is only
recently that proper research has been conducted into what is,
and what is not effective. In addition, when combined with
modern vitamins and nutraceuticals, a synergy of ingredients is
achieved that is far more effective than the ancients would have
ever wished.
We all know what is good for us in terms of nutrition and
women's health has been well researched in the pharmaceutical
industry but little real research has been conducted into
natural ingredients that have been around for as long as the
menstrual cycle.
Most of the diseases that we associate with women's health such
as vaginitis, thrush, breast cancer, endometriosis, cervical
cancer, infertility, hot flashes, fatigue and irritability are
all in some way confirmed to be, or suspected to be linked to
female hormones. Simple vitamins and nutritional supplementation
can help women prevent and treat these problems and with the
application of clinical knowledge concerning drug-supplement
interactions, these ingredients can be used alongside drugs to
greater effect and less risk.
The ingredients below are focused on promoting normal hormonal
function as well as preventing or diminishing common problems
during menstruation. Traditional botanicals and essential
vitamins have been combined for maximum synergistic effect.
*
Chaste Tree is traditionally used for irregularities of
the menstrual cycle, premenstrual complaints, and mastodynia.
*
Flaxseed provides substances which have been shown to
have a beneficial effect on the hormonal cycle.
*
Dong Quai is often considered the female Ginseng and is
a traditional herb for women's health. Historically, it has been
demonstrated to be a good uterine tonic, and have estrogenic
activity.
*
Iron and Vitamin A levels are often low in women with
menorrhagia.
*
Vitamin C increases Iron absorption, preventing
tiredness due to Iron deficiency.
*
Vitamin C and Bioflavonoid Mix may strengthen
capillaries in the uterus, preventing the rupture and cause of
additional bleeding.
All the ingredients are available separately at your local
health store, vitamin shop or online resource.
However, it is worth noting that you should check to find out if
any of the ingredients interact with your prescription drugs.
You should first and foremost tell your doctor and pharmacist
what you are taking. A free drug vitamin interaction checker is
available through this link to Mitamins, a company that
specializes in Custom
Vitamins, Herbs and Minerals.
Unfortunately, there is not a high level of understanding in the
medical or pharmaceutical world into herbs and nutraceuticals
although some research has been conducted into the popular herbs
such as St. John's Wort, Ginseng, Gingko, Cayenne, Saw Palmetto
and Valerian. Vitamins are better classified but not studied.
A dietician may have better knowledge than your doctor but there
are also a number of sources of information concerning
prescription drug-dietary supplement interactions on the
internet.
The
Merck
Manual is a comprehensive resource of up to date medical
information and has some good primers on interactions as well as
in depth analysis.
The
National Institute of
Health's Office of Dietary Supplements has a number of good
fact sheets on different supplements
About the author:
Jade is a qualified TCM practitioner and currently works as a
consultant for a Californian nutraceutical laboratory -
Mitamins. Mitamins have
developed formulas for hundreds of complaints and diseases and
provide custom multivitamins with your choice of
vitamins, minerals or herbs
in
one bottle.
