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Endometriosis

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Part1 Endometriosis and Renewed Balance Natural Progesterone Cream
Part 2 Endometriosis,cleansing and vitex

Part 1 from Dr. Lee's Book - What YourDoctor May Not Tell You About Menopause

"Endometriosis is a serious condition in which tiny islets ofendometrium (inner lining cells of the uterus) become scattered in areas where they don'tbelong: the fallopian tubes, within the uterine musculature (adenomyosis), and on theouter surface of the uterus and other pelvic organs, the colon, the bladder, and the sidesof the pelvic cavity. With each monthly cycle, these islets of endometrium respond toovarian hormones exactly as endometrial cells do within the uterus--they increase in size,swell with blood, and bleed into the surrounding tissue at menstruation. The bleeding (nomatter how small) into the surrounding tissue causes inflammation and is very painful,often disabling. Symptoms begin 7-12 days before menstruation and then becomeexcruciatingly painful during menstruation. The pain may be diffuse and may cause painfulintercourse or painful bowel movements, depending on the sites involved.

Mainstream treatment of Endo is difficult and not very successful. Surgical attempts atremoving each and every endometrial implant throughout the pelvis is only temporarilysuccessful. Many of the tiny islets are simply too small to see, and eventually theyenlarge and the condition recurs. Another surgical venture is even more radical: theremoval of both ovaries, the uterus and the fallopian tubes, the aim being to remove orreduce hormone levels as much as possible--not a pleasant prospect.
When women with endo delay child bearing until their 30's, they are often unable toconceive. Pregnancy often retards the progress and occasionally cures it. With this inmind, other medical treatments attempt to create a state of pseudopregnancy, with longperiods of supplemented progestins to simulate the high progesterone levels of pregnancy.Unfortunately, the high doses needed are often accompanied by side effects of theprogestin and breakthrough bleeding.
As an alternative, I have treated a number of endo patients, some after failed surgery,with natural progesterone and have observed considerable success. Since we know thatestrogen initiates endo cell proliferation and the formation of blood vessel accumulationin the endometrium, the aim of treatment is to block this monthly estrogen stimulus to theaberrant endometriul islets. Progesterone stops further proliferation of endometrialcells.

I advised such women to use natural progesterone cream from day 6 of the cycleuntil day 26 each month., using one ounce of the cream per week for 3 weeks (a littleless, if you use Renewed Balance--my comment), stopping just before their expected period.This treatment requires patience. Over time (4-6 months), however, the monthly painsgradually subside as monthly bleeding in these islets becomes less and healing of theinflammatory sites occurs. The monthly discomfort may not disappear entirely but becomesmore tolerable. Endo is cured by menopause. This technique is surely worth giving a trial,since the alternatives are not all that successful and laden with undesirable consequencesand side effects." From Dr. John Lee's book, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You AboutMenopause.

Something I would like to add is that I would encourage anyone who is dealing with anykind of illness that affects their cells, such as endometriosis, also begin using aproduct, such as Barlyegreen, as a healthy supplement to feed their cells the healthy foodthey need to heal and do their work properly.

Part 2  The presenceof endometrial tissue in abnormal locations.

Approximately five to twenty percent of women of childbearing age are affected by thistroublesome condition. In addition, it is found at as many as 20-50 percent of allgynecologic operations. Pain, abnormal menstrual bleeding, infertility and prolongeddisability may result.
Endometriosis is the presence of uterine tissue (endometrium) outside its usual locationon the inner lining of the uterus. Endometrial tissue may implant itself on the ovaries,fallopian tubes, pelvic ligaments, abdominal organs, old scars and in rare cases, thechest, lung, spinal cord and extremities. The site of implantation of the endometrialtissue will largely control the degree or severity of symptoms. Over time the implants mayenlarge, bleed, cause scarring and form tough fibrous adhesions between pelvic andabdominal structures.

A number of predisposing factors have been suggested. Hormonal factors are known to beimportant: implants often regress during pregnancy; first pregnancy at a young age seemsto protect against its development; and the disease is more common in women who choose toeither postpone or reject childbearing. The average age at diagnosis is 37 years, and themajority of cases occur in women between the ages of 25 and 40. Endometriosis is rarebefore the onset of menstruation and after menopause.

Although the underlying cause is still in question, there are three major theories:

1. The transportation theory holds that endometrial tissue
originating in the uterus passes retrograde through the fallopian tubes to implant on theovaries, pelvis and abdomen at the time of menstruation. Bloodstream and lymph vesseltransport may also occur.

2. The second hypothesis suggests that endometriosis occurs at sites outside the uterus intissues which have the potential for developing denovo into uterine glands.

3. The induction theory combines the above two ideas by suggesting that transportedendometrial tissue induces the development of endometriosis through direct contact withsites on adjacent organs and structures.

Endometriosis is a notoriously difficult condition to diagnose, the conclusion often beingreached after excluding other problems.
Conclusive diagnosis often necessitates an exploratory laparoscopy may be needed. It hasbeen estimated that 25% - 50% of infertile women have endometriosis. Otherwise it may belargely asymptomatic, but is often  characterized by :

dysmenorrhoea, especially if this begins after several years of pain free menses

dyspareunia - painful sexual intercourse

lower abdominal or rectal pain may occur

metrorrhagia or menorrhagia may occur In mild or moderate cases herbal medication has much to offer, but in
severe cases surgery may be indicated.

Actions indicated for the processes behind this disease :

Hormonal normalizer, such as Vitex, appear to help the body change the underlying hormonal problems.

Uterine tonics are essential for the tonic activity on endometrial tissue. In theory this will help wherever such tissue is.  Please write to me about a special regimine that may be beneficial according to YOUR personal profile.    Email me at: info@infertilityworkshop.com

Anti-spasmodics will ease the muscular pain that is so distressing in this condition.

Nervine relaxants help with the stress and pain.

System Support :

The reproductive system is the primary focus for tonic support. The woman's medical history and symptom picture will usually point to further areas of support.  See Cleansing and Shutdown

Lymphatic drainage and general elimination would be the next systems to support.  The prescription given below is a basic one for endometriosis without this added support.  See Cleansing and Shutdown

Specific Remedies :

There are no traditional specifics for this, but Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam) is almost specific for the pain (although not very strong). Vitex agnus-castis may be considered the most appropriate remedy for the underlying processes involved. 

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