Nutrition Through the

Lifespan

Women’s Health Issues

Session 5
 Case Study #4- Adolescence
What are 2 further questions you might ask
Janelle?
How long are your cycles?
What is your activity level like?
Are you craving sugar or is it just habit?
How long has this been your diet?
Anger issues? What is her personality like?
Anything gong on at home? At school? Does she
like school?
Why doesn't she like taking pills? Will she drink
teas? 2
 Case Study #4- Adolescence
What do you think is happening here?
Hormonal imbalance leading to acne. Possible
mind- body, need to look in to it further.

Constant blood sugar fluctuations and nutrient-

poor foods!

3
 Case Study #4- Adolescence
What do you think of her protein intake?
Low, her diet is carbohydrate heavy. Need to
increase protein based snacks to stabilize blood
sugar. Overall protein intake is ok, but could be
a bit better.

Calories are ok but its mostly empty calories.

4
 Case Study #4- Adolescence
Top 3 Diet/supplements?
1. Liver detox- If she cant take pills, Integra's
Liver Cleanse would work. 2 Tbsp a day. COP or
dry skin brushing too!

2. Flax seeds- 2 tbsp ground flax a day. Binds

toxins and excess estrogen, will help
constipation

3. Reduce sugar! Protein based Snacks! Increase

water intake. So much work to do here but 5
 DFH
Sealicious
Nordic Naturals
Nutrition Through the
Lifespan

Women’s Health Issues

Session 5
8
circadian rhythm
vs.
infradiam
rhythm
 An Ancient Adage from Chinese medicine states,
“A doctor would rather treat 10 men than one woman.”

Women are intricate creatures. At the heart of

their complexity are their hormones, their ebb &
flow influencing all aspects of physical, emotional
and mental wellness.

When a woman’s hormones are in balance, through

a complex feedback loop between brain, ovaries
and adrenals, she feels fabulous, has energy and is
vital.

11
 What are hormones??
• Hormones are powerful messengers that direct and control every
function in the body and influence cellular activity.
• Hormones should fit their receptors like a lock & key, and if they fit
properly, the body uses them and removes them within 12 hours.
• When hormone levels are imbalanced body processes malfunction
and affect sleep, temper, libido.
• This imbalance can be caused by too much estrogen in relation to
progesterone, or estrogens from the environment; can cause
upheaval (or estrogen dominance).
• Synthetic hormones do not fit the lock, and the body has a hard
time getting rid of them; the half-life of a synthetic hormone can
be 36 hours.
• If a woman is taking synthetic hormones every day, which is usually
the case, she cannot clear them and she becomes toxic, resulting in
exhaustion, infertility, insomnia, fibroids, heavy menstrual bleeding
and drenching night sweats.
• Although blood tests can be useful, the accurate testing for
hormones is in saliva testing.
12
 But remember …
• Estrogen is not necessarily “the bad guy”.
• Synthetic estrogen is a bad guy.
• Xenoestrogens are bad guys.
• Progesterone deficiency will affect ratios.
• Elevated prolactin levels are the bad guys.
• Hypothyroidism is harmful.
• Caffeine, alcohol, sugar are bad guys.
• Stress, endogenous opioid dysfunction, adrenal dysfunction.
• Depression.
• Nutritional factors – macronutrient disturbances/excesses
(sugar, dairy etc.) and micronutrient deficiencies.

And they all affect estrogen ratios.

13
 Health Implications with Synthetic
Hormones

In 2002 the Women’s Health Initiative Estrogen and Progestin Study

(WHI) was stopped because of some very serious health concerns.
•For over 50 years women had been using estrogen and progestin to
treat menopause symptoms and prevent CVD, Alzheimer’s, bone loss
and other symptoms.
•The study found that women taking these synthetic hormones had a
26% higher incidence of breast cancer, a 29% spike in heart attacks,
twice the risk of dementia, double the risk of blood clots and a 41%
higher chance of stroke.
•Breast tissue became too dense to read a cancerous result on
mammogram.
•Since the decline in synthetic hormone use, the US recorded in
2003, the largest single yearly decline in the incidence of estrogen-
receptor positive breast cancer for women aged 50-69.
14
 What does this mean for humans?

• Hundreds of chemicals found in the environment; PCBs,

pesticides, polycarbons used in plastics, chlorine
compounds, fire retardants and synthetic estrogens that
enter the water supply through the urine of women
taking synthetic estrogens – resemble human estrogens.

• These estrogen mimickers are identical enough to attach

to the same receptor sites that the body’s natural
hormones would use.

15
 Sooo……
• The body eliminates natural estrogen cyclically.
• Many estrogen mimickers are not eliminated – they
accumulate in fatty tissue (e.g. breast) where they
remain even after menopause when natural
estrogen levels drop.
• In Israel, breast cancer rates had been rising for 25
years.
• Between 1976 – 1986 they dropped 8%.
• Israel had banned DDT, Alpha-benzene
hexachloride (BHC) and gamma-benzene
hexachloride (lindane). These chemicals had been
used in cowsheds, and as a result, pesticide levels
soared up to 100 times!
• Within 2 years of the ban levels dropped
dramatically. 16
 Santevia filter
R/O True Aqua
installations w/o holding tank (bacteria
toxin)
R/O water has no minerals
 4 Types of Estrogen

1. Human Made
Estrone (E1) - human made, mainly in the liver most common
post-menopause adrenal cortex, adipose tissues

Estriol (E3) - human made, weaker form, made in liver and

secreted by adrenals and ovaries and placenta during pregnancy

Estradiol (E2) - human made, produced by the ovaries from

cholesterol most common reproductive years

2-Hydroxyestrone – a metabolite of estrogens

16-alpha-hydroxyestrone – a metabolite associated with breast &

cervical cancer
 4 Types of Estrogen

2. Xenoestrogens
- 1000x stronger than human made, found in our
environment, hormones in animals, pesticides
3.Phytoestrogens
-1/1000ths as strong as human made, found in > 300 plant
sources (Your Body In Balance By Neal Barnard MD)
4.Synthetic / Altered
- 5-50-100x stronger than human made
Examples: BCP - birth control pill
HRT- hormone replacement therapy
ERT - estrogen replacement therapy
19
 Xenoestrogens

• Xenoestrogens are the technical name for this class of man made
chemicals that mimicks the effects of estrogens.
• When absorbed by the body, xenoestrogens are highly cancer
causing and hormone disruptive.
• They contribute to the aforementioned estrogen related conditions:
– Breast cancer
– Uterine cancer
– Fibrocystic breast disease
– Ovarian cysts
– Endometriosis
– Premature sexual development
– Uterine fibroids
– Heavy periods
– Infertility
21
 Sources of Xenoestrogens

Pesticides – used on animals, farms, lawns and golf courses (who use 7
times the amount that farmers use!) This includes herbicides and
fungicides which enter the body by the skin and lungs. When using
more than one of these products an enhancing effect is known to
occur, promoting greater toxicity and estrogen effect.
Beef – Cattle for beef production in Canada and the US are given
zeranol or estradiol, as well as testosterone or trenbolone acetate, all
of which are estrogenic or convert to estrogens.
Dairy Products – A strong association has been made with eating
cheese and testicular cancer. This has been linked to the high levels
of estrogen and progesterone used in Canadian dairy products.
Testicular cancer has become the leading cancer among young men.

22
 Sources of Xenoestrogens cont’d.

Cosmetics & Hygiene Products– Make up, shampoos, conditioners,

shaving creams and deoderants use phthalates or parabens.
Preservatives used in skin lotions, suntan lotions and body lotions are
estrogenic. The average North American uses 12 different products
daily, exposing them to 126 different chemical components.
See ewg.org to find clean products and search the ingredients used in
yours.

Plastics – BPA and phthalates are used to make plastics. BPA is used to
stop plastics from breaking down in sunlight and is used in water
bottles, baby bottles, packing foods, lining cans and some dental
composites. Amounts up to 27 times the amount of estrogen used to
stimulate breast cancer cell growth in test tubes was found in canned
food. Heating plastics releases these chemicals in numbers 500,000
times the amount needed to produce breast cancer cell growth in test
tubes. McGill study microplastics -we are eating a credit card’s worth
of plastic each week 23
Tru Personal Hygiene:
Jason Nature Care
Inka Seventh generation
Lavera Diva cups
Glossier
Happy Hippie Underwear:
Viva organic cotton or
Devita bamboo (or hemp)
-cottonique
-pak
 Sources of Xenoestrogens cont’d.

Cleaning Chemicals – Household cleaners, laundry detergent, dish

detergent contain chemicals such as nonylphenol and octyphenol. The
residue stays on the clothes/dishes and is absorbed into the body
(even after rinsing). eg. Aspen, Seventh Generation,

Fabric Softeners/Laundry detergent – Can contain benzyl acetate,

Benzyl alcohol, ethanol, A-terpineol, ethyl acetate, camphor,
chloroform, linalool, or pentane; all broken down and absorbed by the
skin. eg. Soap Works, Tru Earth (or other laundry strips)

Bleach – Used to whiten tampons, pads, and toilet paper produces

dioxin. Tampons, unless stated to be cotton, are rayon (made from
wood pulp), contain dioxin. eg. Nature oxy, sodium percarbonate

Pharmaceuticals – Synthetic estrogens all contain toxic estrogens and

are stored in fat cells. When (and if) flushed from the body, they end
up in our water supply – then we eat the fish/shellfish and drink the 25
 Health Risk with Estrogen Imbalance
(Dominance)
• Women who eat meat high in estrogen mimickers are at a higher risk of
having sons with smaller testicles & penises and/or testicular and penis
malformations.
• Since 1938, sperm counts in men in the US and 20 other countries have
decreased by an average of 50% and testicular cancer rates have
tripled.
• Women with endometriosis are more likely to have high levels of PCBs
in their blood.
• Women with the greatest number of DDE markers (a DDT metabolite)
are 4 times more likely to develop breast cancer.
• Girls as young as 8 are now having periods (precocious puberty) and it
is being linked to high levels of estrogens in the environment.
• BPA can cause reproductive damage, birth defects, prostate and breast
cancer, early puberty & increased risk of miscarriage.
• Statistics Canada indicates that 91% of Canadians aged 6-79 have this
BPA in their urine and it is young people, age 12-19 who have the
highest levels! 26
 Food and Estrogen Dominance

• Hormone mimicking foods have added to the obesity epidemic and

too much fat on the body adds to the problem because the fat cells
(by enzyme activity) convert testosterone into estrogens.
• More fat cells = higher total estrogen.
• Excess insulin, or insulin resistance, which are both found in the
overweight, also cause estrogen dominance.
• As insulin levels spike, estrogen is secreted in higher amounts, and
cortisol, our stress hormone, promotes estrogen dominance and
more weight gain creating a vicious cycle of more fat cells that
become fatter and produce even more estrogen!

27
•
The Birth Control Pill
Synthetic estrogens found in the birth control pill, fertility drugs
and other hormone therapies are major contributors to estrogen
overload.
• “Low dose” birth control pill only means lower than previous types
of birth control pills. But today’s pills still contain many times the
natural level of estrogen found in a woman’s body (7X the estrogen
given to women to treat menopause).
• Begun in the 1960s, the birth control pill was supposed to provide
women with sexual freedom without fear of pregnancy. But it
increases her chances of breast cancer, promotes endometrial and
fibroid tissue growth and it stops testosterone’s libido enhancing
effects.
• So she has the freedom to have sex – but doesn’t want to!
• The pill is now prescribed for everything from acne, endometriosis,
heavy periods & uterine fibroids – with no research done for this
use.
• What we do know is that the pill contributes to hormone diseases in
women.
28
 More on the Pill …
• Taking a combined oral contraceptive increases the risk – 3-4 X, of
developing a blood clot if it is a second generation pill.
• A third generation pill will increase these odds to over 8 X the risk.
• Women using progestin-only pills are at little to no risk of blood
clots.
• The pill is prescribed for many peri-menopausal conditions including
endometriosis, acne, uterine fibroids, breast replacement therapy;
and if not monitored closely will contribute to estrogen dominant
conditions.
• Women over 35 cannot stay on the pill long-term due to concerns
over blood clots and cardio-vascular problems.
• When women come off all this estrogen – more heavy periods,
clotting, enhanced fibroid growth, potentially ending in a
hysterectomy as “treatment”.
• North American hysterectomy rates are among the highest in the
world.
• A new alternative – First Response Fertility Monitor can detect when
you are ovulating so you can abstain or use condoms during that
time. 29
 Yet more on the Pill
• The pill has a negative effect on testosterone levels that persist
long after a woman has stopped taking it.

• Positive effects of testosterone include a healthy sex drive,

lubrication, the ability to achieve orgasm, increased endurance and
muscle tone and overall vitality.

• Researchers found that women who had taken the pill had low
unbound testosterone and more symptoms of low libido, vaginal
dryness, and pain during intercourse than women who had never
taken the pill & these levels remained low long after discontinuing
the contraceptive.
• Nutrient depletions by the pill: B6, B2, B9, B12, Zinc
• The pill alters the gut flora making the environment more
susceptible to Candida overgrowth
• Youtube TED Talk Brain on Birth Control Pill-Sarah E. Hill
30
 Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Symptoms
• Recurrent symptoms – 7-14 days before menstruation (affect
reportedly 75-85%)
Behavioral:
• Nervousness, anxiety and irritability.
• Mood swings and mild to severe personality change.
• Fatigue, lethargy and depression.

Gastrointestinal:
• Abdominal bloating.
• Diarrhea and/or constipation.
• Change in appetite (usually craving of sugar).
Symptoms cont’d.

• Tender and enlarged breasts.

• Uterine cramping.
● Altered libido.
• Headache
• Backache
• Acne
• Edema

32
 Classifications
Type Symptom Imbalance Incidence

PMS-A Anxiety ↑ Estrogen 65-75%

Irritability ↓ Progesterone
Emotional instability

PMS-C Carb & sweets cravings Hypoglycemia 24-35%

↑ appetite ↑ Insulin in early part
Headache, fatigue, fainting, of cycle
Heart palpitations Hormonal regulation?

PMS-D Depression ↓ Estrogen 23-37%

Crying ↑ Progesterone
Confusion ↓ Neurotransmitter
degradation lead by
too much E
PMS-H Weight gain (≥ 3 lbs) ↑ Αldosterone 65-72%
Bloating May be due to stress,
Swelling of face/hands/ankles ↑ estrogen, ↓ Mg or
Breast tenderness ↑ salt
 PMT - Premenstrual Tension
Type A Anxiety Mg 400-600 mg per day
Chaste tree (vitex)
Liver support
Avoid stimulants and
refined carbohydrates
Type D Depression Zinc 30-60 mg per day
Vit B6 100-300mg, Mg
400-600 mg per day
Tyrptophan 1,000-1,500mg
before bed
Type H Water Retention Avoid all allergens,
potassium 1-2 grams per
day (from food sources eg.
avocado nettle tea), B
complex with extra B6
50-200 mg per day,
exercise
Type P Pain Vit E 400-800 IU, Mg
400-600 mg, Vit B6 100-300
mg per day

Type C Cravings Low sugar diet, frequent

meals, chromium
picolinate 200-400 mcg per
day, cinnamon water
Mg Bisglycinate (80%) 12mg /kg body weight
Pain relief - dong quai, black cohosh, pulsitilla, white peony,
Jamaican dogwood, wild yam, cramp bark, and chamomile
Mood-passionflower, blue vervain, motherwort, st. john’s wort
 Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) & PMS

• A deficiency of GLA (gamma linoleic acid) has been

linked to PMS.
• Found in organic hemp oil, sunflower or safflower oil.
Borage, evening primrose oil and black currant seed oils
naturally contain GLA.
• Through several steps the body takes these oils and
makes prostaglandins (PG1), hormone like compounds
that function as regulators, enhancing or inhibiting a
variety of responses, including inflammation, muscle
contraction, blood vessel dilation and clotting.
• Enzymes can also take GLA and produce arachidonic acid
which can encourage a pro-inflammatory reaction; blood
clotting. 37
 More on GLA & PMS
• Before menstruation, arachidonic acid is released and a
cascade of prostaglandins (PG2) is initiated in the uterus.
The response results in vasoconstriction and contractions,
causing pain, cramps, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and
headaches that may be found in those with PMS.
• Painful menstruation and breast pain are worse in women
who have low levels of GLA.
• The prostaglandins that worsen pain are found in excess in
women suffering with PMS – and in whom the conversion of
GLA to good prostaglandins is often impaired.
• GLA can also stimulate serotonin, the “feel good” hormone,
so GLA may also help with menstrual depression.

38
GLA & Relief from Bloating, Depression, Flushing & Pain

• The enzyme that converts fats into GLA is impaired in many people,
but it appears to be particularly low in women and the elderly.
• Supplementation with GLA has been found to relieve symptoms
during the transitional years from peri-menopausal to post-
menopause, including night sweats, breast pain, inflammation, fluid
retention, depression and irritability and skin wrinkling.

Contrary to mainstream popular belief …

• These oils are not estrogenic.
• Oils used should be organic, unrefined, non GMO
• Studies have shown that Evening Primrose & Borage reduce the risk
of breast cancer and improve fibrocystic breast disease.

39
 GLA

Dosage: varies for each woman, but generally:

4,000 mg of borage oil or 8,000 mg of evening primrose oil each day
with food.

More Estrogen Dominant Conditions

As mentioned, women who have: uterine fibroids, endometriosis,
hormonal acne, breast and ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, period
problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, fibrocystic breast disease, or
premenstrual syndrome.

It also includes: women whose peri-menopause is characterized by

flooding periods, women who are overweight who carry more harmful
estrogens in their fat cells and women who have cellulite or high
cholesterol.
40
Liver support is key:
Milk thistle seeds
Artichoke leaf
Burdock root
Dandelion root
Turmeric
Fringe Tree bark
Barberry bark -contains berberine
Oregon Grape Root -contains berberine
Vitamin K2 for Flooding Periods & Bone Health

•Liver uses K to make protein factors that are

essential to form clots.
•K is manufactured in the body by bacteria in the
intestines.
•Before 2001, vitamin K was not available in Canada.
•Dosage: Bone Booster containing 100 mcg of K2 for
flooding periods, 200 mcg for bone health.
•25mcg D3 (1000 IU) - 25 mcg K2 Optimal ratio

42
 PMS protocol
• Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains cereals and
breads, beans, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds, and broiled chicken,
turkey and fish.-phytoestrogen content
• Eat cruciferous vegetables - cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower
• Eat high protein snacks between meals
• Drink 1 quart of distilled water daily, starting one week before
menstrual period and ending one week after
• Eat flaxseeds, nuts, whole grains, apples, fennel, celery, parsley and
alfalfa for their phytoestrogen content.
• Get regular exercise – walking is helpful
• Do not consume alcohol, sugar, caffeine, dairy, salt, processed foods,
fast foods during the week before symptoms are expected
• Try red raspberry leaf, cramp bark, wild yam – antispasmodic
Peppermint, strawberry leaf and valerian root help to stabilize mood
swings and tone the nervous system
Lavender, milky oat sees, lemon balm, calendula, rose petals
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th ed. Phyllis Balch CNC
 Supplementation for PMS

• Multivitamin/mineral supplement
• B complex
• Mg – this supplement along with the B6 from the complex will
help the magnesium to get into the cell.
• Calcium - improves mood, concentration, lowers water
retention (Sisu, Nature’s Way, Genestra)
• Zinc – necessary for all hormone production.
• Vit E – helps with insomnia, nervous tension, headache,
fatigue, breast tenderness and depression.
• EFAs (GLA + EPA/DHA) – for prostaglandin activity.
• Antioxidants – additional requirement during PMS.

44
 Endometriosis
• Endometriosis is one of the most common, yet misunderstood
female diseases.
• 15% of women ages 20-45 are affected with this painful, debilitating
disorder. Pain with menses (dysmenorrhea) and dyspareunia (pain
with intercourse) and infertility may also be present.
• Endometriosis is a leading gynaecological cause for hospitalization
and hysterectomy (UpToDate)
• Pelvic exams by a high skilled gynecologist may show nodules or
lesions on the ovaries.
• Laparoscopy is the only test that can clearly diagnose
endometriosis.
• Endometrial tissue can look like tiny blueberries or black spots;
white, yellow, or reddish cysts; or vary from tiny bluish or dark
brown blisters to large chocolate coloured cysts.
• Biopsy is needed to confirm. 45
 Seven Early Warning Signs of
Endometriosis

1. Menstrual cramps that increase in severity.

2. Intermenstrual pain, usually at mid-month.
3. Painful intercourse (dyspareunia).
4. Infertility of unknown origin.
5. Bladder infection is suspected, but test results are
negative.
6. Pelvic pain that is all-encompassing.
7. History of ovarian cysts.

46
 Diet & Lifestyle Considerations for
Endometriosis
• Eat a diet of 50% raw vegetables and fruits (organic), and include
soy.
• Only whole grain products should be included – no refined foods.
• Raw nuts and seeds should be included, as should legumes (soak to
avoid gas, and adding to pain levels). High fibre foods will assist in
elimination.
• Include green drinks using dark green leafy vegetables.
• Eliminate caffeine, alcohol, animal fats (all factory farm animal
products), butter, dairy products, junk food, fast food, refined or
processed food, salt, shellfish and sugar.
• Fast for 2-3 days before menstruation begins, using pure distilled
water and fresh, live juices (vegetable). eg. Organic Traditions
greens + turmeric or Enerex Greens Juice
• Use heat (heating pad, hot water bottle, hot bath) to relieve
discomfort (will work for some women – some will experience
inflammation or even blood clotting). eg. Castor oil packs 47
 Supplement
Vit E
Supplement
Recommendations
200 IU daily
Dosage

Hormonal balance
Aids in:

Vit K/alfalfa 200 mcg daily Normal blood clotting

EFAs ( e.g. primrose/ 1,500 mg daily Regulating hormonal
GLA) and prostaglandin
balance
Iron (Floradix Iron & As directed by Preventing anemia - is
Herbs) or/ Iron practitioner/label common in this
bisglycinate (Ferrasorb) disorder
B complex As on label Blood productivity
Hormone balance
Stress/adrenals
Stack B5 50 mg 3X daily
Removing excess fluids
& B6 25 mg 3X daily
Vit C/Bioflavonoids 2,000 mg 3X daily Healing process
Zinc (gluconate) 50 mg daily, do not Tissue repair
exceed 100 mg per day Immune function
Ca/Mg 1500:1000 mg daily Relaxes muscle/NS
48
 Herbs for Endometriosis
● Astragalus, garlic, Oregon grape, myrrh gum, pau d’arco
and red clover – have antibiotic and anti-tumour
properties.
• Vitex, Burdock root, dong quai, and red raspberry leaf
help balance hormones, rehmannia, white peony.
• yarrow, lady’s mantle, blue cohosh as emmenagogues
• Nettle, yellow docks, strawberry leaves – rich in iron to
combat anemia. Alfalfa – for blood clotting, healing,
minerals including iron.
• NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) 600mg x4
• Pycnogenol (procyanidins) 100mg/day
• Devil’s claw-anti-inflammatory
As always with herbs, check for contraindications with
drugs, allergies, or life situations (pregnancy,
49
breastfeeding).
• Anti-inflammtory : Devil’s claw, turmeric, green tea, pcynogenol
• Anti-spasmodic: wild yam, ginger, rehmmania, feverfew, cramp
bark
• Immune modulating support: astragalus, cordyceps, echinacea
• Adaptogens (stress support): siberian ginseng, reishi, damiana,
ashwashwaghda
• Uterine tonic: red raspberry leaves, blue cohosh, lady’s mantle
• Hepatics/Lymphatics: see notes, cleavers, burdock
• Hormone regulators: vitex, blue cohosh, dong quai
 Ovarian Cysts
• In a normal cycle, several follicles develop every month, each
containing an egg.
• Surges of LH and FSH help mature and release the egg, and
progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum.
• If the egg is not fertilized, the cycle starts again.
• Sometimes, no egg is released; no progesterone is secreted; and
more estrogen is released.
• The follicles mature into fluid-filled sacs or cysts that grow larger
every month until progesterone is secreted.
• These cysts can be found singly or in groups and be small or large
(as big as a lemon).
• Doctors will recommend surgery, however a diet and supplement
program will usually make cysts shrink and disappear.
• Risk of cancer increases when cysts become solid. Sometimes a
cyst will grow tissue of skin cells within it and must be removed.
• Pap test and pelvic exam is best way to diagnose.
51
 Ovarian Cysts
Symptoms:
•Pain – either tenderness to the touch or a sore or burning sensation in
the lower abdomen, off to the right or the left.
•Pain – during ovulation or intercourse.
Pain – if the cyst erupts in the body cavity.
Causes:
•Ovarian cysts occur when there is a hormonal imbalance.
•Estrogen dominance is key and caused by poor elimination of waste
by the lymphatics, colon, liver and kidneys.
•Emotional or physical trauma, prolonged stress and even too much
exercise can cause increased estrogen.
•Risk is increased with the use of fertility drugs, bc pills or if client has
never been pregnant.
52
 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

• A disorder characterized with many fluid-filled cysts and

excessively high levels of male hormones.
• The release of LH by the pituitary gland increases the production of
male hormones that can cause acne, oily skin and coarse hair
growth on the face or chest.
● Ovaries are usually enlarged and contain multiple cysts, however
some women with PCOS have no cysts.
Symptoms:
• Irregular menstrual periods with copious bleeding, or a lack of
periods altogether.
• Because eggs are often not released, infertility is a problem.
• Pregnancy often ends in miscarriage in the first trimester.
• Gestational diabetes is often experienced in PCOS.

53
 PCOS cont’d

• If left untreated, PCOS can lead to cancer of the uterine

lining.
• These women are at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes,
cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
• PCOS is associated with hyper-insulinemia (production of
the insulin hormone) and impaired glucose metabolism.
• More than 65% of women who suffer with PCOS are
obese.
• Early puberty (7-11 years old) is linked to ovarian hyper-
androgenism and insulin resistance, suggesting there
may be a hormonal trigger.

54
 Non-drug Treatments for Ovarian Cysts
• An excellent diet. sulfur rich foods: radish sprouts, broccoli sprouts,
broccoli, kale, cauliflower& PCOS
- increase SHBG helps to metabolize E in
liver
• Phytoestrogen: alfafa, peppermint, lentils, chickpeas
• A good multivitamin with minerals.
• Reduce or eliminate environmental estrogens from the home &
diet.
• A nutrient called D-chiro-inositol has been studied for the
treatment of insulin-resistant conditions. It has been shown to
reduce appetite & improve serotonin. Chirositol mediates insulin
activity. It is structurally similar to glucose and helps control
glucose levels and will not cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
A supplement like Glucosmart with Chirositol (1-2 capsules per day)
will be helpful in controlling glucose levels.
• A supplement like Estrosmart, which contains, I3C, DIM, D-
glucarate, green tea extract, curcumin, sulforaphane and rosemary
in appropriate doses (2 capsules 2X per day with food) is
beneficial.
Page 273 55
• Borage oil – 4,000 mg per day with food.
• Vit D dose to appropriate levels to correct deficiency (eg 8000-10,000
ID x 3month)
• Alpha-lipoic acid 600mg/d
• N-Acetyl-Cysteine 600mg/d
• Consider chromium, inositol, berberine and cinnamon for blood sugar
support
• Adaptogen/nervine tonics
• Herbs: chaste tree, saw palmetto, blue vervain, gymnema, tribulus
 Menopause
• Menopause means one year with no menstrual period.
• Average age of menopause for North American women is 52, but
some can go through it at 35 and others at 60!
• Hysterectomy, or certain drug treatments can throw a woman into
menopause.
• Some women sail through with very little symptoms while some
women suffer for years with hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain
etc.
• During menopause the ovaries slow down their production of
estrogens and the adrenals take over by producing the precursor
hormones DHEA and androstenedione, which are converted to
estrogen.
• If the adrenals are exhausted, symptoms of estrogen deficiency will
appear.
• Healthy adrenals are the key to an effortless menopause.
Page 299 57
• Adrenal cortex (endocrine):
adolsterone, cortisol,
androgens, estrogen (estrone:
weaker estrogen)
‣ Aldosterone: outer layer
‣ Estrogen/cortisol: produced
in inner layer (active zone)
and stored in middle layer
(storage zone)
‣ Middle layer shrinks during
times of stress and active
zone thickens

• Adrenal medulla (nervous system): adrenaline

 Menopause cont’d.
• It is not as simple as a saliva or urine test, or finding low estrogen
and then just supplementing with estrogen.
• Some women will do well with this approach and some women will
exhibit a whole new set of symptoms.
• It is important to work with a health professional (like you!) to
make changes to treatment and ensure vibrant health and vitality.
• A menopausal woman should not be worn out, brain fogged and
tired. This should be a time in her life where she can focus on
herself – after children are grown; eating properly, exercising,
starting new activities; this time is all about her!
• Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia,
anxiety, headaches, vaginal dryness, bladder infections, cold
extremities and forgetfulness can be successfully treated with
nutrition, herbs and exercise!

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 Menopause cont’d.
Diet:
•Eat a diet rich in plant based foods, especially those high in
phytoestrogens, such as soy, flax seed, nuts, whole grains,
apples, fennel, celery, parsley, and alfalfa.
•Reduce the amount of animal foods – xenoestrogens.
•Any animal product must be organic, grass fed, free range.
•Add organic soy foods – the isoflavones and phytosterols
produce a mild estrogenic effect.
•Drink plenty of pure, filtered water. Hydration of the body on
a cellular level is important to flushing of toxins from cells. And
if not hydrated the body will concentrate stool, holding it (and
estrogens) in the colon, where the body will reabsorb them,
thus elevating estrogen levels even more!
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 Keep in Mind …
• Low adrenal function is directly associated to the body’s inability to
cope with menopause.
• Supporting the adrenals would be key in a “treat the cause and not
the symptom” approach – exercise – stress management (breath
work, yoga, meditation)

Essential Nutrients for adrenal disorders:

A good multi vitamin/mineral
Vit B Complex (stacking B5) - fat metabolism
Vit C with bioflavonoids
L- tyrosine (not to be taken if client is on MAOI inhibitor)
Adrenal glandular to rebuild and repair adrenal tissue AOR Ortho Adapt
Chlorophyll to cleanse the blood
CoQ10 for oxygen to all glands
Spleen glandular to boost immune function and healing process
SAME to help reduce stress and therefore burden on adrenals
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 Supplementation for Menopause

• Always start with a good multivitamin & mineral supplement as

a foundation.
• Vitamin A – Lowers cancer risk, works as an antioxidant,
promotes health of skin, involved in tissue healing and essential
to eye health.
• Vitamin B complex – For improved circulation and cell function;
a powerful anti-stress vitamin (B5) supporting the adrenals;
minimizes water retention (B6) and helps protect against heart
disease (Folic Acid).
• Vitamin C – Helps with hot flashes and heart health. NFH
Ascorbates
• Vitamin E – It stimulates the production of estrogen.
– Wheat germ and wheat germ oil are especially good sources.
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 Supplementation for Menopause
cont’d.
• Calcium – because of decreased calcium absorption in the first
stages of menopause, dietary factors that maximize absorption
need to be followed. (almonds, sesame seeds, moringa, greens)
• Adequate Mg (glycinate – 400-600mg/day) helps with irritability/
nervousness and helps prevent bone loss (use chelated forms).
– Vit D from sunshine is a necessary cofactors in calcium
metabolism.
– Vit K2 ensures the calcium is ushered into the bone (not the
tissue).
• Hesperidin – a flavonoid, it improves vascular integrity, lessening
capillary permeability, which is a primary factor in hot flashes. Also
useful in reducing leg cramps. (Metagenics Phtyo Multi, New Roots
Juicy Immune)
• Gamma-oryzanol (ferulic acid) – found in grains and is isolated from
rice bran oil, it is effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms
including hot flashes and lowers triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
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 • Hot flashes: black cohosh 40mg (1:1 2.5 ml x3), dong quai, white
peony, rehmmania, sage, hops, passionflower, valerian
• Vaginal dryness:
• topically: calendula oil, vitamin E, evening prime rose oil
• Internally: red clover, chastetree, wild yam, black cohosh
• Anxiety: motherwort, blue vervain, lemon balm (contraindicated for
hypothyroid, ashwagahda, magnolia
• Insomnia: white peony, hops, valerian, passionflower, skullcap
(lactiflora)
• UTI: probiotic, zinc, vitamin C, d-mannose, cranberry, corn silk, usnea,
Oregon grape
 Herbs for Menopause
Black Cohosh – potentially acting via serotonin and dopamine
pathways decreasing hot flashes. Also effective in reducing
profuse perspiration, headaches, heart palpitations, depression
and sleep disturbances (opioid receptors)

Dong Quai – Particularly useful in promoting vaginal health and

for easing hot flashes, it is a balancer of estrogen activity and a
tonic to the uterus.

Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) – Is a progesterone-enhancing herb

and enhances progesterone levels. It inhibits the excessive
production of prolactin which causes facial hair growth.
Elevated prolactin is also found in women with low thyroid,
PCOS and infertility.
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Wild Yam –support progesterone production

Black Haw –support progesterone production toning for the uterus

 General Imbalances in Women

• Hypothyroidism
• Adrenal exhaustion
• Liver overload
• Gastrointestinal health
• Mental health
• Ovarian cysts and fibrocystic breasts
• PCOS
• PMS
• Menopausal issues
• Infertility
• Weight issues
• Low libido
• Insulin imbalances, diabetic tendencies
• Sleep quality issues

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 Dietary Recommendations for
Women’s Issues

• Predominantly plant based

– ↑ estrogen excretion & restores balance
– Lower saturated animal fat,
– Better elimination [benefit of fibre]
– Support healthy microflora in gut

• Decrease sugar
– Sugar can promote candida
– Induce hypoglycemia
– Can ↑ endogenous cholesterol production & ↑ estrogen
levels
– Harmful for adrenals and thyroid
 Basic Food Recommendations cont’d.

• Limit meat/dairy and trans fat

– High in sat. fats = high in circulating estrogen levels
– High in xeno-estrogens – potent estrogenic effects
– Factory farm sources will be high in pesticides,
antibiotics which will burden the liver

• Increase phytoestrogens
– Weak estrogenic effect will begin to restore hormonal
balance
 Basic Food Recommendations cont’d.

• Limit alcohol and caffeine

– Stresses adrenals and thyroid
– Imbalances blood sugar levels
– Increase breast tenderness
– Increases anxiety, irritability and depression
– Depletes body of micronutrients needed to
restore balance
– Caffeine is a diuretic that depletes body of B6,Mg
and other vitamins and minerals.
Breast Cancer Prevention pg 303 in Notes.

Osteoporosis will be discussed in the

geriatric nutrition class.

Cardiovascular issues have begun to be a

huge issue for women as well as men. This
topic will be discussed in Men’s issues.

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 References for Session 5

• Staying Healthy with Nutrition, Elson Haas

• Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Michael Murray & Joseph
Pizzorno
• Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Phyllis Balch
• World’s Healthiest Foods, George Mateljan
• Nutritional Medicine, Alan R. Gaby, M.D.
• Textbook of Natural Medicine (Third Edition), Joseph Pizzorno &
Michael Murray
• Holistic Herbal, David Hoffmann
• A Smart Woman’s Guide to Hormones, Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS &
Alvin Pettle, M.D
• The Super Charged Hormone Diet, Dr. Natasha Turner

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