How To Get Your Period Back

It can be quite frustrating if you are trying to get pregnant, yet have no period. Having a healthy cycle is step one for boosting your fertility naturally and being able to get pregnant. There are a couple of reasons your cycle may be irregular such as stress, dietary deficiencies, low body weight, getting off of birth control pills, hormonal imbalance, perimenopause or other underlying issues.
Since the lining of the uterus is not being shed, it is very important to clear out the old blood and establish a healthy cycle again. This can be done naturally and effectively with herbs and nutrition. I have talked with many clients who have been offered synthetic estrogen to get there periods going again… taking synthetic estrogen for this issue is like using a sledge hammer on a thumb tack.

Absent Period… Otherwise Known as Amenorrhea

A healthy menstural cycle depends on a healthy body. Learn how you can bring your period back naturally...

Absent period is known as amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is divided into two distinct groups: primary amenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea being the most common.
Note: Absent menstrual cycles due to perimenopause and menopause are not considered amenorrhea.
Primary Amenorrhea
Defined as the absence of menstruation by the age of 14 with no secondary sexual characteristics, or the absence of menstruation by the age of 16 regardless of secondary sexual characteristics. Examples of secondary sexual characteristics in women are enlargement of breasts, widening of hips, armpit, pubic and leg hair and body odor. Primary amenorrhea is uncommon, happening in about only 0.3% of women.
Natural therapies do not often work as well for women with primary amenorrhea and that is because there is usually an underlying developmental issue for those women. In the case of primary amenorrhea, it may be best to find a reproductive endocrinologist to work with. We are not saying natural therapies and herbs will not work for primary amenorrhea, just that this condition is more difficult to work with. It is still very beneficial to eat well and choose healthy lifestyle practices.
Secondary amenorrhea
Defined as the absence of menstruation for the total of at least 3 previous menstrual cycle lengths, or at least 6 months in a woman who previously had a menstrual cycle and is still in her reproductive years. Reproductive years are defined as menarche, when a woman begins her menstrual cycle in puberty until menopause around the ages of 40-55. Secondary amenorrhea is more common than primary amenorrhea.

Causes of Absent Period

A menstrual cycle that has stopped is not a disease, it may be a sign that there is an underlying imbalance in the body. A regular menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex system of messages and actions orchestrated by the endocrine system. The endocrine glands work together to send messages via hormones. This is called the feedback loop.
In very simple terms the hypothalamus produces GnRH (gonadotrophin-releasing hormones) which signals to the pituitary to produce LH (luteinising hormones and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) to signal to the ovaries that it is their turn to release estrogen and progesterone which is recognized by the pituitary gland.
Simple right? Not so. As you can see a healthy cycle is dependent on each part of the feedback loop functioning properly. Think of it as an orchestra, if just one part of the cycle is off, it will throw the entire cycle off, causing imbalances that can affect regular menstrual cycles.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Sometimes the body is not getting enough nutrition daily to be able to sustain normal functions, including the menstrual cycle. There are many very important nutrients the body requires to maintain a healthy menstrual cycle. Nutritional deficiencies can actually cause menstrual cycle irregularities and eventually may cause the entire cycle to stop.
What you eat daily makes up every part of your body. You are what you eat!
Learn how to eat a healthy whole food fertility diet! Harvard performed a recent study that showed an 80% decrease in infertility with the lifestyle changes made by switching to a fertility diet. Women who followed a combination of five or more lifestyle factors, including changing specific aspects of their diets, experienced more than 80 percent less relative risk of infertility due to ovulatory disorders compared to women who engaged in none of the factors, according to a paper published in the Nov. 1 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Eating a wide variety of whole foods is vital to a healthy menstrual cycle. The body relies on the foods we consume daily to function at its best. There are key nutrients and foods that support a healthy menstrual cycle, if any of these are lacking there may be a deficiency that may be contributing to an absent period. Be sure you are getting enough of the following…

Iron: Studies have shown that women who do not get sufficient amounts of iron may suffer anovulation (lack of ovulation) and possibly poor egg health, which can inhibit pregnancy at a rate 60% higher than those with sufficient iron stores in their blood. Foods rich in iron are divided into two groups heme and nonheme. This simply means it comes from an animal source or a non-animal source. Heme iron sources are grass fed, free range organic bison, chicken, eggs, elk, beef and wild caught Alaskan salmon. Nonheme iron rich foods include blackstrap molasses, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, beans, nettles, amaranth, dark leafy greens, Turkish apricots (unsulphured), seaweed, and quinoa.
“In a study women who were having ovulation problems, 40% became fertile after supplementing with iron.”
Vitamin C: Vitamin C improves hormone levels and increases fertility in women. The body requires food sources of vitamin C for proper iron absorption, so be sure to eat a food high in vitamin C when consuming a food high in iron. Great food sources of vitamin C are red bell peppers, oranges strawberries and hibiscus flower tea.
B Vitamins: Green vegetables are rich in B vitamins which are necessary for proper hormonal balance. Think of Swiss chard, kale, watercress, seaweed, spirulina, collard greens, nettles, parsley and basil!
Essential fatty acids: EFA’s are important for hormone production. Many women are low in EFA’s, specifically omega 3. Some foods rich in EFA’s are Flaxseeds, walnuts, salmon, sardines, halibut, shrimp, snapper, scallops, chia seeds and cod liver oil.
Cholesterol: Cholesterol is necessary for hormone production. Avoid eating a ‘low-fat’ diet and makes sure to eat a diet that includes whole fat sourced from grass-fed animal products. Foods rich in clean cholesterol: grass-fed beef, raw milk from grass-fed cows or goats, whole milk yogurt and kefir, free-range/pastured eggs, butter from grass-fed milk (Kerry Gold is a common one) and coconut oil.
Fiber: Fiber helps to remove excess hormones from the body which may be causing hormonal imbalance. Fiber also helps to regulate the blood sugar levels which helps to reduce fertility issues such as PCOS, immunological issues, and promotes healthy hormonal balance. Some examples of high fiber foods are fresh fruits, vegetables, dark leafy greens, and beans.
Zinc: This is just one of the minerals that the body uses to keep hormone levels (like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) levels stable throughout the entire menstrual cycle. It is especially important during stage 2 and 4 of a woman’s cycle. A woman’s body needs a certain amount of zinc to produce mature eggs that are ripe for fertilization. The richest source of Zinc are oysters, but some easy to find sources are raw pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds and tahini sesame seed butter.

A great way to support the body in getting all the necessary nutrients it needs daily is to take a whole food multivitamin. Including a whole food multivitamin, along with eating a fertility diet is the first step in getting your period back!

Being Overweight or Underweight

There is a direct link between anovulation and obesity and those women who are. Body fat cells, called adipocytes produce estrogen. Obese women may have too much estrogen due to too much body fat. Women who are underweight may also have anovulation due to lack of body fat. There may not be enough estrogen or adequate cholesterol levels being maintained to support the menstrual cycle. Studies have shown that women with extreme exercise habits have significantly lower levels of estradiol due to low levels of body fat in key areas of the body, leading to anovulation.
Estrogen is essential for healthy bone formation, healthy gene expression, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and is vital for a healthy menstrual cycle. Too much estrogen, or too little in the body may cause the feedback loop to not function properly and the menstrual cycle may cease. Now you can see why it is so important to have adequate amounts of body fat; not too much and not too little!

PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, sometimes also called polycystic ovarian dysfunction is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. There are two distinct and consistent features of PCOS: absent period or inconsistent menstrual cycles and hyperandrogenism (the body is producing too many androgens, the most common one being testosterone).

Stress

Stress may cause the body to stop the menstrual cycle. Stress causes the body to release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenalin that prevent our fertility hormones from being released at the correct times in the menstrual cycle. This can cause a disruption in the menstrual cycle by affecting how the adrenal glands function. Reducing stress and supporting adrenal health is essential to a healthy menstrual cycle and is a relatively easy fix for healthy fertility. The adrenal glands also directly impact thyroid health.

Thyroid issues

Poor thyroid function may cause the menstrual cycle to stop. An overactive thyroid that produces too many thyroid hormones is called Hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones. An absent menstrual cycle is a sign of hyperthyroidism, where irregular or heavy cycles may be a sign of hypothyroidism. Learn more about the importance of thyroid function for fertility…

Pituitary tumor

A pituitary tumor may cause disruption of the release of and manufacturing of certain hormones which may cause the menstrual cycle to stop. Learn more about what role the pituitary gland plays for fertility here…

Premature Ovarian Failure

POF, also known as Ovarian Hypofunction, is defined as a loss of normal ovarian function before the age of 40. The menstrual cycle may cease before the age of 40, or become sporadic. There are a variety of reasons this may happen, you can learn more here…

Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. As perimenopause progresses toward menopause, it is normal for menstrual cycles to become irregular and for hormone levels to fluctuate. The menstrual cycle may become absent for many cycles and then suddenly come back for a couple cycles, and then come back again, becoming sporadic for a some years. As ovarian reserve diminishes and egg health declines, FSH levels rise, the menstrual cycle will become more and more irregular, until eventually it stops.
Menopause is defined as absent menstruation for a year or longer. Menopause may also be confirmed by elevated FSH levels between 60 to 100mL/L on two tests done at least 1 month apart, and/or LH level greater than 50mIU/L and estradiol less than 50pg/mL. Natural therapies cannot reverse the aging process, or bring back the menstrual cycles in a woman who has already gone through, or is going through menopause.

When to see a doctor!

If you have not had a menstrual period for 3 consecutive cycles or more, it is time to make an appointment with your healthcare practitioner. They can help you to determine what the causes may be. Most medical doctors will often prescribe oral contraceptives (birth control pill) to get the menstrual cycle to regulate. It is important to realize that this method will force the body to have a cycle and prevent pregnancy. Oral contraceptives do not solve the problem of why the menstrual cycle is absent to begin with. Luckily there are natural therapies such as herbs, specific massage techniques, supplements, stress reduction techniques and dietary changes than can help support the body in regulating the menstrual cycle in most cases.

Herbs to Promote Menstruation

Before heading right for herbs that are known to help bring back the menstrual cycle (emmenagogues) it is also important to consider herbs that support healing of the cause of the absent menstrual cycle. Why is it you are not having a period to begin with? Once you know what is causing this to happen, you will be able to formulate a plan for yourself. This is vital when desiring to use herbs as well. For example there are herbs that support hormonal balance through endocrine system support, some that help the body to respond to stress and others that have a direct action on the uterus. You can learn all about herbs for fertility here….

~Emmenagogues stimulate and normalize the menstrual cycle~
Important caution: It is extremely important to rule out pregnancy prior to beginning any herbs for fertility, especially those used to bring back a menstrual cycle. Most herbs that help to regulate the menstrual cycle are not safe for pregnancy and may potentially cause a miscarriage!

Herbs to Bring on Menstruation

The following herbs may help to bring on a menstrual period. All the herbs in this section will only be effective if the menstrual period is absent due to hormonal imbalance. If the menstrual cycle is absent due to nutritional deficiencies, these herbs may not be as effective. It is very important that diet changes are in place before beginning any herbs to bring back the menstrual cycle.
Black Cohosh root (Actaea racemosa)
Black cohosh has been used for hundreds of years to help bring on a menstrual period. Aids in tone, regular function and shedding of the uterine lining. Promotes regulation of the entire menstrual cycle. Helps to calm and support the uterus.
Dong Quai root (Angelica sinensis)
This is the main herb for this issue. Dong Quai works by promoting blood flow to the pelvis where it will stimulate an absant or scanty period. It also nourishes the blood (it is in nearly all Chinese herbal blood-building formulas). Treats iron deficiency and anemia. One of the best uses is it helps women who are not menstruating to invite there menstruation back. The increased circulation also helps to strengthen and balance the uterus.
Motherwort aerial parts (Leonurus cardiaca)
This herb is very effective at reducing uterine muscle spasm, cramping and improving uterine tone. Motherwort has been found to mildly stimulate the uterus, while also aiding the uterus to work efficiently, which is helpful in bringing on menstruation.
White Peony (Paeonia officinalis)
This herb is helps build the blood and increase circulation to the reproductive organs. Overall this herb has excellent hormone balancing support. It also aids in pain reduction and relaxation. White peony moves the blood in the pelvic area, good for uterine stagnant conditions including absent period.
Click here to purchase a formula with these herbs…

Herbs to Promote Regular Menstrual Cycles

The following herbs would be used once the first menstrual period comes back or after performing a Fertility Cleanse.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Shatavari helps to promote regular menstrual cycles by aiding in regulation of estrogen levels. Shatavari is also an adaptogen that supports endocrine system function for healthy hormonal balance.
Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)
This herb has been shown to normalize ovulation in infertile women. Tribulus supports healthy hormone levels, is a known female reproductive system tonic and may increase libido.
Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)
Vitex is another great herb for amenorrhea due to hormonal imbalance. It helps to balance the hormones while not containing any hormones within the herb. Vitex supports hormonal balance in the body by having an effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (hormonal feedback loop), correcting the problem at the source. There have been numerous studies showing the effectiveness of vitex for all types of menstrual cycle irregularities when used for many months consistently.
Vitex has been found to help normalize ovulation, improve a short luteal phase, support healthy hormone levels and reduce Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Studies have shown vitex extremely helpful in bringing back the menstrual cycle in women with absent periods due to eating disorders and lack of menstruation due to breastfeeding. We do not advise weaning a baby until they are at least over a year old, but for mothers of older babies who are ready to try to conceive again, but still have yet to begin menstruating, vitex is a safe option. You can learn more about using herbs for fertility while breastfeeding here…
If you have not had a menstrual cycle for two or more months you may want to consider performing a Fertility Cleanse. Fertility cleansing helps to cleanse the uterus of old blood and tissues while helping the liver to get rid of excess hormones to promote a healthy menstrual cycle. If after doing a Fertility Cleanse your period still does not come back and you have implemented a nutrient dense fertility diet, consider herbs to bring back the menstrual cycle.
Learn about other herbs for Absent Period here…

Self Fertility Massage
A uterus that is not stimulated to shed the endometrium, or sheds the endometrium inadequately each month, may become atrophied. This means the muscles lose their tone and strength. If the mucosa lining known as the stratum functionale is not stimulated to secrete mucous and build up the endometrium, then the uterus is not lubricated and may become “dry” and weak. You can see why this would not be the best environment to house an embryo. Having a regular menstrual cycle is essential to having a healthy uterus.
Here’s how Self Fertility Massage aids the body in regulating menstrual cycles:

• Promotes hormonal balance*
• Helps to reduce stress and stress hormones*
• Improves communication within endocrine system*
• Increases circulation to the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes*
• Promotes the movement of fluids*
• Helps the body to rid itself of old stagnant blood and tissues*

Learn all about how Self Fertility Massage may help to promote a healthy menstrual cycle here…

Summary

Overall it is is extremely important to begin by nourishing the body through good nutrition. Your dietary habits are your foundation, without that it place first, the body is not going to respond to herbs for amenorrhea as well. Second, be sure to include a good whole food multivitamin, reduces stress and exercise regularly. Third consider an herbal program for getting the menstrual cycle back on track. Last, but not least, practice fertility massage regularly. This combination is a great plan for working to promote a healthy menstrual cycle long-term! Be patient, the body needs time to establish a cycle. Be gentle with yourself and your body will come back into balance.
References:
1. http://drtorihudson.com/general/endocrine-health/pcos/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos/
2. Aviva Romm, 2010: Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, Churchill Livingstone

5 Steps to Reversing Endometriosis Infertility

Endometriosis is when the tissues of the endometrium lining of the uterus grow outside of the uterus. The endometrium is the inner mucosal lining of the uterus. It has two layers. The stratum functionale contains the excretory glands and is shed as menses during menstruation. It is then built-up again by stimulation of the ovaries releasing hormones. The deeper layer that resides next to the myometrium is vascular (vessels that carry fluids) and serves to regenerate the stratum functionale after each menstruation ends.
In women with endometriosis the displaced tissues function and are influenced by hormones just as a normal endometrium would. This means that these displaced tissues go through the same cycle that any endometrium would; the tissues build up as the body approaches ovulation, then begin to break down when ovulation does not occur and then the displaced tissues bleed during menses. When the endometrial lesions bleed, the blood accumulates locally and triggers inflammation and pain. Over time this may cause development of adhesion (internal scar tissue).
Endometriosis may attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder, ligaments or other areas in the abdominal cavity. Rarely the endometrial cells will attach to other areas in the body including the lungs and nasal cavity. If adhesions develop, this may cause internal organs to become stuck to other internal parts of the body and may even cause displacement of organs and other tissues.

Endometriosis can have a huge impact on fertility, being blamed for 35-50% of fertility issues in women.

Some of the symptoms are:

• Heavy menstruation with pain, large clots, long or abnormal length of cycles
• Lower abdominal pain, back pain, burning pain over the site
• Frequent or constant pain all month long
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Painful during bowel movement or urination
• Rarely bleeding after intercourse, bowel movement, or urination
• Dysmenorrhea
• Ovarian swelling
• Swollen abdomen
• Infertility

Endometriosis can have a huge impact on fertility, being blamed for 35-50% of fertility issues in women. This is two to three times the rate of infertility in the general population.

Risk Factors

There are are a variety of risk factors for the development of endometriosis. Here are the main risk factors:

• Too much estrogen/too little progesterone
• Genetic predisposition
• Too much conventional meat
• Radiation and EMF’s
• An abnormality in the immune system
• Exposure to environmental toxins
• Benign uterine fibroids

What Causes Endometriosis?

Doctors and Scientist don’t really know for sure what causes endometriosis. Combined theories agree that there are many different factors in the development of this condition, which makes endometriosis a complex condition with a many different origins. Because researchers cannot find one direct link to the cause, it also makes it very difficult to treat.

Genetic Predisposition

Genetic predisposition in women with a family history of mothers or sisters that have endometriosis are at a higher risk for developing endometriosis. Women who also have low progesterone often have a family history of low progesterone.
Genotyping studies have associated a link between endometriosis and individual genomic changes in certain chromosomes. This may have been passed down genetically from a parent. Changes in the chromosomes and gene expressions may also be caused by exposure to environmental factors or altered metabolism.

Lymphatic Flow Theory

This theory suggests that the endometrial tissue is spread throughout the body via the lymphatic system.

Retrograde Menstrual Flow Theory

Researchers and doctors suggest that endometrial tissue flows backward through the fallopian tubes and into the abdominal cavity causing the displacement of endometrial cells. These cells then attach to other areas of the abdominal cavity. This is the most widely accepted theory. It is recognized though that other environmental, immunological and hereditary factors may contribute to the development of endometriosis.

Low Progesterone and Estrogen Dominance

Low progesterone disrupts hormonal imbalance overall. When progesterone becomes low, estrogen usually becomes too high. Estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency have been linked to the development of endometriosis. Estrogen dominance may happen from chemical toxin exposure from xenoestrogens (toxins that mimic estrogen), including hormones in foods we eat, pesticides, fertilizers, and dioxin, all of which disrupt endocrine system function.
Numerous studies have shown a correlation between dioxin exposure and the development of endometriosis. In a study using monkeys it was shown that Dioxin increased the severity and growth of endometrial tissues as well as promoted survival of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus.
Dioxin is a group of highly toxic chemicals that are a by-product of industrial processing using chlorine to manufacture herbicides and pesticides, process pulp and bleached paper products (including the raw materials for feminine care products) as well as incinerate waste.
Dioxin is considered a Persistent Organic Pollutant, POP for short, that slowly over time accumulates in our bodies. This pollutant is carried in the air and in our water systems as well, which affects the entire food chain and planet. Dioxin is not only present in feminine care products, but most paper products we use including napkins, paper towels, tissues, make-up removal pads, toilet paper, diapers, ect.

Immunological Factors

Immunological factors have been linked to the development of endometriosis and endometriosis related infertility. In early endometriosis (stage 1 & 2) there are elevated levels of inflammatory mediators. Studies have shown elevated levels of cytokines, lymphocytes, and macrophages in the peritoneal fluid of women with early stage endometriosis.
Over time the immune system function appears to alter and may increase the number of peritoneal macrophages, decreased T-cell activity and natural killer cells (NK), increased antibodies and altered cytokine network function. Overall this creates depressed immune function and poor inflammatory response. This may allow endometriotic tissues to implant elsewhere in the body more easily. This may also be why women with endometriosis have more pain, inflammation and are more susceptible to recurrent infections, especially yeast infections.

Oxidative Stress

Cell damage from free radicals has been suggested as the leading contributing factor for development of endometriosis. This may be due to dietary factors, exposure to chemical toxins, aging, immunological and inflammatory response.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cell structures, this is known as oxidative stress. In normal everyday life free radicals are produced from the activity in our bodies (for example free radicals are made during energy production) but chemicals in our surrounding environment can also create free radicals. It is said that each cell in our body is attacked about 10,000 times a day by free radicals, accelerating the aging process and allowing for tissue damage and the spread of disease.

How Does Endometriosis Affect Fertility?

Endometriosis is an estrogen dominant condition. When there are too much estrogen in the system, it causes hormonal imbalance. Proper hormonal balance is essential for healthy fertility.
Endometriosis also creates a situation of “congestion” where there are excess tissues growing in the uterus (as well as other areas of the body) which makes it harder for an embryo to attach and grow healthy.
Every month the excess tissues bleed which cause inflammation to occur and scar tissue to begin adhering to uterus, fallopian tubes, the ovaries, and other organs. This causes some serious “congestion”. If endometrial cells attach to the ovaries or fallopian tubes this may alter normal ovulatory function or cause the fallopian tubes to become blocked.
As if that was not enough some researchers suggest that the woman’s body may form antibodies against the misplaced endometrial tissue. The same antibodies may attack the uterine lining and cause miscarriages (up to three times the normal rate).

Medical Options for Endometriosis

If endometriosis is left untreated this condition has serious negative impact on reproductive health. There are both medical options and natural therapies to help heal the body from endometriosis. Endometriosis is usually diagnosed by laparoscopic surgery.
Surgery
Doctors will often suggest laparoscopic or abdominal surgery to remove the endometrial lesions, scar tissue damaged areas and clip away adhesions if possible. In the case of severe endometriosis, a doctor may suggest a full hysterectomy (removal of uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes).
Hormonal and Pain Medications
Doctors may prescribe hormonal medications. The purpose is to stop the menstrual cycle to prevent further growth of the endometrial tissues. This may also help to reduce pain. If pain is still present they may prescribe pain medications. Hormonal medications alter the natural menstrual cycle and may prevent pregnancy. They all come with a variety of side effects. Medications are not always effective and once medications are stopped the endometriosis may come back or spread further. Your doctor can help you to determine which options may be best for your particular situation. Most times surgical options may be combined with natural therapies.

Natural Therapies for Endometriosis Infertility

Lifestyle changes are some of the most effective ways to help with endometriosis. These would be changing your diet, clearing out old tissues and congestion, balancing your hormones, and avoiding certain pollutants. The overall goal is to support proper function and health of the endometrium, endocrine and immune systems.

Step 1: Eat a nutrient dense fertility diet

To begin you will want to build a healthy foundation for your fertility by creating a baby-friendly-body. Diet changes specific to endometriosis are important. There are several types of food you may want to avoid because they have been linked to making endometriosis worse. Certain foods may trigger flare-ups, promote inflammation, or are “congesting” to the body, feeding the congestive nature of endometriosis, while other foods may increase hormonal imbalance.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
The following foods have been linked to making endometriosis worse:

Gluten, specifically wheat
Wheat has a direct link to making pain worse in women with endometriosis. Researchers are not sure why, but nutritionist Dian Mills says, “Wheat has been genetically modified…There is also problems with gluten sensitivity, and more people are becoming gluten sensitive and I find that when I’ve taken wheat out of the diet, in 80% of the women with endometriosis, their pain subsides.”
At study performed in 2009 of 120 women with endometriosis tested positive for markers that signal the possibility of celiac disease. Of those 9 women, 4 agreed to intestinal biopsy to confirm celiac disease, all 4 tested positive. Researchers concluded that celiac disease appears to be common in women with endometriosis which may warrant further studies on the topic.
When you have Celiac disease, every time you eat something with gluten in it, your immune system goes into overdrive which results in the production toxins throughout the body. These toxins ultimately damage the villi found in the stomach. This destruction restricts the bodies ability to absorb the right nutrients which can actually starve the body of the vitamins and minerals it needs to work properly, eventually affecting every system in the body – including the reproductive system.
It is suggested to remove gluten or at least wheat from the diet for a minimum of 2 months to see if pain is reduced or eliminated.
Dairy products
Dairy products are “congesting” to the body. Consumption of dairy products should be limited to about 2 times a week at most. Choose organic raw dairy products when possible. Homogenized and pasteurized cow milk is the most congesting and hard to digest of all dairy products. Choose dairy milk alternatives, such as hemp, almond or brown rice milk instead. Organic raw unsweetened yogurt or kefir are the best choices for dairy products. Be sure that all dairy you do consume is organic or says it does not contain any added hormones.
Red meat, especially commercially raised beef
A study performed in 2004 compared 504 women under the age of 65 who had endometriosis to 504 women under the age of 65 who had no known fertility problems. They found that women who ate beef or other red meat seven times a week or more were 100 percent more likely to have endometriosis than women who ate red meat three times a week or less. The study did not mention what the connection between red meat consumption and endometriosis is, but that it does exist. It may very well be that most red meat contains a variety of xenohormones and antibiotics which are known to be toxic the the human body. See Non-organic foods below for more information on how non-organic meats affect fertility.
Pork
The same study from above showed that women who ate ham three or more times per week were 80 percent more likely to have endometriosis than those who ate it less than once a week. Pork is one of the fattiest meats a person could consume, which means pigs store more toxins than other animals.
Soy
Soy foods are highly processed and contain concentrated amounts of isoflavones. The isoflavones are known to be phytoestrogenic. In fact soy contains more concentrations of isoflavones than any other phytoestrogen, which may contribute to estrogen dominance. Most soy is genetically modified and not organic, both of which have been linked to numerous infertility cases.
Non-organic foods
We have learned that exposure and consumption of pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers and GMO foods can create hormonal imbalance through endocrine disruption and suppressed immune function. Conventional fruits and vegetables are regularly sprayed with these chemicals and then not only do we eat them daily, but so do animals that are raised for meat.
If you eat non-organic meats, you are being doubly exposed to these toxins. This is because xenohormones become more concentrated as they move up the food chain. Xenohormones are often stored in the fat cells of animals. The more fatty the meats you are consuming the more xenohormones you are consuming. For example if you are eating 80% lean/20% fat beef, you may be consuming 20% toxins that cow has stored in its fat. What was that non-organic cow eating? Well, conventional beef is raised in feedlots. They are fed corn and soy feed. This is GMO corn and soy, sprayed with pesticides, fertilizers and possibly herbicides. The cows eat this everyday. Then on top of that the animals live in horrible living conditions and are given antibiotics to stave off the spread of disease.

Foods to Focus On
Fresh Vegetables and Fruits
These foods should make up most of your diet. The study from 2004 that linked red meat consumption to endometriosis also Studies showed that women who eat green vegetables 13 times or more per week (roughly twice a day) were 70 percent less likely to have endometriosis than those who green vegetables less than six times per week.
Women who ate fresh fruit 14 times or more per week (at least twice a day) were 40 percent less likely to have endometriosis than those who ate fruit and vegetables less than six times per week.
This study suggests that there may be link between eating a healthy diet, low in red meat and high in fruit and vegetables and a reduced risk of developing endometriosis.
The current advice is to eat at least five 80g portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
The Importance of Fiber
Your main focus and one of the first things you should do right now is eating more fiber. Fiber helps the body to get rid of excess estrogens.
Some good sources of fiber are:

• Dark leafy greens
• Broccoli
• Swiss chard
• Quinoa
• Chia seeds
• Beans

Essential Fatty Acids
In addition make sure to eat a diet high in essential fatty acids. EFA’s, specifically omega 3′s, reduce inflammation in the body which will help to lessen the pain that endometriosis can cause. Omegas also support hormonal balance. A diet high in Omega EFA’s and lower in trans fatty acids protects cellular integrity, which protects the cells in the body from oxidative stress.
Good sources of omegas are:

• Omega 3: Flax seeds (ground or oil), cage free organic eggs, wild Alaskan salmon
• Omega 6: Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil
• Omega 9: fresh seeds and nuts, avocado and sunflower oil

If you are not getting enough essential fatty acids from the foods you eat, you may want to consider taking a complete omega supplement or at least one high in omega 3.

Endometriosis Smoothie

• The pineapple and papaya in this smoothie are anti-inflammatory and the naturally occuring protein digesting enzymes may help the body to dissolve abnormal tissues. You can usually find the pineapple, papaya, and mango frozen if you can’t get it fresh.
• The chia seeds and coconut flakes serve as extra fiber to help remove excess estrogens from the body as well as providing essential fatty acids.
• Bee Propolis – In a recent study, women with endometriosis have a 60% greater chance of getting pregnant than the women who take nothing. Suggested usage is 500 mg twice a day of bee propolis.

1/4 C. Pineapple
1/4 C. Papaya
1/4 C. Mango
2 scoops FertiliWhey protein powder
1 T. chia seeds
1/4 tsp. Bee Propolis (equivalent to 500mg)
1 T. Coconut flakes (dried)
1.4 C. -3/4 C. water or juice of choice (I love the pineapple coconut juice from Knudsen’s) fresh squeezed orange juice goes great!
Blend and enjoy!

Step 2: Avoid Exposure to Environmental Toxins

We have learned that exposure to certain environmental toxins may contribute to the development of endometriosis or make it worse. Some toxins are known to be endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors, also known as xenohormones, are human-made chemicals. These chemicals have the ability to interfere with the natural functions and development of our bodies. The main function of the endocrine system is to serve as our body’s message center. Hormones deliver messages, the endocrine system coordinates hormones.
Ways to support healthy endocrine function and avoid xenohormones:

• Eat organic foods
• Avoid exposure to pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers
• Use natural feminine care products
• Use organic, natural body care products, including makeup
• Avoid food preservatives and dyes
• Use low VOC paints
• Use recycled unbleached paper products
• Use non-chlorinated oxygen based bleach in the laundry
• Avoid plastics

Step 3: Prepare your body with a cleanse

Cleansing specifically for fertility is an important first step if you are experiencing endometriosis. Cleansing using specific herbs helps the body to clear out old tissue, increase circulation to the reproductive system, support hormonal balance, reduce inflammation and pain caused from endometriosis. There is a correlation between the body’s inability to remove excess toxins and waste products in women with endometriosis.
A fertility cleanse also aids the liver in removing excess estrogens from your system. Again, supporting proper hormonal balance is vital to reducing the spread of endometriosis. We find doing a Fertility Cleanse 2 times a year is important for supporting a healthy endometrium and hormonal balance.

Step 4: Systemic Enzyme Therapy

Systemic Enzyme Therapy is one of the best and most effective natural therapies for helping the body to deal with endometriosis. Specific systemic enzymes can help support the body to reduce the “stagnation”, scar tissue and breakdown the excess tissues left from endometriosis.
Certain systemic enzymes also have the ability to reducing the inflammation caused from the scar tissue irritating the surrounding organs and may help with the pain that sometimes comes from having endometriosis.
The blood cleansing actions of this therapy help to bring proper circulation to the reproductive system and get the “stagnant blood” cleared out, bringing fresh oxygenated blood to your uterus and ovaries.
It is best to start the Systemic Enzyme Therapy in conjunction with fertility cleansing. For endometriosis you will want to stay on a systemic enzyme for many months so all of the stagnant tissues and scar tissues can be cleared. This should only be done in the months prior to trying to conceive.

Step 5: Supportive Herbs and Supplements for Hormonal Balance and Creating a Healthy Endometrium

Herbs and supplements can be very helpful for women with endometriosis. Many of these natural therapies support the body in eliminating excess hormones, endometrial tissues, inflammation, while promoting the reduction in endometrial growth.
Progesterone
If you have endometriosis, Dr. John Lee recommends using progesterone cream from days 8 to 26 of your cycle, to reduce the effects of estrogen on the body (estrogen stimulates endometrial growth). Take a short week off to refresh your receptor sites. He has had success with this controlling symptoms within six months. Once the outbreaks of endometriosis are tolerable reduce the usage to days 12 till menstrual cycle.
DIM
DIM helps to balance the hormones by breaking down excess estrogen and removing it from the body. Endometriosis is an estrogen dominant condition. Cleansing the body of excess estrogen should help the body to reduce the growth of excess endometrial tissues.
Women’s Best Friend
Women’s Best Friend takes down pain and swelling caused from endometriosis so you start feeling better right away. Women’s Best Friend goes to the source of the problem, helping to reduce excess estrogen that fuels abnormal growths, and stimulating liver activity for improved estrogen metabolism. It works with your body’s natural detoxification processes to clear congested endometrial tissues while reducing symptoms like abnormal bleeding.
Key herbs in Women’s Best Friend that make this product so effective:

Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis canadensis)- This herb is extremely antibiotic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It works to heal any infection in the reproductive system, while also reducing pain and inflammation from foreign tissue growth. Reduction in inflammation may help to prevent scar tissue and adhesion.
Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia erythrina)- This herb is extremely antispasmodic and analgesic. It reduces muscular cramps and spasm. This is an herb that is often relied on by herbalists for women who have unrelenting pain disturbing daily life activities; debilitating pain.
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)- Helps to promote normal hormone levels and overall balance within the reproductive system. Wild Yam may also help the uterus to work more efficiently during menses.
Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)- This is one of the most effective herbs for reducing uterine spasm and cramping. Cramp Bark brings relief of pain and muscle spasm for smooth muscle, especially the uterus.
Peony Root (Paeonia officinalis)- Peony has been found to aid in increasing progesterone levels, lower testosterone and balance estrogen. Overall this herb has excellent hormone balancing support.

To purchase a kit with these ingredients including Systemic Enzyme Therapy click here…

Additional Supplements that are helpful for endometriosis…

Whole Food Prenatal Multivitamin
A major part of increasing egg health and preparing the uterine lining is to take a prenatal multivitamin. Making sure your body has all of the nutrients necessary is a lot easier when you are taking a multivitamin. My favorite is the 100% whole food Baby and Me from Mega Food. Synthetic multivitamins don’t have the same effect. If you decide to change your diet to reduce endometriosis, you will need to make sure your body is supported nutritionally as your body adjusts to the diet changes. For women that have gluten or wheat intolerance, the digestive system may be damaged, which make absorption of nutrients from the diet difficult, it is vital you supplement with a multivitamin to ensure make up for lost nutrients in foods.
Pycnogenol: Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant that comes from the bark of the pine tree Pinus maritima. It has been shown to help women with endometriosis, improve egg health, and increase sperm health. Antioxidants are important in restoring and protecting cellular health and DNA. Pycnogenol is a therapeutic alternative to Gn-RHa in the treatment of endometriosis.
Bee propolis
Bee Propolis is a resinous mixture of tree sap, tree buds, tree leaves and other botanical sources that the bees make to seal small openings in their hives. A study published in Fertility and Sterility (2003;80:S32) showed that 60% of women with endometriosis related infertility who took 500mg of bee propolis twice a day for 9 months became pregnant as opposed to 20% in the placebo group. Endometriosis pain, scar tissue and adhesion formation is thought to be triggered by inflammation response. Bee propolis has been shown to be extremely anti-inflammatory which may reduce endometriosis. Bee propolis may also contain immunomodulating properties. This may be beneficial for autoimmune related fertility issues. Some doctors theorize that endometriosis may be an autoimmune disorder.
Maca
Maca is an incredible fertility super food. It helps to balance the hormones, but does not contain any hormones itself. Maca is able to do this through nourishing and balancing the endocrine system. This is essential in preparing for women with endometriosis because healthy hormonal balance contributes to healthy fertility.

Summary

Endometriosis is a complex fertility issue that has been shown to have multiple causes. Because of this there are a variety of steps that need to be taken to heal and reduce the effects it can have on fertility. The following 5 steps can help you to support a healthy endometrium!
1. Diet is your foundation. There are many foods that contribute to the spread and pain of endometriosis, limit those. Choose foods that support estrogen metabolism and reduce inflammation.
2. Avoid exposure to environmental toxins. Exposure to certain toxins may make endometriosis worse.
3. Fertility Cleansing is vital to supporting hormonal balance and uterine health.
4. Systemic Enzyme Therapy supports both proper inflammatory response and immune function. It also aids in the breakdown of scar tissue and adhesion.
5. Use supportive herbs and supplements for hormonal balance and to create a healthy endometrium.

The Best Natural Remedies for Uterine Fibroids…

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Article Overview
Types of Uterine Fibroids
Causes of Uterine Fibroids
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Conception & Pregnancy
Medical Treatment
Natural Remedies
Summary

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors of the uterus. Uterine fibroids are also known as leiomyomata, myomas or uterine polyps. Uterine fibroids grow within the muscles of the uterus, on the outside of the uterus, hang in the uterine cavity or very rarely form within the cervix. They can range in size from microscopic to many pounds. Uterine fibroids form in the childbearing years of a woman’s life. There may be just one fibroid or many, with differing locations. Uterine fibroids are rarely a cause for concern, but when they become too large, or there are many present, they may become a problem.

Types of Uterine Fibroids

Submucosal: grow in the innermost layer of the uterus
Intramural: grow in the middle layer of the uterus
Subserous: grow in the outer wall of the uterus
Pedunculated: attached to a stalk either outside of the uterus or within the uterine cavity
Cervical: in the cervical tissue
Interligamentous: between the uterine broad ligaments

Causes of Uterine Fibroids

Though a large percentage of women suffer from uterine fibroids, doctors are actually unsure of what causes them to occur. What they do know however, is that estrogen and progesterone, both female hormones, contribute to the growth of the fibroids.
This means that the hormones will increase during the years a woman has a menstrual cycle, because it is during these years the the body produces the highest levels of these hormones. Generally, after menopause occurs and your body produces lower levels of progesterone and estrogen, the fibroids will begin to shrink and any symptoms that have occurred from the hormones will subside.
Uterine fibroids are hormone dependent. They develop during the hormonally active years and decline in menopause. Fibroid tissue has a higher amount of estrogen and progesterone receptors. Fibroid tissue is hypersensitive to estrogen, but does not have the capacity to regulate estrogen response, this is why they can grow to become quite large. Other hormones play a role in the growth of uterine fibroids as well, including prolactin, parathyroid hormone, insulin growth factor, and pituitary growth hormone.
Fibroids are two to three times more likely to develop in African American women compared to any other ethnicity.
Factors that May Increase Fibroid Development

• Increased lifetime exposure to estrogen. This is due to early menarche, fewer pregnancies, increased follicular phase and/or obesity. Body fat produces and stores estrogen.
• Exposure to xenoestrogens such as plastics, pesticides, herbicides, synthetic hormones in both meat and dairy products, or hormone replacement therapy.
• Poor estrogen metabolism. Some women’s bodies have a harder time removing and metabolizing excess estrogen.
• Hypertension
• Infection complications from IUD use
• Perineal talc use
• Anovulatory cycles
• Endometrial hyperplasia (common in women with PCOS)

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

While many women will never even know that they have uterine fibroids because the condition often exhibits no symptoms, there are some women that will experience certain effects from the fibroids presence. Symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

• A sensation of fullness or pressure in the abdominal area
• Excessive bleeding during menstruation
• Excessive length of menstruation
• Extreme cramping during menstruation
• Lower back pain
• Painful intercourse
• A frequent urge to urinate

Uterine Fibroids May Negatively Impact Conception and Pregnancy

Fibroids may are thought to be the cause of infertility in 2%-10% of infertility cases. Reports have shown uterine fibroids may be responsible for the following fertility, conception and pregnancy problems:

• Interfere with implantation of the ovum
• May compress the fallopian tubes, preventing conception
• Cause anovulatory cycles
• Cause abnormal uterine blood flow, hindering movement of sperm to ova
• Cause miscarriage
• May cause intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)
• May cause premature rupture of the membranes
• Contribute to retained placenta after birth
• Cause postpartum hemorrhage
• Cause abnormal labor

Not all women with uterine fibroids will experience these kinds of troubles and many go on to have healthy pregnancies even with uterine fibroids present. Because there are risks to your fertility and possibly pregnancy, it is best to work to reduce fibroid growth, prevent formation of new fibroids and to maintain healthy lifestyle choices to continue working to bring about the best possible uterine health.

Medical Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

In many cases, the effects of uterine fibroids are so minor that many woman use a general over-the-counter pain medicine to treat any cramping or pain associated with the fibroid tumors. Since the tumors can also cause excessive menstrual bleeding which can lead to anemia, an iron supplement is recommended if excessive bleeding is occurring.
In the medical world, the only successful treatment for fibroids is surgery. The two main types of surgery used for treating uterine fibroids are a myomectomy, which only removes the existing fibroids, and a hysterectomy, which removes the entire uterus.

Myomectomy
A myomectomy can help to remove the existing tumors that you have, but it will not prevent the tumors from growing back (only lifestyle changes can help to balance the body and promote hormonal balance). However, this method of uterine fibroid removal is the best of the two surgery choices for those women that are still wanting to conceive a child.
Hysterectomy
This surgical procedure removes the uterus completely. With a hysterectomy, you can guarantee that the tumors will not grow back. Unfortunately, there are many other side effects that can occur from a hysterectomy including early menopause, an increased risk of osteoporosis and of course, the inability to become pregnant. Approximately 17% of hysterectomies performed in the United States are due to uterine fibroids.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Another newer procedure that is being used for treating uterine fibroids is uterine fibroid embolization. This method of treatment has proven effective at shrinking fibroids or destroying them completely, however it is not without side effects. This treatment should not be used by those women that are wanting to become pregnant, since it is known to throw the body into early menopause and can even cause infertility.

Uterine fibroids can be quite hard to treat naturally or through hormonal medications prescribed by doctors. If after trying either hormonal medications or natural therapies you continue to suffer from uterine fibroids, it may be time to seriously consider surgical options. Doctors nor natural healthcare practitioners have been able to find an exact solution to getting rid of uterine fibroids permanently. Even after surgery uterine fibroids may grow again, or new ones may form. This is why step 1 under our Natural Therapies guide below is extremely important. It is vital to reduce exposure to xenohormones and continue to eat well to keep estrogen levels in balance.

Natural Therapy Plan for Uterine Fibroids

Step 1: Cleanse, reduce exposure to xenoestrogens, promote healthy estrogen metabolism

Fertility Cleansing

The best way to begin any natural fertility plan would be to do a Fertility Cleanse. A fertility cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones. It also supports the uterus to cleanse itself of old stagnant blood and increases circulation to the uterus while tonifying the uterine tissues.
Reduce Exposure to Xenohormones
Exposure to certain environmental toxins may contribute to the development of uterine fibroids. Xenoestrogens are a subclass of endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors, also known as xenohormones, are human-made chemicals. These chemicals have the ability to interfere with the natural functions and development of our bodies. The main function of the endocrine system is to serve as our body’s message center. Hormones deliver messages, the endocrine system coordinates hormones.
Xenoestrogens have the ability to bind to our estrogen receptor sites. This is particularly concerning for women with uterine fibroids. This is because fibroid tissue is hypersensitive to estrogen, it contains a high amount of estrogen receptors, this is why they can grow to become quite large. Exposure to xenoestrogens can fuel uterine fibroid growth.

Ways to Avoid Xenohormones:

• Eat organic foods
• Avoid exposure to pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers
• Use natural feminine care products
• Use organic, natural body care products, including makeup
• Avoid food preservatives and dyes
• Use low VOC paints
• Use recycled unbleached paper products
• Use non-chlorinated oxygen based bleach in the laundry
• Avoid plastics

Known Xenoestrogens to Avoid:

• Atrazine (weed killer)
• Butylated hydroxyanisole known as BHA (food preservative)
• 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor known as 4-MBC (sunscreen lotions)
• Erythrosine, FD&C Red No. 3, (food dye)
• Bisphenol A (found in polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin)
• Ethinylestradiol (combined oral contraceptive pill, this is released into the environment as a xenoestrogen through the urine and feces of women who use this contraception)
• Heptachlor and dieldrin, DDT (insecticides)

Diet Tips for Reducing Uterine Fibroids

Without eating a whole food diet, the body will not respond to herbs, supplements or natural therapies as well. We suggest eating a nutrient dense whole food fertility diet. This way of eating will create a foundation for a healthy, properly functioning body.
The Importance of Fiber
Your main focus and one of the first things you should do right now is eating more fiber. Fiber helps the body to get rid of excess estrogens.

Good sources of fiber:

• Dark leafy greens
• Broccoli
• Swiss chard
• Quinoa
• Chia seeds
• Beans
• Ground flaxseed

Whole Grains
Choose whole grains whenever possible, avoid white refined grains. Good choices of whole grains would be brown rice, millet, spelt, buckwheat, rye and oats.
Avoid Anti-nutrients
Avoid saturated fats, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and junk foods, all of which may contribute to estrogen dominance. We consider these anti-nutrients, which impact fertility negatively.
Eat a diet rich in legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits.

DIM: Support Healthy Estrogen Metabolism

DIM balances the hormones by breaking down estrogen and removing it from the body. Estrogen is a major culprit to many of the fertility issues women face today especially fibroids. Supporting the body in getting rid of excess estrogens should cause the fibroids to stop occurring and for the ones currently there to stop increasing in size.

Step 2: Increase circulation, reduce pain, manage heavy menstrual bleeding

Fibro Defense

Fibro Defense goes to the source of the problem, helping to reduce excess estrogen that fuels abnormal growths, and stimulating liver activity for improved estrogen metabolism. The herbs in this blend work with your body’s natural detoxification processes to clear congested foreign tissues, while simultaneously helping to prevent new growths from forming. Fibro Defense is an excellent way to promote health and function of uterine tissues.
Key Herbs in Fibro Defense and Their Beneficial Actions:

Pau d’Arco (Tabebuia heptaphylla): Pau d’Arco is extremely antibacterial, which may help prevent infection due to foreign tissue growth.
Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis canadensis): This herb is extremely antibiotic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It works to help reduce pain and inflammation from foreign tissue growth. Reduction in inflammation may help to prevent scar tissue and adhesion formation.
Dandelion Root & Leaf (Taraxicum officinalis): This plant provides excellent liver support for improved hormonal balance. Dandelion leaf is very nourishing to the body, being high in vitamins and minerals. The root aids in liver health, and stimulates digestion for improved estrogen metabolism.
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinalis): A wonderful herb used to increase circulation and promote blood flow to the uterus. The increased circulation also helps to reduce inflammation of the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Black Cohosh root (Actaea racemosa): Promotes regulation of the entire menstrual cycle. For women with a uterus that feels inflamed or irritated throughout the month, Black cohosh may be an effective option in relaxing the uterus, reducing inflammation of the uterus.
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus): Raspberry leaf works to tone the uterine muscles and normalize blood flow during menses. This is one of the best normalizing herbs for the female reproductive organs. Raspberry leaf is astringent, contracting and shrinking internal and external body tissues. May help prevent hemorrhage excessive bleeding. One of the best herbs for uterine health.
Dong Quai root (Angelica sinensis): Dong Quai increases circulation, which helps to bring in fresh healthy blood to remove excess tissue growth, heal tissue damage, limit scar tissue and adhesion formation. Healthy circulation ensures healthy natural cleansing of the body as well. Proper circulation is required to remove toxins, dead tissue, diseased tissue, metabolic waste from our bodies. This is very important for women with uterine fibroids.
Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa): This mushroom has been shown to enhance immune system function, to be effective at reducing tumors and improving glucose metabolism.

In addition, Fibro Defense contains a beneficial enzyme…

Protease Enzyme
Protease works by eating away foreign tissues including those present from endometriosis, uterine fibroids, scar tissue and adhesion formation. Protease also aids the body in proper blood formation and detoxification.

To learn about other herbs that may be helpful for uterine fibroids click here…

Self Fertility Massage™

Self Fertility Massage™ is a series of massage techniques that are used to help support reproductive health, the menstrual cycle, and your fertility all from the comfort of your own home! This type of massage is easy to learn, perform and is cost effective!
One of the greatest benefits of massage is the ability to break up adhesions and bring in circulation to the area being massaged. Uterine fibroids may compress and compromise circulation to the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries or other surrounding organs. Self Fertility Massage™ helps to promote healthy circulation, helps the body to rid itself of old stagnant blood and tissues in the uterus, and promotes hormonal balance by strengthening the hormonal feedback loop. Do not do during menstruation.

Castor Oil Pack

Castor Oil Packs are an ancient therapy that helps to cleanse and heal the body where they are placed. The castor oil has a drawing power the clears the body of excess tissues and toxins. Castor oil packs stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory system. The lymphatic system removes toxins and waste from the area stimulated by the castor oil pack. The promotion of circulation by the castor oil pack will also bring in fresh oxygenated, nutrient rich blood to the reproductive organs, including the uterus. This is vital to reducing and dissolving uterine fibroids. Do not use during menstruation.
To purchase a kit with these ingredients and body therapies click here…

Step 3: Additional Considerations

Systemic Enzyme Therapy

We discussed earlier the benefits of the enzyme protease in Women’s Best Friend. Protease is in a class of pancreatic enzymes. Pancreatic enzymes are in part of a larger group of enzymes called systemic enzymes. Systemic enzymes may be helpful in reducing the size of uterine fibroids, healing and preventing scar tissue damage from existing uterine fibroids, promote healthy circulation and detoxification of tissues, while reducing pain and inflammation. Learn more about the benefits of Systemic Enzyme Therapy here…

Summary

Uterine fibroids are hormone dependent. Fibroid tissue is hypersensitive to estrogen, but does not have the capacity to regulate estrogen response, this is why they can grow to become quite large. Because they are responsive and may develop due to exposure to estrogen, both from our own estrogen and from human-made chemicals it is vital to reduce excess estrogen and support healthy progesterone levels to balance out unopposed estrogen. It is also vital to promote healthy circulation and detoxification of the tissues in the uterus, work to manage pain if present and to reduce heavy or mid-cycle menstrual bleeding due to fibroids. The overall goal is to support a healthy normal functioning uterus for a lifetime!

How to Increase Your Egg Health in 90 Days

In the past a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true.
There are many factors that may impact the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress just to name a few.

In addition having healthy fertility is based on many additional factors including…

• Proper circulation
• A healthy fertility cycle
• Balanced hormones
• and healthy eggs

Why Is Egg Health Important?

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. The health of your eggs (ovum) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy. In the past is has been thought that we are born with all of the eggs cells we will have for the rest of our lives, hence the reason age can have such an impact on egg health. Egg cells are some of the only cells in the body that do not regenerate… or at least that has been the belief up until now. Recent research has brought up some promising new views on egg production – women may actually produce eggs throughout the reproductive years. Scientists have found stem cells within the ovaries that produce new egg cells (Nature, 2004).
Regardless of this study, age did still have an impact on the new eggs. This is due to the ovaries continuing to age, causing the “housing” for the eggs to not be optimal. This shows the importance of what we are going to cover in this article. Protecting the eggs you currently have as well as encouraging ovarian health through diet, herbs, supplements and increased circulation to the reproductive system.

90 Days: The Cycle of an Egg

Many women who are having trouble getting pregnant have been told by their doctors that their eggs are not healthy, or that there eggs are “old”. The options usually given to these women include using an egg donor, IVF, or adoption. But what most women don’t know, is that there are things you can do to help support the health of the ovaries and eggs, but it must be done for at least 90 days to have an impact.
During the cycle of an eggs journey towards ovulation there is a window of opportunity, a period of time when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation.
The cycle of an egg in preparation for ovulation is around 90 days.

Click to view larger

During this 90 day period before an egg is ovulated, the eggs are changing and preparing for ovulation. At this time they are able to be affected, by both healthy or unhealthy influences. The eggs can be affected by:

• Blood Flow
• Proper oxygenation
• Hormonal Balance
• Nutritional intake
• Stress

These are the factors you’ll want to focus on when increasing the health of your eggs. Let’s look at each factor closer, and examine how you can have an impact on that area…

Blood Flow and Proper Oxygenation

Oxygen rich blood flow to the ovaries is essential for good egg health. Blood flow can decrease from lack of exercise, dehydration, and thick blood. To increase blood flow to the ovaries follow these suggestions:
Get at least 8 8oz. glasses of pure water every day.
Dehydration can cause your blood to become thick and decrease circulation in the body, as well as many other issues. Make sure to drink purified water that is NOT bottled in plastic. An easy way to get a head start every morning, is to put a quart of water next to your bed when you go to sleep. You can then drink a quart of water upon rising and you are half way done with your water for the day.
Exercise
Find something to do that includes movement, such as tennis, walking, running, dancing, or fertility yoga. Exercise increases the blood flow in the body, brings fresh blood to all of the cells and helps to oxygenate the blood.
Get Abdominal or Fertility Massage
One of the best therapies for increasing blood flow to the reproductive system is by massaging your uterus and ovaries. Massage helps to bring fresh, oxygenated blood to the ovaries and removes old stagnant blood. You can have a massage therapist perform abdomen massage or find a therapist who specializes in fertility or Maya abdominal massage. You can also learn how to apply Self Fertility Massage and do it in the comfort of your own home. It is best done starting the day after your period has ended and continue all month long, practicing at least 4 times a week. If you are currently trying to conceive, perform the massage techniques from the day after your period has ended up until ovulation.

Hormonal Balance

Hormonal balance is essential for proper egg health. Due to environmental factors, stress, and modern diets more and more women are becoming hormonally imbalanced. If hormonal balance is off the eggs may not respond, the fertility cycle gets out of balance, and ovulation may not occur. An intricate hormonal symphony is at play every month in preparation and fulfillment of the fertility cycle. But there is good news. Balancing your hormones is possible. Here are some ways to help balance your hormones and nourish the endocrine system.

• Cleanse the system of excess hormones
• Use the fertility superfood Maca
• Reduce exposure to xenohormones
• If your FSH levels are high the herb Vitex has been shown to help support normal hormone levels

Nutrition

During this window of opportunity, what you are eating can also impact the health of your ovaries and eggs either positively or negatively. It’s up to you. The types of nutrients your eggs depend on are found in a diet dense in nutrition. Check out the Nutrient Dense Fertility Diet for a complete guide about eating for fertility and egg health. Here are some quick food suggestions for supporting egg health:

Top foods for egg health

Royal Jelly Maca FertiliGreens Broccoli Berries Dark Leafy veggies

Halibut Salmon Pumpkin seeds Sesame seeds Turmeric Ginger

Foods that may damage egg health

Cigarettes Caffeine Alcohol Sugar Non-organic meats and dairy

Soda Low fat diet Processed Foods Trans Fats GMO Foods

Supplements

Take a Multivitamin

A major key to supporting egg health and preparing the uterine lining is to take a prenatal multivitamin. Making sure your body has all of the nutrients necessary is a lot easier when you are taking a multivitamin. My favorites are the 100% whole food Fertile Woman One Daily Multi for preconception health and the prenatal multivitamin Baby and Me from Mega Food. Synthetic multivitamins won’t have the same effect as multivitamins made from whole foods. It is also a great idea to begin taking a multivitamin specific for fertility health, in preparation for pregnancy since there are specific nutrients needed by the embryo/fetus before pregnancy can even be detected.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are one of the most important components to having healthy fertility that every man and woman needs to focus on, especially if you are wanting to support your egg health. Antioxidants help to protect the egg and sperm from free radical damage. Free radicals are able to damage both cell health and the cell’s DNA, this could have an effect on the ability to get pregnant, sustain a healthy pregnancy and the chances of possible birth defects. The ovum (egg) are one of the longest living cells in your body, as the years pass they become exposed and vulnerable to free radicals on daily basis. This adds up. Network Antioxidants was created by Dr. Lester Packer, the leading antioxidant expert in the United States. It contains all of the most important antioxidant nutrients in a capsule form which you can take one capsule, twice a day. This blend is great for both men and women and should be a part of everyone’s health program, especially for egg health.
In addition to taking an antioxidant supplement blend, studies have shown that CoQ10 Ubiquinol supplementation improves egg health and fertilization rates, especially in women over 35. There are two forms of CoQ10, ubiquinone and Ubiquinol. CoQ10 starts off as ubiquinone and then is converted within the cell to the more powerful Ubiquinol. As a woman ages, her body’s ability to convert ubiquinone to Ubiquinol declines. Most all CoQ10 supplements available are in the form of ubiquinone. Ubiquinol is different in that it is the most biologically active form of coenzyme Q10 and does not need to be converted by the body. Ubiquinol is eight times more potent than ubiquinone. For women over the age of 35, CoQ10 Ubiquinol supplementation alongside an antioxidant blend, may greatly help to improve egg health over a few months time.
L-arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid that has been shown in studies to increase ovarian response, endometrial receptivity, and pregnancy rates in IVF patients who supplemented in large doses of L-arginine. (Published in Human Reproduction 1999).

Fertility Superfoods

Fertility superfoods are nutrient dense foods that help to nourish the body with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants. One of my favorite ways to take fertility superfoods is to put them in fertility smoothies.
Maca
Maca is an incredible fertility super food. It helps to balance the hormones, but does not contain any hormones itself. It is able to do this by nourishing and balancing the endocrine system. This is essential in preparing for pregnancy and IVF because healthy hormonal balance greatly contributes to healthier eggs.
Royal Jelly
Royal Jelly is a fertility superfood which may help to increase the egg quality and quantities. Royal Jelly is the food that only the queen bee eats. What makes a queen bee the queen is eating royal jelly exclusively. She was an ordinary bee and then she was chosen and fed royal jelly and became the queen bee who lays up to 2000 eggs a day. It should be taken for at least three months before natural conception or IVF procedures begin.
Royal jelly is the Queen bee’s equivalent of hormonal stimulation. Take daily for best results. Caution:: If you are allergic or think you are allergic to bee’s or bee products, do not take royal jelly.
FertiliGreens
FertiliGreens is a nutrient rich green powder. It contains antioxidants, minerals, and proteins that help to alkalize the body and nourish your eggs. Take two teaspoons of the powder daily.
To purchase a kit with these ingredients click here…

Stress

We live in a fast paced world, and being a woman today has many blessings, one of them being a professional life. But are we constantly trying to hurry up and rush things in order to meet all of our commitments?
Dr. Allen Morgan and Dr. Douglas Rabin (reproductive medicine physicians) discovered that “stress also has a detrimental impact on fertility. Women who are constantly under stress produce prolactin, cortisol, and other hormones, which can interfere with or even block regular ovulation.”.
The types of stress they are talking about range from traumatic, to less cataclysmic but still upsetting situations, such as an ongoing conflict at work.
So, if you are trying to improve your egg health, reducing your stress levels should be a major focus in your life. How can this be achieved? Well, first it needs to become a priority. Book some quiet time in your calendar for yourself. During your “quite time” you could:

• Go for a walk
• Take a bubble bath (my favorite)
• Cuddle up with a good book
• Get a professional massage or reflexology treatment
• Drink some relaxing herbal tea, such as chamomile, kava kava, or peppermint
• Practice meditation
• Go to therapy
• See an NLP coach

You could also create a ‘stress support system’ for yourself so you have a go to plan when things get stressful, and have habits already in practice so stress does not affect you as much when it does happen. This could be one or two things you do each day that become a habit. My current ‘stress support system’ is daily meditation, weekly acupuncture, deep breathing and EFT as needed. There are many options to choose from, make yourself a priority and create a plan for yourself you can put into practice right away.

“In a study of women who were not ovulating, one group received cognitive behavior therapy and the other group was just observed. 80% of the women who received cognitive behavior therapy started to ovulate again, as apposed to only 25% from the randomized observation group.”

Step-By-Step Guide to Supporting Your Egg Health

Since the cycle of an egg and our window of opportunity is 90 days this guide is laid out in a 90 day cycle.

Month One

1. Fertility cleanse
2. Take Multivitamin
3. Take Network Antioxidants
4. Royal Jelly, Maca, FertiliGreens
5. Eat the Fertility Diet
6. Apply Fertility Massage (Don’t do while menstruating)

Month Two

1. Take Multivitamin
2. Take Network Antioxidants
3. Royal Jelly, Maca, FertiliGreens
4. Eat the Fertility Diet
5. Apply Fertility Massage (Don’t do while menstruating)
6. Exercise

Month Three

1. Take Multivitamin
2. Take Network Antioxidants
3. Royal Jelly, Maca, FertiliGreens
4. Eat the Fertility Diet
5. Apply Fertility Massage (Don’t do while menstruating)
6. Exercise
You should continue all of the supplements until you are pregnant. Once pregnant, only take the Baby and Me Prenatal Multivitamin.

Summary

Supporting egg health is important for every woman who is preparing for conception, especially as we get older. There are many things you can do to help support and protect your egg health, but they must done consistently on a daily basis for at least 90 days to have the best effect. Here is a quick summary of how to support and protect egg health:
1. Increase circulation to the reproductive system with massage, exercise and drinking water.
2. Encourage hormone balance.
3. Eat a nutrient dense diet and use supporting supplements such as antioxidants, multivitamin, L Arginine and fertility superfoods
4. Create a ‘stress support system’ to help you reduce stress and have a healthier response when stressful situations happen