Well everyone, it's that time again. Time for another in the list of Newsletters on the different glands. Today we will be looking at the ovaries and since this is a female subject, I expect that most of you men will sort of disregard it, but please read it anyway as it may help you to understand a little better about the way women act when different hormones are out of whack or when you hear them complain about PMS. Since this issue deals with the ovaries and all issues that pertain to the ovaries are female, I thought we should also look at an herb that is used predominately in female formulas. That herb would be Dong Quai.

As usual, I hope this issue finds you in good health, and I hope that you are benefiting from this newsletter. Please recommend it to your friends and relatives if you feel that they could benefit as well. Also, don't forget this newsletter has a response system for those of you that would like to get into any subject a little deeper.

Please read "The Disclaimer."

The ovaries are part of the reproductive system; they are shaped like almonds, and are about 1 inch in diameter. They are located in the pelvic cavity, 1 on each side of the uterus. The primary function of the ovaries is the production and release of eggs, as well as various hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Some health conditions or possible symptoms that could indicate a problem with the ovaries would include profuse, tardy, suppressed, or painful menstruation, or infertility. If there is an overactive condition related to the ovaries, such as the ovarian follicle (the hair-like objects that propels the mature eggs), estrogen may be over produced and this may contribute to heavy, irregular, or prolonged periods. Over activity of the corpus luteum (main part of the ovary) could cause an over production of progesterone and suppressed menses. If the condition of the ovaries is an under active or hypoactive condition and the follicle is involved, an individual may develop cysts. A lack of estrogen may occur and symptoms would include sore breasts, especially around menses, infertility, or suppresses menses. If the corpus luteum is under active, a lack of estrogen might occur and some of the symptoms would include heavy, irregular, or prolonged menstruation.

In order to improve the function of the ovaries the proper balance between estrogen and progesterone must be maintained. Maintaining good liver health would also be important in maintaining overall health of the ovaries. Stress, caffeine drinks, and birth control pills are detrimental to the health of the ovaries.

Iridology:
In both eyes. In the right eye, between 7:00 and 7:10 and in the left eye at 4:50 to 5:00. It may or may not be touching the Autonomic Nerve Wreath. Not all cysts will show in an Iridology exam.

Kinesiology:
Place two fingers 3 1/2 inches below the navel and approximately 2 1/2 inches to the left or right of the middle of the body seam.

Reflexology:
Alongside the heel of the foot or the wrist.

Supplements:

Vitamins:

A, B, B-12, and E

Minerals:

Calcium, zinc, fluorine, iodine, iron, phosphorus, and silicon.

Amino Acids:

L-Lysine - helps to regulate menstrual flow.

Herbs:

Bayberry - heavy periods and it also tones the ovaries.

Black Cohosh - source of natural estrogen.

Blue Cohosh - brings on suppressed menstruation.

Damiana - infertility and helps to balance the hormones.

Dong Quai - nourishes the ovaries.

False Unicorn - builds and strengthens all reproductive organs and is a rich source of progesterone.

Ho shou Wu - balances female hormones.

Red Raspberry - all female problems and a source of estrogen.

Sage - heavy menstrual flow.

Uva Ursi - decreases menstrual flow.

Herbal Combinations: Nature's Sunshine Products (NSP)

Mastergland - this is a good base to prevent hormonal imbalances.

C-X - this is for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.

Female Comfort - this combination builds and strengthens the ovaries and is usually recommended for younger women.

FCS II - this builds and strengthens the ovaries as well, but is usually recommended for older women.

NF-X - this combination is used to help with fertility and heavy menses.

Estrogen - promotes ovulation and helps the body break up old tissue.

Progesterone - prepares the body for pregnancy but comes from the placenta during pregnancy.

Progesterone and estrogen are needed for a normal menstrual cycle.

Progesterone stops menstruation and prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

Estrogen starts menstruation and helps (along with oxytocin from the pituitary) in labor.

Vitamin A helps to lubricate the fallopian tubes, which may help to prevent a tubal pregnancy.

Ovulation (expulsion of a matured egg) occurs 13 - 15 days before the following menstruation.

After an egg has broken free from the ovary, the follicle is supposed to shrink and disappear. If this doesn't happen, the follicle sight may become a cyst.

Here are some things you might want to ask yourself if you are experiencing any of the symptoms from above.

Have you ever had a tubal pregnancy or scarring of the fallopian tubes?

If you answer yes to this, it could indicate a need for vitamin A.

Do you have cramping and tender breasts during menses?

If your answer is yes, there may be a need for estrogen.

Do you have a long or heavy flow?

If you answered yes, there may be a need for progesterone.

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Some Interesting Facts

 

Studies that range back into the 1970's are being substantiated about oral B-12 supplements being as effective or even more effective than the B-12 shots that people have been taking for decades. Methylcobalamin, which is an active form of B-12 has a unique ability to provoke the regeneration of nerves without adverse side effects.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation (1998; July 1) found that vitamin C may reduce mortality in coronary artery patients, increase their life span, and possibly eliminate the effects of nitrate tolerance in those taking nitrate drugs.

A recent study from Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital has concluded that in healthy individuals, blood levels of the hormone Melatonin are not effected by the passage of time. So be leery of any ads playing on the common belief that Melatonin levels decline with age. The lack of data dealing with long term use should be considered especially since it has taken decades to understand the negative side effects of hormones such as estrogen and cortisone.

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This herb is rich in vitamins A, E, cobalt, and iron, and it may prevent anemia. It has been used to treat insomnia as well as high blood pressure for both men and women and is also used as a blood tonic by both sexes. It has aromatic, uterine tonic, estrogenic, antispasmodic, alterative, liver tonic, and hypotensive properties and it effects the reproductive, circulatory, and the structural systems of the body.

Licorice root is the only herb used more frequently by the Chinese. Chinese medical men use this herb in the treatment of menstrual, chlorotic, and puerperal diseases of women. It is used for hemorrhages of all sorts. Colds, flu, dyspeptic complaints, ague, and many other difficulties. Much of its use by the Chinese is due to the wish of women to stimulate the reproductive organs in order to increase their opportunities for bearing children.

Dong Quai works well with herbs such as ginger, lovage, marshmallow root, juniper berries, fennel seed, and licorice root. It will enhance the laxative effects of rhubarb, but does not react well with ginseng. In most cases dong quai works better with a little black cohosh, and black cohosh works better with a little dong quai. When dong quai is the predominant herb in the formula, cramping is usually relieved and the menstrual flow is increased. When black cohosh is the dominant herb menstrual flow is decreased and swelling is reduced.

Sources:
Mindell, Earl. Earl Mindell's Herb Bible. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster/Fireside, 1992.
Pederson, Mark. Nutritional Herbology A Reference Guide to Herbs, Warsaw, Indiana: Wendell W. Whitman Company, 1998.