Woman's Health

Introduction:
The average woman ovulates about 400 times between puberty and the menopause, usually at intervals of around 28 days. If an egg is fertilized, pregnancy follows; if not, the lining of the uterus is shed during menstruation. The functioning of the female reproductive system is controlled by the pituitary gland, which in turn takes its orders from the hypothalamus in the brain. A variety of disturbances and imbalances in the body may modify the brain’s influence over the pituitary gland, thus upsetting hormone levels, which many women believe are responsible for their psychological as well as physiological problems. A holistic view of the workings of the female body is well suited to the application of homeopathic principles, and there is much anecdotal evidence of homeopathy’s success in treating women’s complaints. Homeopathic remedies can provide an attractive alternative to conventional treatments such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—which may have unpleasant side-effects—and are particularly suitable for the treatment of recurring ailments associated with the reproductive cycle.

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)
PMS affects 75 percent of women to some degree over several days preceding a menstrual period, and includes physiological and psychological symptoms. Many women continue to lead more or less normal lives despite feeling glum and irritable, but in ten percent of cases symptoms are seriously debilitating. Physical symptoms include tender, swollen breasts and abdomen, fluid retention, and minor period-type pains. PMS may be exacerbated by hormonal or nutritional imbalance, stress, overwork, allergy, and psychological factors such as depression.

Self Help:
Avoid salty or fatty foods, junk foods, sugar, tea, coffee, and alcohol. Eat regular, small, protein-rich snacks, but reduce meat intake. Take 30 minutes of outdoor exercise daily and practice relaxation techniques or meditation. If you smoke, stop. Pace yourself in order to avoid stress.

CAUTION:
If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

SPECIFIC AILMENT:

1. PMS with apathy, irritability, and tearfulness—
• Greasy skin, possibly with acne
• Craving for salty or sweet foods
• Weariness, especially in the morning
• Sensation as though the uterus is falling out
• Possible sinus problems, sore throat, and flushes

2. PMS with swollen, tender breasts—
• Fluid retention that exacerbates any weight problem • Lack of energy
• Swollen, tender breasts and painful joints
• Possible vaginal discharge or thrush

3. PMS with self-pity—
• Craving for sweet foods • Bloated stomach
• Swollen face, especially upper eyelids
• Headaches, nausea, and dizziness
• Yellowish vaginal discharge.

PAINFUL PERIODS (DYSMENORRHEA)
Discomfort is common during the first few days of a menstrual period. Symptoms include a dull ache in the lower back or abdomen, or severe abdominal cramps. Pain may be exacerbated by stress, but may improve after childbirth or once a woman reaches her thirties. Sudden pain after years of pain-free periods may indicate pelvic infection, endometriosis (formation of cysts in the pelvic cavity from bleeding fragments of uterus lining) or fibroids. The use of intrauterine devices or coming off the contraceptive pill can also result in painful menstruation.

Self Help:
Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables. Get plenty of exercise and lose weight if you need to. Between periods, take the occasional short, cold bath; during the week before a period, take a long, hot bath every other night. A physiotherapist or osteopath may be able to relieve associated back pain.

CAUTION:
If periods are consistently more painful, see a doctor.

SPECIFIC AILMENT:
1. Abdominal pain with depression and self-pity—
• Cramps in the uterus causing nausea or vomiting
• Tenderness in the abdomen
• Tearing pain in the lower abdomen
• Possible migraine or diarrhea
• Blood flow includes clots or is very scanty

2. Abdominal pain with irritability, tearfulness, and indifference--
• Sharp, piercing pain in the lower abdomen
• Sensation as though the uterus is falling out
• Cramps possibly accompanied by migraine, acne, weakness, perspiration, and fainting

3. Abdominal pain soothed by heat and pressure--
• Colicky, spasmodic pain
• Blood flow includes clots
• Dark, stringy, and tarry blood flow
• Period starts ahead of schedule.

ABSENT PERIODS (AMENORRHEA)
The absence of periods may be permanent or temporary. If periods have not started by the age of 16 (primary amenorrhea), the cause is delayed puberty. If menstruation is established but periods suddenly stop (secondary amenorrhea), this may be due to anorexia or great weight loss, or excessive exercise (especially if the diet is vegetarian). Amenorrhea can also be caused by stress, travel (particularly long-haul flights), shock, emotional stress, coming off the contraceptive pill, or hormonal imbalance. Rarely, it is due to displacement of the uterus, (if it is tilted backward). Periods may also be delayed after childbirth.

CAUTION: If periods are absent for more than 9 months, consult a doctor.

SPECIFIC AILMENT
1. Periods stop abruptly after a shock--
• Feeling of heaviness and aching pain in the ovaries
• Sharp, shooting pain in the uterus
• Abdomen is inflated and sensitive
• Vagina is hot, dry, and sensitive

2. Periods stop after emotional stress—
• Possibly no symptoms specifically related to the reproductive organs
• Possible lump in the throat
• Possible headache resembling a nail being driven into the head.

HEAVY PERIODS (MENORRHAGIA)
Heavy periods are defined as those with profuse bleeding, or flooding, which quickly soaks through any sanitary protection and may include large clots of blood, or bleeding that continues for more than seven days. They may be due to pelvic infection, hormonal imbalance, fibroids, endometriosis (formation of cysts in the pelvic cavity from bleeding fragments of uterus lining), stress, overwork, or approaching menopause. The use of intrauterine devices can also increase menstrual blood flow.

Self Help:
Reduce your intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, milk, and dairy products, and eat plenty of raw vegetables. Take 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day but avoid overexertion.

CAUTION:
If your menstrual cycle is regular but the flow is heavier than usual or exhibits some other change, consult a doctor. If you have had sexual intercourse regularly and a period is late and heavier than usual, see a doctor within 12 hours.

SPECIFIC AILMENT
1. Heavy periods in overweight women—
• Fluid retention that exacerbates a weight problem
• Possible backache, perspiration, and clumsiness
• Blood is bright red
• Possible abdominal cramps
• Periods are irregular

2. Heavy periods with apathy and indifference--
• Severe abdominal cramps
• Itchy vaginal discharge
• Sweating during menstruation
• Visual disturbances, such as spots or flashes
• Periods are irregular

3. Heavy periods with nervous excitement—
• Blood flow includes dark clots
• Intermittent bleeding
• Abdominal cramps
• Headache, dizziness, and fainting
• Very pale face.

MENOPAUSE
Menopause is the cessation of menstruation that occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55. It should not be considered an ailment but rather a fact of physical and emotional life that some women adjust to better than others. Symptoms occur as a result of diminishing hormone production by the ovaries, and include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, aches and pains, dizziness, loss of appetite, weariness, chilliness, and palpitations. Psychological symptoms include tearfulness, irritability, anxiety, nervousness, depression, and insomnia. Menopausal symptoms may be exacerbated by stress. Counterbalancing the reduction in hormone production is the basis of conventional treatment—hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Homeopathy does not view menopause simply in terms of hormones, but adopts a more holistic approach to body imbalances that may have existed for a long time. Constitutional treatment may be required.

Self Help:
Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods, and eat little and often. Cotton underwear, lightweight clothes, and cool showers or baths will reduce the impact of hot flashes. Do moderate exercise and practice deep breathing or yoga. Ease vaginal dryness with calendula ointment, and increase lubrication during sexual intercourse with a vaginal lubricant.

CAUTION:
If there is any bleeding six months beyond the last period, or prolonged spotting between periods, consult a doctor.

SPECIFIC AILMENT:
1. Inability to cope during menopause--
• Headache that is worse on the left side
• Perspiration on the face and back of the neck during sleep
• Craving for sweet foods
• Swollen finger joints

2. Menopause with hot flashes, perspiration, and fainting--
• Sensation as though there is a kettle boiling inside the body that is relieved by perspiring
• Headache that is worse on the left side
• Dizziness and fainting
• Hot flushing of the face
• Constricted feeling in the throat and abdomen

3. Loss of libido during menopause--
• Heavy, irregular periods leading into menopause
• Possible candidiasis
• Vaginal dryness causing pain during sexual intercourse

4. Menopause with hot flashes in warm conditions--
• Hot flashes if in a hot room or a room full of people
• Tendency to put on weight easily
• Headaches and migraines that are worse on the left side
• Craving for sweet foods.

BREAST PAIN
General tenderness in the breast is common before a period. Localized pain may be due to an abscess or a lump. Abscesses may develop from mastitis, while lumps may be caused by fibroadenosis (thickening of breast tissue), benign growths, or cancer.

Self Help:
If breast-feeding, bathe the breast in hot water. If breast pain has other causes, reduce intake of animal fats, tea, and caffeine, and substitute oily fish for meat and dairy products.

CAUTION:
If you are breast-feeding and have breast pain, especially if it is accompanied by a fever, see a doctor within 24 hours. If the nipple or breast changes, or if a hard, tender area develops, see a doctor immediately.

SPECIFIC AILMENT:
1. Breast is tender even when lightly touched--
• Breast is tender to the slightest touch
• Breast is swollen
• Stitch like pain in the nipple
• Desire to press the breast hard with the hands
• Legs feel heavy
• Possible reduction in sex drive

2. Breast is hard and inflamed--
• Breast is hard and inflamed, and feels as though there might be an abscess forming
• Discomfort on the slightest movement
• Possible bursting headache
• Great but infrequent thirst
• Possible constipation.

CYSTITIS
This term is used generally to describe increased frequency of urination with pain, but cystitis proper is inflammation of the bladder due to infection from the bowel. It may be accompanied by fever and a burning sensation when urinating. Cystitis mainly affects women; the female urethra is short and easily invaded by germs. The condition may be exacerbated by stress, antibiotics, contraceptives, poor diet, food allergy, poor personal hygiene, tights or underwear, and sexual intercourse.

Self Help:
Increase the alkalinity of the urine by drinking 10 fl oz (300 ml) of cold water every 20 minutes. Avoid tea, coffee, and alcohol. Cystitis may be aggravated by some foods, such as asparagus, beets, citrus fruits, strawberries, milk, ice cream, spicy foods, and junk foods. Never suppress the urge to urinate, and be scrupulous about personal hygiene. Avoid using tampons, douches, and perfumed bath products. Use lubrication during sexual intercourse. Urinate after intercourse.

CAUTION:
If there is pain in the kidneys or blood in the urine, or if an attack lasts for more than 48 hours, see a doctor.

SPECIFIC AILMENT
1. Cystitis with cutting, burning pains—
• Burning, cutting pains in the lower abdomen
• Constant urge to urinate and a sensation as though the bladder cannot be emptied properly
• Only small amounts of urine are passed
• Aching in the small of the back

2. Cystitis with irritability--
• Only small amounts of urine are passed despite frequent urging
• Chilliness

3. Cystitis with a feeling of resentment—
• Sensation as though a drop of urine is constantly trickling through the urethra
• Possible association with surgery to the urinary tract or other vaginal invasion, including sexual intercourse.

VAGINAL THRUSH
Thrush is caused by a fungus, Candida albicans. Symptoms include itchiness or soreness of the vagina and vulva, discharge, and frequent urination. Acidifying, infection-fighting bacteria that occur naturally in the vagina can be destroyed by antibiotics, contraceptives, vaginal deodorants, and medicated douches. Thrush is aggravated by stress, overwork, hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, and wearing tight clothes.

Self Help:
Avoid all potential irritants. Scrub underwear with unsalted detergent before washing it. Use lubrication and condoms during sexual intercourse. Allow air to reach the vagina as often as possible. Avoid sugar and yeast. Follow antibiotics with an acidophilic supplement (such as live yogurt). Douche the vagina three times a day with 5 oz (150 g) natural live yogurt diluted in 1½ quarts (liters) of boiled, cooled water or a weak solution of fresh lemon juice or vinegar (1 tbsp) and water (10 fl oz/300 ml). Acidifying preparations are available over the counter.

CAUTION:
If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

SPECIFIC AILMENT
1. Thrush with itching in the vulva that is worse before menstruation--
• Itching of the vagina and vulva that is worse after urination and before menstruation
• Possible vaginal warts
• Possible chronic headache or increased appetite

2. Thrush with discharge that is worse after sexual intercourse--
• Itching of the vagina and vulva
• White, offensive-smelling discharge that is worse after sexual intercourse
• Soreness and burning in the vagina
• Possible ulceration of the labia

3. Thrush with itching in the rectum--
• Itching in the rectum and around the anus
• Offensive-smelling, yellow or white vaginal discharge
• Vaginal pain during sexual intercourse
• Alternating constipation and diarrhea
• Flatulence.

VAGINISMUS
This is an unusual condition in which the muscles surrounding the entrance of the vagina go into spasm. This makes sexual intercourse, medical examination of the vagina, or the use of tampons painful or even impossible. The spasms may be accompanied by arching of the back and straightening and drawing together of the legs. Vaginismus usually occurs in women who are anxious about penetration of the vagina as a result of a previous medical condition or examination, trauma such as sexual abuse, or psychological factors such as fear or guilt associated with sexual intercourse.

Self Help:
Practice relaxation techniques, meditation, or yoga before any vaginal invasion.

CAUTION:
If symptoms persist, consult a doctor for referral to a gynaecologist or a psychosexual therapist.

SPECIFIC AILMENT
1. Extreme sensitivity of the vagina and the vulva--
• Oversensitivity of the vagina and vulva
• Increased sexual desire despite symptoms
• Possible retention of urine
• Constipation that is accompanied by colicky abdominal pains

2. Vaginismus after medical examination--
• Extreme sensitivity of the vagina and vulva
• Possible irritation of the bladder

3. Vaginismus secondary to grief--
• Vaginismus is spasmodic and erratic
• Itching of the vulva that extends into the vagina
• Possible association with a lump in the throat.

MORNING SICKNESS
Nausea and vomiting are fairly common during pregnancy, especially a first pregnancy. It is thought that changing hormone levels during pregnancy activate the vomiting center in the brain. Women often experience nausea and vomiting during the second and third months of pregnancy, although not necessarily only in the mornings. Symptoms usually wear off by about 14 to 16 weeks, although a few women vomit excessively (hyperemesis), which can cause dehydration and chemical imbalances in the body. This condition may, in the worst cases, require hospitalization.

Self Help:
Eat small, frequent meals and avoid fatty foods. If there is sickness immediately upon waking, eat a cracker before getting out of bed. The use of fresh ginger in cooking may also help. An acupressure band, available from drugstores, worn around the wrist may also be effective. Get plenty of rest.

CAUTION:
If you are vomiting after most meals, consult a doctor.

SPECIFIC AILMENT
1. Nausea with a thickly coated tongue—
• Nausea that is worse in the morning
• Vomiting of small amounts of food with mucus
• Retching spasms
• Dry mouth and thickly coated tongue
• Craving for fresh, fatty, spicy, or acidic foods and aversion to bread, meat, coffee, and tobacco

2. Nausea that is worse in the evening---
• Nausea that is worse during the early evening but wears off during the night
• Dry mouth but lack of thirst
• Digestion is upset by rich, fatty foods
• Pressure under the breastbone after meals
• Craving for sweet foods

3. Constant nausea with a clean tongue--
• Nausea is not relieved by vomiting
• Tongue feels clean rather than coated
• Profuse saliva
• Lack of thirst
• Possible fainting.

LABOR PAINS
Pain is experienced in childbirth as result of contractions of the uterus that move the baby down the birth canal during labor. For most women labor is a painful business; for some it is excruciating. This may be because they have great sensitivity to pain or because the fetus is positioned in such a way that the uterus has to work harder than is usual in order to push the baby out. Labor pains may be exacerbated by exhaustion, fear, anxiety, and sometimes anger. Homeopathic treatment aims to calm the emotions as well as to relieve pain and exhaustion.

Self Help:
Learn psycho-prophylactic techniques (preventative measures that combine positive thinking and constructive breathing) at prenatal classes. These may help you to restore a feeling of control in what can be a frightening situation. If you are extremely sensitive to pain, learn other relaxation techniques and consider acupuncture or hypnotherapy.

SPECIFIC AILMENT
1. Labor pains with oversensitivity to pain--
• Contractions that seem so painful they cause involuntary screaming and crying

2. Labor pains with great irritability--
• Ineffectual contractions
• Pain extending into the rectum with a frequent urge to pass gas, urine, or stools
• Pain that causes spasms of the cervix, which does not dilate properly

3.Labor pains with a constant need for comfort and sympathy--
• Labor progresses slowly
• Chilliness.

BREAST-FEEDING PROBLEMS
Several problems may arise during breast-feeding. The breasts may be too full for the baby to be able to latch on to a nipple properly. Expressing milk before a feeding may solve this problem. The milk may be too watery or have a taste that the baby does not like. This may be due to the mother’s insubstantial diet, anxiety, exhaustion, or to strong-tasting foods that she has eaten. Pain as the baby suckles may be due to inflammation of the breast tissue, an abscess, or cracked nipple.

Self Help:
Bathe sore and cracked nipples after each feed with a solution of calendula and hypericum (10 drops of mother tinctures to 10 fl oz/300 ml boiled, cooled water). Do not use soap. Clean and dry the nipples thoroughly and apply hypericum or calendula ointment. Leave them exposed to the air regularly. Wear breast shields during pregnancy to draw out inverted nipples.

CAUTION:
If there is engorgement or hardness, breast pain, fever, and tender glands under the arms, see a doctor within 12 hours.

SPECIFIC AILMENT
1. Throbbing, inflamed breasts—
• Engorgement or hardness of the breasts with red streaks on the skin
• Breasts feel heavy
• Hot, dry skin
• Possible mastitis or breast abscess

2. Pain when the baby suckles, causing anger in the mother--
• Inflamed nipples that are very tender to the touch
• Great pain as the baby suckles

3. Engorged breasts—
• Milk is of poor quality
• Baby has difficulty latching on to a nipple
• Breasts are so full that they cause great discomfort
• Possible chilliness or perspiration, especially if the mother is overweight.

Some Contents collect from Homeopathic encyclopedia.


Some Important Homeopathic Medicine for Female Trouble:

1. PULSATILLA PRATENSIS
- High desire.
- DELAYED FIRST MENSES.
- MENSES EASILY SUPPRESSED, agg. GETTING FEET WET.
- MENSES PAINFUL, DELAYED, IRREGULAR, CHANGEABLE, SHORT.
- Sexual desire increased.
- LABOR PAINS INEFFECTUAL, CHANGEABLE.
- Malpresentation of fetus.

2. Bovista:
Diarrhoea before and during menses.
Menses too early and profuse; worse at night.
Voluptuous sensation.
Leucorrhoea acrid, thick, tough, greenish, follows menses.
Cannot bear tight clothing around waist [Lach.] Traces of menses
between menstruation.
Soreness of pubes during menses.
Metrorrhagia; Parovarian cysts.

3. CALCAREA CARBONICA
- Desire increased. Masturbation.
- Dysmenorrhea. MENSES TOO EARLY, TOO PROFUSE, TOO LONG. Dark, clotted.
- METRORHAGIA from least excitement.
- FIBROIDS in uterus, myoma. Polyps vagina.
- Leucorrhea,itching, burning, agg. before or after menses, urination, exertion; weakening.

4. PLATINUM METALLICUM
- HYPERSEXUAL. Nymphomania.
- Early masturbation in children (Grat, Med, Orig, Staph).
- Voluptuous itching of the genitals.
- Hypersensitive, painful to touch, preventing coitus or examination.
- Cysts, tumors ovaries, agg. left side.
- Malignancy of uterus, ovaries, testes, external genitalia.
- NUMBNESS.
- Dysmenorrhea, menses too early, profuse, dark-clotted, stringy, with painfull bearing-down and sensitiveness of the parts.

5. SEPIA OFFICINALIS
- AVERSION SEX, agg. hormonal changes. Inability to have orgasm. Frigidity.
- Painful coition. Pains shoot up vagina.
- Severe LEUCORRHEA, even in little girls. Vaginitis
agg. pregnancy, with much itching.
- PROLAPSE OF UTERUS. BEARING-DOWN amel. SITTING WITH LEGS CROSSED (Lil-t, Murx).
- Premenstrual syndrome. Menses scanty. Dysmenorrhea. Amenorrhea.
- Condylomata.
- INFERTILITY. HABITUAL ABORTIONS third to fifth month.
- Very sensitive to movement of foetus and to touching uterus .
- Tight os during labour.

6. MUREX PURPUREA
- HIGH SEXUAL DESIRE. Nymphomania.
LEAST CONTACT causes violent sexual excitement (Plat) or pain.
- Conscious of uterus (Helon).
- Cervix sensitive to touch; bleeding when touched.
- Uterine prolapsus. Feeling of protrusion. Supports abdomen with hands.
amel. Pressing vulva (Lil-t, Sep), agg. lying (Puls).
Must keep legs tightly crossed (Lil-t, Sep).
- Cancer of uterus.
- Menses irregular, too frequent, profuse, clotted.
- Leucorrhea amel. mental-emotional symptoms.
- Pain from right side of uterus, ovarian region to left breast.
Pains shooting upward from uterus.