-IBIS-1.7.6-
tx
reproductive system
Amenorrhea
Integrative Therapies

Home Care

Amennorrhea is a condition in which the regular menstrual period is absent. Is not necessarily a sign of illness. It can be quite normal for a young woman to not begin her first menstrual period until the age of about 16. Also, some women occasionally skip a period in times of illness or stress. However, if a woman does not begin menstruating by the time she is 17 years old or misses 3 menstrual periods, there is probably an underlying disease process at work, unless she
is pregnant.

Amenorrhea happens naturally during pregnancy, throughout all or part of the breastfeeding period, after the end of menopause, and after giving up the use of birth control pills. When amenorrhea occurs, these causes should be among the first investigated. This is particularly important since some herbs and other medications for amenorrhea may have a harmful effect on pregnant and nursing women and their babies.

Amenorrhea is often brought on by stress, anorexia, severe malnutrition, and mental illness. It may also be attributed to crash dieting, intensive athletics, severe obesity, overuse of amphetamines and antidepressants, and certain other illnesses.

A physician should definitely be consulted in cases when amenorrhea is accompanied by an extreme weight fluctuation or when an adolescent over the age of 16 has not started to develop pubic hair and grow breasts. Also contact your physician if amenorrhea is associated with cramping or pain, the use of drugs, or deep depression.


THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:

1. Vitamin E – 400 Units per day.

2. B-complex vitamin – 25 milligrams once per day.

3. Vitamin C – 1,000 milligrams twice a day.

4. Calcium – 1,200 milligrams per day.


THE PROPER DIET FOR AMENORRHEA WILL INCLUDE:

1. Be sure to get enough high-quality protein in your diet. The number of grams of protein you need to eat daily is equal 1/2 of your weight in pounds. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, you'll need to eat 70 grams of protein per day. Replace red meat with fish and chicken as much as possible, and include beans, nuts, and seeds.

2. Add seaweeds to your diet. Health food stores and Asian food stores usually carry several different kinds such as hijiki, arame, dulse, and nori. Consult a cookbook about the preparation. Kelp is easy to use because it can be purchased as a powder and sprinkled on food as a salty condiment.


HERBS USED FOR AMENORRHEA:

1. Ginger tea – Drink 1 to 4 cups per day. To make a cup, pour boiling water over 1 teaspoon of the powdered root. You can also use freshly grated Ginger Root by putting a tablespoon of this in a pot of water and letting it steep covered for a minute.

2. Blue Cohosh, False Unicorn, Chaste Tree, Blazing Star, and Angelica – Use equal parts of these herbs. Mix 1 tablespoon of the combination in a cup of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes and drink 3 cups per day. As a tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract, add 1 teaspoon of the combined herbal tinctures to 1/4 cup of warm water and drink 3 times a day.

3. Pennyroyal and Tansy tinctures are used for amenorrhea that is long-standing – Put 15 drops of each tincture in a cup of hot water. Drink up to 3 cups per day but no more than this. After 5 days, discontinue use.


PHYSICAL THERAPY MEASURES FOR AMENORRHEA ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Take a warm sitz bath once or twice per week. Fill a bathtub about 1/3 full so that the water comes up to your navel. Sit sideways with your feet resting on a chair or stool outside of the bathtub. Add an infusion made of 1 pound oatstraw herb boiled in 2 quarts of water for 1/2 hour. Adjust the temperature to about 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Your exposed upper body and your feet should be covered with a sheet or large towel and a blanket (preferably wool). Soak in the bath water for about 10 to 15 minutes.

2. Clay compresses can be helpful. The clay may be available at your pharmacy or health food store, or you can sterilize your own clay by heating it in a low oven for about 1 hour and then grinding up the clay. Dilute the clay enough to make a thick, spreadable paste. Apply the paste to the lower part of the stomach and cover it with a cloth. Leave the compress on until the paste dries out and begins to crumble.

3. Castor oil packs – Moisten a thin cotton cloth with castor oil and place on your lower abdomen. Cover with a plastic bag and then a dry cloth. Leave in place and rest for an hour.


HOMEOPATHY:

From the following homeopathic medicines, choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under your tongue, one to three times per day, as needed.

• Pulsatilla 6C: For a woman who is sensitive to stress or emotional situations that cause missed periods. Use 3 times a day for 3 weeks or until menses starts.

• Natrum mur. 12C: For amenorrhea following intense mental strain on a woman who finds it difficult to show emotions.

Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with amenorrhea. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.

ADDITIONAL MEASURES:

1. Stress reduction – You may not be able to eliminate stressful situations in your life (such as a busy schedule or a stressful relationship), but you can learn to cope better with the stress by following these guidelines:

• Regular Physical Exercises – at least 30 minutes 3 times per week.

• Relaxation techniques – 20 minutes once a day. Tapes can be bought at one of your local bookstores. Yoga practiced on a regular basis can serve the same purpose.

• Breathing – most of us tend to hold our breath or breathe shallow breaths during stressful situations. This can cut down the amount of oxygen available to the body with every breath. Try to take a few 1 minute intervals of breathing and relaxation during the day. At these times, pay special attention to relaxing your shoulder muscles and breathing deeply.


2. Acupuncture can be helpful for establishing a normal menstrual period. Look for a licensed practitioner in your area.



Clinic

Footnotes

BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.