7b. Women's Health - Pathologies Flashcards
Non-physical signs/symptoms of PMS
Mood swings
Irritability
Anxiety
Poor concentration
Food cravings
Increased appetite
Physical signs/symptoms of PMS
Bloating
Breast tenderness
Headaches
Acne
GIT upset
Signs/symptoms and causes of PMS-A (anxiety)
Anxiety, irritability
High oestrogen:progesterone ratio
Signs/symptoms and causes of PMS-C (craving)
Sugar cravings, increased appetite
Blood glucose imbalance, low Mg
Signs/symptoms and causes of PMS-D (depression)
Depression, teary
Low oestrogen:progesterone ratio, low serotonin
Signs/symptoms and causes of PMS-H (hyperhydration)
Weight gain, breast tenderness, bloating
Increased water retention due to excess salt intake, excess oestrogen, stress, Mg def
Causes/triggers of PMS symptoms
Interactions between progesterone, oestrogen and neurotransmitters
Progesterone inhibits GABA receptors
Deficient serotonin functioning due to progesterone and oestrogen modifying serotonin availability (also poss nutrient def - tryptophan, gut dysbiosis)
Reduced cortisol awaking response
Smoking
Obesity
Alcohol (negative association with anxiety, mood changes, headaches during PMS)
High intake of dairy/refined sugars; low protein intake
High O6:O3 ratio increasing inflammation and aromatisation
Naturopathic approach to PMS
Avoid/minimise high GI foods, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, table salt, dairy, red/processed meats
Balance oestrogen:progesterone ratio - B vits, cruciferous, Mg, high fibre, increased phytoestrogens, remove endocrine disruptors
Optimise weight
Address stress
Balance blood glucose
Reduce inflammation
Balance neurotransmitters - tryptophan, tyrosine, B6, 9, 12, Zn, Mg, L-theanine, St John’s Wort
Reduce fluid retention - reduce Na/increase K-rich foods, B6 to help regulate aldosterone, seed cycling, diuretics - celery, dandelion, nettle
Why is B6 important for PMS?
Co-factor for GABA, serotonin, dopamine
Modulates oestrogen
Corpus luteum development
Oestrogen-progesterone imbalance can lead to B6 def - reduced dopamine = increased prolactin which affects breast tissue, promotes water retention
OCP can deplete B6
Why is Mg important for PMS?
GABA/serotonin synthesis
Why is Ca important for PMS?
Co-factor for tryptophan-serotonin conversion
Why is vit D important for PMS?
Neurotransmitter function
Why is Zn important for PMS?
Proper functioning of sex hormones
Controls prolactin
Why are EFAs important for PMS?
Women with PMS shown to have EFA/prostaglandin abnormalities e.g. low GLA
GLA is a precursor to PG1 which inhibits prolactin
Why is vitex agnus castus important for PMS?
Binds to dopamine receptors to reduce secretion of prolactin
Reduces mood changes, irritability, headaches and breast tenderness
Why is gingko biloba important for PMS?
Breast pain/tenderness
Why is rosemary important for PMS?
AO effects
Neutralises quinones by reducing 16-OH-E1 and increasing more 2-OH-E1
Why is ashwagandha important for PMS?
Adaptogen
Nervine
Thyroid support
Why is ginger tea good for PMS?
Improves blood circulation
Reduces cramping
Reduces bloating
Which herbal teas are good for PMS-A?
Chamomile
Passionflower
Why is green tea good for PMS?
L-theanine content to calm NS
Why is peppermint tea good for PMS?
Antispasmodic
Eases bloating
Why is St John’s Wort tea good for PMS?
Mood enhancer
What is PCOS?
An endocrine metabolic condition
What are the signs and symptoms of PCOS?
Irregular/absent periods
Weight gain
Hirsutism
Thinning hair/hair loss
Oily skin
Acne
Infertility
What are the complications of PCOS?
T2D
Gestational diabetes
Hypertension
Dyslipidaemia
NAFLD
Metabolic syndrome
Endometrial cancer
AI
Depression/anxiety
What is the pathophysiology of PCOS?
Increased LH = increased androgens
Reduced FSH reduces aromatisation of androgens to oestrogen, leading to anovulation
Suppressed SHBG = increased free circulating androgens/testosterone
What is the most common mediator in the majority of PCOS cases?
Insulin resistance
How does insulin resistance lead to PCOS?
Decreases SHBG synthesis = increased free circulating androgens/testosterone
Increases ovarian androgen production
Increases adrenal androgen secretion
Leads to leptin resistance
What increases the risk of PCOS?
Obesity
Chronic low-grade inflammation
Gut dysbiosis
Chronic stress
Genetics
Smoking
Vit D def
Why can obesity lead to PCOS?
IR increases adipogenesis and decreases lipolysis
IR increases androgen production
IR sensitises thecal cells to LH and increases androgen production
Why can low-grade inflammation lead to PCOS?
Western diet
Obesity
Lack of exercise
Metabolic endotoxaemia
High levels of oxidative stress
All adds to IR