Sep, 2020

Endometriosis

ENDOMETRIOSIS

Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of pelvic pain and infertility in women and many women do not know they have it.

Endometriosis is where tissue similar to what grows within the uterus growths outside of the uterus. This growth can occur on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowels and other areas within the pelvis.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:

– Chronic pain in pelvis, back and/or legs

– Ovulatory pain

– Period pain before or after your period

– Pain with intercourse

– Cramping and/or pain with bowel movements

– Heavy bleeding and/or spotting between periods

– Infertility

DIAGNOSIS

The best way to diagnose endometriosis is with a laparoscopic surgery – to visualize the tissue. A blood parameter “CA-125” can also be used to help detect endometriosis. This marker is present in most (but not all) women with endometriosis – around 80%. You can be negative for CA-125 and still have endometriosis.

TREATMENT

There is no known cure for endometriosis, however symptoms typically resolve with menopause. Until then, conventional treatments include hormonal suppression (such as the birth control pill), painkillers, and surgery.

Naturopathic approaches such as addressing inflammation, hormonal imbalances (ex estrogen dominance) and scarring/adhesions can help manage symptoms of endometriosis.

Questions? Book your free 15-Minute Meet & Greet Session and let’s chat!

cramping, dysmenorrhea, endo, endometriosis, heavy bleeding, hormones, IBS, infertility, menorrhagia, menstrual cramps, metrorrhagia, pelvic pain, spotting

Mar, 2018

By Dr. McKenzie Nisbet, ND

What is PCOS? (and Why It Needs a New Name)

WHAT IS PCOS? (and Why It Needs a New Name)

PCOS is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.

The hallmarks of PCOS are anovulation (lack of ovulation) and high levels of androgens (such as testosterone). The signs and symptoms of PCOS can vary woman to woman and include: anovulation (determined by tracking your cycle), amenorrhea (no period), irregular periods, hirsutism (excess facial hair), acne, hair loss, weight gain, and/or infertility.

To be diagnosed with PCOS you must meet a set of criteria. The two main ones are the: “Rotterdam Criteria” and “Androgen Excess Society Criteria.” I prefer the “Androgen Excess Society Criteria” because it emphasizes the importance of anovulation and androgen excess.

The Rotterdam criteria does not require androgen excess and instead puts equal emphasis on “polycystic ovaries”. You may be asking: Why is this an issue? The name is “polycystic ovarian” syndrome? Shouldn’t that be a key player in diagnosing PCOS? This is why PCOS needs a new name.

Polycystic ovaries are not specific to women with PCOS. Polycystic ovaries are a normal finding in 23% of women (reporting no menstrual irregularities, no infertility, and no abnormal hair growth). Whether or not you have polycystic ovaries, cannot rule in or out PCOS. Therefore a name such as ‘Anovulatory Androgen Excess’ would be much more appropriate.

If you think you have PCOS, it is important that a proper diagnosis is made. If you have been diagnosed with PCOS only based on the results of a ultrasound talk to your healthcare provider about being reassessed. This involves a thorough evaluation of your menstrual cycle, acne, weight, and hair growth, as well as comprehensive laboratory testing (including androgens).

Based on your individual presentation of PCOS a unique treatment plan can then be created. In general, this involves addressing one (or more) of the four main drivers of PCOS: insulin resistance, a hormonal imbalance from stopping the birth control pill, inflammation, or adrenal abnormalities.

Questions? Send me a message here or book a free 15-minute discovery session here.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5563096/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872139/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1069067/

abnormal hair growth, acne, androgen excess, anovulation, hirsituism, infertility, insulin resistance, irregular period, no period, PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome, weight gain