Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) stems from a variety of causes, including hormonal problems, structural issues, and systemic factors that may have caused imbalances and abnormalities to your reproductive organs. This alarming condition has no preferred age and can happen to those assigned females at birth from all stages of life! Statistically speaking, approximately one-third of biological females will have abnormal uterine bleeding, most of which appear during menarche and perimenopause.1 Naturopathic medicine takes a preventive and complementary approach that will help you identify and address the root causes of abnormal bleeding, nurture hormonal balance, and support your body’s natural abilities to heal itself.
Understanding Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) happens when there is bleeding in the uterus that, instead of pregnancy, is related to problems with hormonal imbalance, immune response, or uterine dysfunction.1 During a regular menstrual cycle, progesterone (a pregnancy-promoting hormone) withdrawal happens, setting off a series of well-organized changes in the lining of the uterus, also known as the endometrium.1 This includes the programmed cell death (apoptosis) of certain cells, release of inflammatory substances, and activation of enzymes that break down tissue, all of which help shed the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and start its repair for the next ovulation cycle.1 For bleeding to stop effectively, the small spiral arteries in the uterus need to constrict to stop blood flow and form clots. However, these processes do not function properly in people with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), eventually causing irregular and persistent bleeds.
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is not only limited to heavy volumes of blood, but also considers the regularity, duration, and frequency of your menstrual cycle. The normal menstrual cycle happens every 24-38 days, with 5-80 mL of blood loss during this period, and lasts for 2-7 days each cycle.1 Numbers below and above these ranges should prompt a visit to your healthcare provider. However, the most important thing to consider in qualifying whether you are experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding or not is if the problem already affects your quality of life, meaning your daily activities, routines, and productivity have already been strained by this abnormality. Allopathic Management of AUB in Reproductive-Aged Patients
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) depends on the underlying problem, as well as your goals in relation to pregnancy. Generally, for those in their “reproductive years,” hormonal contraceptives are prescribed in efforts to regulate your menstrual cycle through the actions of estrogen and progesterone. Medications to prevent bleeding and manage anemia may also be given when indicated.
AUB in Post-Menopausal Women
After menopause, which signals the complete cessation of your period, some women experience unexpected bleeding, which can vary from light pinkish-gray or brown spotting to a heavier flow similar to a normal period flow. This occurrence should be considered alarming, as menstrual-like bleeding should not happen once menopause is reached. Such bleeding episodes might not be accompanied by any pain, yet they can act as signs of underlying health issues requiring immediate attention. Hormonal changes, polyps, or other benign conditions might contribute to this unusual bleeding, but in most cases, it could signal more serious concerns, such as malignant tumors. Regardless of the characteristics of the vaginal bleeding episode, it is important to consult your gynecologist immediately if you encounter any bleeding after menopause. Early evaluation promotes detection and prompt management of any potential health concerns during the early stages of the disease.
The Naturopathic Approach
Naturopathic care combines different approaches to holistically prevent and manage abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). This includes herbal remedies, nutritional strategies, and lifestyle medications, which are all incorporated into your health plan to nurture your optimal well-being.
Botanical Medicine Nature has an abundant amount of secrets that can help protect and nurture your uterine lining. These may be in the form of Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) which can strengthen your uterus and nurture its normal tone, Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) which nurtures progesterone levels and helps regulate hormonal pathways in the body, and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) which is effective in controlling excessive bleeding. Before exploring and using botanical medicines, it is very important to talk to your naturopathic doctor who will guide you through discovering the right herbs, doses, and preparations for your optimal health. Because most herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy or with concomitant use of medications for certain disease conditions, talking to your naturopathic doctor will help prevent unwanted consequences from unregulated use and ensure that the herbs you use are safe and effective for your unique health concerns. Nutrition To maintain hemodynamic stability despite problems with blood loss, it is very important to replete nutrient loss. Supplementing the food you eat with iron, vitamin B, and vitamin C can help prevent the development of anemia from blood loss. Additionally, avoiding foods made of wheat, rye, or barley, can help reduce problems with inflammation that may have triggered the abnormalities in your uterus. Lifestyle Changes Stress can affect your risks of developing abnormal uterine bleeding and irregular menstrual periods through its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which is the regulatory mechanism in your body that is responsible in managing the levels of your reproductive hormones.2 Practicing mind-body techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can help nurture your body’s abilities to respond to stress. Nurturing Your Reproductive Health
At Natural Path to Wellness, we believe that nurturing and optimizing your reproductive and whole-body health is not just about addressing present concerns, such as in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), but also about guiding you through the natural path that leads to a healthier future.
By identifying and addressing the root causes of AUB, we empower your body to heal itself, thereby nurturing resilience and vitality. Discover the transformative journey of healing with naturopathic medicine, where your body's innate ability to restore balance is celebrated and nurtured. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
Do you dread getting your period because it will also mean having to experience excruciating pain again? We get you!
Dysmenorrhea is a common problem that many women assigned female at birth face every month, affecting more than 50% of those undergoing menstruation. Worse still, 10-17% experience such severe pain that it causes them to miss 1-3 days of work or school each month! Imagine the impact this has, not just on the economy, but on your ability to accomplish your goals and show up in the world the way you want to. Dysmenorrhea can be divided into two subtypes: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea happens when your menstrual pain has no underlying pelvic disease, while secondary dysmenorrhea occurs due to a primary health problem. Secondary dysmenorrhea is managed by addressing the underlying health condition, but primary dysmenorrhea is a chronic issue and can be more challenging to treat. Understanding Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea results from problems with the tone and pattern of uterine contractions during your menstrual period. This can stem from an excessive amount of prostanoid (a type of enzyme) secreted from your uterine lining that causes dysrhythmic uterine contractions, increased pressure, and heightened tone, all of which trigger period cramps. Additionally, the drop in progesterone levels near the peak of the menstrual cycle, affects the synthesis of prostaglandin F2 (PGF2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).1 When the uterine lining breaks down during your period, these prostaglandins are released, causing the uterus to contract and vasopressin to be released, eventually producing less blood flow (ischemia) and pain.1
Signs and Symptoms
Period pain caused by primary dysmenorrhea usually happens a few hours before or directly after the start of your menstrual period. This painful sensation may last for 48-72 hours and is usually colicky or crampy in nature. Defining the painful feeling is very important, as primary dysmenorrhea can cause pain similar to the discomfort felt during labor, with cramping sensations on the suprapubic area (central lower abdomen). Pain may also be accompanied by lower backache that radiates to the front of the thigh. You may also experience bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
Allopathic Management
Primary dysmenorrhea is conventionally managed with a long-term course of non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help block excess enzyme production. However, this regimen should not be given to those with stomach/duodenal ulcers or allergies to aspirin. NSAIDs can cause nausea, weakness, headache, gastric ulcers, and diarrhea.1 Another option for those who experience painful periods and also want contraception are hormonal contraceptives, such as pills, transdermal patches, or injectables. Hormonal contraceptives work by stopping ovulation and reducing the thickening of the uterine lining. They also mimic the hormone levels found at the start of the menstrual cycle, when prostaglandin levels are at their lowest. With lower prostaglandin levels, there is less cramping in the uterus, making periods less painful. However, there are many side effects of hormonal contraception which makes this an undesirable option for many.
The Naturopathic Approach
While conventional medicine sees this as a normal state for many patients, Naturopathic Medicine views dysmenorrhea as a “common,” not a “normal” condition.
Culturally, we have come to accept painful and heavy periods, low energy, anemia, menstrual migraines, and more as par for the course. But this is not true – your periods should be painless and the flow should be light to moderate. You should have a predictable cycle with minimal to no symptoms.
Botanical Medicine
And many more! Acupuncture Specialized acupuncture techniques can help block pain impulse through stimulating serotonin and endorphins. Additionally, acupuncture can help stimulate local nerves to release enzymes that can widen blood vessels and increase blood flow, thereby promoting oxygen delivery and relieving pain caused by ischemia (lack of blood flow) to the uterus.3 Interestingly, acupuncture can help relax smooth muscle and regulate uterine contractions, thereby relieving pain and other dysmenorrheal symptoms. Gentle Movement Gentle exercises help nurture mind-body connection. Yoga, in particular, helps relieve pain and stress by creating holistic changes and improvements in the body. In managing period pain, yoga helps lower down prostaglandin levels and nurture blood flow to the uterus.3 nurturing your reproductive health
Dysmenorrhea can cause debilitating pain and discomfort during periods, which is why holistic and regular treatment regimens are important to help nurture productivity and prevent discomfort at any time of your menstrual cycle. At Natural Path to Wellness, your team of naturopathic medicine advisors will help you discover the best natural regimens for your optimal health and well-being, taking into consideration your unique body. To learn more about naturopathic care for dysmenorrhea, talk to us today!
A gentle reminder that certain herbs may be contraindicated when you have certain medical issues or medication use, or if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. It is important to remember that exploring herbal medications for your optimal health is best when guided by a naturopathic doctor to ensure the safety, regulation, and effectiveness of these natural remedies according to your unique case.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES: 1. Negi R, Sharma SK, Gaur R, Bahadur A, Jelly P. Efficacy of Ginger in the Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Cureus. 2021;13(3):e13743. Published 2021 Mar 6. doi:10.7759/cureus.13743 2. Goel B, Maurya NK. Overview on: Herbs use in treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps). Advances in Zoology and Botany. 2019;7(3):47-52. doi:10.13189/azb.2019.070302 3. Shetty GB, Shetty B, Mooventhan A. Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Management of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2018;11(4):153-158. doi:10.1016/j.jams.2018.04.001 4. Kanchibhotla D, Subramanian S, Singh D. Management of dysmenorrhea through yoga: A narrative review. Front Pain Res (Lausanne). 2023;4:1107669. Published 2023 Mar 30. doi:10.3389/fpain.2023.1107669 5. Itani R, Soubra L, Karout S, Rahme D, Karout L, Khojah HMJ. Primary Dysmenorrhea: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Updates. Korean J Fam Med. 2022;43(2):101-108. doi:10.4082/kjfm.21.0103  While it is common knowledge that radiation exposure can cause serious harm to our bodies, the most common diagnostic tests that confirm medical conditions often use radiation as their energy source. This irony (and later on considered misconception) caused a lot of people to refuse CT scans and medical professionals to choose less accurate diagnostic modalities to avoid getting exposed to radiation. Here’s the catch: the risks of radiologic imaging are far less than the benefits that come from the knowledge gained because of the procedure, prevention of harm from undergoing less efficient or more invasive alternatives, and lower costs associated with not undergoing more tests just to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Understanding Radiologic RadiationRadiation is present everywhere we go, especially since we are exposed to the sun’s UV rays every day. Aside from natural sources, imaging studies used to diagnose disease conditions, such as x-rays, are considered the largest man-made source of ionizing radiation.1 Radiation is used by these diagnostic machines to create images of bones, tissues, fluids, tumors, and even foreign bodies that were dislodged inside. Up to the present, the use of radiation in diagnostic imaging has helped identify millions of diagnoses and treatments for billions of people, helping improve healthcare delivery and save lives. The Ongoing FearIonizing radiation, although widely used in health imaging, can be harmful to your health in high amounts. A lot of people worldwide choose not to undergo imaging studies that use radiation in light of the fear that their exposure may cause more harm than good to their health. Although other imaging modalities that do not use radiation are available, these can be expensive and may not be helpful in visualizing certain body structures. Scientifically, ionizing radiation can damage the body at the atomic level, causing cell death and destruction through damaging human deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).2 The body is wonderfully made to repair these damages immediately. However, if the damages are irreparable, the cells die or undergo mutations that can lead to the development of aberrant cells and tumors.2 Risks vs RealityThe human body can withstand a certain level of radiation exposure, especially since we are naturally exposed to radiation from the sun everyday. This means that exposure to ionizing radiation is normal in our daily lives and so our bodies have processes in place to prevent and repair damage. On average, people all over the world are typically exposed to about 3 mSv/year of radiation from all sources, while imaging studies that make use of radiation sources contribute approximately 0.6 mSv/year.1 This radiation exposure is small compared to the big amount of help imaging studies can contribute in locating the problem and identifying the correct diagnosis. Imagine you're taking a flight across the United States. During that journey, you're exposed to a certain amount of radiation from cosmic rays. Now, let's compare that to the radiation you receive from a diagnostic mammogram. Surprisingly, the levels aren't that different! A mammogram involves a relatively low level of radiation, similar to what you'd experience on your flight to your favorite destination. Now, let's talk about the effectiveness of mammograms compared to thermal imaging. Despite some patients' concerns about radiation exposure from mammograms, they remain far superior in the early detection of breast cancer. Thermal imaging, on the other hand, may sound appealing as it doesn't involve radiation, but it's significantly less effective in diagnosing breast cancer. It's like choosing between a high-resolution camera and a blurry lens! Natural Ways to Protect the BodyFoods, herbs, and supplements that are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids can help nurture your body’s natural wonders. These components can help detoxify free radicals from radiation, regulate your body’s inflammatory response against damage, and attenuate pathways responsible for regulated cell death.3 All these act as your body’s personal defense team, dedicated to preventing and combatting cancer. Additionally, healthy sleep promotes the body’s repair and detoxifying process and getting enough rest every day can help with recovery. Because radiation exposure is normal whether you are feeling sick or doing your daily activities, nurturing your body’s abilities to repair and control the damage brought by radiation exposure is very important. When exploring your health options, safety and guidance are paramount. It is important to remember that some supplements and herbs may not be suitable for everyone. Despite being natural products, certain herbs can be contraindicated, especially if you have specific medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Choosing the right supplements and herbs for your health is essential and should be done under the guidance of a qualified naturopathic doctor. They will help ensure that the use of natural medicine is appropriately monitored and regulated to align with your individual health needs. By doing so, you can safely incorporate the benefits of herbs into your wellness journey. The Naturopathic ApproachDiscovering the right regimen for your optimal health is very important, which is why our team at Natural Path to Wellness is committed to guiding you in selecting the most suitable nutrition, lifestyle, and health choices for your optimal well-being. Since radiation exposure is an inevitable part of our daily lives, especially when you have to undergo diagnostic imaging during hospital visits, it is important to mitigate its effects on our optimal health. To learn more about how to discover the right sources of antioxidants for you, talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES: 1. Ribeiro A, Husson O, Drey N, et al. Ionising radiation exposure from medical imaging - A review of Patient's (un) awareness. Radiography (Lond). 2020;26(2):e25-e30. doi:10.1016/j.radi.2019.10.002 2. Akram S, Chowdhury YS. Radiation Exposure Of Medical Imaging. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; November 14, 2022. 3. Yahyapour R, Shabeeb D, Cheki M, et al. Radiation Protection and Mitigation by Natural Antioxidants and Flavonoids: Implications to Radiotherapy and Radiation Disasters. Curr Mol Pharmacol. 2018;11(4):285-304. doi:10.2174/1874467211666180619125653 
In a previous blog post, we uncovered the wonderful connection between the gut and brain that allows both organ systems to constantly communicate with each other. Knowing this relationship means understanding that a problem with any factor that nurtures this connection can affect your brain, especially your mood. In fact, people having problems with their mood are highly likely to have gut dysbiosis, which plays a key role in the inflammation that drives these conditions.
The Gut Microbiota
Trillions of microorganisms are present in your digestive tract, with bacteria comprising the majority of the population.1 These normally harmless bacteria maintain a well-balanced ecosystem that helps nurture your brain, immune system, and hormone levels. Balance is disrupted due to a variety of factors that may include the food you eat, medications you take every day, number and types of stressors you face every day, changes in your environment, and disease conditions that affect your overall health. This state of dysbiosis can actually lead to problems with the production of important neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which help regulate your mood and feelings.1 When not properly managed early on, the dysbiosis and persistent inflammation that accompanies it can cause mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.1 Hence, helping your body achieve and nurture balance within is very important in not only maintaining a healthy immune response, but also regulating your mood and productivity every day.
Did you know? About 95% of serotonin is found in the gut, while only about 5% is present in the brain!
Serotonin in the Gut
Serotonin in the gut is essential in nurturing your immune system and creating new blood vessels to promote healing and balance.4 In the brain, serotonin plays a major role in regulating your mood. Commonly known as the “happy hormone,” adequate levels of serotonin in the brain can make you feel more calm and happy!
Gut and Mental Health Support
Nurturing the connection between your gut and brain remains the first step in achieving a positive and well-rounded mood, which can only be achieved once balance is maintained within. Supporting your gut health starts with becoming consciously aware of your food and lifestyle practices.
1. Eat lots of food rich in fiber Fiber found in most fruits and vegetables can help modulate inflammation by regulating the pH levels in the gut and its permeability in absorbing nutrients and sealing off unhealthy microorganisms.2 A reduction in this inflammation can effectively change the concentrations of neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood, helping to reduce feelings of depression. 2. Drink Prebiotics and Probiotics Probiotics are microorganisms that help nurture your gut health, while prebiotics are dietary fibers that serve as food to support the actions of these bacteria in maintaining a healthy gut. When taken together, these two goodies can help nurture optimal gut and brain health, thereby helping you maintain a well-rounded mood and appropriate affect. 3. Manage Stress and Sleep Stress plays a big factor in regulating the relationship between your gut and brain. Exposure to stress can not only change the quantity and quality of calories converted in the body, but also trigger alterations to your appetite and energy balance that eventually affect your emotional state.3 On the other hand, having adequate sleep and rest can help nurture your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, thereby helping to maintain balance within by supporting your body’s own abilities to recover and recuperate while sleeping. 4. Avoid Gut Offenders The use of medications can affect your gut health and eventually disrupt the connection between your gut and brain. Antibiotic misuse, for example, can affect the natural microbiota present in your gut. Learning to be conscious of what you eat and drink, as well as actions you do that may affect your gut health, is important! Hence, listening to your body is one of the most important principles to remember in nurturing this connection. 5. Check for Interactions Remember that any supplement can interact with your prescription and natural medicines, so be sure to talk to your naturopathic doctor or other healthcare provider before making a change to your regimen. For example, one of the many probiotics we like (FLORASSIST® Mood Improve) has Saffron (Crocus sativus) which may help boost mood, decrease depression5-7 and anxiety, and decrease symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) as effectively as prescription medications!5 But it can also interact with certain medications, such as those for diabetes and blood pressure regulation, as well as stimulants and sedatives. Even the probiotics themselves can change the way your body processes your medications! The Naturopathic Approach
Whether you are still starting your journey to optimal gut health or recovering from other health conditions that may have affected balance in your gut, the naturopathic approach offers holistic and integrated care that aims to help your body as it naturally heals and nurtures itself. This is done through a combination of nutrition and lifestyle management, nutrient supplementation, botanical medicine, and mind-body therapies that are perfectly tailored to your own case and preference. At Natural Path to Wellness, our team of naturopathic doctors will help you kick-off or rediscover your healing journey with nature.
To learn more about the healing power of nature for optimal gut and brain health, talk to us today! This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
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THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESSAuthorSNatural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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