Menstrual Disorders Across the Age Spectrum: Recognizing Issues and Managing with Functional Medicine BY HELENA AMOS, M.AC., L.AC., EURO PHYSICIAN TO YOUR HEALTH
gether during menopause. • Menopause-related disorders: Menopause can bring about various symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes, just to name a few. These symptoms are caused pri- marily due to declining hormone levels. PMS, Menorrhagia and PCOS: An In-Depth Look It is fair to say that a large percentage of women who have had or are having a menstrual cycle will experience at least one or more associated disorders within the duration of her reproductive lifespan. Of the disorders listed here, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Menor - rhagia, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are three of the most prevalent, and are therefore worth discussing more in depth. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) From mild to acute, PMS is experienced in varying degrees by the majority of menstruating women. According to recent established studies available through the NIH National Library of Medicine on global and regional prevalence rates, an estimated 90% of females of reproductive age were impacted by mild to acute premenstrual symp-
One of the most complex, varied, mysterious and misunderstood components of women’s health is the reproductive cycle. And this is a source of great frustration and concern considering half of the plan- et’s population was born with a female reproductive cycle; and for the majority of women, it lasts three-quarters of their lifespan. Start- ing with puberty and sexual maturity, through childbearing years to postpartum sexual activity, and waning with menopause and aging, these components are regulated by environmental, genetic, physiolog- ic, hormonal, behavioral, and psychosocial factors, which means that each woman’s experience is almost entirely unique. Given how multifaceted the female reproductive cycle is, using a functional medicine approach to address related disorders makes good healthcare sense. Functional medicine (FM) takes a holistic view, aiming to identify and treat the root causes of health concerns in order to assess specific imbalances, determine appropriate treat - ments, and monitor progress over time. It’s an extremely flexible and individualized form of care, ideal for reproductive health disorders that can occur at any time across a huge age spectrum. Let’s consider the applications more closely. Common Menstrual Concerns By Age Group Menstrual period disorders can occur at any age, and their char - acteristics and causes may differ depending on the age group. Here is a description of common menstrual period disorders for young, mid- dle-aged, and mature age. Young Age (adolescence to early 20s) • Dysmenorrhea: This refers to severe menstrual cramps often ex- perienced during the teenage years. It can be primary (without any underlying condition) or secondary (caused by conditions like endo - metriosis or fibroids). • Amenorrhea: This condition occurs when a young woman misses her period for several months. It can be due to factors like extreme weight loss, excessive exercise, or conditions affecting the reproduc - tive system. • Irregular periods: Teenagers often experience irregular menstru- al cycles during the first few years after menarche. This can lead to unpredictable bleeding patterns. Middle-aged (late 20s to early 50s) • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disor- der is common in this age group, leading to irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and hormonal imbalances. • Heavy or prolonged periods (menorrhagia): Excessive bleeding or periods lasting longer than usual can occur due to hor- monal imbalances, uterine fibroids, or other underlying conditions. • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Some women experience physical and emotional symptoms like bloating, fatigue, body & head- aches, mood swings, and/or breast tenderness, a few days or weeks before their period. Mature Age (late 40s and beyond) • Perimenopause and Menopause: As women approach meno- pause, they may experience irregular periods, lighter or heavier flow, or longer gaps between periods. Eventually, menstruation ceases alto-
Illustration 87710530 © Anna Odintsova | Dreamstime.com
toms. Among them, about 20% to 40% encounter PMS, while 2% to 8% experience PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder — a more severe type of PMS. Although the exact cause of PMS is not fully un - derstood, various elements can contribute to its development. Here are some common causative factors and a functional medicine ap- proach to its treatment: 1. Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in estrogen and proges- terone levels during the menstrual cycle can contribute to PMS symp - toms. FM aims to rebalance hormone levels by addressing underlying factors such as impaired liver detoxification, adrenal imbalances, or disrupted feedback loops within the hormonal system. Treatment may involve hormone support, herbal remedies, or lifestyle modifications. 2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Certain nutrient deficiencies can contribute to PMS symptoms. FM emphasizes a nutrient-dense diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Specific nutrients that may be targeted include magnesium, B-vitamins, vitamin D, and
continued on page 16
PATHWAYS—Fall 23—15
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator