Female Stuff

[americana]

So, I'm 41 now, and my body's probably going through hormonal and other changes.

I am wondering if there's some natural thing - - herb, vitamins, etc. that would help for my period. I take loads of Vitamin C, and that's really it for the vitamins at this stage in the game.

It's not pain that's bothering me, it's fatigue. Utter exhaustion. Seems to be related to my period.

Also suffer from period-related migraines.

Any thoughts on the matter would be much appreciated!

[lottie]

So, I'm 41 now, and my body's probably going through hormonal and other changes.

I am wondering if there's some natural thing - - herb, vitamins, etc. that would help for my period. I take loads of Vitamin C, and that's really it for the vitamins at this stage in the game.

It's not pain that's bothering me, it's fatigue. Utter exhaustion. Seems to be related to my period.

Also suffer from period-related migraines.

Any thoughts on the matter would be much appreciated!

Iron supplements? Sounds as though you might be a little anaemic, that can defo make you lethargic and exhausted! Failing that- i know everyone hates it (and im a fine one to talk) but gentle excersie- it releases seratonin which also makes you feel not only happier but far more energetic!! :)

[limelady]

So, I'm 41 now, and my body's probably going through hormonal and other changes.

I am wondering if there's some natural thing - - herb, vitamins, etc. that would help for my period. I take loads of Vitamin C, and that's really it for the vitamins at this stage in the game.

It's not pain that's bothering me, it's fatigue. Utter exhaustion. Seems to be related to my period.

Also suffer from period-related migraines.

Any thoughts on the matter would be much appreciated!

Get yourself a copy of THIS BOOK (http://books.google.com.au/books?id=bAQJAAAACAAJ&dq=Sherrill+Sellman&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result) and have a good ol' read up ;)

[jojo]

Iron supplements? Sounds as though you might be a little anaemic, that can defo make you lethargic and exhausted! Failing that- i know everyone hates it (and im a fine one to talk) but gentle excersie- it releases seratonin which also makes you feel not only happier but far more energetic!! :)
swimming is a good one. I find that when i have pmt, swimming really lifts my mood.

[daytimetwilight]

I agree about the iron. You could check it out with a blood test. I was very low at one point but not quite anemic. I was waking up feeling dizzy and so tired. The doctor told me to take a high dose- 35 mg a day for a month, then I went back for another blood test and I was still lower than average. It takes a bit of time to build up your iron stores if you are low, but you'll feel loads better. :cool:

[emanuel]

I know that since I am a guy what I have to say here would probably be ignored (naturally ;)) but I have seen, through female aquaintances of mine, that accupunture has proven very effective at bringing a womans body back to it's centre and brightened their mood considerably due to the varied effects of such lady specific treatment! Though effective, I did not see, and was informed that iron was not as effective as the accupuncture treatment. :)

Hope this helps, now I'm gonna run and hide :cool:

[daytimetwilight]

I know that since I am a guy what I have to say here would probably be ignored (naturally ;)) but I have seen, through female aquaintances of mine, that accupunture has proven very effective at bringing a womans body back to it's centre and brightened their mood considerably due to the varied effects of such lady specific treatment! Though effective, I did not see, and was informed that iron was not as effective as the accupuncture treatment. :)

Hope this helps, now I'm gonna run and hide :cool:

I'm sure all advice is welcome here :)

[americana]

Thanks so much, everyone, for your responses!

I immediately ordered the book: Hormone Heresy : What Women Must Know About Their Hormones by Sherrill Sellman which Lottie recommended. :D

I will be following up on everybody's advice, which is very much appreciated! :)

Of course guys are welcome to answer, emanuel! Thanks so much for having the courage to post a reply!

[emanuel]

Thanks so much, everyone, for your responses!

I immediately ordered the book: Hormone Heresy : What Women Must Know About Their Hormones by Sherrill Sellman which Lottie recommended. :D

I will be following up on everybody's advice, which is very much appreciated! :)

Of course guys are welcome to answer, emanuel! Thanks so much for having the courage to post a reply!

*pokes head round the door* My pleasure ;)

[demeter_maru]

So, I'm 41 now, and my body's probably going through hormonal and other changes.

I am wondering if there's some natural thing - - herb, vitamins, etc. that would help for my period. I take loads of Vitamin C, and that's really it for the vitamins at this stage in the game.

It's not pain that's bothering me, it's fatigue. Utter exhaustion. Seems to be related to my period.

Also suffer from period-related migraines.

Any thoughts on the matter would be much appreciated!

Been through a lot of the same myself. Acupuncture helped with the headaches for about two years, but was surreal expensive. If I could afford it, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
I've done about all the migraine treatments I know of--BCPs to stop the hormone swings, seizure meds, exercise, a plethora of migraine drugs. The best for me is maxalt; it melts under your tongue (that way, I don't have to worry about vomiting it back up, what a thrill that used to be) and gets into your bloodstream fast. Also, I know you have mentioned fatigue, but if you can start any kind of exercise program that would probably help a lot. It helps to reduce stress and while your migraines are coming with periods, reducing stress really helps drop the intensity of migraines. Maybe there's some regulating of hormones related to exercise; that makes sense to me.
Also, the joy of aging: the closer you get to menopause, the more the headaches may increase and then zip! they usually stop after menopause, according to my neurologist.
Hope you get well soon, migraines are terrible things. People who don't get them have no idea what they can be like. Good luck!

[madthumbs]

I am wondering if there's some natural thing - - herb, vitamins, etc.

Do you realise that manufactured vitamins aren't natural at all?

I take loads of Vitamin C

Not saying you're stupid, but that's a stupid thing to do (I've done the vitamin thing myself). It probably contributes to the problem as well as other problems if not causing it directly. Half a kiwi a day could provide you with sufficient vitamin C.

Natural Migraine Treatment FAQ (ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet-by-hierarchy/misc/health/alternative/Natural_Migraine_Treatment_FAQ)

[americana]

Do you realise that manufactured vitamins aren't natural at all?



Not saying you're stupid, but that's a stupid thing to do (I've done the vitamin thing myself). It probably contributes to the problem as well as other problems if not causing it directly. Half a kiwi a day could provide you with sufficient vitamin C.

Natural Migraine Treatment FAQ (ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet-by-hierarchy/misc/health/alternative/Natural_Migraine_Treatment_FAQ)

Thanks to the latest people to give great advice - - Demeter Maru and Madthumbs.

Actually, Madthumbs, I am smart about some things, and not all that swift about others. Although I don't want to go into the whole history of my personal health, I feel much, much better when I take plenty of Vitamin C, and I probably haven't been taking as much as usual lately. It may not be natural, but it's sure better than some of the drugs that have been suggested to me by "well-meaning" individuals and even doctors in the past (not here . . . you guys are too savvy and discriminating)

[biblegirl]

black cohosh is good for keeping the hormones in proper balance, also taking chlorophyll is an inexpensive and effective way to get iron levels up without having to take synthetic or isolated iron supplements

[pri01]

Thanks to the latest people to give great advice - - Demeter Maru and Madthumbs.

Actually, Madthumbs, I am smart about some things, and not all that swift about others. Although I don't want to go into the whole history of my personal health, I feel much, much better when I take plenty of Vitamin C, and I probably haven't been taking as much as usual lately. It may not be natural, but it's sure better than some of the drugs that have been suggested to me by "well-meaning" individuals and even doctors in the past (not here . . . you guys are too savvy and discriminating)

I was speaking to a nurse this week. She and other mature ladies that worked with her had a really different approach. They had these magnet type things which they had attached to their underwear directly over where their ovaries are located. I can't remember what they're called but I recall that they were expensive to buy. I don't know if anyone else has heared of this alternative therapy?

[americana]

Thanks, Biblegirl and pri01. I've taken Iron before and it didn't really agree with me, so perhaps Chlorophyll is the answer.

No, I've never heard of magnet therapy except in case of pain, like arthritis! Very interesting.

[madthumbs]

Consider spinach (or other leafy green) or red meat before a supplement (isolated concentrated crap). .

[nesht]

Hello ladies; the magnets are called Ladycare magnets; I think there are different opinions as to whether they are effective or not.

As for herbal things to try there is Black cohosh, Sage, red leaved clover, maca, chasteberry, horny goats weed, evening primrose/starflower oil and plenty of others, it's worth doing your research first though. Good luck!

[celtic isis]

So, I'm 41 now, and my body's probably going through hormonal and other changes.

I am wondering if there's some natural thing - - herb, vitamins, etc. that would help for my period. I take loads of Vitamin C, and that's really it for the vitamins at this stage in the game.

It's not pain that's bothering me, it's fatigue. Utter exhaustion. Seems to be related to my period.

Also suffer from period-related migraines.

Any thoughts on the matter would be much appreciated!

whoa you don't look 41 americana! :)

well i agree with lotts, some exercise, i have to do that myself, keeps you feeling good :)

I'm having that exhaustion too right now as i'm due the damned curse any time now :mad: i take homepathic medication for it, and it works amazingly, i take pulsatilla just before and my perod is a whizz to get through, before i could barely get off the sofa all day dying with pain all over. And pulsatilla is not for pain specially but for the hormonal changes before, during and after. I think the one for you would be phosphorus, as it says it is for women who are worn out from their periods.

There are some homepathic treatments that actually completely stop period cramps from happening! I tried it once but not sure if i can use it regularly so have to find out, i prob can but i'm a wuss when it comes to taking stuff. i took actea racemosa which is a specific remedy for the uterus itself and related probs.

i think eating tofu and soya is meant to be good, thogh i eat a lot and my hormones are nuts at this time of the month, though less than i used to be! so maybe it works, also for the iron intake try eating rocket, much tastier than spinach :) and high in iron.

i don't know i think most of our probs nowadays are directly linked with the crap in our food, i know my dear mum who was born in the 40's never had any probs such as these until much later.

Maybe some supplements with fish oil, or royal jelly would help too, evening primrose...

magnesium too is extremely important for us girls for hormone balance...


i agree though the fatigue is something else round this time of the month, no energy, really have to push myself.

hope you find something that works for you, lime's book looks interesting ;)

actually so does the chlorophyll!

[celtic isis]

I know that since I am a guy what I have to say here would probably be ignored (naturally ;)) but I have seen, through female aquaintances of mine, that accupunture has proven very effective at bringing a womans body back to it's centre and brightened their mood considerably due to the varied effects of such lady specific treatment! Though effective, I did not see, and was informed that iron was not as effective as the accupuncture treatment. :)

Hope this helps, now I'm gonna run and hide :cool:

i would agree with that too! i had acupuncture during a bout of motion sickness (i just happened to be at the osteopath at the time) and he stuck one needle in my right thigh and 15 mins later i was high as a kite!!! nausea attack completely vanished! and such a feeling of wellbeing!

it's addictive i'd say :)

[americana]

whoa you don't look 41 americana! :)

well i agree with lotts, some exercise, i have to do that myself, keeps you feeling good :)

I'm having that exhaustion too right now as i'm due the damned curse any time now :mad: i take homepathic medication for it, and it works amazingly, i take pulsatilla just before and my perod is a whizz to get through, before i could barely get off the sofa all day dying with pain all over. And pulsatilla is not for pain specially but for the hormonal changes before, during and after. I think the one for you would be phosphorus, as it says it is for women who are worn out from their periods.

There are some homepathic treatments that actually completely stop period cramps from happening! I tried it once but not sure if i can use it regularly so have to find out, i prob can but i'm a wuss when it comes to taking stuff. i took actea racemosa which is a specific remedy for the uterus itself and related probs.

i think eating tofu and soya is meant to be good, thogh i eat a lot and my hormones are nuts at this time of the month, though less than i used to be! so maybe it works, also for the iron intake try eating rocket, much tastier than spinach :) and high in iron.

i don't know i think most of our probs nowadays are directly linked with the crap in our food, i know my dear mum who was born in the 40's never had any probs such as these until much later.

Maybe some supplements with fish oil, or royal jelly would help too, evening primrose...

magnesium too is extremely important for us girls for hormone balance...


i agree though the fatigue is something else round this time of the month, no energy, really have to push myself.

hope you find something that works for you, lime's book looks interesting ;)

actually so does the chlorophyll!


Thanks, CelticIsis! But you've never seen my picture! Perhaps you are psychic and can "see me through the screen"!

I just got the book yesterday and gave it a good perusal last night. Seems like progesterone (wild yam) cream is one thing the author and others advocate for such problems.

I am also a wuss when it comes to taking stuff :p, and I don't like to combine too many things at once, just to work into things and see what works.

Magnesium, yes! I took that a while back for horrible pains I was having -- Dr. couldn't figure it out - - and I realized it was complete and utter stress from the job I had at the time - - total magnesium depletion. I stopped, but still have the bottle here!

I need to take a nice walk up to a particular health food store (not a chain, don't entirely trust those . . . :o) and see what's what!

You take the pulsatilla under your tongue? I like those types of homeopathic medicines . . . it feels like I'm really doing something, for some reason, even if amounts are so small.

Hope you are feeling much better and less "period-y" (blecch!) soon!

[celtic isis]

Thanks, CelticIsis! But you've never seen my picture! Perhaps you are psychic and can "see me through the screen"!

I just got the book yesterday and gave it a good perusal last night. Seems like progesterone (wild yam) cream is one thing the author and others advocate for such problems.

I am also a wuss when it comes to taking stuff :p, and I don't like to combine too many things at once, just to work into things and see what works.

Magnesium, yes! I took that a while back for horrible pains I was having -- Dr. couldn't figure it out - - and I realized it was complete and utter stress from the job I had at the time - - total magnesium depletion. I stopped, but still have the bottle here!

I need to take a nice walk up to a particular health food store (not a chain, don't entirely trust those . . . :o) and see what's what!

You take the pulsatilla under your tongue? I like those types of homeopathic medicines . . . it feels like I'm really doing something, for some reason, even if amounts are so small.

Hope you are feeling much better and less "period-y" (blecch!) soon!

hehe i did see your pic once on the photothread i'm sure...ah no maybe that was amerigirl :o hehe i got you mixed up!!

first off, the homeopathic remedies, YOU ONLY NEED A TINY AMOUNT! that's why they're so tiny, it works on the principle that the higher the dilution the more potent the response from the body. Yep i usually take them under the tongue where the absorption rate is higher into the bloodstream. i was sceptical before trying it, but my inlaws here use homeopathy a lot and well, i'm no longer a sceptic cause i've had stomach acid probs completely cured, period probs, severe cramps etc (which can't be all in the mind) as well as sore throats completely cleared also (what else can cure a sore throat in like 2 hours?) Nothing!

It's also helped me manage all the motion sickness probs i've been having the last year, only for the homepathy i wouldn't survive at all, only thing that helps me eat and live as normal as i can.

i sound a wreck lol

but really if you're already trying homeopthy out or thinking about it maybe a visit with a good homeopath would help you out?

Ignatia amara i also for hormonal probs around the 40 mark. And for grief related emotions too.

It also helped me with huge emotional struggles too, homeopathy is just amazing.

I get so sick of all the disinfo rubbishing it about the place. :(

hehe and thanks, i still hasn't arrived though, but anyway at least i can do nothing much at all, periods are good for something ;)

[americana]

Hey, y'all, here's my update:

I sent to the health food store today, and I spoke for a while to a very nice "nutritional specialist" working there.

I now have a tincture, with drops to put in water 2-3 x a day. It's an Adrenal Balance Compound. It balances stress and promotes energy. It has Eleuthero root, Schisandra fruit, Devil's club root bark, Oat milky seed, Holy basil, Sarsparilla rhizome.

I told her just how absolutely wiped out I feel, and she recommended this, first talking about a ginseng tincture, then realizing that it was not "just" normal stress or tiredness I'm feeling.

I am starting out with this. I liked her approach, which was not to "barrage" my system with things.

The second item is Organic Royal Maca, which she recommends for balancing hormones.

She said that she felt women respond well to vegetable-based items.

I wil start in on the Maca capsules after about 3 days.

[w1nstonsm1th84]

Hey, y'all, here's my update:

I sent to the health food store today, ...

Hi there americana... it's nice to contribute to your thread. :)

Hey, I really do wish you well with that remedy- I do hope that it works. :) I know what stress and tiredness is like. In all seriousness, I do appreciate that women tend to go through a lot more in that department, for obvious reasons. :)

Good luck. :)

[biblegirl]

That sounds like a good tincture americana. Keep us posted. :)

[celtic isis]

Hey, y'all, here's my update:

I sent to the health food store today, and I spoke for a while to a very nice "nutritional specialist" working there.

I now have a tincture, with drops to put in water 2-3 x a day. It's an Adrenal Balance Compound. It balances stress and promotes energy. It has Eleuthero root, Schisandra fruit, Devil's club root bark, Oat milky seed, Holy basil, Sarsparilla rhizome.

I told her just how absolutely wiped out I feel, and she recommended this, first talking about a ginseng tincture, then realizing that it was not "just" normal stress or tiredness I'm feeling.

I am starting out with this. I liked her approach, which was not to "barrage" my system with things.

The second item is Organic Royal Maca, which she recommends for balancing hormones.

She said that she felt women respond well to vegetable-based items.

I wil start in on the Maca capsules after about 3 days.

Deffo sounds good americana, i know i've got devils root myself here (though i can't swallow the bugger pills!) for my neck inflammation, it's a natural anti inflammatory also, i can't take neurofen they make me get baaaad belly aches.

Sasparilla is good too, i forget what for but i noted it down once :) obviously female tiredness related stuff :)

hope it works for you, will prob take a few weeks and you'll be kicking ass!

Royal Maca ah ha i didn't know it was for balancing hormones.

good luck girly :)