Anti-aging Natural anti-aging treatments to help support healthy skin care and reverse the aging process.

Anti-aging
Natural anti-aging treatments to help support healthy skin care and reverse the aging process.


What is Anti-aging?
The Fountain of Youth – since ancient times, humanity has been searching for the answer: how do we stop (or reverse) the aging process? From the time we are born, we are growing constantly and getting older.

Aging is a rather mysterious process – and no definitive cause has been found – it seems to be a collection of factors within the body working together. One thing we do know is that aging has strong genetic factors. This explains how some cultures seem to age relatively well compared to others.

Although we may not realize it, on a cellular level, oxidization occurs and ultimately leads to aging. Most scientists will agree that free radicals often injure cells and lead to aging skin. The chemical process behind aging can be likened to browning a cake in the oven – on a cellular level the ‘browning’ happens between glucose and proteins which causes damage in our genes.

What Causes Aging?
During aging cells lose their ability to divide, which can also weaken the immune system. Aging symptoms are prolific throughout the stages of life and include puberty, menstruation, genital development, through to menopause, sexual dysfunction such as low sex drive or impotence, hair loss, eye problems and hearing loss.

Help for Anti-aging
Conventional treatment for aging skin may include drastic measures such as plastic surgery, which comes with many risks – as well as controversial injections of growth hormones – the long term effects of which are not known.

Natural Remedies

Fortunately Mother Nature has equipped us with the tools to help slow down the process and support skin rejuvenation! The way you age is greatly determined by the way you live, and the amount of care you give your body! Herbal and homeopathic remedies have been used for centuries to nourish on a cellular level and promote vitality and vigor.

A number of natural ingredients have been studied for their ability to support organs in the body –including skin care– and thus discourage age-related complaints. One such ingredient is Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) – an all round supportive tonic, and has powerful anti-oxidant properties, fighting free radicals due to its superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic properties.

Grapeseed extract is a potent source of proanthocyanidins, or pycnogenols containing naturally occurring proanthocyanidins – a natural and powerful Antioxidant. Proanthocyanidins also have an affinity for cell membranes, providing support to reduce capillary permeability and fragility.

To help turn back the harsh hands of time, herbs such as Spirulina can help to renew zest to aging skin, while the herb Dandelion can be used to naturally detox the skin and purify the blood and lymphatic system, thus promoting an inner glow that helps create translucent skin.

Other herbs such as Horsetail and Rosemary can also be beneficial – helping to smooth texture, improve strength and re-tone the skin while Kali sulph and Silicea nourish skin cells from the inside on a cellular level.

More Information on Anti-aging...

Tips to help slow aging:
Always use UV sunscreen and cosmetics. Sun exposure is a major contributor towards skin aging and wrinkles. Sun damage after the age of fifty can even increase risk of skin cancer.
Hydrate. A large portion of the human body is made up of water – so it makes sense that you should drink water and natural juices throughout the day – especially in hot weather. Skin hydration is also aided by drinking water and will lessen age-related fatigue on skin.
Stop smoking. Skin ‘vitamins and minerals’ are depleted greatly by nicotine. This means the greater risk of aging before your time. Smoking also contributes to the whole body aging, and also increases the risks of cancer, arthritis and osteoporosis.
Take it easy. Chronic stress can increase the aging process – which is why 8 hours of sleep is recommended each night! Try to relax through yoga or massage techniques.
Lacking essential vitamins and minerals is a major factor in aging – eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and food rich in antioxidants (vitamins A, E, C and selenium), zinc and copper – and add fiber to help your digestive system get rid of toxins.

Source: Natures remedy...

Can Labor Be Induced Naturally?

Can Labor Be Induced Naturally?

Childbirth experts don't think most at-home methods work.

It's just a week until your due date. You're scouring the Internet for some way to coax baby out on time -- or maybe even a couple of days early. The message boards are full of suggestions for inducing labor "naturally." They range from eating spicy foods to spooning down castor oil.

But does anything really work? Childbirth experts say there's no good proof.

"There are no proven non-medical ways for inducing labor naturally," says New York midwife Elizabeth Stein, CNM. The only safe and reliable methods for starting labor involve medications given at the hospital. Most other techniques are rumors, unlikely to help at best and potentially harmful. Only a couple show any promise, and the jury is still out on those.

Inducing Labor With Acupuncture

Acupuncture might help bring on labor, but it's too soon to say. In parts of Asia, it has been used for centuries to jump-start labor.

One small study at the University of North Carolina found that women who got acupuncture were more likely to go into labor without a medical "push."

The study included 56 women who were 39.5 to 41 weeks pregnant. (Forty weeks is full term.) Half of the women got three acupuncture sessions, while the other half did not.


Seventy percent of the women who got acupuncture went into labor on their own, compared to 50% who received standard care. The women who got acupuncture were also less likely to deliver by cesarean section -- 39% compared to 17%.

"We had almost a 50% reduction in the C-section rate," says researcher Terry Harper, MD. Harper, who now practices maternal fetal medicine in Albuquerque, says the small size of her study means more research is needed. She hopes acupuncture might one day help more women give birth vaginally.

Can Sex Bring on Labor?

Another strategy that gets positive reviews from doctors and midwives is inducing labor the same way you started your pregnancy -- by having sex.

"I tell my patients to do that all the time," Harper says. Although there's no proof sex can start labor, there is a good reason why it might. Harper says sex releases prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that are like the medications used to induce labor.  And it won't hurt to try!

"I think sex is a great idea," Stein agrees. Make sure your water has not broken and your doctor or midwife has given you the green light. She adds that it's important for the man to ejaculate inside the vagina. "This ejaculate contains prostaglandins which stimulate the cervix ... possibly leading to contractions."

Other Methods to Induce Labor

When it comes to inducing labor, the following methods draw mixed reviews from childbirth experts. Either there's no evidence to support them or they might work but carry risks. If you plan to try any of them, consult your doctor or midwife first.

Long walks: Going for a long walk is "good exercise," Harper says, "but I don't think that it helps bring on labor." Stein is more critical. "Short walks are OK, but I'm not a fan of long, tiring walks. Exhaustion is not a good way to go into labor."
Spicy foods: It's a popular theory, but there's no direct connection between the stomach and the uterus. So, there's no reason to think a particular type of food will bring on contractions. "I have never seen anything that supports [spicy foods] one way or another," Harper says.
Castor oil: Stein sometimes recommends taking a small amount of castor oil after the 38th week. "There's no direct action on the uterus. It's indirect via stimulation of the bowels, which lean on the uterus. This only seems to work when the body is ready to go into labor." But Harper says there's "no good evidence" for inducing labor with castor oil. "Castor oil brings on horrific diarrhea. I don't recommend it, because you could get moms dehydrated."
Cohosh: Some women try starting labor with cohosh, but doctors caution that this herb contains plant-based chemicals that may act like estrogen in the body. "I'm actually pretty nervous about it," Harper tells WebMD. "It's not well enough studied."
Evening primrose oil: Harper is more positive about another herb, evening primrose oil. It has substances that your body changes into prostaglandins, which soften the cervix and get it ready for labor. "Evening primrose oil does supposedly release prostaglandins," Harper says. "But it needs more study."
Inducing Labor in the Hospital

If you pass your due date, your doctor or midwife may recommend inducing labor in the hospital. For women with high-risk pregnancies, Harper says they are may be induced very close to or just before the due date. For low-risk pregnancies, she says, 42 weeks is "the absolute cut-off."

Inducing labor usually starts with taking prostaglandins as pills or applying them inside the vagina near the cervix. Sometimes this is enough to start contractions.

If that's not enough to induce labor, the next step is Pitocin, a man-made form of the hormone oxytocin. It stimulates uterine contractions. Harper says it's vital that Pitocin only be given once the cervix is open and ready for labor. " Most people recommend starting out with prostaglandins for preparation of the cervix."

The Waiting Game

As the due date approaches, many couples are eager for labor to begin so they can finally meet their little one.


And though that's the most exciting moment of your life, you might want to slow down and not rush through things. Stein recommends saving your energy, rather than wearing yourself out with schemes for starting labor sooner.

In other words, get some sleep while you can!

Source: WebMd...

Ovarian Cysts- Natural and herbal remedies for the treatment of ovarian cysts.

Ovarian Cysts

Natural and herbal remedies for the treatment of ovarian cysts.

What are Ovarian Cysts?

What Causes Ovarian Cysts?

Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts

Help for Ovarian Cysts

More Information on Ovarian Cysts

What are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts (also called growths) are fluid-filled sac-like structures that can form in, on or near the ovaries. They commonly affect women in their reproductive years, particularly between the ages of 20 and 35. Women who suffer from endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or bulimia and take the epilepsy drug, Valporate tend to be more susceptible to ovarian cysts.

There are two walnut-sized organs called ovaries found on either side of the uterus, under the fallopian or uterine tubes. Every month, women of reproductive age produce a small cyst known as a follicle. A follicle is the normal fluid-filled sac that contains an egg that is released during ovulation around day 14 of the menstrual cycle.

What Causes Ovarian Cysts?

The cause of ovarian cysts is related to the type of cyst. There are three types of ovarian cysts and these include:

Functional cysts are the most common. They are related to variations in the normal functioning of the ovaries – they will form when an egg tries to release as it should during normal ovulation. They seldom secrete hormones and last between 4 to 6 weeks.

Follicular and corpus luteum cysts develop from a growth of a follicle of the ovary which grows larger than normal in some cycles and fills with fluid – it does not open to release the egg. 

A corpus luteum cyst is characterized by a yellow mass of tissue that forms from the follicle after ovulation. These cysts are generally harmless and seldom cause pain. They tend to disappear on their own after two or three menstrual cycles, and are associated with normal ovarian function.

Abnormal cysts or neoplastic cysts develop as a result of cell growth. In most cases, they are benign and very rarely become cancerous. There are two types of abnormal cysts – dermoid and polycystic cysts.

Dermoid cysts occur when the tissues of the ovary grow abnormally to form other body tissues such as hair, teeth, fatty material, bone or cartilage.

Polycystic cysts develop as a result of a buildup of multiple small cysts which causes hormonal imbalances such as excessive body hair, thinning scalp hair, irregular periods, obesity and infertility. These cysts also increases your risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and uterine or breast cancer.

Most ovarian cysts are harmless and often symptoms do not even occur. Some types of ovarian cysts can lead to serious health problems. Ovarian cysts can cause severe and sudden pain as a result of bleeding into the cyst, rapid growth and stretching, rupture or twisting of the cyst. Although these cysts can become cancerous, it occurs very rarely and if detected early, is easily treatable.

Very often, cysts cause no symptoms and are thus never noticed at all. It is important to be aware of any changes in your body or any other symptoms that may occur. Sometimes symptoms are similar to other conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease or ovarian cancer.

Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts

The diagnoses of ovarian cysts are based on the symptoms, a review of your medical history, a physical examination as well as pelvic exam. Certain tests such as positive pregnancy test, ultrasound, computerized axial tomography (CAT-scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scanning), laparoscopy or CA 125 blood test may be performed.

The most common symptoms and signs that may occur include:

Sudden and severe pain in the abdomen or pelvis

Severe abdominal pain accompanied by fever or vomiting

Constant ache that extends to lower back and thighs

Menstrual irregularities – delayed, irregular or painful menstrual periods

Fullness or swelling of the abdomen

Pelvic pain during intercourse

Pelvic pain shortly before your period begins or just before it ends

Difficulty emptying your bladder completely as a result of pressure on the bladder

Pain during bowel movements or pressure on your bowels

Increased facial hair

Nausea, vomiting or breast tenderness that is experienced during pregnancy

Help for Ovarian Cysts

Treatment of ovarian cysts generally depends on the woman’s age, the size and type of cyst, overall health status and severity of symptoms. Sometimes treatment may not be required for cysts as they would probably heal by themselves in about one to three months. Practicing patience as well as being observant is important during this time as there will be a lot of waiting around.

Regular monitoring with pelvic ultrasounds should be performed periodically, especially for postmenopausal women. Hormone therapy such as oral contraceptive pills may be prescribed to reduce new cysts from developing as well as decrease your risk of cancer. If cysts are large, abnormal or cause pain, surgery may be recommended to remove the cyst.

Cysts may either be removed in a procedure known as a cystectomy (cysts can be removed without removing the ovary) or a procedure known as oophorectomy (removing the affected ovary and leaving the other intact). If the cyst is cancerous, a hysterectomy may be performed to remove both ovaries and uterus.

Natural remedies

Natural treatments such as herbs and herbal remedies have also proven to be quite effective in there ability to restore the balance of levels of hormones in the body as well as to prevent and reduce ovarian cysts. These herbs are safe and gentle on the body’s system, and also enhance overall health and wellbeing of women. Use Dong Quai, the Chinese herb to promote female reproductive health and hormone balance. It acts as a nourishing tonic, supports the menstrual cycle and promotes hormonal health during menopause and perimenopause.

More Information on Ovarian Cysts

Tips to control and manage ovarian cysts

While ovarian cysts cannot be prevented, there are a few ways to control ovarian cysts and these include:

Eat a diet that contains plenty of raw fruits, dark, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes and garlic

Exercise regularly by walking, swimming, cycling, doing yoga or pilates

Avoid red meat, white sugar, fat, processed and refined foods

Decrease your intake of caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages

Increase your intake of antioxidant supplements such as zinc, evening primrose oil, vitamins A, E and C

Detox your body’s system to improve the liver’s function

Learn to control stress by practicing deep breathing exercises, visualization techniques or meditating

Keep the lower abdomen warm by applying a heat pack or hot water bottle

Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd~

Bitter gourd has been associated with lowering sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes.

Bitter gourd is said to be helpful in fighting against cancer and a number of infections.

Bitter gourd has been known to provide relief from constipation and is also effective in the treatment of psoriasis.

Bitter gourd helps in improving circulation and in turn, generates slimming effects on the body.

Regular consumption of bitter gourd has been associated with prevention as well as treatment of hypertension.

Bitter gourd is believed to be helpful in preventing eye complications, apart from treating neuritis.It improves eye-sight due to it high beta-carotene content

The juice of the leaf of bitter gourd plant has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of alcoholism.

The essential vitamins and minerals present in bitter gourd help in treating defective metabolism of carbohydrates.

The bitter tonic properties of bitter gourd have made it effective as a blood purifier.

Fresh juice of bitter gourd is good for patients suffering from piles.
It removes stomach worms and highly recommended for kids.

It is good for asthma patients as it heals respiratory disorders.

Source: Natural health US
www.gooddeedsmall.com

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Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea). Natural and herbal remedies for the treatment of menstrual cramps.

Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)
Natural and herbal remedies for the treatment of menstrual cramps.


Topics
What are Menstrual Cramps?
What Causes Menstrual Cramps?
Diagnosing Menstrual Cramps
Help for Menstrual Cramps
More Information on Menstrual Cramps



What are Menstrual Cramps?

Menstrual cramps are also known by its medical term as dysmenorrhea. These cramps are characterized by either dull, throbbing pains in the lower abdomen or shooting, intense pains that may last for a few minutes. Every woman’s experience with menstrual cramps is different. Menstrual cramps can range from mild, moderate to severe pain.

Some women only experience mild menstrual cramps with a slight twinge of pain while for others, the pain can be incapacitating and disrupt their lives. Often when the pain is so severe, it is quite common to find young girls or women not being able to go to school or work.

There are two types of menstrual cramps – primary dysmenorrhea or secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea typically begins six months to a year following the beginning of menstruation and there is no underlying gynecological problem contributing to the pain. Cramps and the degree of pain tend to lessen as you become older and often disappear completely after giving birth.

Secondary dysmenorrhea involves an underlying abnormal condition such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids that causes the menstrual cramps. This condition usually develops later, after you have begun menstruating.

The common symptoms and signs of dysmenorrhea include:

Dull, throbbing pain in the lower abdomen
Pain that extends to lower back and thighs
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Sweating


What Causes Menstrual Cramps?
During the menstrual cycle, the uterus contracts when the blood leaves your uterus and sheds its lining. The lining of the uterus produces a hormone or special substances called prostaglandins which trigger the cramping and pain. Some women produce higher levels of prostaglandins and experience more severe cramps.

Several conditions can cause secondary dysmenorrhea and these include:

Endometriosis
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Adenomyosis
Uterine fibroids and uterine polyps
Use of an intrauterine (IUD) device


Diagnosing Menstrual Cramps
If you are experiencing severe menstrual cramps that are disrupting your life, consult your health practitioner. The diagnosis of secondary dysmenorrhea involves a thorough physical examination including a pelvic exam as well as a review of your medical history.

A pelvic exam will also be performed to check for any abnormalities and signs of infection. Additional tests such as imaging tests (ultrasound, CT or MRI scan), a laparoscopy or hysteroscopy may be performed to determine the underlying cause of secondary dysmenorrheal.

Help for Menstrual Cramps
Various treatment options are available to relieve the pain and discomfort of dysmenorrhea. Self-care strategies such as applying a heating pad on your abdomen or lower back, exercising regularly, keeping warm and getting plenty of rest can make a significant difference to the way you feel. Over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen can relieve discomfort.

If cramping is severe, low dosage oral contraceptives may be prescribed to prevent ovulation which thereby reduces the production of prostaglandins. If you suffer from secondary dysmenorrhea, treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Treatment may include antibiotics for the infection, polyps to treat endometriosis or surgery to remove fibroids. Alternative treatment options such as massage, acupuncture, yoga or meditation can also provide pain relief.



Natural remedies
Natural and holistic treatments are a gentler and safer alternative to alleviate the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps. Using herbal remedies helps to support the female reproductive system and promotes overall health and wellbeing.

Herbs such as Foeniculum vulgare (Sweet Fennel) acts as a liver tonic and helps to promote water balance while Pulsatilla vulgaris (Pasque Flower) is a soothing and supportive herb for the female reproductive system. In addition, Dong Quai (Angelica Sinesis) helps to promote hormonal harmony throughout the menstrual cycle and Melissa officinale (Lemon Balm) soothes and promotes stable mood and feelings.


More Information on Menstrual Cramps

Tips to cope with menstrual cramps

There are several ways to cope with and alleviate the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps. Follow these helpful guidelines:

Exercise regularly by walking, cycling, stretching or doing pilates
Soak in a warm bath to relieve pain
Use a heating pad on your lower back or abdomen
Try drinking ginger tea to reduce nausea and chamomile tea to soothe cramps
Make yourself as comfortable as possible – wear track pants, socks and curl up with your blanket
Massage the affected area with arnica or aromatherapy oil
Increase your intake of vitamin supplements such as zinc and calcium
Reduce your intake of salt to help reduce bloating
Get plenty of rest


Source: Natural R...
www.gooddeedsmall.com

12 symptoms of kidney disease you shouldn't ignore

Most people are not aware of the fact that kidney disease can be silent killer. They may not show any symptoms for a long time till the situation becomes critical. It is important to recognize the symptoms of kidney diseases to catch them early. Here is a list of twelve such symptoms you should look out for:

1) Changes in your urinary function : The first symptom of kidney disease is that it changes the amount and  frequency of your urination. There may be an increase or decrease in amount and/or its frequency, especially at night. It may also look more dark colored. You may feel the urge to urinate but are unable to do so when you get to the restroom.

2) Difficulty or pain during voiding : Sometimes you have difficulty or feel pressure or pain while voiding. Urinary tract infections may cause symptoms such as pain or burning during urination. When these infections spread to the kidneys they may cause fever and pain in your back.

3) Blood in the urine : This is a symptom of kidney disease which is a definite cause for concern. There may be other reasons, but it is advisable to visit your doctor in case you notice it.

4) Swelling : Kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid from the body. When they are unable to do so, this extra fluid will build up causing swelling in your hands, feet, ankles and/or your face.

5) Extreme fatigue and generalized weakness : Your kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin which helps produce red blood cells that carry oxygen. In kidney disease lower levels of erythropoietin causes decreased red blood cells in your body resulting in anemia. There is decreased oxygen delivery to cells causing generalized weakness and extreme fatigue.

6) Dizziness & Inability to concentrate : Anemia associated with kidney disease also depletes your brain of oxygen which may cause dizziness, trouble with concentration, etc.

7) Feeling cold all the time : If you have kidney disease you may feel cold even when in a warm surrounding due to anemia.
Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) may cause fever with chills.

8) Skin rashes and itching : Kidney failure causes waste build-up in your blood. This can causes severe itching and skin rashes.

9) Ammonia breath and metallic taste : Kidney failure increases level of urea in the blood (uraemia). This urea is broken down to ammonia in the saliva causing urine-like bad breath called ammonia breath. It is also usually associated with an unpleasant metallic taste (dysgeusia) in the mouth.

10) Nausea and vomiting : The build-up of waste products in your blood in kidney disease can also cause nausea and vomiting.

11 ) Shortness of breath : Kidney disease causes fluid to build up in the lungs. And also, anemia, a common side-effect of kidney disease, starves your body of oxygen. You may have trouble catching your breath due to these factors.

12) Pain in the back or sides : Some cases of kidney disease may cause pain. You may feel a severe cramping pain that spreads from the lower back into the groin if there is a kidney stone in the ureter. Pain may also be related to polycystic kidney disease, an inherited kidney disorder, which causes many fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. Interstitial cystitis, a chronic inflammation of the bladder wall, causes chronic pain and discomfort.

It is important to identify kidney disease early because in most cases the damage in the kidneys can't be undone. To reduce your chances of getting severe kidney problems, see your doctor when you observe one or more of the above symptoms. If caught early, kidney disease can be treated very effectively.
Note: We have 100% natural /herbal medicine that will cure the underlying problem, contact us via our facebook inbox.
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Source: Natural Health US
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Amenorrhea- Natural treatment for the causes of amenorrhea, missed periods, and irregular menstrual cycles

Amenorrhea
Natural treatment for the causes of amenorrhea, missed periods, and irregular menstrual cycles.


What is Amenorrhea?
Diagnosing Amenorrhea
What Causes Amenorrhea?
Help for Amenorrhea
More Information on Amenorrhea

What is Amenorrhea?
Amenorrhea is the term used to describe the condition where menstrual periods are absent. When you miss a period, your first thought may be that you are pregnant. However there are actually several factors that may cause or contribute to the absence of menstruation.

Menstruation refers to the shedding of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) each month, and it is also commonly known as the menstrual period.

Menstrual periods usually last for five to seven days. In order for a woman to have regular menstrual cycles, her hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries and uterus must be functioning properly. Her cervix and vagina must also be structured normally to allow for menstrual blood to pass through.


Types of Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is classified into two types – primary and secondary amenorrhea.

Primary Amenorrhea - Primary amenorrhea occurs when a woman has not yet had her first menstrual period by the age of 16. This delayed period is usually due to late puberty, most common in teenage girls who are either very thin or very athletic. When young women are underweight, their bodies have yet to experience the normal puberty-related rise in body fat that sparks off the beginning of menstruation. On the other hand, the delay of menstruation may also be as a result of abnormal female reproductive organs or a genetic disorder involving the sex chromosomes such as Turner’s syndrome.

Secondary Amenorrhea - Secondary amenorrhea is a condition in which a woman who previously had normal, regular menstrual cycles experiences irregular or absent periods.

Amenorrhea affects 2% to 5% of all women of childbearing age in the United States. Secondary amenorrhea can affect all women who have begun menstruating. Young women who are involved in sports where intense exercise is required like ballet, long distance running or gymnastics are more likely to be affected with amenorrhea.

Amenorrhea is a symptom in itself. Depending on the cause of amenorrhea, you may experience the absence of periods together with various symptoms of hormone imbalance such as breast milk secretions, headache, weight gain, acne, altered sex drive low libido, lowering of the voice, excessive hair growth on the face and body, and vision changes.

Diagnosing Amenorrhea
The diagnosis of amenorrhea is based on your medical history, physical examination as well as a pelvic examination. Your health practitioner has to rule out other menstrual disorders, medical conditions, as well as medications in order to determine a proper diagnosis of amenorrhea.

Whether you are pregnant or not has to also be determined - a woman has to have missed at least three consecutive menstrual cycles without being pregnant to be classified as having amenorrhea.

A young woman, 16 years of age or older who has not yet had her first menstrual period should be evaluated immediately so that an early diagnosis can be made and treatment started. In addition, other tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause of the absence of periods.

Tests for Amenorrhea
Blood and urine tests are able to detect the imbalances of female hormones caused by problems with the ovaries or pituitary gland. Additional tests may also be performed to check levels of thyroid and adrenal hormones.

Pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to detect problems or abnormalities in the structure of your uterus and ovaries.

Progesterone challenge test is done to evaluate your estrogen status. You may be treated with the hormone, progesterone to see whether this brings about a menstrual period.


What Causes Amenorrhea?
There are several possible causes of primary and secondary amenorrhea and they include:

Primary Amenorrhea

Ovulation Abnormality
Certain ovulation or chromosomal abnormalities can cause the eggs involved in ovulation and menstruation to be prematurely depleted

Genital Abnormalities 
The absence of a uterus or vagina, vaginal septum or imperforate hymen present since birth can also result in the absence of menstrual periods

Hypothalamic Problems
The hypothalamus is a gland at the base of the brain that acts as the control center for the body and regulates your menstrual cycle. A disorder of the hypothalamus causing an absence of menstruation is known as functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Strenuous exercise, excessive weight loss as a result of anorexia nervosa, bulimia or stress may also contribute to interference in the normal functioning of the hypothalamus.

Pituitary Disease
The pituitary gland is also responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. A tumor or invasive growth may hinder the pituitary gland’s ability to perform this function.

Obesity
Females who are obese often experience amenorrhea as a result of excess fat cells interfering with the process of ovulation.

Thyroid Disease 
An underactive thyroid causing hypothyroidism or an overactive thyroid causing hyperthyroidism may also be responsible for absent menstrual cycles.


Secondary Amenorrhea

Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the most common cause of amenorrhea in women of reproductive age. Women do not ovulate when they are pregnant, thus menstruation stops.

Birth Control 
Often contraceptives such as birth control pills or hormonal injections can interfere with the menstrual cycle. If oral contraceptives are discontinued, regular ovulation and menstruation may take between 3-6 months to resume.

Excessive Exercise
Athletes or women who participate in strenuous training such as gymnastics, ballet or long distance running can experience absent menstrual cycles. There are many factors such as stress, low body fat and increased energy expenditure that contribute to athletes not having their periods

Medical Conditions 
Medical conditions such as traumatic brain injury; brain, ovary, or adrenal gland tumors; ovarian cysts; overproduction of prolactin by the pituitary gland; hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, chronic illness; and Asherman's syndrome (scarring of the uterine lining caused by infection or surgery) can also cause secondary amenorrhea

Premature Menopause
Menopause that occurs before age 40 is considered premature menopause. It is also associated with secondary amenorrhea and may result from genetic factors or an autoimmune disease.

Hormonal Imbalance
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder associated with hormonal imbalances and may also result in a loss of periods, obesity, acne and at times excess facial hair.

Other causes of secondary amenorrhea may be related to breastfeeding, physical and emotional stress, depression, certain medications, malnutrition, or sudden weight loss or weight gain.

Help for Amenorrhea
There are various treatment options depending on the cause to relieve the symptoms of amenorrhea and bring about a healthy, regular menstrual cycle. Depending on your overall health, medical history, age, and the extent of your condition, medications, procedures or therapies may be used to treat amenorrhea.

Common medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can help to encourage normal, regular menstrual cycles - although these medications have the potential risk of side effects. In addition, dietary modifications that include increased caloric and fat intake may also be beneficial.

Natural Remedies

Although conventional medicine may help to alleviate the symptoms of amenorrhea, they do not necessarily address the root of the problem. Natural and holistic treatments (from a reputable source) can help to address the underlying physiological and nutritional imbalances of the condition without the risk of harmful side effects and promote harmony in a gentle yet effective manner.

Use herbs such as Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry) as an effective treatment to promote hormonal balance and health. Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh) contains phyto-estrogenic properties which are also effective in correcting menstrual irregularities. In addition, Eleutherococcus senticosis (Siberian Ginseng) is a highly respected Chinese herb that helps to restore vital energy and promote overall systemic functioning while also regulating the menstrual cycle and improving hormonal balance.

More Information on Amenorrhea

Reducing the Risk of Developing Menstrual Disorders

If you are overweight or underweight, try to maintain a healthy weight and level of body fat by making appropriate changes to your diet and exercise routine.
Often, being underweight or overweight can cause menstrual disorders. Consult a doctor or dietician to help you make necessary adjustments to ensure a balanced diet.

Eat healthily and incorporate lots of vegetables, fruit, carbohydrates and protein into your diet. Reduce your intake of saturated fats, refined sugar, salt and caffeine.
Exercise regularly by walking, swimming, cycling or doing yoga. However, it may be necessary to reduce your exercise routine if it is excessive – some women exercise compulsively because they may fear weight gain while others who are athletes also struggle to cut back.

If you feel that your eating is compulsive and out of control, you should also be assessed for eating disorders. Eating disorders such anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa often contribute to amenorrhea.
Increase your intake of vitamins by taking vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium supplements to relieve cramping and PMS symptoms.

Reduce stress, levels by relaxing and resting more. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, progressive relaxation, biofeedback and yoga to quiet the mind and relax muscles. Detox and body cleansing can also be beneficial to help balance body systems.

Limit alcohol consumption and stop smoking naturally, as both habits can cause problems with your menstrual cycle.

Source: Natural R..