QUESTION:
A lady I am going to see has dysfunctional uterine bleeding. I am going to suggest women’s formula and give her some education about this before she goes and has a hysterectomy. Do you have any extra advice? I feel like this type of topic will be very reoccurring. MF from NS
ANSWER:
You’re right – hysterectomy is a huge topic. Dr. Christine Northrup states that 1 in 3 North American women have hysterectomies by age 60! That is an appalling number, with up to half of these removals being unnecessary; one of the crimes of our North American society. In some cases it may be necessary, but this is not a decision to be taken lightly, as the after effects of this surgery for many women can be worse than the problems that led to the surgery. In my clinical practice, I have saved a few uteruses from unnecessary removal.
For dysfunctional uterine bleeding, do you mean menorrhagia, or excess bleeding? If so, then yes Woman’s Formula is a good start. I would also add LIV-C as in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liver – as part of the Wood element, controls the flow of blood. As this is excessive flow, LIV-C is the excess/yang formula to bring balance and harmony. In fact, the name of the formula in Chinese is TIAO He, translating as “Balance and Harmony”.
It is also important to determine what is the cause of the bleeding – have fibroids been diagnosed? I am glad you mentioned about educating her first. The emotional pillar is a very important when considering reproductive and menopausal issues. For example, fibroids indicate stagnation or blockage (again Chinese), and one needs to look where there may be stagnation in life.
All of the four pillars of health need to be considered, as suggested in my book: The Paw Paw Program – A “Christopher Columbus” Approach to Cancer – The World IS Round and Cancer CAN Be Treated Naturally. I am not in any way suggesting cancer – all recommendations for treatingcancerare the same as those for optimum health, and I cover these extensively in the book.
If she is peri-menopausal, she probably is estrogen dominant, and may need more progesterone to balance, then you may consider Wild Yam/Chaste formula. But I would start with Woman’s Formula and LIV-C, then evaluate after 2-4 weeks. With herbs one will often see improvement within the week when you choose the correct formulations. And if no immediate improvement is noticed, you will still be adding nutrition that the body needs.