Diagnosed With Underactive Thyroid

I've been overweight probably for most of my adult life. Not excessively, but it was always a battle. I love my food and I'm an emotional eater too - I'd cope with stress or boredom by turning to food. It was just how I’d deal with life. Comfort food, and cravings; that’s what I was all about. No wonder I couldn’t lose weight!

But strangely enough, my health problems really started when I began losing weight rapidly. It started when I was going through menopause and a really stressful time in my life. I should have been happy about it, but I knew it was a sign that something wasn't right. I had a host of other health issues too, and felt so exhausted I could hardly get out of bed. So eventually I saw a doctor. To read full article click here

How Do You Treat Endometriosis Naturally?

If you are frustrated with dealing with the pain of Endometriosis and know in your heart that it's time to make a change, then natural treatments are the answer. My natural program is designed for endometriosis so you improve your health and symptoms. We get to the cause of your endometriosis.

So ... will a natural weight loss program based on changing your diet to balance your hormones and deal with endometriosis naturally reduce your symptoms of endometriosis including weight gain, Yes!

Making lifestyle changes and adjusting your diet for endometriosis can bring about many positive physical and metabolic changes, healthy hormonal balance, as well as losing weight and improving your health. The best part is, no more painful periods associated with endometriosis and my weight loss program is 100% natural. To Read full article click here

Adrenal Burnout - How Do You Know If You Have It?

Your adrenal glands are the main gland associated with adrenal burnout. Your adrenals provide you with crucial hormonal support, needed to get you through the day with energy, enthusiasm and efficiency. Adrenal burnout means you are more likely to suffer from fatigue, forgetfulness, mood swings and sleep disturbances. Living in the ‘fast' world of today exposes you to unavoidable levels of stress – and with that stress comes elevated cortisol levels.

To read full article click here

Puzzled By Period Pain, Abnormal Weight and Mood Swings?

It’s no secret, periods can be an inconvenient pain. However, if yours are actually ‘painful’, heavy, irregular or lengthy it’s most likely they are symptomatic of a hormonal imbalance, which could also be linked to other frustrating symptoms you may be experiencing, such as; stubborn weight, tiredness, moodswings, sugar cravings or enlarged breasts - says naturopath Narelle Stegehuis, who is leading the way in the natural treatment of hormonal imbalances.To read full article featured in 'Mothers Inc' click here

PCOS

Continual, stubborn weight gain is something we hear about almost every day here in the MassAttack clinic. After a visit to the GP, so many women are told that they just need to eat less and exercise more. It’s no wonder so many of us get so frustrated with this response and we walk away thinking “Did he/she even listen to any of what I just said?” When healthy diet and lifestyle changes do not initiate weight loss, it might be time to look into an underlying hormonal imbalance such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

PCOS is a condition that affects around 5-10% of Australian women of reproductive age and is the most common endocrine abnormality of women in this age bracket [1]. Before ovulation, hormones signal 100-1000 follicles to start developing in order for one to dominate and go on to rupture and release an egg, ready for fertilisation. When the hormonal signal is disrupted, the dominant follicle does not rupture, hindering ovulation, and forms a cyst[2]. This process is characterised by an increase in androgen (e.g. testosterone) levels and can be assessed via a blood test or ultrasound.

In order to diagnose PCOS, one or several of the following may be present:

• Irregular or absent ovulation
• Irregular or absent menstruation
• Infertility
• Hirsutism (male pattern hair growth)
• Insulin resistance
• Obesity/stubborn weight gain
• Acne [3]

Risk factors:

• Genetics: hereditary link between family members
• Obesity: interferes with hormonal regulation, increases risk of insulin resistance
• Insulin resistance: occurs when normal levels of insulin do not have the desired effect on cells, resulting in constantly elevated glucose and insulin levels. This can lead to diabetes, weight gain and may cause or contribute to androgen excess
• Stress: may interfere with hormonal regulation and increase androgen levels
• Hormonal imbalances[4]

Medical treatment has largely focussed on hormonal treatment (OCP, Clomid), weight loss or insulin resistance (Metformin, Diabex) but it is a mix of the above factors that are needed in order to achieve a positive outcome. Weight loss will be an uphill battle if tackled on its own so let’s look at the bigger picture to get the results you are searching for.

Address hormonal imbalance: It is possable to correct these imbalances via nutrients, dietary and lifestyle modification.

Increase phytoestrogens: foods such as nuts and seeds (especially flaxseeds), soy products, legumes, sprouts and fruits and vegetables all produce oestrogen like effects in the body and can help to balance hormones.

Regular exercise: 2-3 times per week will help with insulin resistance, oxygen transport, weight loss and toxic elimination.

Dietary modification: increase good quality protein (fish, lean meat, nuts, seeds, legumes, yoghurt) eliminate saturated and trans fats, increase fibre to assist elimination and limit hormones re-circulating through the system, limit carbohydrates to one meal per day (oats, brown rice).

Reduce sugar cravings and address insulin resistance: eat small, frequent protein based meals and snacks, which will help regulate appetite and metabolism, limit fruit and sugar intake. Herbs such as Gymnema or nutrients such as Chromium, Lipoic acid and Magnesium may be useful in regulating blood sugar levels.

Avoid coffee and caffeinated drinks: places undue stress on the adrenal system and can also interfere with blood sugar regulation.

Moderate alcohol intake: small amounts can have a protective effect but too much puts strain on the liver, which can disrupt digestion and elimination.

Reduce stress: may reduce adrenal output of androgens, help to improve energy levels, promotes inner harmony. Perhaps try a yoga class, go for a long walk, try some deep breathing exercises or try some retail therapy.

Hair removal: waxing and electrolysis discourages thick hair growth by thinning the hair shaft.

Taking a multifactorial approach to treatment will cover many of the varied aspects of this common health concern. Many of the complications of PCOS can be avoided through adequate nutrition and weight loss and a fully functioning hormonal system will be the result of your efforts. You’ll be amazed at how much better your body functions and how much better you feel. So, let’s get moving…

Emma Scasni is a qualified naturopath at MassAttack Health Clinic and has a keen interest in women’s health. Emma is passionate about all aspects of natural health and is happy to offer support and advice to new and existing MassAttack members. MassAttack specializes in natural treatment programs for women with hormonal imbalances such as PCOS, Fibroids, Endometriosis & thyroid imbalance. Narelle Stegehuis, CEO of MassAttack, is the recipient of the Australian Naturopathic Excellence Award 2006 and can be contacted at narelle@massattack.com.au

[1] http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/187_06_170907/tee10663_fm.pdf
[2] Suzie O’Donohue, Gynaecology: Approaches to Treatment with Natural Therapies, SSNT, 2003 pg 55
[3] Ibid
[4] Suzie O’Donohue, Gynaecology: Approaches to Treatment with Natural Therapies, SSNT, 2003 pg 56