THE INS & OUTS OF WOMEN’S HEALTH: PART 1

By Dr Orly Zuker, Chiropractor
(B.Appl Sci; Comp Med, Clin Chiro; Masters, B.Nursing)

The topic of health is enormous, and women’s health is an even bigger topic. Health is a journey and the human body is a complex machine that many of us know very little about. In today's day and age the problem is that we only begin to learn about our body and seek help when we have been burdened with an unwanted diagnosis. It can’t be stressed enough how important it is to expand your health knowledge so that prevention can actioned. As a woman it is important that turn to health practitioners who can support your own individual decisions with your health. When searching for health information be careful to not to become your own Dr Google, and ensure that the information you find comes from reputable research and unbiased sources (ie. not a pharmaceutical company's research, marketing and product information). In addition, try to be open-minded and gather health information from both medical and complimentary/allied health sources.

As a generalisation, woman are very much the matriarchs or director generals of their family, so it is very important to take good care of yourself at every stage of your life, doing your best to; eat well, exercise regularly, take supplements (when necessary), look after your spine and posture, have adequate daily sleep and manage your mental and emotional health. This journey starts from when your children grow into young women and young men.

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF IN THE EARLY YEARS

Menstruation:

The menstrual cycle is an essential process of female reproductive system. It is a result of the hormonal changes of puberty that the menstrual cycle begins, which of course leads to the development of secondary sexual characteristics; breasts, penis growth, pubic hair and the possibility of conception. As we all know, conception is a complex and phenomenal process that is reliant on perfect hormone balance, ovulation and of course intercourse. For the next 40 weeks, an incredible amount of growth and development occurs, and then your baby is born (hopefully without unnecessary trauma or complications!).

Many women commonly experience irregular and absent periods (amenorrhoea) and pain syndromes associated with their menstrual cycle such as endometriosis and dysmenorrhoea. Symptoms vary in degree from person to person and commonly include debilitating premenstrual and menstrual pain, lower back pain, headaches and mild to intense abdominal cramping.

In an attempt to ward off pain, many women are forced to turn to medications during their cycle, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (Naproxen etc). Before self-prescribing, be sure to ensure that any underlying issues are addressed first.

Today many women are using an array of treatments and remedies to deal with menstrual dysfunction. Naturopathy commonly uses herbs and nutritional supplements to address menstrual symptoms. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) preparations and acupuncture have also been found to be effective. Chiropractors use spinal, pelvic and cranial adjustments to correct musculoskeletal and nervous system dysfunction, Healthy tip. Magnesium can be helpful in correcting muscle dysfunction and may reduce muscle/ abdominal spasm /cramps (remember, the uterus is a big muscle!),

When all else fails, a trusty wheat pack/ hot water bottle can work wonders, rest and lower back massage. A helpful piece of advice is to find a routine or formula that works for you as the menstrual cycle can last for a good 40 or 50 years, and your comfort and well being in imperative.

Messing With Your Hormones:

The OCP is a combined hormone pill that is formulated with synthetic hormones; oestrogen and progesterone. The OCP prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucosa (creating a difficult path for sperm) and alters the lining of the uterus (preventing fertilisation). The advantage of the OCP is that it is highly effective (99.7%) in preventing pregnancy, the disadvantage is that the OCP literally disturbs a women’s natural hormone cycle and may have harmful side effects. In addition, the OCP offers no protection against sexually transmitted infection (STI). Research assessing the safety of the OCP suggests that the risk of stroke, heart attack, ovarian cancer and breast cancer may all increase with OCP use. Science also tells us that if you add cigarette smoking to the equation, devastating effects may result.

Sadly we see medical practitioners quickly prescribing the OCP to our teenager’s for their ‘bad skin’ (acne etc) and if these young women move onto using the OCP as contraception, it means that they will spend a large proportion of their life having their hormones messed with. Interfering with your hormones is the last thing a woman should want to do, rather for skin complaints consult a naturopath to find the cause and for contraception use condoms or the 'Billings Method' of contraception or fertility.

Pregnancy:

Pregnancy is an exciting and joyful time for most women and their families. However, pregnancy can also be a challenging time for some women, who experience pain, discomfort and conditions such as pelvic instability. Educating and preparing yourself and your body during this time is helpful and may assist you in having a more enjoyable pregnancy, labour and start with baby.

Whilst a woman is pregnant, their foetus grows rapidly, taking all of its nourishment from its mother (through the placenta). This means that it is important that pregnant women take good care of themselves and avoid unnecessary lethargy, anaemia (iron deficiency), oedema (swelling), constipation, excessive weight gain or loss, insomnia and other pregnancy related conditions. Pregnancy is also a good time to perfect your diet and eat a healthy, nutritious and balance diet that includes; healthy fats and which avoids artificial sweeteners, preservatives, additives, alcohol, smoking, packaged foods, excessive dairy, wheat and sugar. In addition, try to have at least 8 hours of sleep each day and in the late stages of pregnancy try to sleep/rest on your left side with a pillow between your legs, drink plenty of water each day, reduce chemical exposure (inside and outside of your home) and exercise regularly (swimming or a daily walk is ideal).

During the third trimester it is important to have the best pelvic posture possible. Optimal pelvic alignment ensures that your baby has a smooth exist through the pelvis. Your local family chiropractor, especially those trained in Webster technique are able to assist you during pregnancy, helping you to be more comfortable, and to potentially reduce labour time and the likelihood of a difficult labour (dystocia).

Lactation & Breastfeeding:

In the first 4 days after the birth of your baby, your postpartum body makes breast milk, the perfect food for your baby for the first 6mth and beyond. Incredible! Breast milk and breastfeeding offers complete nutrition, immunity, security and bonding for your new born baby and toddler.

Helpful tips for a breastfeeding mother:

-    Drink plenty of water each day.

-    Watch your posture. It is common to feed for up to 8hr a day in the early days, so place a pillow behind your lower back and elbow and one under your baby. Throughout the day do regular shoulder rolls and neck stretches.

-    Eat a healthy and well balanced diet. Have healthy snacks at your feeding station for when you are hungry in the night and remember to eat regularly throughout the day as breastfeeding a new baby can take a lot out of you! In addition, pay attention to foods that your baby may not agree with (signs of this include infant acne, altered bowel movements, excessive gas, unsettledness, altered sleep patterns and unusual crying).

-     Keep well so that you can avoid conditions such as mastitis. In addition, wear loosely fitted bras and clothing and apply heat or cool packs to the breast if you are experiencing pain and discomfort. If you are unsure of how to go about treating your symptoms, always seek advice from a breastfeeding counsellor, lactation consultant, medical professional or allied health professional with experience in this area. Be sure to not 'wait and see' as leaving symptoms untreated can lead to further complications.

If you are encountering issues or trouble breastfeeding, please feel comfortable to contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association as they have trained volunteers available to assist you over the phone 24-hrs a day Australia-wide.

Breast Self Examination:

Breast Self Examination is a highly effective method of detecting tumours of the breast. This procedure is simple and easy and can be demonstrated by your family GP. When performing this examination on yourself avoid times when the breasts are more cystic and lumpy (this is generally just before and during menstruation). Exercise caution with routine mammography as this procedure uses radiation to screen the breast, and has been linked to breast cancer in less dense or younger breast tissue. Mammography is also not a very pleasant procedure that physically traumatising sensitive breast tissue. Consider using this to only confirm a tumour, after breast examination and ultrasound has been performed.

Pap Smears:

The pap smear is a simple procedure used to diagnose cervical cancer in its early stages. From the time women become sexually active medical and government campaigns recommend that women aged 20-50 years old have routine pap smears every 2 years. This diagnostic tool is non invasive and highly effective in examining for cellular change (classed 1-5 in degrees of change). Cellular change is often found relating to the herpes simplex virus, which if it is the correct strain can lead to cervical cancer. Cellular changes can be easily treated by diathermy/laser, where the effected cells of the cervix are simply burned away. The best option however is to avoid sexually transmitted diseases by having safe and protected sex.

FYI. BE careful of  mass media campaigns or medical coercion when considering the Gardasil immunisation for cervical cancer. When it was released it had limited human trial and has been found to cause insult to the nervous system in otherwise fit and healthy young girls and women. Some of the side effects include; seizure, stroke, fatigue, weakness, headache, stomach pain, fainting, appetite loss, personality change, insomnia, tremour, menstrual change, rash, muscle pain and weakness, joint pain, nausea, dizziness, hallucinations, paralysis and even death.

In 2011 alone, authorities in the US, Europe and Australia had received over 20,000 reports of adverse events, side effects and death following injection with Gardasil. Please do your research and be aware of new and under-tested and perhaps unsafe practices.

In addition,  from a pathology perspective the Gardasil vaccine only targets the human papilloma virus (herpes simplex) types 16, 18, 6, and 11, so if you chose to not vaccinate yourself just be sure to protect yourself with the most effective prophylactic, a condom (latex free is the best choice) and have your sexual partner(s) tested and treated for sexually transmitted diseases. Do your best to maintain a high functioning immune system, by reducing big nights out with excessive alcohol and minimal sleep, eat well and keep fit. In taking care of yourself, do your best to educate yourself, do your research and ask questions so that you are comfortable with whatever decision you make.

SOME INTERESTING FACTS

1. Research suggests that cumulative antibiotic use is associated with an increased risk of fatal breast cancer. Antibiotics used for exclusively treating acne or rosacea, in comparison to respiratory tract infections were not found to increase the risk of breast cancer.

2. Research suggests that early onset use and frequent use of antiperspirant deodorant is associated with the development of breast cancer, with aluminium being the causative toxin. Aluminium is a well known toxin notorious for causing DNA defects and epigenetic damage, which is in itself consistent with the genesis of breast cancer.

3. Studies have found a link between talcum powder use (in the groin and genital area) and the development of inflammation and ovarian cancer.

References:

1.) Epstein, SS etal. (2001). Dangers and Unreliability of Mammography: Breast Examination is a Safe, Effective, and Practical Alternative.

Internat Journ Heal Serv. Vol 31(3). Pg. 605-615.

2.) Gotzsche, PC & Olsen, O. (2000). Is screening for breast cancer with mammography justifiable? Lancet Vol 355 (9198). Pg. 129-134.

3.) Merritt, MA etal. (2008). Talcum powder, chronic pelvic inflammation and NSAIDs in relation to risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. Internat Journ Canc.  Vol 122 (1). Pg. 170- 176,

4.) Cook, LS etal. (1997). Perineal Powder Exposure and the Risk of Ovarian Cancer. Amer Journ Epidemiol. Vol 145 (5). Pg. 459- 465.

5.) McGrath, KG. (2003). An earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis related to more frequent use of antiperspirants/deodorants and underarm shaving.  Europ Journ Canc Prev. Vol 12 (6). Pg. 479-485.

6.) Darbre, PD. (2005). Aluminium, antiperspirants and breast cancer. Journ Inorgan Biochem. Vol 99 (9). Pg. 1912-1919.

7.) Velicer, CM etal. (2004). Antibiotic Use in Relation to the Risk of Breast Cancer. JAMA Vol 291(7). Pg. 827-835.

           

8.) Siritho, S etal. (2003). Risk of Ischemic Stroke Among Users of the Oral Contraceptive Pill.

9.) http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaccines/hpv/gardasil.html

10.) http://www.tga.gov.au/safety/alerts-medicine-gardasil-070624.htm