Uterus - Cradle of Humankind

The ancients believed in ’wandering wombs’. Yes, it was the main culprit for all female disorders, from sore throat to poor nerves. Even Hippocrates was convinced that the uterus is the reason women differ so much from men, in every possible way. Aretaeus of Cappadochia, the Greek physician from 1 AD claimed the uterus was an ’animal within an animal’, moving at its own will.

Today science has not only numerous answers, but also a clear ultrasound image of the organ. However, the uterus remains mystical, simply inviting us to ascribe various properties and whims to it. The uterus is the first cradle of humankind, the place where life is magically created, tucked away in comfort and safety.

Medical textbooks are brimming with various cases of women and their uteruses, from those born without it (even one in 4500 women), to those born with two. Anatomically, the uterus is the foundation that holds the bladder, bowel, pelvic bone and other organs. But it also has a creative role – it is the only organ that can create another organ: placenta. Placenta grows within the uterus during pregnancy and feeds the baby through the umbilical cord. The word is of Latin origin and translates as ‘flat cake’ – a good description of both its shape and nutritious role.

From the moment the egg is released at ovulation, to the fertilization and implantation, the uterus becomes the stage for a new life: the cells multiply forming the fetus. During pregnancy the uterus expands more than 500 times its original size, and it takes around six weeks for it to contract back after birth.

From 10 weeks of pregnancy, the baby can feel the mother’s heartbeat, and from 18 to 25 weeks the auditory organs are formed, enabling it to hear the sounds outside the uterus. That will be the baby’s first encounter with the world awaiting for its birth. But the uterus is not only the source of physical sensations: it transports mother’s mood and feelings to the baby, too. If the mother is upset, adrenaline and cortisol will reach the baby. If she is happy, the baby will ‘feel’ some endorphin and serotonin.

So far, medicine has recognized the role of uterus solely of that related to pregnancy. Anatomically, the non-pregnant uterus is dormant and useless. A third of women have their uteruses removed in a procedure called hysterectomy by the age of 60. However, recent research made some surprising discoveries. A research team conducted a clinical study examining the role of uterus and ovaries on four groups of 14 or 15 female rats. One group had their uteruses removed, the second uterus and ovaries, the third ovaries, while the fourth group was control group. Following a six weeks’ recovery, the rats were given memory tests in a maze, which required them to use their working memory.

The researchers were surprised by the results: only the group of female rats with the uteruses removed was unable to fulfil the task, while all other groups were successful. The second study only confirmed the results. The conclusion: the removing of the uterus was impacting memory and cognition. It has been known that the uterus is connected to the autonomic nervous system, which controls unconscious functions, as well as that the estrogen and progesterone secreted by the ovaries have effects on memory. However, discovery that the uterus itself could impact cognition and memory now opens a new door of research, and future results will surely surprise us even more. Meanwhile, it calls for more delicate approach to hysterectomy, since it could impact women more than we thought.

And that is all the more reason to take care of our uterus in time. Ectopia of cervix of the uterus, uterine fibroids, thin endometrium, painful periods, endometriosis… the uterine disorders are on the rise. However, there is a natural way to preserve this important organ, as well as to deal with the existing disorders: Femisan A. It is an all-natural, herbal preparation that can help balance the hormones, strengthen the endometrium, and enhance ovulation and conception. And that is not all: since hormonal balance is vital for emotional and mental health, Femisan A can help us to stay calmer and have better memory.

From Femisan A to the cradle of humankind, with love!

Believe It or not, PMS Can Get Worse, and a Lot!

Premenstrual syndrome makes us all feel bloated, tired, and irritable to a certain extent. But imagine a PMS ten times stronger! Every woman’s nightmare.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects approximately 8% of women, usually from early twenties to early thirties. Just like with PMS, the symptoms occur in the second part of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation, and disappear during the first days of menstruation. The PMDD symptoms are physical, mental and - extreme.

PMDD can affect your psyche by making you feel exceedingly:

• ·         sad and hopeless
• ·         depressed and desperate
• ·         anxious and tense
• ·         oversensitive and overemotional
• ·         irritable, angry, ready to jump down someone’s throat for no reason
• ·         edgy, panicky, upset
• ·         antisocial, in need of solitude
• ·         in worst cases even suicidal

PMDD affects your body by making you feel:

• ·         complete lack of energy
• ·         fatigue, exhaustion
• ·         unable to concentrate, forgetful
• ·         insomnia or broken sleep
• ·         extreme desire to overeat
• ·         chest pain
• ·         bloated, indigestion
• ·         headache
• ·         muscle cramps and joint pain
• ·         weight gain.

Women who suffer from PMDD have a genuine problem to go about their daily routine, which affects their families, jobs and social life. Modern medicine approaches the problem with synthetic drugs: antidepressants, anxiolytics, hormones… Being in early twenties and having to take so many medications can easily make us believe that our life is an absolute mess and that there’s something seriously wrong with us.

The cause of PMDD is not completely clear, however the most probable scenario is a reaction to hormonal changes in the body. So far, clinical research has confirmed that women suffering from this syndrome have lower serotonin levels. The reason more to be more physically active and control the diet by ditching sugar, fast and fatty food, alcohol, caffeine and smoking. More grain, fresh fruit and vegetables will provide enough magnesium, zinc and vitamin B6 to soothe the nerves, muscle cramps and joint pain.

However, just like with PMS, medicinal herbs are an ideal and natural way to alleviate and even eliminate PMDD symptoms. Lady’s mantle, yarrow, marigold, crane’s bill, golden maca, shepherd’s purse... an ideal herbal blend accompanied with zinc, all contained in one capsule of Femisan A. 

Femisan A, a safe and natural way to balance hormones and live your life to the fullest!

Our Monthly Companion

Menstruation is an ever present phenomenon in every woman’s life, and a foundation of her functioning reproductive system. With small variations from month to month, menstrual bleeding is rather consistent. Thus, it is not difficult to detect sudden abnormalities. First of all, we need to know what ‘normal’ is. Periods should occur 21-35 days apart, and should not last for longer than 7 days. They should occur regularly on a monthly basis. Although a certain level of discomfort and pain is usually present, it shouldn’t get in the way of our usual everyday activities. The bleeding should occur during the period, and not in between.  

Teenage girls usually find their periods rather frenzied and unpredictable, however as the ovaries age, ovulation and menstruation become more and more regular. Once it becomes stable, even the slightest changes will sound an alarm.

What are the changes in our cycle trying to tell us?

• ·         If periods suddenly start lasting longer than usual, it can be a sign of polyps or uterine fibroids, benign changes on the uterine wall. A detailed pelvic checkup and transvaginal ultrasound is advised.
• ·         Large blood clots, size of a coin, usually accompanied by heavy bleeding during periods, point at endometriosis, the disorder where the endometrium - lining of the uterus, grows outside of it and reacts to the secreted hormones the same way as normal endometrium, shedding its lining during a period. Since endometriosis can cause numerous complications, urgent help from a professional is a must.
• ·         Extremely painful periods can be another sign of endometriosis. Certain level of menstrual pain and discomfort is normal, however if it is so severe that it impedes everyday activities, month after month, professional help is needed.
• ·         Spotting between periods or inter-menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than two months can indicate a hormone imbalance or an STD. However, sometimes spotting can simply be caused by stress or sudden weight loss. Anyway, it’s always wiser to get a checkup on time.
• ·         If menstrual blood is too light, our estrogen levels could be too low, preventing the uterine lining to form properly. It is usually accompanied with hair loss, irregular periods and vaginal dryness.
• ·         Absence of menstruation, amenorrhea, unless caused by pregnancy, can occur at times of extreme stress, malnutrition and low fat diet, too much exercise, thyroid disorder or onset of menopause.
• ·         Irregular periods or missed periods could indicate a hormone imbalance caused by polycystic ovaries, particularly if they are accompanied with weight gain, fatigue, increased facial hair, acne, mood swings and abdominal pain. Any absence of menstruation longer than 3 months requires a medical checkup.
• ·         Heavy periods that last longer than 7 days could be a sign of uterine fibroids. Fibroids are caused by hormone imbalance, and although they are benign, they could cause discomfort by, for example, putting too much pressure on the bladder, or triggering extremely heavy bleeding which could lead to anemia.

We live in a world where menstrual disorders are becoming much more common than normal periods. Sadly, our environment is swamped with hormone disruptors which are impossible to avoid. However, there are certain aspects of our lives that we can control: getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and moderately, cutting out alcohol, caffeine, fast food and sugar, maintaining normal weight and having regular medical checkups.

For centuries, women have been seeking relief in nature. Today, old experience is united with modern, scientific knowledge in Femisan A, an entirely natural, herbal preparation. Femisan A can help regulate the menstrual cycle, balance hormones, strengthen the lining of the uterus, eliminate cysts, protect the ovaries and reduce menstrual pain.

Hormones and Beauty

Hormone imbalance can easily be identified on our face and body. Hormones are an essential piece of the puzzle of our system, and as we enter certain age or situations, like puberty, menopause or pregnancy, the level of hormones changes. However, today we are witnesses of a massive ’hormone rebellion’ that works against the well set schedule.

There is an increasing number of women struggling with irregular periods, polycystic ovaries, uterine fibroids and other disorders caused by the hormone imbalance. Only the person going through such an ordeal knows well how difficult it is to struggle with the constant sense of fatigue, depression, brain fog and mood changes. However, apart from having a huge impact on our body and mind, the hormones can drastically change the way we look. Balanced hormones are essential for beauty, and it is not an overstatement.

When hormones are out of balance, we crave sweets, we are prone to overeating and piling up extra weight. Once the level of estrogen drops, any control over food becomes impossible. The reason for that is that estrogen controls the level of leptin, the hormone that regulates food intake. After the age of 40, and especially on entering menopause, women gain weight more easily, and the fat is particularly deposited in the abdominal region. This is also the time when we are physically less active, which makes it more important to find an activity that suits us and practice it regularly.

Our digestive system is lined with receptors that react to estrogen and progesterone. As their levels rise or drop, our digestion changes, we can get bloated and swollen, and find it impossible to button up our favorite pair of jeans.

Hormone imbalance is closely related to acne. Once the level of androgens, male sex hormones (that women also have, but at lower levels), is increased, our sebaceous glands get extra active, the pores get clogged and acne emerge. The best way to treat acne is to balance hormones, along with finding a good dermatologist to stop the existing acne run their course.

Sex or thyroid hormone imbalance can cause a sudden hair loss. However, as we lose our beloved hair on the head, we gain unwanted hair in wrong places, particularly on the upper lip, chin and body. It is, understandably, followed by a significant loss of confidence.

Another aspect regulated by progesterone is the level of energy and sleep. Logically, when it drops, we suffer from chronic fatigue and insomnia. Low estrogen, however, can cause hot flashes and sweating, which will not only disrupt the sleep, but also cause headaches. Fatigue and lack of sleep leave sad traces – dark circles under the eyes, but the body suffers, too, as it will not have enough energy for everyday activities.

If our estrogen levels are too high, we may suffer from fibrocystic breasts. Not only can it be painful, but also cause alarm as we feel series of lumps in our breasts. Although fibrocystic breasts are usually benign, it is always better to get a proper checkup.

Estrogen is directly linked with serotonin and dopamine, the ‘happiness hormones’. Hormone imbalance thus goes hand in hand with anxiety and even depression, which will increase before the onset of menstruation. Sex and thyroid hormones imbalance can significantly impair health, cause lack of self-confidence and self-neglect.

Our body is a perfect puzzle, however, it is enough for only one piece to be disturbed to ruin the entire picture. And that is exactly how hormones work. Once they are disturbed, it is very difficult to regain balance. Modern medicine offers us hormone replacement therapy which is effective while we are taking it, with numerous side effects, however once we stop taking it the problem comes back.

The best way to regain natural balance is – by the help of nature. Femisan A is a natural herbal preparation which helps regain hormone balance and resolve disorders caused by the imbalance. Femisan A is an essential part of every woman’s cosmetic bag which helps her maintain or regain her natural beauty.