Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), also known as premature
menopause is the loss of function of the ovaries before age 40. A commonly
cited triad for the diagnosis is amenorrhea. The ovaries supply a woman with
eggs until age 45, which is the average age of natural menopause. Infertility
is the result of this condition, and is the most discussed problem resulting
from it.
Clinically, this condition is defined by abnormally low
levels of estrogen and high levels of FSH, means that the ovaries are no longer
responding to circulating FSH by producing estrogen and developing fertile
eggs. The age of onset can be as early as the teenage years, but varies widely.
If a girl never begins menstruation, it is called primary ovarian failure.
Premature ovarian failure however often has components to it that distinguish
it from normal menopause.
General causes of POF
Genetic
disorders
Autoimmune
diseases
Tuberculosis
of the genital tract
Smoking
Radiation
and/or chemotherapy
Ovarian
failure following hysterectomy
Prolonged
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or Luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone
therapy
Enzyme defects
Resistant
ovary
Induction of
multiple ovulations in infertility
Holistic
approach to POF
A holistic approach to POF
is a multidimensional health care approach that encompasses several areas that
seek to improve an individual is health, including fertility. This is
achieved by using natural fertility methods that include the following
areas:
Ayurveda, Diet, Exercise,
Acupuncture, Yoga, Aromatherapy, Herbal medicine, Medicated herbal massage
The Primary aim of this
holistic approach is to improve the individual is overall health by enabling her
to heal herself and to improve her resistance to disease, illness and
infection. This approach is tailored to suit an individual is specific health
and wellness needs
1. Ayurveda
prefers to look at dysfunction of the part as a manifestation of imbalance of
the whole. One cannot be separated from the other. Therefore, within the broad
categories of patterns of disharmony, attention must be paid to the individual
details of the person’s disease signs, symptoms and history. Ayurveda
differential diagnosis is the guiding factor in developing a treatment
strategy. Tongue, pulse, skin, hair, complexion, and other physical signs must
be interpreted in light of the patient’s own medical and family medical
history. Symptoms and Signs: Hot flushing, night sweats, insomnia, thirst,
malar flush, tidal fever, low back pain, tinnitus, vaginal dryness, amenorrhea,
scanty menses, dry skin and eyes, joint pain. Tongue: Dry, Red, with little or
no coating. Possible cracked. This
condition can be treated using Asoka, Dasamoola, Chandraprabha, Satavari,
Guduchi, and Jeevanti ( Leptadania reticulata).
2. Yoga:
Santana yoga is a type of yoga that is designed to assist couples who are
having difficulty getting pregnant especially with POF. Adhering to the basic
principles of yoga, this yoga combines traditional yoga postures with postures
that have been specifically developed in order to improve individual is
reproductive health, thereby increasing their chances of getting pregnant. Hatha yoga: This form of yoga includes slow, methodical
postures and movements. Hatha yoga focuses on improving posture and relaxation breathing techniques,
and is meditative in nature Kripalu yoga: Improves the connection between mind and body
through simple postures and deep breathing techniques Santana yoga: An increasingly popular form of fertility yoga,
couples yoga involves completing postures with the help of a partner. This type
of yoga is especially beneficial for individuals experiencing fertility
problems, as it helps to improve intimacy and communication between couples
3. Flower remedies may
be taken in a prepared combination, or as advised by the physician.
a. She
Oak She oak reduces stress caused by fertility issues and improves hormonal
imbalances
b. Noni
Fosters feeling of nurturing and caring and reduces, negative feelings
c. White
Chestnut Also promotes positive thinking
d. Vervain
A relaxing flower remedy that calms feelings of anxiety and hypertension, which
can impede fertility
e. Wisteria
Promotes feelings of sensuality in the body and promotes calmness
f. Aspen
helps reduce feelings of anticipation and anxiety, thereby reducing levels of
stress and helping to promote better overall reproductive health which increases
your fertility
g. White
Chestnut Another flower remedy helpful in getting pregnant, white chestnut
reduces tension, stress and anxiety. Helpful in promoting mental health, white
chestnut is particularly helpful in reducing feelings of bitterness and
frustration which women who have difficulty getting pregnant often experience
in their journey towards pregnancy
4.
Aromatherapy can be
beneficial in two when ways when trying to get pregnant. Firstly, aromatherapy
assists in regulating the menstrual cycle and promoting a healthy reproductive
system. And secondly, aromatherapy helps you relax; reducing levels of stress
and depression, and can even function as an aphrodisiac for you and your
partner.
Natural food and herbs to beat POF and infertility
Soya: Rich in isoflavones,
cholesterol-free and containing protein, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, folic
acid, iron and other vitamins and minerals etc. Specifically, a number of
recent studies have found that soy can help reduce hot flashes, night sweats,
and other menopausal symptoms. It can
also help lower cholesterol -- which often raises the premature menopause. In
addition, it may help lower triglycerides -- which often rise during the
estrogen therapy. Finally, soy may help
prevent osteoporosis. Studies have shown
that soy isoflavones help cut down on bone resorption, keep calcium from
leaching from your bones, and increases bone density and bone mineral content.
Flaxseed: Flaxseed also is high in omega-3 fatty acids
-- a key helper in fighting heart disease, it’s high in phyto-estrogens, and
flaxseed can help minimize symptoms like hot flashes. Studies have shown that it can help lower
LDL cholesterol. And other studies have
shown that it also may help fight breast cancer and other cancers. It’s high in
omega-3 acids, to may help ease symptoms like breast tenderness, cramping, and
other PMS-like discomfort.
Vitamin E and Citrus
Bioflavonoid: This combination is a hot-flash buster, studies
showing that taking these two supplements together helps combat hot flashes.
Evening Primrose Oil: A good source of GLA (gamma
linoleic acid), evening primrose oil has been used by many women to help fight
PMS/ POF symptoms -- many of which are the same as menopausal symptoms. It’s a good bet to help prevent bloating,
water retention, breast tenderness, cramps and vaginal dryness.
St. Johns Wort: Widely touted as a natural tranquilizer,
this herb helps relieve irritability, depression, and fatigue. Over 23 different studies have found that
it’s effective in fighting depression -- which often affects women when their
hormone levels plunge suddenly, such as after surgical menopause.
Kava Kava: Another herb that appears to be a big help in
reducing POF anxiety, fighting depression, and leveling mood swings, kava kava
has been shown to be quite effective.
Valerian: POF insomnia, a common symptom, valerian may
help. It’s used widely in Europe to
treat sleep disturbances, as well as for nervousness and menstrual
problems. It’s also known as an anxiety
reliever in POF may help with mood swings and tension.
