Female reproductive health is an important area of focus when it comes to women's health. From puberty to menopause, women's bodies experience changes in hormones and bodily functions, primarily influenced by reproductive wellness. This includes internal and external organs that make up the reproductive system. Like all areas of health, reproductive health is influenced by mental, emotional, and social aspects of life. When looking to support and care for issues related to reproductive health, it can be beneficial to explore integrative medicine to receive holistic approaches that may best serve you.
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What is Female Reproductive Health?
According to the WHO, female reproductive health is the complete well-being of the functions and processes that comprise the female reproductive anatomy. This includes physical, mental, and social aspects, with the idea that health is not just the absence of disease or dysfunction. Female reproductive health involves self-governing and safety around sex and reproduction.
What are The Most Common Female Reproductive Health Issues?
Organs of the female reproductive system include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and vulva. Secondary organs involved in functionality and hormonal processes include the thyroid, adrenal glands, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland. When these systems work together and optimally, your sexual and reproductive health is supported. When imbalances occur, inflammation is present, or other health processes are occurring, these are some of the most common issues that arise in female reproductive health:
1. Sexual Dysfunction
Lack of desire, diminished response, or pain during sex can contribute to sexual dysfunction. This can occur at any point in a woman's reproductive years, fluctuating with seasons of life and situations. Since sexuality is more than just physical, it's important to note that issues can arise from hormonal, psychological, or social factors. A common condition in female sexual dysfunction is a low libido, which can be influenced by many medical and lifestyle factors. Understanding what impacts your sex drive, such as mental state, nutritional needs, intimacy requirements, and rest, are all great starting points in optimizing your health.
2. Infertility
In the United States, 1 in 5 women of reproductive age are unable to conceive after one year of trying. Studies show that there are several main factors that may contribute to infertility in women. These include hormone imbalances, ovulatory disorders, uterine and cervical issues, infections, structural issues, or unexplained infertility. The ovulatory condition, Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), is a leading cause for concern. Around age 40, your ovaries naturally decrease in egg production. Some women may experience a premature decrease, leading to early onset infertility.
3. Fibroids
Leiomyomas, also known as uterine fibroids, affect many women at some point in their lifespan. These are noncancerous growths on the inside or outside of the uterus. Although this condition is present in many women, most are asymptomatic. Some women may experience serious symptoms, which can impact fertility.
4. Endometriosis
This painful cyclical condition is a major concern in female reproductive health. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue, the tissue that is meant to line the uterus, is found outside the uterus. This tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, rectum, and abdominal cavity. As hormones fluctuate in preparation for implantation or menses, the endometrial tissue (inside the uterus and outside) will shed. This can cause inflammation, pain, and lifestyle challenges.
5. PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affects about 1 in 10 females of childbearing age. This reproductive health condition can impact metabolism and hormone regulation. Women with PCOS may experience challenges with fertility, menstrual irregularities, and endometrial hyperplasia.
6. Interstitial Cystitis
Bladder pain syndrome, better known as Interstitial Cystitis (IC), causes chronic pain in the bladder and pelvic region of impacted women. If you have IC, you may experience a frequent urge to urinate and flare-ups of pain in the pelvis.
7. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Around the world, many women are affected by STDs. In the United States, healthcare opportunities can address many of these and manage them before progression occurs. There are times when STDs can cause complications such as PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). According to the CDC, 3.7% of women between the ages of 14-49 have been treated for PID. Other STD-related conditions to keep in mind are cervical health issues and HIV.
Functional Medicine Labs That Can Help Determine The Root Cause of Common Female Reproductive Health Issues
An integrative health practitioner will look at your symptom picture in conjunction with your overall health. Ordering labs can aid in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to assist you in achieving your health goals. Here are some common labs that may provide valuable insight into female reproductive health issues.
Annual Labs
Yearly labs are an objective way to follow your health journey or ensure a health condition is not worsening. These labs include a Complete Blood Count (CBC), a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), a Lipid Panel, and a Urinary Analysis (UA). These baseline labs can reveal how your liver, kidneys, and blood sugar are functioning. A lipid panel can reveal if there are any cholesterol issues, which may impact hormone health, and a UA can provide insight into urinary tract health and kidney function. These tests are a starting point for practitioners to determine if and what further testing is necessary.
Hormone Panel
DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus by Precision Analytical or Comprehensive Plus Profile by Doctor’s Data are options to evaluate sex hormones. DUTCH testing can look at hormones throughout your menstrual cycle to provide insight into potential imbalances. It also tests cortisol, which is a stress hormone that can influence hormone health.
Fertility Evaluation
If infertility is a primary concern, getting an Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test can help assess egg reserve. This blood test may aid in understanding factors related to infertility and provide insight into your reproductive health.
Comprehensive Thyroid Panel
Your thyroid function can impact many areas of your reproductive health, including the ability to conceive, sex hormone balance, and overall inflammation. Getting a comprehensive Thyroid Panel can help determine if there is any thyroid dysfunction or autoimmune thyroid conditions that may be affecting your reproductive health.
Micronutrient Testing
The body uses vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and various other nutrients for every biochemical process in the body. Many conditions related to reproductive health could be influenced if your micronutrient status is not optimal. SpectraCell's Micronutrient Test can evaluate 31 micronutrients to provide a depiction of nutrients available for use.
Gut Health
Conditions like PCOS and Interstitial Cystitis (IC) may be influenced by gut microbiome health. Evaluating the microbes present in the intestines through a Comprehensive Stool analysis can help assess any microbial involvement in these conditions.
Toxin Panels
Environmental toxin exposure is of increasing concern in regard to endocrine disruption. Chemicals like Phthalates have been studied for their potential impact on endometriosis and hormone health. Toxins can create a total body burden that affects our innate detox capabilities. Investigating environmental toxicity through an Environmental Pollutants Profile test can provide context to exposures that may be impacting your reproductive health.
Other Lab Test to Check
Gynecological Exam
The U.S Preventive Services Task Force recommends women get a pelvic exam every three to five years or if symptomatic for reproductive organ conditions. During a pelvic exam, your doctor can get a visualization for any abnormalities present and perform a pap smear, which can provide insight into STD-related conditions like PID.
Imaging
Imaging is also important. A pelvic ultrasound would be the first line of investigation for many of the above-mentioned conditions. Depending on those results, an MRI, hysteroscopy, cystoscopy, or hysterosalpingography may be necessary.
Additional Labs to Consider:
Inflammatory markers hs-CRP and ESR can help assess if chronic inflammation is contributing to your reproductive health. An Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test is also relevant if screening for autoimmunity, which can be a factor in interstitial cystitis and hormone balance.
Lastly, CA-125 is a non-invasive test that may assist in the evaluation of endometriosis. If your doctor suspects this is a factor in your reproductive health issues, getting a CA-125 can be helpful in understanding the underlying causes.
Integrative Medicine Treatment for Female Reproductive Health Issues
Creating an integrative medicine plan that supports your reproductive and overall health can be a beneficial approach. Looking at all aspects that make up health, including nutrition, lifestyle, and CAM therapies, is a holistic approach. Here are some ways you can address your reproductive health concerns.
Nutrition for Female Reproductive Health
Women thrive when their bodies are appropriately nourished. While female reproductive health conditions cannot solely be addressed by nutrition, this is always a great starting place. Depending on your unique needs, taking an integrative nutrition approach may best suit you. Other approaches to nutrition may be more specific if you are looking to address autoimmunity, insulin resistance associated with PCOS, or you are trying to support a healthy inflammatory response. Working with a healthcare professional who understands nutrition and healing through food is best.
Exercise for Female Reproductive Health
Physical activity is vital in maintaining optimal health. Implementing an exercise routine into your life can help support a healthy inflammatory response, improve insulin sensitivity, support a healthy weight, and enhance fertility.
Botanical Medicine for Female Reproductive Health
Chasteberry (Vitex) is one of the most commonly used botanicals in female reproductive health. Studies have shown it to be beneficial for supporting hormonal balance and as a supportive tool for PCOS, fibroids, and endometriosis.
The EGCG component of the plant Camellia sinensis, also known as Green Tea Extract (GTE), has shown promising results in supporting uterine health. GTE has also been shown to be beneficial in supporting hormone balance, blood sugar, and glycemic index in women with PCOS.
Curcumin is an active constituent of Turmeric, which has long been known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Research suggests that it may have supportive benefits in managing PCOS, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.
Vaginal Steaming for Female Reproductive Health
This traditional therapy has been used for centuries to support female reproductive organs. A vaginal steaming treatment involves sitting or squatting over a steam bath infused with botanicals. Historically, these practices have been used to help support detoxification, fertility, hormone balance, and recovery after childbirth. While there is little scientific evidence, the WHO conducted a multi-country study looking at the use of this practice around the world and found that it is a common traditional therapy.
Acupuncture for Female Reproductive Health
This Traditional Chinese Medicine practice is a valuable component of integrative medicine and may offer benefits in addressing women's reproductive health concerns. Studies have shown that acupuncture can support reproductive function, and a good herbal-acupuncture combo therapy for PID management exists. Studies regarding PCOS have also seen promising results with the use of electroacupuncture as part of fertility care.
Chiropractic Manipulation for Female Reproductive Health
Chiropractic care is a complementary option when managing chronic pain and conditions where the autonomic nervous system is involved. A small case study found that there is some correlation between interstitial cystitis and pelvic-lumbar spine dysfunction. These patients saw improvements in pain after multiple chiropractic treatments. Spinal manipulation is also suggested by the American Pregnancy Association to help support the nervous system for optimal fertility.
Summary
Caring for women's reproductive health is of great importance in society, as women's health is closely linked with reproductive wellness. Expanding integrative care and research into these health issues may enhance options for female reproductive health. Prevention is also key in this field. Seeking guidance from a women's health specialist to address any new or existing symptoms, obtaining all the appropriate labs, and working with your provider on an individualized plan can help manage health concerns and support overall well-being.
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