Compared to conventional Western medicine, Eastern medicine shines at treating and resolving a broad range of female health problems. Although differing physical and emotional symptoms can present themselves, at Thumos Health Center, our professional practitioners successfully use acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition/lifestyle recommendations to make what are often dramatic improvements in women’s quality of life. You need not suffer any longer.
Perimenopause/Menopause
Menopause is the cessation of monthly menstrual cycles, but you are not considered to be in full menopause until a year after your last cycle. It is a time of radical hormonal changes that can cause physical symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep problems, and emotional symptoms such as sadness and anxiety.
Perimenopause is the time before full menopause when the body begins to produce less estrogen. Some people experience perimenopause for only a few months, while others begin as much as 10 years before menopause. Mood swings and worsening PMS are very common symptoms of perimenopause. If you are suffering from perimenopause or menopause issues, Eastern medicine can help. Acupuncture and herbal remedies can help bring your system back into alignment, easing many of the symptoms of this trying time.
Hormonal Imbalances and PMS
Hormones have a significant impact on a woman’s health, and few things wreak more havoc physically and emotionally than hormonal imbalance. While perimenopause and menopause are the most common times for your hormones to go out of whack, it can happen at any time. Stress and major life changes are common reasons for hormonal imbalances. In addition, PMS happens to many women, and even minor hormonal issues can greatly worsen the symptoms.
Although we recommend that women with unusual menstrual cycles or symptoms get a full medical workup to rule out serious illnesses, many women have trouble getting to the root of their issues. Please know that even if you’re not quite certain of what you’re dealing with, acupuncture and holistic medicine (including the use of supplements and herbs) can safely bring you back to a healthier, more relaxed you.
Endometriosis
Inflammation, scar tissue, and adhesions in a woman’s pelvic region can essentially block the egg’s path along the fallopian tube. It’s more common in women ages 25 to 40, and is a leading cause of pelvic pain. Endometriosis can also cause heavy and irregular cycles, greatly impacting a woman’s life. Surgery is often recommended for the most severe cases, but thankfully, many cases of endometriosis are successfully treated and even healed using acupuncture and herbs.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
This is a complex condition that impacts the ovaries, and is the leading cause of infertility. It’s estimated that PCOS affects about 75 percent of women with ovulation difficulties. In this condition, benign cysts grow on the ovaries, leading to a variety of hormonal imbalances. Symptoms may include infrequent periods, increased facial and body hair, acne, and weight gain.
Untreated PCOS can affect additional systems in the body, leading to such secondary conditions as diabetes and heart disease. Western medicine treats this condition with such medications as oral contraceptive pills, and surgery is sometimes used to remove the ovarian cysts. At the Thumos Health Center we offer a highly effective yet gentle approach to combating PCOS through the use of acupuncture and herbal preparations.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a very complicated condition characterized by widespread physical pain, fatigue, memory trouble, and depression. It sometimes appears after a trauma, serious infection, or surgery, but often has no discernible triggering event. Although no one is quite sure what causes fibromyalgia, the condition creates detectable changes in the brain that make it more sensitive to pain signals.
Although there is no definitive cure, acupuncture has shown great promise in research studies. It can actually retrain the brain, changing the release of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters to enhance pain tolerance. After a single session of acupuncture, many patients report weeks of relief. In combination with herbal remedies, we can vastly improve your quality of life.
Located in Pacific Palisades, with satellite clinics in Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, and Beverly Hills, Thumos Health Center offers patients exceptional personalized care. If you are ready to take the first steps toward a more integrative approach to your health care, we invite you to phone (323) 372-5150 to schedule an appointment at any of our Los Angeles locations. Our highly knowledgeable and friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have.