Dietary Recomendations for Estrogen Progesterone Balance

Dietary Recomendations for Estrogen Progesterone Balance

Estrogen/Progesterone Balance

If estrogen and progesterone levels are not balanced, it will be difficult to conceive. If estrogen levels are not elevated in the first part of cycle, ovulation will not occur. If progesterone levels are not elevated in the second part of the cycles, a viable endometrium will not form. Too much estrogen (which could manifest as particularly heavy menstrual flow) can sometimes be regulated by a vigorous program of exercise. Obesity can also cause elevated estrogen levels, so try to make sure that your weight is within the normal range.

The dietary fiber in B6 vitamin rich foods can also reduce estrogen levels. These foods are tofu, kelp, whole grains, walnuts, and wheat germ. Insufficient estrogen can be counteracted by increasing your consumption of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which stimulates the pituitary gland into increasing estrogen production. Consuming wheat germ will satisfy your need for this nutrient. Insufficient progesterone levels can be aided by increasing your consumption of foods rich in vitamin B6, tofu, kelp, whole grains, walnuts, and wheat germ. These foods can also reduce Prolactin levels. Progesterone production in the luteal phase can also be affected if prostaglandin impairs the functioning of the corpus luteum. Avoid arachidonic acid, a precursor or prostaglandin found in animal fat.

Finally, yams eaten in the pre-ovulatory phase of the cycle are beneficial for women whose short luteal phase leads to insufficient progesterone production.

Dietary Recomendations for PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Dietary Recomendations for PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

In Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) the body produces increased male hormones which are converted into estrogen. In an obese woman, estrogen is also stored in fat cells. Because estrogen is normally made from the developing follicles, the brain's hypothalamus, confused by the constant level of estrogen, assumes that it is due to a developing egg inside the follicle. Therefore, the hypothalamus tells the pituitary gland to stop or slow down the release of follicle stimulating hormone. Thus, the follicles don't mature and burst, and ovulation never occurs. Instead the follicle turn into small cysts on the ovaries. There have been very few good nutritional studies done on PCOS, and the only nutritional recommendations currently given is that PCOS sufferers should shed their excess weight. We have two suggestions: One is that you follow the general guidelines for anovulation. The other is that you consume yams, and elevate your levels of vitamin B6. The second suggestion is since PCOS can often be characterized by elevated Prolactin levels try following the dietary guidelines for elevated Prolactin levels: eliminate alcohol, marijuana, aspartame, dioxins in meat and dairy, too much protein and too strenuous exercise.

Progesterone Low or Estrogen Dominance

Research has shown that many women in their 30s - some even younger - will occasionally not ovulate during their menstrual month.[1] Without ovulation, no corpus luteum results and no progesterone is made. A progesterone deficiency ensues and several problems can result from this, one being the month-long presence of unopposed estrogen with all its attendant side-effects.

A second major problem results from the interrelationship between progesterone loss and stress. Stress combined with a bad diet can induce cycles where ovulation does not occur. The consequent lack of progesterone interferes with the production of the stress-combating hormones, worsening stressful conditions that give rise to further anovulatory cycles and so continues the vicious cycle.

Another major factor contributing to this imbalance between estrogen and progesterone is the industrialized world now live in, immersed in a rising sea of petrochemical derivatives. They are in the air, food and water and include pesticides and herbicides (such as DDT, dieldrin, heptachlor, etc.) as well as various plastics (polycarbonated plastics found in babies bottles and water jugs) and PCBs. These estrogen-mimics are highly fat-soluble, not biodegradable or well excreted, and accumulate in the fat tissue of animals and humans. These chemicals have an uncanny ability to mimic natural estrogen and thus are given the name "xeno-estrogens" since, although they are foreign chemicals, they are taken up by the estrogen receptor sites in the body, seriously interfering with natural biochemical activity. Drinking sodas out of plastic bottles is one of the leading causes of estrogen dominance.

Extensive research is now revealing an alarming situation worldwide, created by the inundation of these hormone-mimics. In their book, Our Stolen Future, authors Theo Colburn of the World Wildlife Fund, Dianne Dumanoski of The Boston Globe, and John Peterson Meyers, a zoologist, have identified 51 hormone mimics, each able to unleash a torrent of effects such as reduced sperm production, cell division and sculpting of the developing brain. These mimics are not only linked to the recent discovery that human sperm counts worldwide have plunged by 50% between 1938 and 1990 but also to genital deformities, breast, prostate and testicular cancer, and neurological disorders.

Causes & Development

---

Dr. John Lee, MD has discovered a consistent theme running through women's complaints of the distressing and often debilitating symptoms of PMS, peri-menopause and menopause: too much estrogen or, in other words, estrogen dominance. Now, instead of estrogen playing its essential role within the well-balanced symphony of steroid hormones in a woman's body, it has begun to overshadow the other players, creating biochemical dissonance. Even natural estrogens should not be prescribed unless it is clear that a deficiency exists.

Signs & Symptoms

---

Female hormone imbalances can manifest in many and diverse symptoms. More specific suggestions regarding individual hormone levels may be made elsewhere in this report.

Diagnosis & Tests

---

The hormone issue is a complicated one. There are three types of natural estrogen, and multiple degradation pathways and metabolites. Depending on the area of concern, a skilled natural doctor should be able to recommend those tests which will yield the most information, and guide you into balance. While a therapeutic trial of progesterone may help a condition of estrogen dominance, specific laboratory testing on a doctor's recommendation should be conducted prior to hormone replacement. Blood, saliva, or urine measurements may be made. Your doctor should be aware that the timing of specimen collection in relation to your cycle is important in progesterone testing. The best time is day 21 - 24 of your cycle (sooner if cycle is shorter and later if cycle is longer). If progesterone levels are normal, elevated estrogens can be reduced by means other than progesterone use.

The need for testing is seen in the situation of two menopausal women having similar symptoms but one with elevated estrogens (or an imbalance of estrogens) and the other with low estrogens. Both may have normal or low levels of progesterone. Giving natural estrogen to a woman in menopause seems the logical thing to do, but may make the situation worse if her levels are already too high. Giving a women low in estrogen, more progesterone won’t solve the underlying deficiency.

Treatment & Prevention

---

Dr. Lee has been able to balance the estrogen-dominance effect through the use of transdermal natural progesterone cream.

Anti-aging Benefits of Natural Progesterone

1. Progesterone is a primary precursor in the biosynthesis of the adrenal corticosteroids. Without adequate progesterone, synthesis of the cortisones is impaired and the body turns to alternate pathways. These alternate pathways have masculine-producing side effects such as long facial hairs and thinning of scalp hair. Further impaired corticosteroid production results in a decrease in the ability to handle stress, e.g., surgery, trauma or emotional stress.
2. Many peri- or post-menopausal women with clinical signs of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, lack of energy, intolerance to cold, are actually suffering from unrecognized estrogen dominance and will benefit from supplementation with natural progesterone.
3. Estrogen and most of the synthetic progestins increase intracellular sodium and water uptake. The effect of this is hypertension. Natural progesterone is a natural diuretic and prevents the cell's uptake of sodium and water, thus preventing hypertension.
4. Whereas estrogen impairs homeostatic control of glucose levels, natural progesterone stabilizes them. Thus, natural progesterone can be beneficial to both those with diabetes and those with reactive hypoglycemia. Estrogen should be contraindicated in patients with diabetes.
5. Thinning and wrinkled skin is a sign of lack of hydration in the skin. It is common in peri- and post-menopausal women and is a sure sign of hormone depletion. Both estrogen and progesterone restores skin hydration.
6. Progesterone serves a role in keeping brain cells healthy. A disorder such as premature senility (Alzheimer's disease) may be, at least in part, another example of disease secondary to progesterone deficiency.
7. Progesterone is essential for the healthy development of the myelin sheath which protects the nerve cells. Low progesterone levels lead to recurring aches and pains.
8. Progesterone creates and promotes an enhanced sense of emotional well being and psychological self-sufficiency.
9. Progesterone is responsible for enhancing the libido. [John R. Lee, M.D., Slowing the Aging Process with Natural Progesterone, BLL Publishing, CA, USA, 1994, p.14]

Complications

---

Estrogen's role in osteoporosis is only a minor one. Estrogen replacement will reduce bone breakdown, but only progesterone increases new bone growth or deposition. Progesterone deficiency results in bone loss. In a three year study of 63 post-menopausal women with osteoporosis, women using transdermal progesterone cream experienced an average 7 to 8% bone mass density increase in the first year, 4 to 5% the second year, and 3 to 4% in the third year. Untreated women in this age category typically lose 1.5% bone mass density per year.[3] Dr. Lee believes that the use of natural progesterone in conjunction with dietary and lifestyle change can not only stop osteoporosis but can actually reverse it - even in women aged over 70.

Effects of Estrogen Dominance

1. When estrogen is not balanced by progesterone, it can produce weight gain, headaches, bad temper, chronic fatigue and loss of interest in sex - all of which are part of the clinically recognized premenstrual syndrome.
2. Not only has it been well established that estrogen dominance encourages the development of breast cancer thanks to estrogen's proliferative actions, it also stimulates breast tissue and can trigger fibrocystic breast disease - a condition which wanes when natural progesterone is introduced to balance the estrogen.
3. Excess estrogen implies a progesterone deficiency. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in the rate of new bone formation in a woman's body by the osteoblasts - the cells responsible for doing this job. Although most doctors are not yet aware of it, this is the prime cause of osteoporosis.
4. Estrogen dominance increases the risk of fibroids. One of the interesting facts about fibroids is that, regardless of the size, fibroids commonly atrophy once menopause arrives and a woman's ovaries are no longer making estrogen. Doctors who commonly use progesterone with their patients have discovered that giving a woman natural progesterone may cause fibroids to atrophy.
5. In estrogen-dominant menstruating women where progesterone is not peaking and falling in a normal way each month, the ordered shedding of the womb lining doesn't take place. Menstruation becomes irregular. This condition can usually be corrected by making lifestyle changes and using a natural progesterone product. It is easy to diagnose by having a doctor measure the level of progesterone in the blood at certain times of the month.
6. Endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb) develops only where there is estrogen dominance or unopposed estrogen. This, too, can be prevented by the use of natural progesterone. The use of the synthetic progestins may also help prevent it, which is why a growing number of doctors no longer give non-human estrogens without combining them with progesterone drug during HRT. However, all synthetic progestins have side effects.
7. Water logging of the cells and an increase in intercellular sodium, which predispose a woman to high blood pressure or hypertension, frequently occur with estrogen dominance. These can also be side effects of progestins use. A natural progesterone cream often resolves this problem.
8. The risk of stroke and heart disease is increased dramatically when a woman is estrogen-dominant. [Leslie Kenton, Passage to Power, Random House, UK, 1995]

Progesterone Low or Estrogen Dominance

Research has shown that many women in their 30s - some even younger - will occasionally not ovulate during their menstrual month.[1] Without ovulation, no corpus luteum results and no progesterone is made. A progesterone deficiency ensues and several problems can result from this, one being the month-long presence of unopposed estrogen with all its attendant side-effects.

A second major problem results from the interrelationship between progesterone loss and stress. Stress combined with a bad diet can induce cycles where ovulation does not occur. The consequent lack of progesterone interferes with the production of the stress-combating hormones, worsening stressful conditions that give rise to further anovulatory cycles and so continues the vicious cycle.

Another major factor contributing to this imbalance between estrogen and progesterone is the industrialized world now live in, immersed in a rising sea of petrochemical derivatives. They are in the air, food and water and include pesticides and herbicides (such as DDT, dieldrin, heptachlor, etc.) as well as various plastics (polycarbonated plastics found in babies bottles and water jugs) and PCBs. These estrogen-mimics are highly fat-soluble, not biodegradable or well excreted, and accumulate in the fat tissue of animals and humans. These chemicals have an uncanny ability to mimic natural estrogen and thus are given the name "xeno-estrogens" since, although they are foreign chemicals, they are taken up by the estrogen receptor sites in the body, seriously interfering with natural biochemical activity. Drinking sodas out of plastic bottles is one of the leading causes of estrogen dominance.

Extensive research is now revealing an alarming situation worldwide, created by the inundation of these hormone-mimics. In their book, Our Stolen Future, authors Theo Colburn of the World Wildlife Fund, Dianne Dumanoski of The Boston Globe, and John Peterson Meyers, a zoologist, have identified 51 hormone mimics, each able to unleash a torrent of effects such as reduced sperm production, cell division and sculpting of the developing brain. These mimics are not only linked to the recent discovery that human sperm counts worldwide have plunged by 50% between 1938 and 1990 but also to genital deformities, breast, prostate and testicular cancer, and neurological disorders.

Causes & Development

---

Dr. John Lee, MD has discovered a consistent theme running through women's complaints of the distressing and often debilitating symptoms of PMS, peri-menopause and menopause: too much estrogen or, in other words, estrogen dominance. Now, instead of estrogen playing its essential role within the well-balanced symphony of steroid hormones in a woman's body, it has begun to overshadow the other players, creating biochemical dissonance. Even natural estrogens should not be prescribed unless it is clear that a deficiency exists.

Signs & Symptoms

---

Female hormone imbalances can manifest in many and diverse symptoms. More specific suggestions regarding individual hormone levels may be made elsewhere in this report.

Diagnosis & Tests

---

The hormone issue is a complicated one. There are three types of natural estrogen, and multiple degradation pathways and metabolites. Depending on the area of concern, a skilled natural doctor should be able to recommend those tests which will yield the most information, and guide you into balance. While a therapeutic trial of progesterone may help a condition of estrogen dominance, specific laboratory testing on a doctor's recommendation should be conducted prior to hormone replacement. Blood, saliva, or urine measurements may be made. Your doctor should be aware that the timing of specimen collection in relation to your cycle is important in progesterone testing. The best time is day 21 - 24 of your cycle (sooner if cycle is shorter and later if cycle is longer). If progesterone levels are normal, elevated estrogens can be reduced by means other than progesterone use.

The need for testing is seen in the situation of two menopausal women having similar symptoms but one with elevated estrogens (or an imbalance of estrogens) and the other with low estrogens. Both may have normal or low levels of progesterone. Giving natural estrogen to a woman in menopause seems the logical thing to do, but may make the situation worse if her levels are already too high. Giving a women low in estrogen, more progesterone won’t solve the underlying deficiency.

Treatment & Prevention

---

Dr. Lee has been able to balance the estrogen-dominance effect through the use of transdermal natural progesterone cream.

Anti-aging Benefits of Natural Progesterone

1. Progesterone is a primary precursor in the biosynthesis of the adrenal corticosteroids. Without adequate progesterone, synthesis of the cortisones is impaired and the body turns to alternate pathways. These alternate pathways have masculine-producing side effects such as long facial hairs and thinning of scalp hair. Further impaired corticosteroid production results in a decrease in the ability to handle stress, e.g., surgery, trauma or emotional stress.
2. Many peri- or post-menopausal women with clinical signs of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, lack of energy, intolerance to cold, are actually suffering from unrecognized estrogen dominance and will benefit from supplementation with natural progesterone.
3. Estrogen and most of the synthetic progestins increase intracellular sodium and water uptake. The effect of this is hypertension. Natural progesterone is a natural diuretic and prevents the cell's uptake of sodium and water, thus preventing hypertension.
4. Whereas estrogen impairs homeostatic control of glucose levels, natural progesterone stabilizes them. Thus, natural progesterone can be beneficial to both those with diabetes and those with reactive hypoglycemia. Estrogen should be contraindicated in patients with diabetes.
5. Thinning and wrinkled skin is a sign of lack of hydration in the skin. It is common in peri- and post-menopausal women and is a sure sign of hormone depletion. Both estrogen and progesterone restores skin hydration.
6. Progesterone serves a role in keeping brain cells healthy. A disorder such as premature senility (Alzheimer's disease) may be, at least in part, another example of disease secondary to progesterone deficiency.
7. Progesterone is essential for the healthy development of the myelin sheath which protects the nerve cells. Low progesterone levels lead to recurring aches and pains.
8. Progesterone creates and promotes an enhanced sense of emotional well being and psychological self-sufficiency.
9. Progesterone is responsible for enhancing the libido. [John R. Lee, M.D., Slowing the Aging Process with Natural Progesterone, BLL Publishing, CA, USA, 1994, p.14]

Complications

---

Estrogen's role in osteoporosis is only a minor one. Estrogen replacement will reduce bone breakdown, but only progesterone increases new bone growth or deposition. Progesterone deficiency results in bone loss. In a three year study of 63 post-menopausal women with osteoporosis, women using transdermal progesterone cream experienced an average 7 to 8% bone mass density increase in the first year, 4 to 5% the second year, and 3 to 4% in the third year. Untreated women in this age category typically lose 1.5% bone mass density per year.[3] Dr. Lee believes that the use of natural progesterone in conjunction with dietary and lifestyle change can not only stop osteoporosis but can actually reverse it - even in women aged over 70.

Effects of Estrogen Dominance

1. When estrogen is not balanced by progesterone, it can produce weight gain, headaches, bad temper, chronic fatigue and loss of interest in sex - all of which are part of the clinically recognized premenstrual syndrome.
2. Not only has it been well established that estrogen dominance encourages the development of breast cancer thanks to estrogen's proliferative actions, it also stimulates breast tissue and can trigger fibrocystic breast disease - a condition which wanes when natural progesterone is introduced to balance the estrogen.
3. Excess estrogen implies a progesterone deficiency. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in the rate of new bone formation in a woman's body by the osteoblasts - the cells responsible for doing this job. Although most doctors are not yet aware of it, this is the prime cause of osteoporosis.
4. Estrogen dominance increases the risk of fibroids. One of the interesting facts about fibroids is that, regardless of the size, fibroids commonly atrophy once menopause arrives and a woman's ovaries are no longer making estrogen. Doctors who commonly use progesterone with their patients have discovered that giving a woman natural progesterone may cause fibroids to atrophy.
5. In estrogen-dominant menstruating women where progesterone is not peaking and falling in a normal way each month, the ordered shedding of the womb lining doesn't take place. Menstruation becomes irregular. This condition can usually be corrected by making lifestyle changes and using a natural progesterone product. It is easy to diagnose by having a doctor measure the level of progesterone in the blood at certain times of the month.
6. Endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb) develops only where there is estrogen dominance or unopposed estrogen. This, too, can be prevented by the use of natural progesterone. The use of the synthetic progestins may also help prevent it, which is why a growing number of doctors no longer give non-human estrogens without combining them with progesterone drug during HRT. However, all synthetic progestins have side effects.
7. Water logging of the cells and an increase in intercellular sodium, which predispose a woman to high blood pressure or hypertension, frequently occur with estrogen dominance. These can also be side effects of progestins use. A natural progesterone cream often resolves this problem.
8. The risk of stroke and heart disease is increased dramatically when a woman is estrogen-dominant. [Leslie Kenton, Passage to Power, Random House, UK, 1995]

understanding hormones

Diet and Hormones for Fertility & IVF

Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy body weight will optimize your chances of conception by supporting your body and its hormonal functioning.

Your nutrient levels and how well your digestion is functioning is a huge determinant of hormonal balancing in your body. Essential Fatty Acids and nutrients such as vitamin A, B6, zinc, magnesium, and antioxidants are key factors to hormonal balance and therefore fertility.

The body has to expend valuable energy (that could be used within reproductive processes) when it is saturated with junk food and all the liver stressing elements that come with it. The body then works to detoxify, not reproduce.

Enough fiber and optimal liver function are important because once hormones have completed their function, they are processed by the liver and put back into the digestive tract to be eliminated. A Liver Detox before beginning any fertility programs is usually a good idea.

Food sensitivities are also important to be determined, they effect digestion and will ultimately decrease your absorption of vital nutrients, and therefore compromise your hormone balance. Most people already know if they are allergic to things such as peanuts and shellfish, but other commonly eaten foods such as dairy and wheat products cause problems without people knowing. Eliminate or at least limit greatly your comsumption of milk, cheese, cream, sour cream, bread, pastas, and flour. After a couple of weeks, once the cravings for these items is waning, reassess how you are feeling, your energy levels, headaches, libido, bowel habits, etc.. If you feel a lot better than usual, it is almost certain that you are sensitive to these foods.

It is also recommended strongly, if you are a meat eater, to make the switch to organic. The growth hormones (i.e. testosterone) in commercial meats wreak havoc on your hormonal balance.

Weight and Hormonal Balance

You probably know if you have issues with being overweight. If you think you may have an eating disorder, consult a counsellor that specializes in this area. Being underweight is also a problem for women trying to concieve.

Fat cells continually release estrogen, which suppresses the pituitary gland and therefore the release of follicle stimulating hormone, in turn making it difficult for the body to reach a state where ovulation can occur. Being overweight obviously can effect fertility.

Too little fat cells in the body (being more than 15% underweight) causes estrogen levels to drop and cause intermittent menstruation, or an altogether stopping of the menses. This may also effect the quality of cervical mucus.

Find your ideal weight. Do not go on any intense diets to gain or lose weight, this will throw the body further out of balance. Consult your healthcare professional to discuss your options.

Cortisol Deficiency

Long term low level stress and/or poor nutrition fatigue the adrenals which causes a cortisol deficiency. This stress hormone competes with progesterone for receptor sites, leading to a condition of estrogen dominance and less active progesterone.
Symptoms: (Kidney vacuity), unstable blood sugar levels, extreme tiredness, allergies, candida, fatigue, insomnia, PMS, loss of libido, weak immune system (frequent colds), low blood pressure, alcohol intolerance, chronic fatigue, weak muscles, depression, and headaches.
Solutions: reduce intake of stimulants such as sugar, caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, healthy diet, relaxation, meditation, yoga, and Chinese herbal medicine.

Too Many Male Hormones

Excess androgens can affect both men and women. In women this is usually a result of PCOS, a poor diet that includes a lot of sugar, refined foods, and simple carbohydrates. Adrenal disorders, anabolic steroid use, corticosteroids, and obesity can also cause this.
Symptoms: acne, ovarian cysts, excess body hair, unstable blood sugar levels, thinning hair on the head, mid-cycle pain, and erratic menses.
Solutions: high fiber vegetarian diet that is low in saturated fats and high in phytoestrogens.

Too Little Progesterone

Progesterone is used to produce three different types of estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and aldosterone.
It helps control water balance, the use of fat for energy, proper thyroid function, and is a natural antidepressant.
This is the most common hormone to be deficient in all women. When ovulation fails (due to perimenopause or other reasons) progesterone is not produced in the luteal phase (second half of cycle), or it is not produced long enough to sustain implantation. This can happen after using the pill too long, having a miscarriage, or breastfeeding. This is called a luteal phase defect. The luteal phase should be at least 10 days for pregnancy to occur. Progesterone maintains a pregnancy in the beginning, so a deficiency may cause miscarrige.
Women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), faulty secretion of other hormones such as FSH, LH, or prolactin, endometriosis, and menstrual irregularities, may have a progesterone deficiency.
Symptoms: painful or lumpy breasts, headaches at a certain time of the cycle, anxiety, irritability, sleeping problems, unexplained weight gain, PMS, bleeding between periods, and reduced libido.
Solutions: the controversial progesterone therapy, natural progesterone cream, vitamin B6, E, magnesium, and evening primrose oil, vitex agnuscastus (man jing zi, chasteberry), reducing stress, less exercise, and increasing low body weight.

Too Much Estrogen

Environmental estrogens are found in pesticides, plastics, and PCB's (chemical pollutants in the water, air, and soil).
These forms of estrogen are thought to have a major influence on the excessive amounts of estrogen that are being found in both men and women.
Poor diet, with too much refined carbohydrate and saturated animal fat and too little fiber is also responsible.
Eat more high fiber foods (except wheat bran) to prevent excess reuptake of estrogen by the bowel. Organic food reduces your exposure to pesticides, antibiotics, and growth hormones.
Too much fat tissue increases your body's ability to convert male hormones into estrogen. Stress also plays a major role in your liver and digestive system removing excess estrogen.
Symptoms: (Yin excess), puffiness and bloating, water retention, rapid weight gain, breast tenderness, heavy bleeding, mood swings (anxiety, depression, weepiness), sleep problems, migraines, flushed face, low libido, foggy thinking, and high levels of copper in the system. Later, endometriosis, fibroids, gall bladder problems, poor blood sugar control, and hypothyroid conditions may arise. Symptoms in Men: hair loss, headaches, bloating, weight gain, prostate enlargement, irritability, and breat enlargement.
Solutions: low fat high fiber diet, live yogurt (encourage excretion of estrogen), eating cabbage family veggies increases the rate at which the liver converts estrogen into a water-soluble form that can be excreted, increase protein intake to improve estrogen metabolism in the liver, vitamin B6 reduces the effects of excess estrogen, more exercise, less stress, and lose weight.

Too Little Estrogen

The years leading up to menopause show a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen deficiencies also arise when estrogen is leached from the body via a diet too rich in wheat fober, or if not enough estrogen is recycled by the bowels or liver. It may also be caused by low body weight, vitamin A deficiency, too much exercise, smoking, taking antibiotics, or being on the contraceptive pill for too long.
Symptoms: (Yin vacuity), irregular menses, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, hot flashes, night sweats, bladder infections, dry skin, lethargy and depression, and signs of premature aging such as memory loss.
Solutions: eating phytoestrogen rich foods and herbs (legumes, alfalfa sprouts, flax seeds, oats, hops, fennel, parsley, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cherries, and soy), and B vitamins which contain PABA that stimulates the pituitary to produce estrogen.

Low Progesterone, Clomid as treatment

Reasons ,Symptoms ,Results of Low Progesterone

Progesterone is a steroid hormone made by the ovary at ovulation and in low amounts by the adrenal glands. Progesterone is manufactured in the body from the steroid hormone pregnenolone, and is a precursor to most of the other steroid hormones, including cortisol, androstenedione, the estrogens and testosterone. When there is a low progesterone level, it needs to be replaced. The most important role of progesterone is to balance or oppose the effects of estrogen.

When progesterone levels are low the following symptoms may occur:

* Depression * Decreased libido * Fibrocystic breasts * Food and sugar cravings * Uterine fibroids * Irregular or excessive uterine bleeding * Endometriosis * PMS * Infertility * Weight gain * Increased blood clotting * Thyroid dysfunction

Three symptoms of low progesterone include early disintegration of the corpus luteum, poor follicle production, and the failure of the uterine lining to respond to normal levels of progesterone, which may cause a miscarriage. One way to determine if low progesterone is the problem is by charting your basal body temperature. If the temperature drops early after ovulation, usually before the tenth day, there might be a problem with progesterone levels. Another way to determine if there is enough progesterone to sustain the pregnancy is with an endometrial biopsy. This is a test where a small section of uterine tissue is removed during the second half of a woman’s cycle to determine if it is developing correctly.

Why Clomid is taken ???

Clomid is actually quite a potent and somewhat complicated medication. It is capable of reacting with all of the tissues in the body that have estrogen receptors. These tissues include hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, endometrium, vagina, and cervix. Clomid influences the way that the four hormones required for ovulation, GnRH, FSH, LH and estradiol, relate and interrelate. While we do not completely understand the mechanisms by which this drug works, in essence it appears that Clomid fools the body into believing that the estrogen level is low. This altered feedback information causes the hypothalamus (an area of the brain) to make and release more gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which in turn causes the pituitary to make and release more FSH and LH. More follicle stimulating hormone and more luteinizing hormone should result in the release of one or more mature eggs - ovulation.

Clomid Intake increase/Decrease & when ,what days?

When used for ovulation induction, Clomid is taken orally for approximately five days early in the menstrual cycle. Depending upon your clinic protocol this may start as early as day 3 or as late as day 5. It is important to remember that the first day of the menstrual cycle is the first day of normal bleeding, not spotting. Most women begin with an initial dose of one tablet (50 mg.) per day. This dose may be increased by your physician in subsequent cycles if pregnancy does not occur. Once ovulating, most pregnancies occur in the first 6 cycles of treatment. Clomid is said to be able to induce ovulation in as much as 85% of the women who use it, though only half of those will actually become pregnant. Most authorities agree that continuing for more than 6 ovulatory cycles in not likely to increase the chances of success.

At many clinics a pelvic examination or ultrasound is done each cycle shortly before starting on CC in order to determine if there are any ovarian or uterine abnormalities. Approximately 5% of women using Clomid will develop an ovarian cyst at some time during their treatment period. These cysts are benign and will usually resolve spontaneously without any treatment, but may cause discomfort. If you are using Clomid and do not have a menstrual period by cycle day 35, you may have failed to ovulate or you may be pregnant! In either event you need to schedule a visit to your doctor to ascertain what is happening. If you are not pregnant, your doctor may prescribe other medications to help bring on your period. Extended luteal phases (late periods, long cycles) are not uncommon on Clomid.

What are the side effects of Clomiphene?

Twin pregnancies may occur in as many as 5% of the women who use Clomid. Triplet pregnancies are far more rare. Other reported adverse effects include ovarian enlargement 13.6%,Vasomotor Flushes 10.4%, abdominal or pelvic discomfort, distention or bloating 5.5%, nausea and vomiting 2.2%, breast discomfort 2.1%, visual symptoms (blurred vision, lights, floaters, waves, unspecified visual complaints, photophobia, diplopia, scotoma, etc.) 1.5%, headache 1.3% and abnormal uterine bleeding (intermenstrual spotting, menorrhagia)

Did your OB&GYN discuss all these ,Side effects of Clomid,Increase or decrease of clomid and explain how ovulation takes place ,if no please refer following URL :

http://www.oasisserene.com/hormones… http://infertility.about.com/cs/clo… http://www.fwhc.org/health/moon.htm… http://www.conceivingconcepts.com/l… http://www.conceivingconcepts.com/c…

Personal Recommendation Instead of KY Jelly or Astroglide or Replens try using Pre-seed lubricant next time during your intercourse,cause most of time's Sperms cant be motile in the above lub's and if they are motile upto 70% than they can't sustain life of 20-24 hours long ,so better use Pre-seed,it costs something around 170-180$ & can be used atleast 6-10 times,but it work wonders.

Am I /Will I be Pregnant : Well dear its really too early to say these cause mostly after using Clomid the success rate for Conception is around 25-40% not more.Better see the Cervical Mucus change,Measure your Leutal phase (14 days by default) and measure your basal temp ,if you get mid ovulation pain than yes you are pregnant and if you have leautal problem we recommend at times for few patients to watch leautal phases of Moon that also makes difference at times.Though its just natural remedy.

(Rated by 11 Council Members)

My Basal Body Temperature chart (BBT Chart)

To be added file link

thyroid self test

Thyroid Self-Test:
To test yourself for an under active Thyroid, keep an Electronic Thermometer by your bed at night. When you wake up in the morning, place the thermometer in your armpit and hold it there for about 10 minutes. Keep still and quiet. Any movement of the body can upset your temperature reading. Temperature of the Body rises when you begin moving around. A temperature of 97.5°F / 36.39 deg or lower is indicative of an under active Thyroid. Keep a Temperature log for five days. Menstruating women should perform test on 2nd, 3rd & 4th day of menstruation. Menopausal women or women with irregular periods can check on any day.


Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Insufficient Thyroid Hormone causes bodily functions to slow down. The symptoms of Hypothyroidism are subtle and gradual and may be mistaken for Depression. Facial expressions become dull, the voice hoarse and the speech slow, eyelids droop and the eyes and face become puffy and swollen. Many people with Hypothyroidism gain weight, become constipated and are unable to tolerate cold. The hair becomes sparse, coarse, dry, scaly and thick. Many people develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which makes the hands tingle or hurt. The pulse may slow, the palms and soles appear slightly orange (carotenemia) and the side part of the eyebrows slowly falls out. Some people, especially older people may appear confused, forgetful, or demented - signs that can easily be mistaken for Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia.

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什么叫不孕症，常见原因有哪些

凡处在生育年龄的妇女，配偶生殖功能正常，婚后同居两年以上，未避孕而不怀孕者，成为原发性不孕症。若曾有过孕育，又同居两年以上，未避孕而不再怀孕者，称为继发性不孕症。可以引起女性不孕的原因很多，主要有以下几个方面的因素：


1.阴道因素
处女膜闭锁、阴道闭锁或缺如、阴道中隔、阴道肿瘤等都可引起性交障碍而导致不孕。有霉菌或滴虫性阴道炎症时所产生的炎性分泌物，可以改变阴道生化环境，大量白细胞或滴虫可以吞噬精子，消耗精液中的营养物质，降低精子的活动力，不利于精子生存，从而影响受孕。

2.宫颈因素
凡子宫颈的狭窄、炎症、肿瘤、外伤、粘连等均可影响精子通过；宫颈若有糜烂，其分泌物也有杀伤精子的作用；若宫颈黏液分泌异常，或存在抗精子抗体，则不利于精子穿透宫颈管，以上因素均可影响受孕。

3.子宫因素
子宫因素引起的不孕症发病率比较高。主要的是子宫发育不良、子宫内膜炎症、子宫肌瘤等；其次则是子宫畸形、粘连性子宫后倾、宫腔粘连等。存在以上因素可导致受精卵不能着床。

4.输卵管因素
输卵管因素造成的不孕，以输卵管炎症引起的管腔堵塞最多。倘若输卵管过长或狭窄等因素也影响精子、卵子或受精卵的运行。

5.卵巢因素
卵巢内滤泡发育不良，不能排卵形成黄体，卵巢早衰、多囊卵巢、卵巢肿瘤及子宫内膜异位症等，均严重影响卵泡发育及卵子排出或受精卵着床。

6.内分泌因素
下丘脑-垂体-卵巢轴系的器质性或功能性异常，引起月经不调，导致闭经，无排卵月经或黄体功能失调。因卵子未能正常发育，或卵巢未能排卵，或未能使子宫内膜有足够的分泌期改变。以致影响受精卵的着床而造成不孕。另外，甲状腺与肾上腺皮质功能的亢进或低下都能影响卵巢功能而阻碍排卵。

7.先天性因素
先天性因素造成不孕者为数极少。这类因素主要是严重的先天性生殖器官发育不全、性染色体异常等。

8.免疫因素
免疫因素可以造成不孕是近些年才提出来的，因为患者的血液或体液中存在抗精子抗体，这种抗体是精子的敌对物质，一旦女方摄纳精液后，就立即将精子杀灭，从而导致不孕。
除去以上这些因素可以导致不孕外，代谢性疾病、慢性消耗性疾病、营养不良等全身性因素；情绪不良、植物神经功能失调等神经精神性因素也可造成不孕。

排除10大隐患让你轻松受孕

这些隐患，你了解吗？排除孕前10隐患，让你受孕轻松而来！

隐忧1 减肥过度

这是一个以瘦为美的时代，本来不算胖的人也加入到减肥队伍中，包括许多男性在内。美国科学家研究表明，女性身体必须具有一定的脂肪，才能维持正常的生理代谢脂肪过少，容易造成闭经。同样，生理代谢在对男性性功能的研究中发现，脂肪的多少也影响生育能力。男性体重过轻，脂肪组织减少，就会减弱性能力。随着体重继续降低，致使前列腺液减少，使精子活力受到影响。

隐忧排除法：
正确对待体重问题，科学地控制饮食和运动方法，使体重保持在正常范围之内。避免实际体重低于平均体重15的，以保持正常的生育能力。

隐忧2 男性年龄过大

很多人都知道女性年龄过大生育孩子有很多不利之处，但对男性的生育年龄就不那么在意了。美国科学家在排除母亲年龄和种族因素的影响外，采取3种统计学方法对这一问题进行了研究。经过分析后发现，男性的年龄超过40岁时生育，发生畸形的危险性比年龄小于40岁的男性所生的孩子增加20见其中有几种常见的先天发育缺陷与父亲年龄超过35岁有显著关联。

隐忧排除法：
国外研究表明，健康出色的孩子与父母生育时的年龄及年龄组成关系密切。父亲年龄在30岁左右，母亲年龄在24－28岁左右时，所生的孩子健康出色的可能性最大。

隐忧3 妇科疾病未治愈

阴道炎是育龄女性常见的妇科病，有不少人在疾病尚未治愈便怀上宝贝。可是；患有阴道炎的女性怀孕后，会带来很多不良后果。滴虫性阴道炎容易并发其他细菌的感染，可能会引起畸胎，还有可能引起绒毛膜炎，导致胎膜早破及胎盘早剥，一旦炎症通过胎盘还可能直接引起胎儿感染，更严重的是胎儿从阴道出来时可能会造成感染，角膜被侵犯，视力受到影响。患有霉菌性阴道炎的孕妇在分娩时，容易使胎儿受到霉菌感染。

隐忧排除法：
如果存在以上情况，孕前先要积极进行治疗，待病情得到控制或完全治愈后再考虑怀孕。

隐忧4 在不利于生育的环境工作

一些职业对人的生育能力有一定影响，如工作在高压线、变电站、雷达站、电磁波发射塔；从事毒理实验室的研究人员以及接触铅、汞、苯、镐、锰、砷、有机溶剂、高分子化合物；工作中经常需要使用电子仪器、医疗设备、办公自动化设备等。这些职业环境中的有毒物质，会损伤精子或卵子，使它们的染色体发生畸变。

隐忧排除法：
从事以上有害职业的夫妻，尤其是女性，最好从孕前6个月暂时离开工作岗位一段时间。

隐忧5 过量提取高糖食物

有些人有吃高糖食物的嗜好。这个嗜好在平时并不是什么问题，但对于准备怀孕的女性会产生一些不利影响。孕前过食高糖食物，可能会引起糖代谢紊乱，甚至成为潜在的糖尿病患者。在这种状态下怀孕，由于摄入量增加极易诱发孕期糖尿病，危害孕妇健康和胎儿的正常生长发育，导致流产或死胎等不良结局。另外，这种嗜好容易使胎儿长成巨大儿，分娩时引起难产。

隐忧排除法：
怀孕前应该终止这些不良嗜好，饮食上要均衡合理地安排营养摄取。

隐忧6 慢性便秘未纠正

很多职业女性总是长时间坐着工作，又缺乏运动，导致肠蠕动减弱，排便能力差。加之工作繁忙和精神紧张，饮食上经常马虎，未能合理进食富含膳食纤维的食物和多饮水，因此便秘的女性越来越多。由于子宫、输卵管、卵巢等器官都位于盆腔内，它们的前面是膀味，后面及左右两侧与肠道接近，尤其是左侧输卵管与乙状结肠和直肠靠近。如果长期慢性便秘，就会使经常停留在肠管内粪便中的各种病菌，通过毛细血管、淋巴管侵入到左侧的输卵管和卵巢，引起炎症，导致输卵管功能受损或造成异位。

隐忧排除法：
积极纠正便秘。除了在生活中注意多喝水、多运动、多吃杂粮及新鲜蔬菜和水果外，平时多饮杜仲茶，经常吃核桃、酸奶、青梅干等润肠通便的零食，有助于纠正慢性便秘。

隐忧7 准备还不充分

有些女性即使在最适当的年龄怀孕，如果心理尚未准备好，也不见得是怀孕的最佳时机。因为一旦怀孕就要经历怀孕和分娩过程的考验，宝贝出生后对工作、家庭、夫妻关系及经济也都会带来很大影响。所以，心情常会处于复杂中，对面临的责任感到担忧。妻子担心自己能否承受分娩痛苦，担心孩子能否健康出世，丈夫常会担心收入满足不了家庭开销。如果没有做好心理准备，宝贝出生后就不能适应生活环境的种种变化，对下一代的健康成长造成不利影响。
隐忧排除法：
怀孕前夫妻双方就要把这些问题充分考虑清楚，彼此的安慰和鼓励也格外重要，它会给对方以莫大的安慰。做好这样的心理准备，到时候就会从容应对，不会乱了方寸。

隐忧8 选择不适宜季节受孕

怀孕早期正是胎儿脑神经发育初步形成阶段，如果在严冬、盛夏及初春时受孕，不利于胎儿的脑发育。我国是个季风为主的国家，北方冬春季节寒冷干燥，风沙大，门窗紧闭，室内新鲜空气少；加之这个季节是风疹、流感、腮腺炎等疾病流行的时候，很容易遭受病毒感染．使受精卵发生畸变。盛夏气温过高容易加重妊娠反应。进食更少，蛋白质摄取不够；加之出汗多使身体消耗增大，不容易满足胎儿的营养需要，阻碍胎儿的生长发育。

隐忧排除法：
初秋气温宜人，此时受孕可使胚胎发育的致时期避开了病毒流行、疾病爆发的时间，胚胎的脑细胞增殖期也处在营养充足的时间内。在这个时机受孕，有利于胎儿的神经系统功能协调。

隐忧9 生过畸形孩于又立即怀孕

有些女性上一胎生出的孩子不正常，或是好几次发。生习惯性流产，但还坚持要自己生一个孩子。如果引起上一胎畸形的原因仍然存在，如年龄过大生育、病菌感染、染色体异常、家庭史及环境有害等，那么下一胎生出不正常孩子的可能性还很大。当然，引发因素都不存在，生畸形儿的可能性就很小，可再准备怀孕。

隐忧排除法：
一定要去仔细请教遗传医生，以免再生出不正常的孩子。

隐忧10 在生理低潮受孕

人的身体里存在着体力、情绪及智力等三方面的周期性变化，这种周期性变化就是人体的生理节律。处于生理节律高潮期时，人的精力充沛、情绪稳定。心倩愉快、思维敏捷、记忆力强、反应灵敏、富有创造力并抵抗力较强，这时受孕生出的孩子身体健康，智力较好；处于低潮期时，身体易疲倦、情绪不稳、做事效率低、注意力难以集中、健忘并判断力下降，有可能生育出体质弱、智力有问题的孩子；临界日人的身体抵抗力下降，容易受病菌的侵扰，感染疾病的几率增大。

隐忧排除法：
准备受孕时选择好夫妻双方都处于生理节律的最佳时间，要避开生理周期的临界日及低潮期的影响。

哪些饮食阻碍你的好孕

很多夫妻从准备怀孕开始，就已经向各类美食进军了，特别是准妈妈们大有为了宝宝的质量而牺牲诱人身材的英勇气概，但是一味地大吃特吃也是不可取的，有时还会适得其反！

她的饮食误区

过量食用辛辣食物

辛辣食物会刺激人的食欲，让人胃口大开。但如果过量食用，会引起胃部不适、消化不良、便秘、痔疮等不适，给她的身体大打折扣。而且，随着怀孕后胎儿的增大，她的消化功能和排便本来就会受影响，如果仍然保持进食辛辣食物的习惯，不仅会影响到营养的供给，也会加重便秘、痔疮等症状。因此在计划怀孕前3～6个月，她应尽量少吃辛辣食物。

过量食用高糖食物

若经常食用高糖食物，常常会引起糖代谢紊乱，甚至成为潜在的糖尿病患者。如果这种习惯维持到怀孕之后，那就更危险了，极易出现孕期糖尿病。这不仅会危害孕妇本人的健康，还可造成胎儿在母体内发育或代谢障碍，出现胎儿高胰岛素血症及巨大儿。

避免食物污染

食物从其原料生产直至食用前的全过程中，会经历很多必须的环节，可能会不同程度地受到污染，给人的身体带来危害。应尽量选用新鲜天然食品，避免食用含添加剂、色素、防腐剂的食品；蔬菜应充分清洗干净，水果最好去皮后再食用，以避免农药污染；尽量使用铁锅或不锈钢炊具，而避免使用铝制品及彩色搪瓷制品，以防止铝元素、铅元素损害妻子的健康。

他的饮食误区

叶酸和维生素

通常，医生会建议妻子从孕前就开始补充叶酸，以避免造成染色体断裂而出现畸形儿。其实对准备做老爸的你来说，叶酸同样重要。此外，还建议你多食用一些维生素含量高的食物，主要是新鲜的瓜果蔬菜，以提高精子的成活量。
富含叶酸的食物包括：动物肝、红苋菜、菠菜、生菜、芦笋、龙须菜、豆类、苹果、柑桔、橙汁。

优质蛋白质

蛋白质是细胞的重要组成部分，也是生成精子的重要原料。摄入充足的优质蛋白质，可以提高精子的数量和质量。这类食物包括三文鱼、牡蛎、深海鱼虾等海产品，它们不仅污染程度较低，还含有促进大脑发育的DHA等营养元素。此外，各种瘦肉、动物肝脏、乳类、蛋类等也是较好的选择。

女性的排卵日期

Click above to go to the calculator

女性的排卵日期一般在下次月经来潮前的14天左右。下次月经来潮的第1天算起，倒数14天或减去14天就是排卵日，排卵日及其前5天和后4天加在一起称为排卵期。例如，某女的月经周期为28天，本次月经来潮的第1天在12月2日，那么下次月经来潮是在12月30日（12月2日加28天），再从12月30日减去14天，则12月16日就是排卵日。排卵日及其前5天和后4天，也就是12月11-20日为排卵期。除了月经期和排卵期，其余的时间均为安全期。在安全期性交可不必采用任何避孕药物和避孕工具。

雌二醇, 雌三醇 , 孕酮 ,人绒毛膜促性腺激素(HCG), 促卵泡激素(FSH)和促黄体生成激素(LH)

雌二醇
1.正常妊娠雌二醇轻度升高，胎盘娩出后急剧下降。

2.异常妊娠。双胎或多胎妊娠以及糖尿病孕妇，雌二醇大都升高;妊娠高血压综合征重症患者雌二醇较低，若雌二醇特别低，则提示胎儿宫内死亡的可能性，宜结合其他检查予以确定，以便及时处理;无脑儿雌二醇降低;葡萄胎时，雌二醇低落，尿中雌二醇含量仅为正常妊娠者的1--12％。

3.雌二醇值增高的病理病因：①卵巢疾患：卵巢颗粒层细胞瘤、卵巢胚瘤、卵巢脂肪样细胞瘤、性激素生成瘤等，均表现卵巢功能亢进，雌二醇分泌量增加。②心脏病：心肌梗塞、心绞痛、冠状动脉狭窄。③其他：系统性红斑狼疮、肝硬化、男性肥胖症。

4.雌二醇降低的病理原因：①卵巢疾病：卵巢缺如或发育低下，原发性卵巢衰竭、卵巢囊肿。②垂体性闭经或不孕。③其他：甲低或甲亢、柯兴氏综合征、阿狄森氏病、恶性肿瘤、较大范围的感染、肾功能不全、脑及垂体的局灶性病变等，均可使血浆雌二醇降低。

雌三醇
1.监测胎盘功能：胎盘功能不良，胎盘硫酸脂酶缺乏症以及妊娠高血压综合征影响子宫胎盘血液循环者，均可导致雌三醇值下降。一般说来，孕周＞42周的孕妇，其胎盘功能逐渐减退，每周检测雌三浓度2--3次，将有助于临床随时发现问题。如雌三醇持续高水平，可等待自然分娩;当雌三醇值降低，则反映胎儿—胎盘功能已趋向不良，胎儿随时可发生宫内意外，临床应及时引产或进行剖腹产。

2.监护高危妊娠：定期动态检测孕妇血或尿液雌三醇含量，可帮助估计孕期;雌三醇继续上升，提示妊娠未足月;若几次检测均在同一水平，提示为足月妊娠;如测定值逐渐下降则常为过期妊娠;明显降低，提示胎儿宫内窘迫，临床应严密监测胎动、胎心等指标，并针对实际情况积极采取相应措施;血浆雌三醇含量＜2mg/L，则胎儿宫内死亡的可能性很大。

3.协助诊断胎儿疾病：胎儿宫内生长发育迟缓、因孕妇吸烟过多或营养不良而影响胎儿发育者，雌三醇下降;胎儿先天性肾上腺发育不全或因无脑儿等畸形影响肾上腺功能者，雌三醇下降;而仅为正常值的10％左右。

4.其它疾病：冠心病、肝硬化等疾病时，雌三醇含量增高。

孕酮
1.正常妇女月经周期中，血中孕酮含量以黄体期最高、卵泡期最低。动态检测，有助于判定排卵期，了解黄体功能以及研究各种类固醇避孕药及抗早孕药的作用机理。

2.正常妊娠自第11周开始，血中孕酮含量升高，至35周达高峰，可达80--320ug/L。先兆流产时，孕酮仍为高值;若有下降趋势，则有流产之可能。多胎妊娠时，孕酮增高。

3.孕酮的病理性增高见于糖尿病孕妇、葡萄胎、卵巢颗粒层膜细胞瘤、卵巢脂肪样瘤、先天性肾上腺增生、先天性17a-羟化酶缺乏症、原发性高血压等疾病。

4.孕酮的病理性降低主要见于黄体生成障碍和功能不良，多囊卵巢综合征，无排卵型功能失调子宫出血、严重妊娠高血压综合征、妊娠性胎盘功能不良、胎儿发育迟缓及死胎。

人绒毛膜促性腺激素(HCG)
1.诊断早孕：在受精卵着床后5--7天即能测出HCG，以血清HCG值作为诊断早孕的指标，符合率达98--100％。

2.滋养层细胞肿瘤的诊断、疗效观察和预后判断：葡萄胎和绒毛膜上皮癌患者的血清HCG明显高于正常妊娠，且其分泌量与癌细胞总数以及病情严重程度呈正相关。在治疗过程中动态检测HCG浓度，实际上反映了癌细胞群生长或退化的状态。这对临床选择治疗方案、观察疗效和判断预后都有实用价值。一般葡萄胎刮宫术后，血清HCG浓度降至正常，随访期间若回升则提示复发。同时测定脑脊液和血清HCG浓度，计算其浓度比值，有助于确定有无绒癌脑转移。

3.诊断宫外孕：对月经过期而无早孕症状、HCG较高而人工流产未见绒毛组织者，考虑为宫外孕。

4.先兆流产的处理依据：通过动态检测，观察HCG的变化，对HCG浓度下降不明显而仍接近正常者，可积极保胎，经治疗HCG浓度渐上升，并与妊娠月份相符，多能继续妊娠;而对HCG逐渐下降，且下降至一定程度者，孕妇流产已不可避免，宜人工流产以终止妊娠。

5.不全流产的鉴别诊断：流产4周后HCG应转为正常，而不全流产者HCG仍会高于正常;若宫腔感染或产后子宫复旧不全，其HCG在正常范围。

6.诊断异位HCG肿瘤：作为肿瘤标志物，不同组织脏器肿瘤HCG的阳性检出率高低不一，依次分别为：绒毛细胞管细胞瘤66％，乳腺瘤60％，睾丸瘤51％，卵巢腺瘤36％，胰腺瘤33％，胃癌22％，肝癌17％，肠癌13％，肺癌9％。7.用于生育研究：HCG可作为观察抗早孕药物效果的指标之一。

促卵泡激素(FSH)和促黄体生成激素(LH)
1.FSH、LH增高常见于性腺原发性病变，如卵巢功能早衰、性腺发育不全、原发性闭经、原发性性功能减退、曲细精管发育障碍、完全性(真性)性早熟。

2.FSH、LH降低主要见于垂体或下丘脑性闭经、不完全性(假性)性早熟。

3.垂体FSH瘤或LH瘤以及FSH/LH瘤患者，因腺瘤类型不同，血清FSH和LH浓度呈不同类型的改变：FSH瘤主要表现为FSH增高，LH可正常;LH瘤者，LH明显增高，FSH降低;FSH/LH瘤者，FSH和LH皆增高。

4.检测闭经妇女FSH和LH浓度，可对卵巢性闭经和垂体或下丘脑性闭经作出有效鉴别。一般认为低LH(＜51U/L)较可靠地指示腺垂体分泌GTH功能不足，而高FSH(＞40IU/L)比较可靠地指示卵巢功能衰竭，如为高FSH伴高LH，则能够可靠肯定为卵巢功能衰竭。如果血清FSH、LH均为异常低值或FSH在正常下限，LH为异常低值，可诊断为垂体或下丘脑性闭经。继而应用促黄体生释放激素(LRH)作垂体兴奋试验，即可进一步区分垂体与下丘脑性闭经：兴奋试验表现为LH和FSH增高而峰时推迟，提示垂体储备功能良好，应考虑为下丘脑性闭经;如LH和FSH弱反应，提示垂体储备功能低，应考虑为垂体性闭经。综上所述，可联合分析多项指标对闭经的病变部位作出鉴别。爱心提示：检查内分泌(性激素)最好在月经来潮的第三天。但对于月经长期不来潮而且又急于了解检查结果者，则随时可以检查，这个时间就默认为月经前的时间，其结果也就参照黄体期的检查结果。

Estradiol (Estrogen) 17β雌二醇

Estradiol (17β-estradiol) (also oestradiol) is a sex hormone. Mislabelled the "female" hormone, it is also present in males; it represents the major estrogen in humans. Estradiol has not only a critical impact on reproductive and sexual functioning, but also affects other organs including bone structure.

Production

During the reproductive years, most estradiol in women is produced by the granulosa cells of the ovaries by the aromatization of androstenedione (produced in the theca folliculi cells) to estrone, followed by conversion of estrone to estradiol by 17β-hydroxysteroid reductase. Smaller amounts of estradiol are also produced by the adrenal cortex, and (in men), by the testes.
Estradiol is not only produced in the gonads: in both sexes, precursor hormones, specifically testosterone, are converted by aromatization to estradiol. In particular, fat cells are active to convert precursors to estradiol, and will continue to do so even after menopause. Estradiol is also produced in the brain and in arterial walls.

Metabolism
In plasma, estradiol is largely bound to sex hormone binding globulin, also to albumin, -only a fraction is free and biologically active. Deactivation includes conversion to less active estrogens such as estrone and estriol. Estriol is the major urinary metabolite. Estradiol is conjugated in the liver by sulfate and glucuronide formation and as such excreted via the kidneys. Some of the watersoluble conjugates are excreted via the bile duct, and partly reabsorbed after hydrolysis from the intestinal tract. This enterohepatic circulation contributes to maintaining estradiol levels

Measurement
Serum estradiol measurement in women reflects primarily the activity of the ovaries. As such they are useful in the detection of baseline estrogen in women with amenorrhea or menstrual dysfunction and to detect the state of hypoestrogenicity and menopause. Furthermore, estrogen monitoring during fertility therapy assesses follicular growth and is useful in monitoring the treatment. Estrogen-producing tumors will demonstrate persistent high levels of estradiol and other estrogens. In precocious puberty estradiol levels are inappropriately increased.

Estradiol levels (blue line) during the menstrual cycle
In the normal menstrual cycle estradiol levels measure typically pregnancy estrogen levels including estradiol rise steadily towards term. The source of these estrogens is the placenta that aromatizes prohormones produced in the fetal adrenal gland.



Female reproduction
In the female, estradiol acts as a growth hormone for tissue of the reproductive organs, supporting the lining of the vagina, the cervical glands, the endometrium and the lining of the fallopian tubes. It enhances growth of the myometrium. Estradiol appears necessary to maintain oocytes in the ovary. During the menstrual cycle, estradiol that is produced by the growing follicle triggers, via a positive feedback system, the hypothalamic-pituitary events that lead to the luteinizing hormone surge, inducing ovulation. In the luteal phase estradiol, in conjunction with progesterone, prepares the endometrium for implantation. During pregnancy estradiol increases due to placental production. In baboons, blocking of estrogen production leads to pregnancy loss suggesting that estradiol has a role in the maintenance of pregnancy. Research is investigating the role of estrogens in the process of initiation of labor.

Estrogen and Progestin Bioactivity of Foods, Herbs, and Spices

Over 150 herbs traditionally used by herbalists for treating a variety of health problems were extracted and tested for their relative capacity to compete with estradiol and progesterone binding to intracellular receptors for progesterone (PR) and estradiol (ER) in intact human breast cancer cells. The six highest ER-binding herbs that are commonly consumed were soy, licorice, red clover, thyme, turmeric, hops, and verbena. The six highest PR-binding herbs and spices commonly consumed were oregano, verbena, turmeric, thyme, red clover and damiana. Some of the herbs and spices found to contain high phytoestrogens and phytoprogestins were further tested for bioactivity based on their ability to regulate cell growth rate in ER (+) and ER (-) breast cancer cell lines and to induce or inhibit the synthesis of alkaline phosphatase, an end product of progesterone action, in PR (+) cells. In general, we found that ER-binding herbal extracts were agonists, much like estradiol, whereas PR-binding extracts, were neutral or antagonists. The bioavailability of phytoestrogens and phytoprogestins in vivo were studied by quantitating the ER-binding and PR-binding capacity of saliva following consumption of soy milk, exogenous progesterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, or wild mexican yam products containing diosgenin. Soy milk caused a dramatic increase in saliva ER-binding components without a concommitant rise in estradiol. Consumption of PR-binding herbs increased the progestin activity of saliva, but there were marked differences in bioactivity. In summary, we have demonstrated that many of the commonly consumed foods, herbs, and spices contain phytoestrogens and phytoprogestins that act as agonists and antagonists in vivo.

Herbs and Spices Containing ER Binding Components
Micrograms of Estradiol Equivalents/200 cc or 2 g Dry Herb

Soy milk
8/200cc
Yucca
0.5/2g
Licorice
4/2 g
Turmeric
0.5
Clover (red)
3
Hops
0.5
Mandrake
3
Verbena
0.5
Bloodroot
2
Yellow dock
0.5
Thyme
2
Sheep sorrel
0.5
Soy milk, herbs, and spices were extracted and tested for their ER-binding capacity as described in the Methods. Soy milk and 11 of the herbs and spices with the highest activity are listed and expressed in total estradiol binding equivalents per 200 cc of soy milk or 2 g of dried herb. Values were rounded to the nearest 0.5 micrograms of estradiol binding equivalents. Results are representative of at least two other assays.


Herbs and Spices Containing PR Binding Components
Micrograms of Progesterone Equivalents/2 g Dry Herb

Bloodroot
100
Thyme
4
Ocotillo
8
Calamus rt.
3
Mandrake
8
Red clover
3
Oregano
8
Goldenseal
3
Damiana
6
Licorice
3
Pennyroyal
5
Mistletoe
3
Verbena
5
Cumin
2
Nutmeg
4
Fennel
2
Turmeric
4
Camomille
2
Yucca
4
Cloves
2
Herbs and spices were extracted and tested for their PR-binding capacity as described in the Methods. The 20 herbs and spices with the highest activity are listed and expressed in progesterone-binding equivalents. Values were rounded to the nearest microgram of progesterone-binding equivalents. Results are representative of at least two other assays.

Endometriosis - Diet and Nutrition

Endometriosis is an estrogen-sensitive condition, but the painful menstrual cramping that occurs is predominantly due to prostaglandin synthesis in the body. Prostaglandins are naturally occurring fatty acids, which are derived from dietary sources. The body can produce different types of prostaglandins through a complex series of pathways. There are the ‘good guys’ and the ‘bad guys’ of the prostaglandin group. The goal of a controlled diet is to block the ‘bad guys’ for their negative actions on the body, and increase the ‘good guys’ for their opposite and beneficial actions. The action of the bad guys is to increase uterine contractions, and the good guys have a soothing effect. By changing the types of oils that are taken into the diet, the production of the good guys can be stimulated, which helps with uterine relaxation. These oils are composed of omega-3 fatty acids, which lead to positive prostaglandin production. Excellent sources of the omega-3 fatty acid producing oils are:
evening primrose
Walnut oil
flax seeds/oil
It is also important to decrease intake of those fatty acids that will stimulate the bad guys which are found in saturated fats, butter, animal and organ meat, lard. For a comprehensive description of Prostaglandins, how they work, and what effects they have on endometriosis, infertility, pain and inflammation - read further here In addition to decreasing bad fat intake, the diet should also consist of high fiber. Not only does this help with good digestion, but it is also thought that a diet high in fiber can decrease total circulating estrogens. It is recommended to incorporate 25 grams per day of fibre. Good sources are:
whole grains excluding wheat and rye
beans, peas and pulses
brown rice
vegetable and fruits
oatmeal

The following foods are recommended to modulate estrogen levels by incorporating one or two servings a day:
mustard greens
broccoli
cabbage
turnips

FOODS TO AVOID
wheat * - this includes breads, cakes and pasta products, all based on wheat
refined and concentrated carbohydrates
refined sugars and honey - causes inflammatory reaction
alcohol
caffeine which is found in tea, coffee, soft drinks -increases abdominal cramps
chocolate
dairy produce including all milk and cheese - inflammatory
fried food, margarine and hydrogenated fats
soy products and soy protein - tamari can be used in small amounts
tinned and frozen packaged foods as little as possible
additives and preservatives Note: Meat, dairy and eggs, promote the pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.

FOODS BENEFICIAL FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
beans, peas, lentils
onions
garlic (raw or lightly cooked)
carrots (contain beta-carotene)
live yogurt (good for healthy intestinal flora)
rhubarb
seeds and sprouted seeds
ginger
green tea

HORMONE REBALANCING
Foods containing natural plant sterols can be helpful. They are thought to block the estrogen receptors, so in turn excess estrogen in the body cannot ‘lock-in’ to these receptors. These include:
peas, beans and pulses
red and purple berries
garlic
apples
parsley
fennel
brassicas: cabbage, cauliflower etc
nuts and seeds
celery, carrots
rhubarb
sage

VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS
Although the best source of vitamins and minerals is through a well balanced diet, many foods today are depleted in these vital trace elements. Today, most of us need to supplement our diet with some of the vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function optimally.
The following is a list of supplements that will help women with Endometriosis:
Magnesium - is a mineral and is believed to ease cramping with menstruation
Zinc - is essential for enzyme activity, helping cells to reproduce which will help with healing. Zinc is also reported to boost the immune system and helping to create an emotional sense of well-being
Calcium - levels of calcium in menstruating women decrease 10 to 14 days before the onset of menstruation. Deficiency may lead to muscle cramps, headache or pelvic pain.
Iron - women with Endometriosis tend to have very heavy periods which can lead to an iron deficiency. This can lead to anemia which is characterized by extreme fatigue and weakness.
B vitamins - these are important for the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the body. B vitamins are reported to improve the emotional symptoms of Endometriosis, and have proved helpful in dealing with PMT
Vitamin C - is well known for helping to boost the immune system and help provide resistance to disease. It is also used in the body to build and maintain collagen within the body.
Vitamin A - is another immune system booster
Vitamin E - plays an important role by increasing oxygen carrying capacities and also strengthens the immune system
Selenium - when taken together with vitamin E has been reported to decrease inflammation associated with Endometriosis, as well as immune system booster.

OTHER USEFUL SNIPPETS:
Certain vegetables have substances that activate liver enzymes and help the liver to detoxify chemicals. This allows the liver to eliminate excess estrogen from the body more effectively. These vegetables include: broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts.
Auto immune diseases are thought to be triggered by free- radicals in the body, which could be an added factor in Endometriosis. Free radicals are destructive molecules and are found naturally in the body but can be made worse by pollution, stress, illness and smoking. There are minerals and vitamins that will help to fight off these free-radicals because of their antioxidant properties, including: vitamins A,C,E, CoQ10, selenium, vitamin B complex, as well as specific supplements being sold specifically as Antioxidants.
It is very common for women with Endometriosis to suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I used to suffer from it myself, and it took quite a while to define which foods would trigger it off. These triggers can vary from one woman to another. Even simple things like drinking a hot drink when it was too hot would trigger it off in me. You need to really pay attention as to what your own subtle triggers are, as well as which foods will set it off.

TO SUM UP
increase omega-3 fatty acids
avoid meat, dairy products, wheat and sugar
increase fiber
modulate estrogen
avoid caffeine and alcohol
avoid refined foods, e-numbers, additives
minimize or avoid soy products as they contain high levels of phytoestrogens, and soy contains a particular toxin which seems to be particularly detrimental for women with Endometriosis
peel fruit and vegetables to remove toxic chemicals
eat organic produce wherever possible
drink lots of filtered or mineral water

Start consuming with (纤维粉) Psyllium Husk

Psyllium Husk is a supplement that will helps you if you suffering from Constipation.
mind you , i don't have Constipation problem , just ocassionally having problem clearing my bowels if i eat small portion of meals. : )

if i consume a 2 to 3 spoon of Psyllium at night an hour after my dinner, on the next day i can clear my bowel with ease. wow i like the improvement and the after feel .
However, if i consume that in the morning before my breakfast does not obtain the similar effect.

I started off with 3 spoons of psyllium husk , mixed with 150CC warm water (abt 60 deg or less) and 250cc of room temp. water and when you stir the Psyllium in it , the Psyllium immediate expand to become gel or gum form , turns Mucilage is the actual word to describe it ,

Psyllium husk itself is tasteless, some people says it taste bland. I not particular keen of eating that just by that alone, So i mixed with fruits like cherry , grape , fruits that are good for me.
i now really like the taste of it. Of course , after eating that , i have to drink another 400cc of warm water before i sleep. You must know to wash out the psyllium effectively from our system is by drinking more water and it will come out on the next day morning.

points to take note:
psyllium is not good to consume alone when it is dry. It is prefered to be consumed after it turns mucilage. How watery or sticky you mix the psyllium with water is really up to you. but i prefer slightly watery, so that it will no interfere or obstruct the gastrointestinal tract ; another words my gastro will still absorb my foods which i have taken in an hour ago and the fruits taken down with the psyllium , plus will not dehydrate your body that much.
unless what you eat just now are oily and unhealthy , you wish the psyllium to cleanse your gastro , then mix the psyllium as thicky n sticky as possible. Do drink alot of water afterwards, it will kinda of dehydrate your body easily.

Blood Type Diet - Type O

Type Os thrive on intense physical exercise and animal protein. Unlike the other blood types, Type Os muscle tissue should be slightly on the acid side. Type Os can efficiently digest and metabolize meat because they tend to have high stomach-acid content. The success of the Type O Diet depends on the use of lean, chemical-free meats, poultry, and fish. Type Os don't find dairy products and grains quite as user friendly as do most of the other blood types.

The initial weight loss on the Type O Diet is by restricting consumption of grains, breads, legumes, and beans. The leading factor in weight gain for Type Os is the gluten found in wheat germ and whole wheat products, which interferes with insulin efficiency and slow down metabolic rate. Another factor that contribute to weight gain is certain beans and legumes (lentils and kidney beans) contain lectins that deposit in the muscle tissues making them less "charged" for physical activity. The third factor in Type O weight gain is that Type Os have a tendency to have low levels of thyroid hormone or unstable thyroid functions, which also cause metabolic problems. Therefore it is good to avoid food that inhibits thyroid hormone (cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mustard green) but increase hormone production (kelp, seafood, iodized salt).

Several classes of vegetables can cause big problems for Type Os, such as the Brassica family (cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) can inhibit the thyroid function. Eat more vegetables that are high in Vitamin K, which helps the clotting factor which is weak in Type Os. The nightshade vegetables can cause lectin deposit in the tissue surrounding the joints.

Because of the high acidity stomach, Type Os should eat fruits of alkaline nature such as berries and plums..

Type Os should severely restrict the use of dairy products. Their system is not designed for the proper metabolism. If you are a Type O of African ancestry, you should eliminate dairy foods and eggs altogether.

	Characteristics of Type O		Best on High Protein Diet
	Thrive on intense physical exercise and animal proteins
	Do not do well with dairy and grain products
	Hardy digestive tract
	The leading factor in weight gain for Type Os is the gluten found in wheat germ and whole wheat products.
	Type O have a tendency to have low levels of thyroid hormone and unstable thyroid functions, which cause metabolic problems and weight gain.
	Type O have high stomach-acid content, can digest meat easily.
	Comments	Most Beneficial	Food allowed	Food not allowed
	The more stressful your job or demanding your exercise program, the higher the grade of protein you should eat	Beef, Lam, Mutton, Veal, Venison
Protein	Type Os can efficiently digest and metabolize meats		Any meat except for those listed not allowed	Bacon, Ham, Goose, Pork
	Cold-water fish are excellent for Type Os. Many seafoods are also excellent sources of iodine, which regulates the thyroid function.	Cod, herring, Mackerel	Any fish or seafood except for those listed not allowed	Barracuda, Pickled herring, Catfish, Smoked salmon, Caviar, Octopus, Conch
Dairy	Type Os need to severely restrict the use of dairy products and eggs		Butter, Farmer, Feta, Mozzarella, Goat cheese	All other dairy products and yogurts
Fat	Type Os respond well to oils	Olive Oil, Flaxseed oil	Canola oil, Sesame Oil	Corn oil, Peanut oil, Cottonseed oil, Safflower oil
Nuts	These foods should in no way take the place of high-protein meats, and they are high in fat especially if you are overweight.	Pumpkin seeds, Walnuts	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Brazil, Cashew, Peanut, Pistachios, Poppy Seeds
Beans	Type Os don't utilize beans particularly well. They tend to make muscle tissue slightly less acidic and inhibit the metabolism of other nutrients.	Aduke beans, Azuki beans, Pinto beans, Black-eyed peas	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Beans - copper, kidney, navy, tamarine. Lentils - domestic, green, red.
Grains	Type Os do not tolerate whole wheat products at all.	Essene Bread, Ezekiel Bread	Amaranth, Barley, Buckwheat, Rice, Kamut, Kasha, Millet, Spelt	Corn, Gluten, Graham, Wheat (Bulgur, Durum, Sprouted, white and whole, Germ and Bran) farina, Oat, Seven-grains, or any products such as flour, bread and noodles made with these grain products
Vegetables	These vegetables inhibit the thyroid function for Type Os			Brassica family: Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mustard greens
	These vegetables help blood clot, Type Os lack several clotting fractors and need vitamin K to assist in the process	Kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, spinach
	These vegetables irritate the digestive tract and the high mold count can aggravate Type O hypersensitivity problems.			Alfalfa sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, fermented olives
	These vegetables can cause arthritic conditions in Type Os			Nightshades: eggplant, potatoes
	This vegetable affect the production of insulin, often lead to obesity and diabetes for the Type Os.			Corn
	This fruit agglutinate all blood types but Type Os.		Tomatoes
		Artichoke, Chicory, Dandelion, Garlic, Horseradish, Kale, Leek, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Parsnips, Red Peppers, Sweet potatoes, Pumpkin, seaweed, turnips	All kinds except those listed not allowed	avocado
Fruits	Dark red, blue and purple fruits tend to cause an alkaline reaction the digestive tract, and therefore balance the high acidity of the Type Os digestive tract to reduce ulcers and irritations of the stomach lining.	Plums, prunes, figs
	These fruits contain high mold counts which can aggravate Type Os hypersensitivity problems (allergies)			Melons, cantaloupe, honeydew
	These fruits are high in acid content which may irritate the acidic stomach of Type Os		Grapefruit, most berries	Oranges, tangerines and strawberries, blackberries, Rhubarb
	Fruits are not only an important source of fiber, minerals and vitamins, but they can be an excellent alternative to bread and pasta for Type Os		All kinds except those listed not allowed
	Type Os are extremely sensitive to this fruit.			coconut and coconut-containing products
Spices	Rich source of Iodine to regulate the thyroid gland	Kelp-based seasonings, iodized salt
	Soothing to the digestive tracts of Type Os	Parsley, curry, cayenne pepper
	Irritants to the Type O stomach			White and black pepper, vinegar, capers, cinnamon, Cornstarch, Corn syrup, Nutmeg, Vanilla
Condiments				Ketchup, pickles, mayonnaise, relish
Beverages		Seltzer water, Club soda and tea		Coffee, Distilled liquor, Black Tea