Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

258 • HOMEOPATHIC SELF-HELPDISORDERHEAVY PERIODS (MENORRHAGIA)Heavy periods are defined as those with profuse bleeding, orflooding, which quickly soaks through any sanitary protection andmay include large clots of blood, or bleeding that continues for morethan seven days. They may be due to pelvic infection, hormonalimbalance, fibroids (see page 199), endometriosis (formation of cystsin the pelvic cavity from bleeding fragments of uterus lining), stress,overwork, or approaching menopause (see below). The use ofintrauterine devices can also increase menstrual blood flow.SELF-HELP Reduce your intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, milk, and dairyproducts, and eat plenty of raw vegetables. Take 30 minutes ofmoderate exercise every day but avoid overexertion.CAUTION If your menstrual cycle is regular but the flow is heavier thanusual or exhibits some other change, consult a doctor. If you havehad sexual intercourse regularly and a period is late and heavier thanusual, see a doctor within 12 hours.MENOPAUSEMenopause is the cessation of menstruation that occurs in womenbetween the ages of 45 and 55. It should not be considered anailment but rather a fact of physical and emotional life that somewomen adjust to better than others. Symptoms occur as a resultof diminishing hormone production by the ovaries, and include hotflashes, vaginal dryness, aches and pains, dizziness, loss of appetite,weariness, chilliness, and palpitations. Psychological symptomsinclude tearfulness, irritability, anxiety, nervousness, depression,and insomnia. Menopausal symptoms may be exacerbated by stress.Counterbalancing the reduction in hormone production is the basisof conventional treatment—hormone replacement therapy (HRT).Homeopathy does not view menopause simply in terms ofhormones, but adopts a more holistic approach to body imbalancesthat may have existed for a long time. Constitutional treatment(see page 176) may be required.SELF-HELP Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods, and eat littleand often. Cotton underwear, lightweight clothes, and cool showersor baths will reduce the impact of hot flashes. Do moderate exerciseand practice deep breathing (see page 217) or yoga. Ease vaginaldryness with calendula ointment, and increase lubrication duringsexual intercourse with a vaginal lubricant.CAUTION If there is any bleeding six months beyond the last period,or prolonged spotting between periods, consult a doctor.BREAST PAINGeneral tenderness in the breast is common before a period.Localized pain may be due to an abscess or a lump. Abscesses maydevelop from mastitis (see page 201), while lumps may be caused byfibroadenosis (thickening of breast tissue), benign growths, or cancer.SELF-HELP If breast-feeding, bathe the breast in hot water. If breastpain has other causes, reduce intake of animal fats, tea, andcaffeine, and substitute oily fish for meat and dairy products.CAUTION If you are breast-feeding and have breast pain, especiallyif it is accompanied by a fever, see a doctor within 24 hours. Ifthe nipple or breast changes, or if a hard, tender area develops,see a doctor immediately.SPECIFIC AILMENTHeavy periods inoverweight womenHeavy periods withapathy and indifferenceHeavy periods withnervous excitementInability to cope duringmenopauseMenopause with hotflashes, perspiration,and faintingLoss of libido duringmenopauseMenopause withhot flashes in warmconditionsBreast is tender evenwhen lightly touchedBreast is hardand inflamedPHYSICAL SYMPTOMS• Fluid retention that exacerbates a weight problem• Possible backache, perspiration, and clumsiness• Blood is bright red• Possible abdominal cramps• Periods are irregular• Severe abdominal cramps• Itchy vaginal discharge• Sweating during menstruation• Visual disturbances, such as spots or flashes• Periods are irregular• Blood flow includes dark clots• Intermittent bleeding• Abdominal cramps• Headache, dizziness, and fainting• Very pale face• Headache that is worse on the left side• Perspiration on the face and back of the neckduring sleep• Craving for sweet foods• Swollen finger joints• Sensation as though there is a kettle boilinginside the body that is relieved by perspiring• Headache that is worse on the left side• Dizziness and fainting• Hot flushing of the face• Constricted feeling in the throat and abdomen• Heavy, irregular periods leading intomenopause• Possible candidiasis• Vaginal dryness causing pain duringsexual intercourse• Hot flashes if in a hot room or a roomfull of people• Tendency to put on weight easily• Headaches and migraines that are worseon the left side• Craving for sweet foods• Breast is tender to the slightest touch• Breast is swollen • Stitchlike pain in the nipple• Desire to press the breast hard with the hands• Legs feel heavy• Possible reduction in sex drive• Breast is hard and inflamed, and feels asthough there might be an abscess forming• Discomfort on the slightest movement• Possible bursting headache• Great but infrequent thirst• Possible constipation