Tag Archives: Women’s Health

HPV Facts

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I am in the midst of preparing a lecture on Cervical Dysplasia, Cervical Cancer & HPV for my Women’s & Men’s Health students at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. So, I am happily armed with new research to answer your questions.

This is a fact sheet I made up ages ago that never made it onto my website. It was meant to accompany the article on Cervical Dysplasia and HPV. Sometimes having facts like these handy can go a long way to ease anxiety about confusing medical diagnoses like “abnormal pap”.

HPV Facts

  • HPV refers to the Human Papilloma Virus, which is actually a group of over one hundred different viruses. Thirty to forty of these target the anogenital tissues (others cause plantar warts, for instance).
  • HPV is associated with cervical cancer – around 90% of the time.
  • 15 types of HPV are considered “high risk” in terms of their association with cervical cancer.
  • 4 types of HPV cause genital warts. These types are actually classified as “low risk” because they are not associated with cervical cancer.
  • HPV is sexually transmitted – via any skin to skin contact (eg finger-genital, genital-genital, genital-anus). Because it lives on skin, condoms do not prevent transmission (incidentally, neither does the spermicide nonoxynol-9). Also because it lives on skin, transmission occurs between women. Even women who have only ever had female sexual partners test positive for HPV. Oh, and for those of you who worry about these things, the virus CANNOT be transmitted by inanimate objects like toilet seats. Rest assured.
  • HPV infection is usually transient, meaning our bodies can clear the infection. And we might never know we have it. According to one medical reference, “ the overwhelming majority of [HPV] infections are cleared by the host immune system and never present as warts or neoplasia”.
  • HPV is common: Up to 80% of young women (usually defined in the studies as under 30, but sometimes younger) have HPV at any given time. According to the most common estimates, 75-80% of individuals of reproductive age have had an HPV infection. While HPV is most often found in abnormally growing cells, it is also found in healthy normal cells, indicating that the virus is not the entire cause of abnormal cell growth. So, HPV doesn’t always cause cancer, and not all cancer is associated with HPV. This is critical to understanding the complex etiology of dysplasia.
  • Gardasil, the new HPV vaccine, targets only four HPV types: 6, 11, 16, & 18. The former two types are associated with warts, and the latter are the two most commonly associated with cancer out of the 15 high-risk types. So, to clarify, the vaccine, which is based on the over-simplified notion that HPV causes cancer, does not even protect against all the high-risk strains of HPV, and of course does not address the myriad of other factors that contribute to whether or not someone has persistent dysplasia. Clearly, then, this is not a prevent cancer vaccine, exactly.
  • Gardasil, then, is a vaccine against four out of one hundred types of HPV.

A gift that says, “love your boobies”:

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Therapeutic Herbal Oil for Breast, Chest & Beyond

This herbal oil smells great, and acts deeply.

Who is it for?

For women concerned about breast health & cancer prevention, for people with a tendency to swelling in their lower legs, for anyone who could use some sensual self care. For healing scars, for decreasing swollen glands, for cyclically tender or cystic breasts.

What does it do?

  • Supports healthy hormone metabolism, decreasing breast risk of breast health concerns. Use it to help reverse elevated breast thermography readings, and as part of a cancer prevention program.
  • Enhances lymphatic circulation: decrease swollen glands, swollen legs, cyclically tender or cystic breasts
  • Moisturizes: all the herbs are extracted in a base of 100 % organic olive oil
  • Soothes and uplifts through its blend of essential oils.

What do I do with it?

Rub a small amount onto the targeted area (legs, breasts, chests, scar) daily after a bath or shower. Also great as a herbal bath oil, or as moisturizer for the whole body.
Can I eat it? Yes, as with any quality natural skin product, it is safe to eat, but it is meant to be absorbed through your skin.

Where can I get it?

Available only at Dandelion Naturopathic Clinic. Each 100 ml bottle is $17.70 plus HST.

What is in it?

Organic Extra Virgin Olive oil infused with Calendula & Red Clover Blossoms, Dandelion Root, Cleavers leaf, and Rose Petals; Essential oils of Rosemary, Lavender, Palmarosa, Lemon, Juniper & Frankincense.

Handmade with love & healing intention by Dr Mahalia Freed, ND.

Contains no parabens or other chemicals. No animal products or derivatives.

Backyard Medicine: Calendula officinalis

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Calendula is still blossoming here in Toronto right now, donating sunshine to the cold grey rain of late November. Every time I walk by some, it induces a grateful smile. What a beautiful reminder of the abundant medicine accessible to us, even as winter rolls in!

Calendula

Uses

This is another herb that is popular for good reason: used externally in creams, salves or herbal oils, Calendula is anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, supportive to the lymphatic system’s circulation, antibiotic, and anti-fungal. It is unsurpassed for treating local skin problems due to infection and for treating wounds, burns, bruises, and muscle strains (physical damage).  Internally (as a tincture or in tea), it has a similarly soothing & healing effect on the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract. Continue reading →

Health in your own backyard: Introducing Motherwort

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by Mahalia Freed ND

An important herb for the uterus, heart and nervous system, Motherwort (Leonuris cardiaca) is a great example of an urban herbal ally. This often-overlooked plant is central in formulas for menopausal/perimenopausal women as well as for PMS and painful periods. Motherwort is recognizable by the distinctive jagged shape of its scratchy leaves and characteristic square stem.

You can find this larger member of the mint family growing as a healthy, wild “weed” in laneways, ditches, and untended yards throughout the city. Now that you know what to look for, pause, sample a leaf, and appreciate the medicine at your fingertips!

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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Heart Health

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By Mahalia Freed ND

This article highlights a common women’s health concern seen in my practice. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, affects not only reproductive health and fertility, but also cardiovascular health.

Definition and Clinical Consequences

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a label referring to a complex and broad health picture. PCOS is diagnosed by presence of two of the following three things: (i) irregular ovulation or absence of ovulation, (ii) clinical and/or biochemical signs of high testosterone, and/or (iii) polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound. While presentation varies, the most common clinical manifestations are infertility, male pattern hair growth, obesity, and absent or infrequent menses. However, these concerns represent only the tip of the iceberg with respect to the PCOS picture. Less obvious consequence of PCOS lie below the surface. Women and transgendered men who have PCOS are at risk for hypertension, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, type II diabetes, and abnormalities in blood lipids such as elevated triglycerides and oxidized cholesterol. Additional complications include increased risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer, an altered (increased) stress response, and difficulty maintaining or attaining desired body weight compared to people who do not have PCOS. Finally, there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Naturopathic Pregnancy Care

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Optimizing Nutrition and Addressing Fatigue, Nausea, and other Common Concerns of Pregnancy

You are pregnant! Congratulations! The first trimester is a time of great transition and a myriad of potential emotions as you adjust to the idea of a new family constellation. It can also be a difficult time physically, with profound physiological changes as your body adapts to the needs of the growing fetus. For some women, the first trimester is dominated by nausea, extreme fatigue, and great confusion over conflicting prenatal advice or warnings. But, there is no need to suffer while you wait for the months to pass! Continue reading →

Allergy Season & Nettles

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by Mahalia Freed, ND

Allergy Season Tips

Hay fever (also known as seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis) is estimated to affect 10-20 % of the population in developed countries. Hay fever occurs when your immune system overreacts to airborne particles, most commonly the pollens of trees, grass, and ragweed. The unfortunately familiar list of symptoms includes runny & itchy nose, itchy, red, watery eyes, sneezing and congestion. People who suffer from seasonal allergies are more likely to develop asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections, and other complications. Interestingly, there is also new research suggesting a link between seasonal allergies and depression. Naturopathic medicine offers a variety of treatments that can effectively manage symptoms and bring resolution, with individual plans drawing on nutrition, herbal medicine, constitutional homeopathy and acupuncture.  One of my personal favorite herbs is a star in treating allergies, and it is profiled below. Continue reading →

Plastics, Pesticides and Periods: Xenoestrogens and Health

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Yes, there is a connection between hormonal balance and exposure to pesticides and certain plastics. That connection is xenoestrogens, an ever-expanding group of synthetic chemicals similar enough to our own estrogens that our bodies respond to them, but foreign enough that we cannot adequately get rid of them. They can build up in our bodies, stimulating estrogen-sensitive tissues and throwing off our delicate hormone balance. Xenoestrogens are linked to breast growth in prepubescent girls, gynecological concerns such as PMS, hot flashes, endometriosis and fibroids, and have clearly been shown to enhance the growth of breast cancer tumors. Studies also suggest that xenoestrogens decrease sperm counts in men, contribute to increased rates of testicular cancer and affect developing reproductive systems in utero. Thus, effective treatment & resolution of any of the above concerns must address this class of chemicals.

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Cervical Dysplasia & HPV

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cervix_anatomy (ADAM)Abnormal Paps, Cervical Dysplasia and HPV

A Pap test – the primary reason women are encouraged to have gynecological exams – is an evaluation of the health of your cervical cells, and a screening test for cervical cancer and precancerous changes. What does this mean? The cervix is the lower portion, or opening, of the uterus, through which blood, sperm and babies pass. You can feel it with your finger at the end of the vaginal canal: while the vaginal walls are muscular and soft, the cervix feels like the tip of the nose, with the opening palpable as a little indent. For those of you who like pictures, see www.beautifulcervix.com for a great selection of photos.

Cervical dysplasia refers to abnormal cervical cells. There are a few levels of abnormal cells that might be detected via a Pap, and then beyond that the cells become abnormal enough to be classified as cancer. Screening for cervical dysplasia has dramatically decreased the incidence of cervical cancer, as the area of abnormal cell growth can be treated long before it becomes malignant. Yet it is important to note that in practice, cervical dysplasia is fairly common, especially in women under 30. Cervical dysplasia is actually a great illustration of the capacity of the body to heal itself, with rates of regression to healthy cell form (without any treatment) as high as 75% in adults, and 91% in adolescents. Consider an abnormal Pap as an opportunity to pay attention and – with the support of your naturopathic doctor – make some healthy changes.

Causes

Cervical dysplasia is strongly associated with HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) infection (see info box). Factors that contribute to cervical dysplasia beyond HPV include smoking, lowered immune function, oral contraceptive use, poor nutrition, specific nutrient deficiencies (particularly folic acid and vitamin A), inflammation, altered vaginal flora (yeast and/or bacteria) and possibly stress. By addressing each of these risk factors from the root, naturopathic care is well-situated play a central role in both prevention and treatment of cervical dysplasia.

Diagnosis & Treatment

If cervical dysplasia as determined by a Pap test persists, you will be referred to a Colposcopy clinic, where a gynecologist will look at your cervix with a magnifying lens, and use vinegar to make areas of abnormal cell growth stand out. If they see anything that they deem suspicious, they will perform a biopsy to get more information. The biopsy provides a definitive answer to whether or not there is abnormal cell growth. (Paps are considered a screening test rather than a diagnostic test, and are not as reliable). If there is high grade dysplasia according to the biopsy, the doctor will likely recommend removing the area of abnormal cells with a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) or another surgical means. If the dysplasia is low-grade, the recommendation will more likely be to redo the test in 3-6 months.

Given that dysplasia progresses slowly if it does progress, it is possible to initiate naturopathic treatment and then reassess (via colposcopy, Pap & potentially biopsy) in 3-6 months, rather than beginning surgical intervention right away. Treatment may focus on enhancing immunity, directly targeting precancerous cells, or addressing nutrient deficiencies. As always, treatment plans are tailored to supporting your individual needs. Your plan may include oral and/or topical herbs, specific supplements, vitamins, and dietary recommendations.

For more information on cervical dysplasia diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, please contact Dr Mahalia Freed, ND.

For more about HPV, see HPV Facts.

Ditching Your Toxic Load: Far-Infrared Saunas for Detox

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The Chlorinated Villains and Their Impact

By now, you are likely aware of the negative health effects of chlorine-containing chemicals like pesticides, dioxins, and PCBs. We know that these chemicals, which the body is not adapted to process, accumulate in fatty tissue. This causes trouble in the form of breast and other cancers, infertility, endometriosis, hypothyroidism, neurological ailments such as ADD, brain fog and depression, chronic infection, allergies, autoimmune diseases, environmental illness, heart disease, and fatigue (Kaur 2003, Crinnion 2007, Rogers 2002). Alarmingly, the main way women purge these chemicals is through breast-feeding. A baby breast fed for 6 months receives more than 5 times the daily limit of PCBs set for a 150 lb adult (Kaur 2003)! Fortunately, there is another way to expel these toxins from our body fat: infrared saunas.

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