THE ECK INSTITUTE BULLETIN

ENDOMETRIOSIS, FIBROID TUMORS, OVARIAN CYSTS AND OTHER FEMALE HORMONE-RELATED DISORDERS

By Lawrence Wilson, MD

Female organ complaints are often complex health concerns. Genetic, nutritional, hormonal and emotional factors may be involved in these symptoms. Hair analysis research can be of great benefit for many patients with these conditions. This is a large topic that can only be summarized in the space of this article.

MANY FACTORS INFLUENCE HORMONES

Female hormone levels and the ratios between the individual hormones contribute to most female organ problems. Female hormones cycle during the month, and there are a number of hormones that all must be maintained in proper balance with each other.

For example, estrogen plays a key role in all these conditions. Estrogen is a general term that refers to three related hormones, estradiol, estriol and estrone. All are produced by the ovaries and by the adrenal glands, and must be in balance with each other, and in balance with progesterone and other hormones.

Hormone levels in turn are affected by many factors. Among these are pituitary gland activity, nutritional factors including toxic metals and trace element nutrition, adrenal and thyroid activity, genetic factors, diet, exercise, and one's emotional state.

A hair mineral analysis can provide several kinds of useful information including the oxidation rate, adrenal and thyroid activity, the sodium/potassium ratio, copper/zinc ratio, toxic metals, and energy levels.

THE OXIDATION RATE AND HORMONAL IMBALANCES

Most women are slow oxidizers. Most who have endometriosis, cysts and fibroids are very slow oxidizers. Slow oxidation may contribute to these conditions for several reasons:

1. Their adrenals and ovaries often produce less than optimum amounts of female hormones.

2. Many slow oxidizers are copper toxic and zinc deficient.

3. Many slow oxidizers have very underactive thyroid glands, indicated by a high ratio of calcium to potassium. Hypothyroidism is a contributor to some uterine and ovarian symptoms. The thyroid and adrenal glands work together. Imbalances in one may cause a compensatory imbalance in the other.

4. Most have low energy, which impairs all healing.

5. Slow oxidizers usually have high levels of toxic metals which interfere with normal metabolism. Toxic metals may not be revealed on the first few hair analyses if one's energy level is so low that the body cannot excrete the toxic metals.

COPPER TOXICITY

A strong relationship exists between copper and estrogen in the body. Women with female organ complaints almost always have a copper imbalance, as revealed by a properly performed and correctly interpreted hair mineral analysis, using the method of interpretation proposed by Dr. Paul C. Eck.

The hair copper level, as well as serum copper and serum ceruloplasm, are not reliable indicators. However, a hair mineral analysis in which the hair has not been washed at the laboratory provides many indicators of hidden copper imbalances, such as

1. Copper less than 1.0 mg%.

2 Sodium/potassium ratio less than about 2.4.

3. Calcium above about 50 mg%.

4. Potassium less than 5 mg%.

5. Mercury above 0.03 mg%.

6. Three lows pattern.

7. Four lows pattern.

8. Four highs pattern.

9. Sympathetic dominance patterns.

10. Possibly a phosphorus level less than 13 mg%.

As you can see, there are many of these indicators on a properly performed hair mineral test, and some are a bit subtle. Correcting a copper imbalance can significantly improve many female organ symptoms. Correction may occur quickly. However, chronic conditions may take up to several years to correct.

One reason is that the problem is seldom just a copper imbalance. Often the adrenals and thyroid are weak, toxic metals are present, energy is low, and multiple nutrient deficiencies are present. So it is not just a question of "fixing" the copper. However, with patience, persistence and attention to all aspects of lifestyle as well as supplementation, much can be accomplished. For much more on this topic, read Copper Toxicity Syndrome on this website.

LOW ENERGY

Low energy or “adrenal burnout” is another common finding on hair mineral analyses. Interestingly, the client may not even feel that her energy level is low. This is because in some cases, the presence of a toxic metal or a mental/emotional state may keep driving the person forward, masking a low energy condition.

Indicators for adrenal burnout on a properly performed and correctly interpreted hair analysis include:

1. A very slow oxidation rate

2. A calcium shell pattern (calcium above about 170 mg%)

3. Sodium/potassium ratio less than 2.4

4. Elevated toxic metals such as cadmium or others.

5. Three lows pattern.

6. Four lows pattern.

7. Sodium less than about 9 mg%.

8. Potassium less than 5 mg%.

9. Three or more extremely low toxic metal levels. This is called a double 0 pattern or extremely low metal pattern. For more on this fascinating way of interpreting a hair analysis read, Double 0s on this website.

Low energy is a common denominator of illness. Without sufficient energy, any organ or system can malfunction. Low energy permits toxic metals to accumulate. Digestion and absorption of nutrients suffer, often leading to even more serious conditions.

Scientific nutritional balancing programs based upon a tissue mineral analysis can help reverse the vicious cycle of low energy. Once again, several months to several years may be needed to replenish deficient nutrients, eliminate toxic metals and rebuild organs and glands. For more on adrenal exhaustion and burnout, read Adrenal Burnout Syndrome and Adrenal Insufficiency on this site.

TOXIC METALS

Toxic metals interfere with hundreds of enzyme systems in the body. They can contribute to practically any symptom. Excessive cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic, copper and others may all contribute to female organ symptoms. A nutritional balancing program will eliminate all of these in a gentle and safe manner. Once again, some time may be required if many are present, which is often the case with female organ complaints.

SYMPTOMATIC REMEDIES

Within the framework of a complete nutrition program, it is possible to alter hormone levels nutritionally. We have observed a rough correlation between the hair sodium/potassium balance and the estrogen/progesterone balance. Nutrients that increase sodium such as Ova-Adren, Endo-dren, iron, copper, boron and vitamin E may increase estrogen levels. Damiana and sarsaparilla, black cohosh and other herbs can do the same.

Zinc, wild yam extracts, and essential fatty acids such as fish oil, borage oil or primrose oil are anti-inflammatory and tend to favor progesterone. Nutrients that assist the liver can help detoxify estrogens faster. For this reason, GB-3 and ICMN may help lower estrogen levels.

Other natural therapies may also be very beneficial, including chiropractic, castor oil packs, colonic irrigation, reflexology, deep breathing and many others.

THE EMOTIONAL CONNECTION

Women's roles and the meaning of womanhood are shifting today. Some women feel caught between traditional roles and values, modern opportunities, and sometimes harsh realities. This may be a factor in the prevalence of female organ symptoms, and a reason why hysterectomy is the most commonly performed surgery today.

Sometimes a woman's symptoms may indicate a need for her to examine carefully her choices and priorities. She may need to assess whether she is just rebelling or conforming to someone else's standards, or living a life that creates the most happiness and fulfillment for her.

These emotional factors can play a powerful role in some women’s pelvic conditions. For more on this delicate subject, read Women’s Pelvic Syndrome on this website.

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