Before the Mirena IUD can be inserted, a pelvic exam must be conducted by a medical care provider. During the exam, a speculum is inserted into the vagina to reveal the cervix. The practitioner must assess the shape and size of the uterus to...
There are several reasons why a woman may have a heavy period. The term heavy period is relative, and any woman that notices a change in her menstrual flow should see her doctor. While some cases of increased menstrual flow are the result of...
Chasteberry, also called vitex, is used to balance female hormones, regulate menstruation and promote breast milk production. Germany’s regulatory agency for herbs, Commission E, approves vitex for treating mastodynia, or breast pain, as...
Menstrual cycles vary from woman to woman; however, most women get a period every 28 days. Bleeding between periods, passing large clots, bleeding for longer than seven days, or after menopause is abnormal. Herbal remedies may help regulate your...
Coumadin is the brand name of a common blood thinner called warfarin that is used to prevent and treat blood clots, according to MayoClinic.com. Most of the time it is used for short periods only, but when there is a risk of additional clotting...
The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that is shaped like a butterfly and is located above the collarbone. This gland is part of the endocrine system, which generates a number of hormones necessary for a variety of functions throughout the...
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland, explains EndocrineWeb.com. The thyroid gland is stimulated to produce thyroid hormones by the TSH from the pituitary gland. For whatever reason, if the body doesn't receive...
Thyroid gland dysfunction is common among Americans, especially American women. The National Thyroid Institute states that millions of people -- both diagnosed and undiagnosed -- suffer from thyroid problems such as an under-active thyroid...
Alli is a low-dose over-the-counter version of the prescription medication Xenical. Both contain the drug orlistat, which prevents the absorption of some of the fat you eat. Orlistat is associated with certain types of bleeding risks. Although you...
The chaste tree is a small, shrub-like tree. The berries of the chaste tree are used in herbal medicine to help treat premenstrual syndrome and menopause symptoms and to stimulate lactation, although evidence is conflicting as to its...
Fish oil is a popular supplement that can be taken to treat a variety of health problems, including a high risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Fish oil is safe for most people to use, but it can interact with some medications, such as...
Vitex agnus castus, known as chaste tree or chasteberry, grows naturally in Mediterranean countries and central Asia. The fruit extract of agnus castus is used as an herbal remedy, according to the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS)....
An intrauterine device (IUD) provides an effective means of long-term birth control. While IUD use is popular throughout the world, only 2 percent of American women use this form of birth control, according to the American College of Obstetricians...
The herb Vitex agnus-castus, commonly called chasteberry, and the herb Angelica sinensis, commonly called dong quai, are theorized to have benefits for women. The two herbs are used in alternative health circles to relieve unpleasant symptoms of...
The thyroid gland is considered a master gland in the body, having domain over the metabolism and production of hormones that maintain the body's energy level. When the thyroid gland is removed, usually due to a disease state, a rapid decline...
In traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, herbalists and midwives hail the medicinal herb dong quai as a panacea for women's health. Historically healers have believed that dong quai can ease women's complaints ranging from menstrual cramps and...
Clopidogrel, a medication available under the brand Plavix, is prescribed to prevent harmful blood clots in people at an elevated risk of stroke or heart attack. Because it has anti-platelet activity and reduces the blood's clotting ability,...
Agnus castus, Abraham's balm, safe tree, hemp tree, chaste tree, monk's pepper, vitex and chasteberry are the various names of the plant Vitex agnus castus. This plant is a shrub that bears slender spikes of violet-blue flowers of 3 to 4 inches....
Fennel, also known as foeniculum vulgare, is considered both an herb and a vegetable. It is used in culinary creations, toothpastes, mouth fresheners and as a medicinal remedy. With its antioxidant, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, carminative and...
The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just under the larynx, or voice box. The thyroid secretes two hormones: thyroxine, or T4, and triiodothyronine, or T3. Hormones T4 and T3 stimulate metabolism and promote cellular oxygen consumption....
Although vitamin B-12 and warfarin are not likely to interact with each other, they may negatively interact with other vitamins and supplements. Warfarin may also cause adverse side effects in some individuals, some of which can be...
Most women experience symptoms of bloating, fatigue, cramps, headache, digestive problems and mood swings before and during their menstrual cycle. One of the best ways to prevent and treat these symptoms is via a healthy diet, which can also aid...
Aloe vera gel has a natural pH of 4.3 and drinking it can help you treat and heal skin problems such as acne and rosacea, according to the book "Family Herbal--A Guide to Living Life With Energy, Health and Vitality," by herbalist Rosemary...
Native to South Africa, buchu leaf is harvested from three species of the genus Barosma, previously called Agathosma. Buchu leaf is a traditional herbal remedy for urinary tract infections and for bladder and prostate inflammation. People also use...
An IUD (intra-uterine device) is a method of contraception in which a small T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus. It is believed to work by altering the uterine lining and preventing implantation if fertilization should occur. There are...
A low platelet count, also referred to as thrombocytopenia, is a condition where the blood has difficulty clotting properly because of a low number of platelets in it. Platelets are cells in blood that are responsible for sticking together and...
ParaGard, also called the copper IUD, is one of two intrauterine devices FDA-approved for use in the United States. ParaGard is a T-shaped, plastic device that is inserted in the uterus. This birth control method is reversible, but when in place,...
Hormonal fluctuations, genetics and other factors can contribute to irregular menstruation and menstrual disorders according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. One or more missed periods is called amenorrhea. Menorrhagia is when a woman...
Chaste tree is an herbal supplement that may help you if you have problems related to your menstrual cycle. Problems such as amenorrhea, the loss of menstrual flow, may benefit from this herbs supplement. Its direct influence on the pituitary...