May 2012

PTSD: The Gift of Fear or Burden

Published on
3380 views

The Gift of Fear

In high school, my dad gave me a book called The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker (you can create a free account on the NYTimes website and read the first chapter here). I was, and still am, obsessed with FBI profiling manuscripts, cop dramas and serial killers. In hindsight, I realize that it was my way of coping with a neighbor who’s behavior was quickly escalating from peeking in our windows at night, to breaking in when we weren’t home, and knocking on the door when I was home alone (we think he probably had some sort of surveillance to know when my parents left). The book saved my life.

In The Gift of Fear, the author explains how we are genetically designed for survival. Our fight or flight instincts kick in even if we do not see or consciously recognize a danger. Have you ever gotten that weird feeling that something just isn’t right? Listen to it. The author explains that our subconscious puts together clues that we see, hear or feel, even if our conscious mind doesn’t recognize them because we are writing to do lists in our mind, talking on the phone, or in general not paying attention. When watching horror movies we make fun of the main character for walking into obvious danger, but we live in a perpetually preoccupied state and might not pick up on obvious clues either. However, according to the book, our subconscious does and this fear is a gift. So, when you get that icky feeling when walking into an empty parking garage, go get the building security guard to escort you. This is one of many simple steps you can take to NOT make yourself an easy target.

More than once, I knew the prowler was out there. Even before I heard his heavy boots crunch on our gravel driveway, or his pounding fist on the backdoor. More than once, I followed this gut feeling and called 911 and had a deputy out there before he could break-in or drive me out of the house. Every time the deputy found some sort of proof that he had been there. I understood that this fear was a gift and I couldn’t ignore it.

Gift Turned Burden

In most people, once the disaster, trauma, or threat is gone, their fight or flight instincts go back to standby mode. However, in individuals who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, their fight or flight instinct is altered. They live in a perpetual state of awareness. In my example above, if I suffered from PTSD because of this repeated trauma, I would show symptoms including nightmares, hyper-arousal, avoidance of situations that made me vulnerable or reminded me of the prowler. The gift of fear would tun into a burden as I lived in a permanent state of fear.

New studies show that the brain chemistry of individuals suffering from PTSD actually changes, but before I go into the details, it’s important to look at the symptoms and definition of PTSD.

Diagnosis

Like mystery meats in school cafeterias, most people think they know what PTSD is, but might be wrong. I was surprised to learn that my own associations of this term were incorrect as I researched this article.

The National Center for PTSD defines it as “an anxiety disorder that can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. A traumatic event is something horrible and scary that you see or that happens to you.” The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM) lists criterion that a person has to meet in order to be diagnosed. This includes a history of exposure to a traumatic event, intrusive recollections, avoidant/numbing symptoms, and hyper-arousal symptoms. For the full definition/criterion click here. If you or anyone you know suffers from these symptoms please check out the information on the National Center for PTSD website and seek professional help.

A traumatic event can include a number of things, but the National Center for PTSD lists the following three categories: Disaster and terrorism, this includes human-caused events (such as terrorist attacks), and natural disasters (like floods and tsunamis); violence and other trauma, this includes abuse and sexual trauma, and motor vehicle accidents; and military trauma, which is a combination of the previous categories, but occurs in a military environment. Military is probably the most recognized trauma because of the ongoing wars over the last decade.

History

PTSD wasn’t recognized by the medical world until 1980, when it was included in the third edition of the DSM. Of course, the public was well aware of the effects that trauma can have on our veterans and labeled it as “shell shock.” Now that we know that it exists, we can provide veterans and their loved ones tools to cope.

PTSD Brain

What biologically happens to someone suffering from PTSD and why does it only happen to some and not others? New studies reveal that one of the hormones that regulate fight or flight, cortisol, is altered in the brain of someone with PTSD.

As reported previously on Lucine: cortisol is a steroid hormone produced in the cortex of the adrenal gland. It belongs to a class of hormones called glucocorticoids and plays an important role in regulating cardiovascular function, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, sugar maintenance, and inflammatory response. Cortisol is best known as the stress hormone, and is released in response to stress, and is part of the fight or flight system. Under normal conditions the body regulates cortisol levels which is usually high in the morning and low at night. But under stressful conditions more cortisol is secreted.

Furthermore, the Mayo Clinic states that Cortisol also curbs functions that would be nonessential or detrimental in a fight-or-flight situation. It alters immune system responses and suppresses the digestive system, the reproductive system and growth processes. This complex natural alarm system also communicates with regions of your brain that control mood, motivation and fear.

People suffering from chronic stress overproduce cortisol, but, strangely, those suffering from PTSD have lower cortisol levels. New research shows that the differing levels of cortisol in anxiety disorders are caused by a hypersensitive hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA). The result is hypocortisolemia, or low cortisol levels, in PTSD patients. Further studies have to be conducted, but imagine what information can do to the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD sufferers.

Treatment

Current treatment includes cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and group counseling, which all focus on talking through and understanding the patient’s reactions to memories of the trauma.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant medicine also used in treatment. However with the increasing rate of suicide among returning veterans and the listed side effect of suicidal thoughts/behavior on anti-depressants it is more important than ever to truly understand the cause of PTSD in order to properly treat it.

Conclusion

It is not yet known why some individuals will develop PTSD and others won’t, even when faced with the same situation. Because PTSD is a relatively new diagnosis there is much more to learn about the causes and treatments. It is important to understand that if you or someone you love no longer has a gift of fear, but rather is burdened by it, there is help.

Veterans, please read about the benefits available to you here.

In the coming weeks I’ll be looking into PTSD in female veterans, how our hormones might affect PTSD and if there are any differences between PTSD in male and female veterans. If you are a female vet, have experience with PTSD and would like to share your story please contact me at Lprifogle@lucinebiotech.com.

Related posts:

depression, anxiety, hypoxic brainDepression, Anxiety, and the Chronically Hypoxic Brain postpartum anxietySevere Postpartum Anxiety, Suicidality, and Polypharmacy

You might be interested in

Back to the Womb

Published on
7625 views

What is the Birthing Cave?During a recent trip to Sedona, AZ, I met Jesse Kalu, a native Chamorru, musician, and escort to sacred sites. Being that it was my partner’s birthday and the day before Mother’s Day Jesse suggested a hike to the “birthing cave” on Mezcal Mountain.

The Hopi believe their people came from center of the earth, i.e. they are born of the womb of the mother. The Hopis of the Red Rock region, where Sedona is located, sent pregnant women to the birthing cave on Mezcal Mountain to (oddly enough) give birth. The women would hike up to this cave right before going into labor and sit and wait and pray until their child was born.

What is the Sacred Feminine?Those of the sacred feminine tradition come to worship feminine beauty and the power of sexual reproduction at Sedona’s birthing cave. The embodiment of the sacred feminine philosophy is the “inner priestess” which is the aspect of a woman’s being that knows all life is sacred and upholds the sanctity of daily life.

Can you find the Virgin? The Crone? The Mother?

The birthing cave is one of three interconnected landmarks on Mezcal Mountain. As you look up from the canyon floor you see the “virgin” on your right, an hour-glass shaped relief known as the “crone” in the center, and the “mother” to the left. Look closely at the mother and you’ll notice anatomic similarities to a woman’s reproductive organs. There is a clitoris above the cave; the cave itself is shaped like a vagina; holes that look like ovaries are on the left and right walls of the cave, and in the center is a small indentation, which is the called the “womb”.

View from the womb.

Back to the Womb

Getting to the “mother” cave itself was not difficult. However, getting to the womb was. With Jesse directing me, I climbed the red sandstone walls of the “mother” using handholds and footholds. Finally, I reached the womb, climbed in and (carefully) turned myself around to face a 280 degree view of the red rock monuments. Once I was nestled in the womb I felt secure and stable. I sat still and meditated on the awe inspiring scenery feeling a strong sense of how a baby must feel when meeting the universe upon birth. I also felt love and appreciation for the mother, Mother Earth. As if this transformative experience weren’t enough, Jesse, who taught himself how to make and play the bamboo flute, serenaded my partner and I with songs inspired by the nature surrounding us.

People come to Sedona from all over the world to get in touch with their spiritual side, for cleansing, internal healing, and guidance. My partner and I experienced all this and more. We returned to dwell in the central organ from which all life flows–the womb of nature, the primal ground of creation, where the secret key to all things lies hidden.

Related posts:

No related posts.

Health Plan Providers Least Likely to Be Forgiven

Published on
1460 views

The healthcare industry is one of a number of industries that seems to be losing its connection to the people – their customers. This notion was highlighted by the Temkin Group, a research firm that collects and analyzes data about customer experiences, when they released their 2012 Forgiveness Ratings: Turns out, people aren’t very forgiving of their health plan providers.

Health Plan Providers Low on the Totem Pole

In fact, when the industries were ranked in order of most likely to be forgiven, the health plan industry ranked 14 out of 18. The industry ranked the lowest when rated for overall customer experience. In addition, health plan providers were less likely to be forgiven than banks, and given the state of the economy, that’s pretty bad.

When customers were asked how likely they were to forgive a certain industry, they rated the company on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the most forgiving rating. Though there may be flaws in the data, with only 10,000 customers surveyed to rank 206 companies from 18 industries, the results still give us something to talk about.

Women Make Up Half of Health Plan Customers

While the data isn’t solely focused on women’s customer experiences, it’s important to recognize that we are half of the population. The ratings bring to mind reports that women are less satisfied with their health care than men, which will dampen a company’s chances of being forgiven.

A woman’s dissatisfaction with her health care may be due a number of reasons, including:

Men Also Impacted by Women’s Health

When women are not provided adequate and affordable health care, our spouses, partners, and families suffer, too. Including pregnancy as a pre-existing condition is an example of how insufficient health plans can impact men. When a woman is denied insurance because she is pregnant, her husband or partner will have to endure the financial blow as well.

In addition, the Committee on Energy and Commerce found that individual insurers deny expectant fathers insurance coverage, demonstrating how attitudes towards women’s health can impact a man’s health and the well-being of an entire family.

Health Plan Providers Least Likely to Be Forgiven

Four health plan providers are in the 20 least forgiven companies: United Healthcare, Anthem (BCBS), Humana, and Cigna. It should come as no surprise that hospital executives and leaders seem to agree with customer opinions.

Revive Public Relations, which specializes in health care and healthy living, began surveying hospital leaders for opinions on health plan providers. Though Cigna came in 2nd place in 2010 (disapproval still resulted in a 65% rating), United Healthcare and Anthem were poorly rated by hospital executives in 2011. Negative opinions of the health plan industry increased overall in 2011, because hospital executives struggled to obtain reimbursements.

Of course, these surveys may not reflect your own opinions. Are you satisfied with your health plan provider? Do you feel that the health plan industry provides adequate care for your needs as a woman? Share your thoughts.

Further Reading:
Women Pay More for Health Insurance than Men
Women Less Satisfied with Health care

Related posts:

reframing maternal healthReframing Maternal Health: How Do We Know What We Think We Know? Depo health stormThe Depo Health Storm

You might be interested in

tangled ribbons poverty mammography

Tangled Ribbons, Tangled Lives

Awareness ribbons looped on lapels. Around trees. Through chain-link fences. Yellow for missing children and bone cancer. Red for heart

A Marine’s Reflection on Memorial Day

Published on
1857 views

Memorial Day

The following essay is part of a larger works in progress. Lisbeth Prifogle served in Iraq in 2008 and wanted to share this piece in honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Please join her on Memorial Day for a national moment of silence at 12:01PM for the 6,442 Americans that have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11. Let us not forget.

Roll Call – Asad Memorial Chapel, Iraq

“Captain White,” a voice echoes through the quiet chapel.

“Present,” a voice echoes back.

“Major Thompson,” the first voice bellows.

“Present,” another voice adds to the still air.

“Lieutenant Colonel Maddox,” the Sergeant Major’s voice calls out.

“Present,” calls a female voice.

“Lieutenant Colonel Walls.”

Silence.

“Lieutenant Colonel Walls,” the voice echoes through the Al Asad Memorial Chapel.

Silence echoes back louder than any of the voices.

“Lieutenant Colonel Walls,” the deep voice of the Sergeant Major announces the name with a tone of annoyance in each syllable, like the voice of a schoolteacher calling for a child skipping class.

Silence.

“Lieutenant Colonel Walls.”  There is a sudden change in the voice as it pronounces the name for the final time from the back of the sanctuary. I can hear tears in the Sergeant Major’s voice as he finishes roll call.

One last moment of silence sounds off and I wonder how we’ve all managed to hold our breath this long. A solo bugle player belts out the beginning notes of Taps and I finally exhale. As the notes fill the room, I stare at a fallen Marine’s picture, a pair of boots, an M16 propped up with the muzzle pointed to the ground with a Kevlar helmet resting on the buttstock and a flak jacket wrapped around it. Subdued field rank distinguishes the rank of the body that once filled the armor and held that rifle. The scene is something out of a movie, only it’s real. This is all real. I realize I am holding my breath again and breathe out. I am here. I am in Iraq mourning, celebrating, and memorializing a stranger’s life because we wear, no wore, the same uniform.

I look down and remember that I brought my camera. It’s a large, digital SLR that entertains me during the long days. I try to hide it under my desert camouflage, 8-point cover, but I can’t. I am sitting alone, but I hope nobody in the pews behind me notice that I brought it. I like to pretend I am a journalist, not a Marine. I like to pretend that I am here to document life in the desert, not to live it. I brought it to take pictures of the fallen Marine’s comrades mourning because I don’t know how to mourn his death. I am lucky enough not to know anyone who has been killed in this war, and now I am staring at a picture of a stranger trying to hide my bulky camera. I brought it so I could remember being here. I brought it to show people I was part of life here, even if I refuse to acknowledge it now. I pull it closer to the pistol in my thigh holster and try to hide it. I am overcome with embarrassment for my selfish actions.

I did not know this man. This Marine. This father, son, husband, friend. I never saw his face before this memorial. Now I am here, he is gone, and I brought a fucking camera. I thought I was coming to pay my respects to a fellow Marine, but now I realize I came in order to feel something and capture it on film.

He was killed by a roadside bomb during a patrol, while I was having a sugar free, vanilla latte at the Coffee Bean at Al Asad Air Base. He died at war, while I sat in my office pretending to play war. Until now, this was all a simulated training exercise to me. In my mind, the rounds I carry are just blanks and the rocket attack drills are standard operating procedure. Now this man is dead, I’m alive, and pictures can’t even begin to capture how real this is.

“Being a Marine, a leader, wasn’t just a job – it was a way of life,” a black, female colonel tells us. I have seen her in the chow hall and around base. I notice all the other female officers on base because we are a minority, but I have never talked to this woman. Apparently, she knew this man well. I listen as she says goodbye to her friend.

“He is survived by his wife and four children,” the chaplain announces to the quiet room.

The memorial ends with a photo slide of this man with his children, his wife, and his Marines. I fight the urge to cry, but don’t allow myself that release of emotions. I did not know him; therefore, I do not get to cry. That privilege is reserved for those who knew him. I wonder if strangers would cry at a memorial if I were killed.

The slideshow ends with a photo of him in combat gear half smiling, half concerned. The Mona Lisa of combat – are we excited or miserable? Happy to be here, or scared shitless? I think about his family and the funeral they are attending on the other side of the world. I think of his young children and how they will never know their father. I think of a woman who just lost the man she loves to war. In this moment, life doesn’t seem fair. I look down and notice my camera again. I feel even more ashamed of myself than before. I also notice a female Marine snapping photos with a large, professional camera. I recognize her as one of the public affairs Marines and realize I will probably be able to download photos of the memorial from the Internet in the next day or two.

I feel ashamed because I came to the memorial for the wrong reasons. I came because I wanted to feel something – pain, sorrow, sympathy – anything but divine apathy for the surreal world I am living in. I wanted to document the memorial so that someday, I could look through the photos and try to remember feeling something while I was here. Instead I feel embarrassed and angry for feeling this way.

When I came to Iraq I believed in things – the US, the Marine Corps, the war. Now all I believe is that one day I’m going to wake up and this nightmare will finally be over. I thought witnessing this man’s memorial would make me feel more patriotic, more of a Marine, more connected to the war. Now I feel tears welling up in the corners of my eyes. I try to stop it, but I can’t. All the emotions I was supposed to feel when I walked in the chapel are now surging through my body as uncontrollable as lightening. Thoughts run through my mind like a hamster running in a wheel. This man is dead. This is real. I am at war. I could die. This man is dead. This is real. I am at war. I could die. This man is dead… When I can’t stand it anymore I pick up my camera and cover and quietly walk out of the chapel in between hymns and moment of silence. As I exit, a Marine places his hand on my shoulder and nods as if to say, “It’ll all be okay. This will all be over soon.”  I pause and look up to see the rank is sergeant major. This is the body of the voice that led roll call. The Sergeant Major looks at me and gives me the comfort of a hug through his eyes. It’s a familiar look, one that my dad has given me when he knows there’s nothing in the world that he can do to comfort me, not even hug away the pain. I touch his hand to recognize his gesture and then rush out to the shop’s truck.

I spend the rest of the afternoon driving aimlessly along Perimeter Road. I take a few pictures of the desolate horizon, but all I can see through the lens is the face of the fallen Marine and all I can think is, that could be me.

Continue reading about the VA benefits specific for our female vets here.

Related posts:

reflection of diseaseShattering the Mirror: Becoming More Than the Reflection of a Disease

You might be interested in

A Memorial Day Tribute to Our WW II Veterans

Published on
1815 views

Everything I need to know about patriotism and self sacrifice, I learned from four World War II veterans at my local Starbucks. I joined these men for coffee nearly every morning for three years, listening to their war stories daily. Some stories made me cry; others made me cringe; all of them made me bow my head in deep awe and respect.

I met retired Marine Corps Colonel Vern Sylvester – the commandant of the coffee klatch – on a Valentine’s Day. As I came in for my morning jolt, Vern gave me a rose. Vern had an established Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day tradition of offering a long stem rose to every woman who entered the store. He did this, he said, because he liked to make people smile and, I suspect, because he had a fondness for the ladies. I joined the gathering of veterans that first morning while I waited for my drink. And before long, this history buff was a fixture at the table.

Vern also initiated a Marine Corps birthday party at Starbucks. Each year on the November 10, Vern arrived with a full sheet cake emblazoned with the Marine Corps’ insignia. He would read the Commandant’s letter, then we’d all sing the Marine Corps Hymn (each and every verse), and finally Vern would cut the cake with a WW I government issued sword and pass out slices to any and all passersby.

During one of those birthday celebrations, I remember Vern sharing the story of the 5th Marine Regiment’s bloody offensive of November 10, 1918, just hours before the WWI armistice was signed. Vern knew the story well; his father was one of the lucky ones to have survived the battle.

Sam Miller a retired US Navy Commander, was also a klatch regular. Sam flew spy missions in airships, and rescue missions in sea planes during his 40-year military career, and was one of the first pilots to land on an aircraft carrier.

Jim Durant was a proud Marine aviator who earned his nickname “the whale killer” for mistaking two blue whales for Japanese subs during the Pacific campaign. One Veteran’s Day, a few years back, two elementary teachers came in early and decorated the Starbucks with patriotic center pieces, streamers, student-made dioramas, and letters of gratitude. Durant was moved to tears and commented that the occasion made all his years of service worthwhile.

Bill Fournier, a retired Marine Corps Captain, was an aviator in the same squadron as Ted Williams and John Glenn during the Korean War.

Other regular members of the klatch included Larry Kropf, USA, Sgt., Ret.; Barry Madison, USN, Petty Officer 1st Class, Ret.; and Christy-Anna Pohlmann, USN, Corpsman 3rd Class, and a host of other civies like myself.

I am profoundly grateful to have learned an important era of this nation’s history from those who like Vern, Sam, Jim and Bill made it out alive. These men parachuted behind enemy lines, charged onto sandy beaches as bullets whizzed by, liberated countries from a totalitarian grip.

Sadly, we lost Jim, Sam, and Vern recently. Once 16 million strong, U.S. veterans of World War II are dying at a rate of more than 1,000 a day. If you know one, visit him or her and, like I did, hang out for a cup of coffee. You’ll most likely be treated to an oral history lesson that will not only change  your perspective on what’s of value in this life, but also your understanding of the word hero.

Happy Memorial Day.

Related posts:

No related posts.

You might be interested in

Placental Encapsulation and Postpartum Health

Published on
5859 views

The placenta plays an important role in endocrine functioning during pregnancy. The hormones contained within the placenta at the time of parturition may still be beneficial to mothers during their postpartum recovery. As such, an entire industry has sprung up around placental encapsulation and the subsequent ingestion of these capsules. Preliminary research is beginning to identify the hormones and other substances contained within the placenta and determine what health affects ingestion of placental pills may elicit.  This article reviews some of the research in placentophagy.

Currently known hormones, vitamins and minerals found in placental tissue:

  • Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and Cortisol
  • Progesterone
  • Estrogens (estrone, estradiol and estriol)
  • Endorphins
  • Thyroid-Releasing hormone (TRH), thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulines and ultimately Thyroxine (T4)
  • Oxytocin
  • Prolactin and Human Placental Lactagon (hPL)
  • Leuteinizing hormone (LH)
  • Human Chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Other relevant components:

  • Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor (POEF)
  • Iron
  • Vitamin B6

Many of these hormones have been linked to the onset of Postpartum Depression in women. For example, progesterone plays a key role during pregnancy. Recent studies have shown that progesterone has an MAO-inhibiting effect during pregnancy, having a similar impact as some anti-anxiety medications (Ford 1996). Therapies that introduce progesterone and estradiol back into the system have been helpful in relieving depressive symptoms (Arpels 1996). Endorphins are the “feel good” neurotransmitters. By increasing estradiol and progesterone, the level of endorphins is also increased (Ford 1996). The levels of estradiol and estriol (the primary estrogens of pregnancy) and progesterone in a woman’s system drop precipitously after birth, reaching pre-pregnancy levels by day five postpartum (Hendrick 1998).

CRH and Cortisol are stress-relieving hormones. CRH is secreted by the placenta in high levels during the last trimester of pregnancy. These levels drop dramatically after birth, and one study found that those women with the lowest levels of CRH also experienced depressive symptoms (Chrousos 1995).

Thyroid-Releasing Hormone and Thyroxine are implicated in a variety of mental health disorders. Women with an abnormality in their hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis show an increased tendency toward panic attacks, suicide, agitation, psychosis and bi-polar disorders, among other issues. The thyroid has such an impact because these hormones interact with brain messengers that influence mood and emotions (Ford 1996). Postpartum women have slightly more elevated rates of thyroid dysfunction than the general female population (Hendrick 1998).

Fatigue levels may predict the development of Postpartum Depression (Corwin E 2005). Iron, or rather, iron deficiency, has been strongly linked to fatigue. Even slight iron supplementation can help relieve the symptoms of fatigue (Verdon 2003).  Some suggest that since increasing a mother’s iron stores can help relieve fatigue, it may also reduce the risk factors for developing Postpartum Depression later.

Since the placenta is known to contain many of the components that a postpartum woman is lacking following parturition, many believe that by ingesting the placenta postpartum women can re-balance their systems more quickly.  Placental encapsulation, the process by which the placenta is dried and encapsulated for future ingestion, has become popular among celebrities and women seeking more holistic birth experiences.

The research on the purported health benefits has only recently begun, although placental encapsulation and ingestion has been used in Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years.  One of the primary questions to be answered is whether the processing of the placenta would ruin or eliminate some of the hormones, vitamins and minerals present in the placenta.  Some preliminary research, to be published out of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas found that many of the compounds present pre-processing remained post-processing. The study analyzed several components present in placenta before any type of preparation, and after the steaming and dehydration that is common in converting the placenta into capsule form. The results demonstrated that while some components are reduced in the dried state, many components do still remain. In fact, the research has shown that the iron content, in particular, is even more highly concentrated after dehydration (Benysheck 2012).

There have been few negative responses from women following ingestion of the placenta. Recently, Nancy Redd, a NYT writer,  reported mood related, ill-effects after consuming placental pills.

In another study, researchers found that most women who have ingested placenta after a birth would do so again after a subsequent pregnancy (Selander 2012).

While much research remains to be completed, the possibility that placental encapsulation and ingestion could improve postpartum recovery remains an intriguing notion.

Works Cited

Arpels, J.C. “The Female brain hypoestrogonic continuum from the pre-menstrual syndrome to menopause; A hypothesis and review of supporting data.” Journal of Reproductive Medicine 41 (1996): 633-639.

Benysheck, Young, Selander, Cantor. “Eating the placenta: A comparison of select hormones and nutrients in unprepared placental tissue and placenta prepared for encapsulation.” Ecology of Food and Nutrition, in press.

Chrousos, G. Baby blues – postpartum depression attributed to low levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone after placenta is gone. Brief, BNet, 1995.

Corwin E, Brownstead J, Barton N, Heckard S, Morin K. “The Impact of Fatigue on the Development of Postpartum Depression.” JOGNN 34 (September/October 2005): 577-586.

Ford, Gillian. Listening to Your Hormones: From PMS to Menopause, Every Woman’s Complete Guide. Prima Publishing, 1996.

Hendrick, Altshuler, Suri. “Hormonal Changes in the Postpartum and Implications for Postpartum Depression.” Psychosomatics 39 (1998): 93-101.

Selander, Cantor, Young, Benysheck.”Human maternal placentophagy: a pilot survey of self-reported motivations and experiences associated with placenta consumption.” Ecology of Food and Nutrition, in press.

Verdon, et al. Iron supplementation for unexplained fatigue in non-anaemic women: double blind randomised placebo controlled trial. Vol. 326. BMJ.com. BMJ, May 2003.

 

Lucine Medical Disclaimer: All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as, nor should it be a substitute for, professional medical advice. To read more about our health policy see Terms of Use.

About the Author: Jodi Selander started researching placentophagy in 2005 during her second pregnancy. She found substantial information documenting the benefits it offered. Having dealt with depression for many years, Jodi had many risk factors for developing postpartum depression. With a B.S. in Psychology, she understood the devastating effects depression could have on women and their families. As a natural health enthusiast, she wanted an alternative to pharmaceuticals that might help avoid those issues.  To learn more about Jodi, click HERE.

Related posts:

postpartum anxietySevere Postpartum Anxiety, Suicidality, and Polypharmacy reframing maternal healthReframing Maternal Health: How Do We Know What We Think We Know? perinatal hormones and moodPerinatal Mood, Cognition and Hormones

You might be interested in

Endocrine Disruptors Impact Women’s Health

Published on
4588 views

What Are Endocrine Disruptors?

The hormones in our bodies are regulated by the endocrine system and they impact a number of bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, and development. An endocrine disruptor is a chemical that disturbs the way the endocrine system normally functions, thereby interfering with the way hormones and the body functions, as well.

How Do Endocrine Disruptors Impact Women’s Health?

Scientists have found links between endocrine disruptors and a number of health problems in women. Since most studies have only tested animal responses, scientists cannot conclude that these compounds have the same impacts on humans, but most believe that they do.

The following are only some of the health issues that have been linked to endocrine disrupting chemicals:

Precocious Puberty Possibly Due to Endocrine Disruptors

The early onset of puberty may be due to endocrine disrupting chemicals that are pervasive in the environment. The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics has found environmental toxins to be a possible explanation for precocious puberty.

While scientists are unsure if the early onset of puberty is due to endocrine disruptors or childhood obesity, it is important to note that endocrine disruptors also seem to cause insulin resistance, which can lead to weight gain.

Vaginal Cancer from Endocrine Disruptors

Unfortunately, there have been human cases that have shown a direct link between endocrine disruptors and the development of vaginal cancer.

Women took diethylstilbestrol (DES) to prevent miscarriages and morning sickness, only to find that this chemical caused their daughters to develop cancer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Scientists are still not exactly sure why DES caused vaginal cancer.

Endocrine Disruptors Tied to Breast Cancer

The EPA also acknowledges correlations between endocrine disruptors and certain cancers, such as breast cancer. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found environmental toxins increase breast cancer by affecting the regular development of breasts and mammary glands.

The Yale University School of Medicine bolsters this research, showing that endocrine disruptors increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer, particularly if she is exposed to such chemicals during embryonic development.

Endocrine Disruptors Impact Ovaries

The McLaughlin Center for Population Health Risk Assessment in Canada cited the increased risk of ovarian cancer from exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and herbicides, noting that hormone levels seem to impact such outcomes.

The journal, Endocrine Reviews, reported that women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have higher levels of endocrine disruptors (specifically BPA) in their systems. PCOS is a disorder in which women, during their reproductive age, develop small cysts on their ovaries (in most cases). PCOS may impact a woman’s menstrual period, resulting in less frequent periods or none at all, and can make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant.

Uterine Disorders and Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine disruptors have been found to reprogram genes in the uterus to grow uterine leiomyoma, or uterine tumors. Although these tumors are benign, they may cause heavy menstrual bleeding and/or lead to infertility.

The American Journal of Epidemiology has found links between the use of hair relaxers and uterine leiomyomata, suggesting that hair relaxers, used by many women, have endocrine disrupting chemicals.

The Society of Toxicology reported findings that mice exposed to high levels of genistein, a phytoestrogen found in soy products, developed uterine cancer later in life.

This same organization has shown connections between endometriosis, or the development of endometrial cells outside of the uterus, and endocrine disruptors, notably TCDD, a dioxin. The study found that endometrial cells do not properly respond to progesterone hormones when disrupted by TCDD, which can lead to endometriosis and sometimes infertility.

The Yale School of Medicine has found that endocrine disruptors block gene expression in the uterus, thereby disrupting the proper development of the uterus, which can lead to cancers, endometriosis, and infertility.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Can Cause Infertility

Concentrated levels of hormone-mimicking chemicals can stop ovulation, just as contraceptive pills do, according to The Oxford Journals.

Polybrominated diphenylethers, chemicals used in fire retardants, are linked to cases of infertility. The Society of Toxicology has shown this chemical also reduces thyroid-stimulating hormones (THS) in pregnant women, which can negatively impact fetal brain development.

When Do Endocrine Disruptors Impact a Woman?

Most scientific findings emphasize that exposure to endocrine disruptors during rapid developmental periods, such as gestation, is more detrimental to a woman’s health than exposure at other times. In fact, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology reported that endocrine disruptors often target the genes responsible for the development of an organism, interfering with the proper development of that organism.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that endocrine disruptors stop affecting us once we’re grown. The very chemicals that cause breast cancer have also been found to lessen the effectiveness of cancer fighting drugs. This is because most of the drugs used to treat breast cancer are made to reduce endogenous estrogens – which usually stimulate the cancer. While endocrine disruptors are just as effective as endogenous estrogens in stimulating the cancer, endocrine disruptors are not hindered by these drugs.

How Do We Limit Our Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors?

Endocrine Disruptors impact us every day, but we can limit the amount of toxic chemicals we absorb into our bodies by being aware of what these chemicals are and where they can be found. A good rule of thumb is to start cutting back on the processed goods in your life. If you have difficulty reducing the consumption of processed goods, just start with a few items and continue from there.

Not only do we ingest endocrine disruptors when we swallow pthalates in medication coatings, but we also wear them on our faces in the form of toxic cosmetics and contaminate our water sources with chemical toxins in widely used herbicides. Determine what are safe substitutes, like kitchen cosmetics or safe pesticide alternatives. Start small, choose wisely, and stay abreast of known endocrine disruptors.

Further Reading on Lucine:
Endocrine Disruptors in Personal Products:
Toxic Cosmetics
Kitchen Cosmetics
Is Your Deodorant Linked to Breast Cancer?
Phthalates in Medication Coatings
Endocrine Disrupters in the Environment:
Milk, it Does a Body Good?
Early Onset of Puberty
Could This be a Contributor to Weight Gain?
Chemical Toxins in Commonly Used Herbicides

Related posts:

ethics of it allThe Ethics Of It All

You might be interested in

tangled ribbons poverty mammography

Tangled Ribbons, Tangled Lives

Awareness ribbons looped on lapels. Around trees. Through chain-link fences. Yellow for missing children and bone cancer. Red for heart