Anatomy and Physiology

The uterus is an organ consisting mainly of muscle tissue and weighing about 2 ounces. It is about the size of a pear and consists of a cervix and body connected by an isthmus. Progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum promotes secretary changes in the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) to prepare it for the implanting of a fertilized egg. At the time of ovulation, the cervix steps up mucus production to help the sperm get through to the egg. For the first twelve weeks after fertilization the egg receives its nutrients from the large endometrial cells of the uterus.

Progesterone, the menstrual cycle, and other factors involving the uterus, are discussed in the chapter of the ovaries to bring the interrelationship between FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone together into one chapter. We suggest rereading the chapter at this time.

We feel it is beyond the scope of this book to discuss pregnancy and the anatomical and physiological changes accompanying it.

Symptoms of Uterine Dysfunction (others discussed in Ovary Chapter)

1) Prolonged or excessive bleeding during menses, leg aches prior to period, pelvic pain, headaches at the very top of the head, can be possible signs of uterine dysfunction.

Causes of Uterine Dysfunction (others discussed in Ovary Chapter)

1) An I.U.D. will irritate the uterus and often cause inflammation and bleeding.

2) Some causes of excessive uterine bleeding include pituitary dysfunction causing excess estrogen, a congested liver not breaking down excess estrogen, aspirin, abortion, uterine polyps, and ectopic pregnancy.

3) Nerve pressure in the lumbar or sacral nerves can cause uterine dysfunction (see Appendix A).

4) Some causes of uterine cancer include IUDs birth control pills, diethylstilbestrol (DES) from meat or medication. Obesity increases the risk of uterine cancer.

5) Some causes of needing a hysterectomy include birth control pills, IUDs prolonged use of spermicidal foam, estrogen replacement therapy, untreated vaginal infection.

Other Indications of Uterine Dysfunction

1) A weak gluteus medius, piriformis, or levator ani muscle can possibly indicate uterine dysfunction (see Appendix C and figures 5.2, 5.3).

Prevention and Treatment of Uterine Dysfunction

1) Eat a good diet low in sweets and refined fats.

2) Rub a reflex point on the front of the pubic bone and also an area between the front and outside (antero-lateral) of both thighs, one minute daily for one week to aid in uterine problems (see Appendix B).

3) Lie in the knee chest position 60 seconds each night to prevent painful periods.

4) The following teas used internally have been reported helpful in correcting abnormal uterine discharge: lamb’s quarters, huckleberry leaf, and squaw vine.

5) Remove nerve pressure in your lower back by seeing a good chiropractor (see Appendix A).

6) Mistletoe tea is reported to stop uterine hemorrhage.

7) Apply a hot fomentation (107°) for 90 minutes daily, for 1 month, over the uterus and vagina to correct uterine inflammation.

8) Cold packs to either the breast, inner thigh, lumbar spine, or feet, will cause uterine contraction while hot packs will dilate uterine blood vessels and increase menstrual flow.

9) In some women the uterus will drop out of position and can cause painful irregular periods and/or infertility. This often happens due to a weak levator ani or abdominal muscles or a distended colon. To treat this condition: 1) Eat a high roughage diet and "fix" your colon (see large intestine chapter). 2) Rub reflex points in #2 and massage deeply over the abdominal and levator ani muscles especially where the muscles attach to the bone. 3) Have the person lie on their back and put your hands half way between their umbilicus and pubic area (figure 17.1). 4) Have the person breath deeply; as they let their air out they should bring their knees up to their chest and hands over their head. As they do this push deeply into their abdomen in a direction going in and toward the head (posterior superior, figure 17.2). 5) Repeat step #4 again with your hands about 1½ inches closer to the pubic bone. 6) Repeat again with your hands right above the pubic bone. 7) For the next week have them douche with either slippery elm, white oak bark, or bayberry bark tea, to promote healing and prevent recurrence.

10) Jewish women have a lower rate of cervical cancer than other women. It is hypothesized that this is because Jewish women are more likely to marry Jewish men, and Jewish men are more likely to be circumcised.