"Is there a hormonal connection to Raynaud's since more women seem to have it? What female hormones are related to my Raynaud's? Does any herb help?" Ann S.
Raynaud's Disease and Phenomena are not caused by hormone imbalance, but certainly can be made worse in hypothyroidism, thyroid disease, Hashimotos, Perimenopause, Menopause, PMS, and Progesterone deficiency. Around the age of 35 women begin to make less progesterone, which is a natural smooth muscle relaxant for our cardiovascular system, as progesterone decines, women develop High Blood Pressure, palpitations, cardiovascular disease, and High Cholesterol.
Raynaud's is a multifactorial super complex condition to treat. Raynaud's requires me to assess the patient's hormones, nutrition, autoimmune markers, allergies, triggers, and cardiovascular system. There is never just "one little thing off" with my Raynaud's patients. Unfortunately, it is not that easy of a condition to treat, but I would not bother blogging about it, if I have not been successful helping women with this painful, frustrating, disruptive symptom.
While topical treatments like rosemary oil may be helpful in reducing pain, we must address and treat the "Root Cause." [1,2] Applying topical treatments while ignoring what is going on inside the body will not provide lasting results. Likewise we cannot just rely on herbal medicine like beets to treat Raynaud's. While consuming the nitrate rich superfood is shown helpful, we need to understand why the symptoms exist in the first place and not just "slap a band-aid on them." [3]
In order for patients to improve in my Naturopathic process with their Raynaud's we will need to go through a process of checking hormones, as yes there is often hormone imbalance which is why this condition can randomly present in perimenopause and menopause. Hypothyroidism is one of the other most common underlying hormone issues ocuring with my Raynaud's patients.
I would be lying to women if I said it was that simple with Raynaud's and we just check hormones. In order to be properly successful we will also need to address nutrition, autoimmunity, immunity, vasospasm, and even look into some random Naturopathic specialty tests that not all my patients need.
From my experience working with many Raynaud's patients over the years the condition is so painful they are willing to do just about anything to fix it. Which is what also helps them become my next Naturopathic success story.
Raynaud’s phenomena is typically associated with autoimmune diseases and will benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet as well as an allergy elimination diet. The primary thing I insist on first and foremost is that we implement an anti-inflammatory diet.
In addition to diet, herbs, and nutritional therapies; be sure to investigate the root cause of the disease. Sit down with a naturopath and have them go through your complete health history.
What is Raynauds?
Raynauds phenomena is a vasospastic disorder of the hands that manifest as intermittent episodes of extreme pallor, followed by cyanosis, and extreme vasodilation and redness of the hands. Basically the hands turn white, blue, and then red because the blood vessels first constrict and the tissues lose oxygen, followed by vasodilation of the vessels resulting in intense redness, swelling, throbbing, pain, and paresthesias. Episodes may be triggered by emotional upset and typically resolve with warming.
Diet for Raynauds
Lifestyle Considerations for Raynauds
Herbal Medicine for Raynuads
Vitamins for Raynauds
Supplements for Raynauds
Amino Acids for Raynauds
Whatever you do, never give up with Raynauds! I have helped many Raynaud's patients over the years, and putting them through my Naturopathic process usually results in symptom reduction.
Supplements are great for managing symptoms, and the diet and lifestyle aspects will address the long term quality of your health and prevent disease progression. Be sure to check with your Naturopathic Doctor before starting any new therapies as natural medicines, just like prescription drugs also come with their own drug interactions and contraindications.
Need my help optimizing hormones and understanding what triggers and benefits your Raynauds? Simply visit my SCHEDULE page to treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit. I would be happy to help!
Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology , Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 22 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones she presents to women the best integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 27 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones and Naturopathy!
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