By TLC Medicine • August 4, 2024

As women enter their 40s-50s, they will experience changes known as menopause and perimenopause. Menopause marks the end of the menstrual cycle, while perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause.

‌

Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause

The symptoms of menopause and perimenopause can significantly impact a woman’s physical and emotional well-being. Some common symptoms include:

• Hot Flashes: Women may experience sudden and intense feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating. The frequency and intensity of hot flashes can vary from person to person, causing discomfort and disruption to daily life.
• Irregular Periods: During perimenopause, menstrual cycles may become irregular, and periods may be lighter or heavier than usual. Eventually, menstruation stops altogether as women enter menopause.
• Mood Swings: Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, and an increased risk of depression for some women.
• Sleep Disturbances: Many women experience sleep problems during perimenopause and menopause, often due to hot flashes or night sweats. Additionally, changes in hormone levels can affect sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or disrupted sleep.
• Vaginal Dryness: Decreased estrogen levels can cause the vaginal tissues to become thinner, drier, and less elastic, leading to discomfort and pain during intercourse.

These symptoms can vary in severity and duration for each individual, impacting their overall quality of life. It is important to seek support and guidance from healthcare professionals to manage these symptoms effectively.

‌

Impact of Declining Estrogen on the Body

The decline in estrogen levels during menopause and perimenopause can affect various systems of the body, including:

• Digestive: Changes in appetite and metabolism leading to weight gain and blood sugar issues.
• Cardiovascular: The drop in estrogen affects the body’s ability to regulate lipid levels, leading to increase in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and risk of heart disease.
• Cognitive function: Memory and concentration may be impacted as well as overall mood balance.
• Musculoskeletal health: Declining estrogen contributes to joint pain and muscle weakness. Bone density is also impacted, leading to increased risk of fractures from osteoporosis.
• Hair and skin: Lower estrogen is linked to lower collagen production, resulting in dry hair and decreased skin elasticity.

Conventional Treatments for Managing Symptoms

When it comes to managing the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, conventional treatments often focus on alleviating specific discomforts and addressing hormonal changes. These may include:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): This approach involves supplementing the body with estrogen and, in some cases, progesterone to help balance hormone levels and alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
• Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are sometimes prescribed to manage mood swings, anxiety, and depression associated with menopause.
• Medications for Vaginal Symptoms: Various topical treatments, such as estrogen creams or vaginal rings, can be used to address vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse[3].

While these treatments can provide relief for many, they can also bring unwanted side effects. Some individuals may seek alternatives due to concerns about the potential side effects or a desire for more holistic approaches that align with their belief in the body’s ability to heal itself.

‌

How TCM and Acupuncture Can Help

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture offer holistic approaches to managing menopausal symptoms. TCM focuses on restoring balance in the body to support its natural healing abilities. Acupuncture can help regulate hormones, reduce hot flashes, improve sleep quality, and support emotional well-being during menopause and perimenopause. A number of Chinese herbs contain phytoestrogens, which mimic the effect of estrogen in the body. One of the benefits of TCM and acupuncture is that they present a low-risk, non-invasive alternative to conventional treatments for addressing menopausal symptoms.

In conclusion, menopause and perimenopause are natural transitions in a woman’s life that can bring about various physical and emotional changes. While conventional treatments are available, TCM and acupuncture offer gentle and effective alternatives to support the body’s innate healing abilities and promote overall well-being during this transformative phase.

By TLC Medicine • July 28, 2024

Constipation is a common health problem affecting many people. It means you are not passing stools (poop) as often as you normally do, or it’s hard to go. Most people go anywhere from three times a day to three times a week. That’s the “normal” range. So, if you’re going less often than what’s usual for you, you might be experiencing constipation.

Why Do People Get Constipated?

Understanding its causes is the first step to managing it effectively.

• Dehydration is a common culprit, as insufficient water intake can lead to harder stools that are difficult to pass.

• A diet low in fiber—found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—can significantly contribute to constipation by not providing enough bulk to stimulate the intestines to move waste along.

• A sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate the issue, as regular physical activity is key to maintaining healthy bowel movements.

• Stress or certain medicines can be the reason, too.

How Is Constipation Usually Treated?

Drinking more water and eating foods high in fiber are common advice. Medicines and laxatives are often the go-to solutions for those suffering from constipation, offering quick relief. However, it is important to note that overuse of laxatives, in particular, can interfere with the body’s electrolyte balance and, over time, weaken the bowel muscles. This is why these treatments might not always be the best approach, especially for long-term management of constipation.

A Gentle Yet Effective Way to Address Constipation: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Here at TLC Medicine, we believe your body has an amazing ability to heal itself. Traditional Chinese Medicine, which includes acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies, offers a gentle yet effective way to address constipation. Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach, TCM looks at your unique health situation.

Here’s how Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help with constipation:

• Improves Digestion: Acupuncture can help your digestive system work better.

• Reduces Stress: It’s known to lower stress, which is a common cause of constipation.

• Balances Hormones: Sometimes, hormonal imbalances affect your bowel movements. Acupuncture can help in bringing things back to normal.

• Chinese Herbs: These work alongside acupuncture in treating constipation. Herbs can help improve digestion, hydrate the intestines, and encourage regular bowel movements, and are personalized for you. The blend and their dosages are selected just for what each patient needs.

Embracing a Path to Healing

Constipation is not merely an uncomfortable inconvenience; it’s a condition that affects your quality of life. If conventional treatments haven’t provided you with relief, it might be time to explore new paths.

At TLC Medicine, we are here to offer hope and help. We believe in the body’s inherent power to heal, supported by centuries-old wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Whether through acupuncture, Chinese herbs, or both, we’re dedicated to finding the best treatment path for you.

Let us help you find relief and get back to feeling your best. Together, we’ll walk the path to better health.

Reach out to us at TLC Medicine and let’s help you let go of your constipation woes!

By TLC Medicine • July 21, 2024

Uterine fibroids are something many people might not be familiar with, yet they touch the lives of countless women. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form in or around the uterus. They can vary in size, from the size of a bean to the size of a grapefruit or even larger.

Why Do Fibroids Happen?

The exact cause of uterine fibroids isn’t known, which can make understanding them a bit challenging. However, researchers have identified several factors that may increase risk:

• Hormonal imbalance, particularly of estrogen and progesterone
• Family history (genes you inherit from your family)
• Other factors, potentially including high body weight and diet

Symptoms of Fibroids

Not everyone with fibroids experience symptoms, but when they do occur, they can include:

• Heavy, long menstrual periods
• Feeling of fullness or pressure in the lower belly
• Frequent need to urinate
• Pain during periods or intimacy
• Lower backache or leg pain

Conventional Ways to Tackle Fibroids

Western medicine suggests several ways to manage fibroids, based on how severe symptoms are and if a woman wishes to have children in the future. Options may include:

• Medications to regulate hormones and relieve symptoms
• Non-invasive procedures that use ultrasound or MRIs
• Surgeries like myomectomy (removing fibroids) or hysterectomy (removing the uterus).

Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Managing Fibroids

In TCM, the goal is to heal the whole body, not just eliminate symptoms. Fibroids in TCM are considered to be a type of accumulation in the body resulting from lack of free flow of qi (energy) and/or blood. By identifying and treating the root cause of fibroids, rather than just the symptoms, TCM can offer a pathway to not just temporary relief but long-term well-being.

• Acupuncture can ease pain, reduce swelling, and improve how the organs function—including those affected by fibroids.
• Chinese herbal medicine uses a combination of natural herbs to support and nourish the body from within, creating an environment that supports healing and balance. These herbs can work alongside acupuncture to address the hormonal imbalances and inflammation that play a role in fibroid development and symptoms.
• Lifestyle and dietary recommendations can also help to address the factors contributing to the development of fibroids, leading to improved outcomes.

At TLC Medicine, we believe in exploring every avenue of healing, blending science with traditional wisdom to support your journey to wellness. If you’re facing the challenges of uterine fibroids and seeking a path that aligns with your body’s natural power to heal, we’re here to walk with you, every step of the way.

By TLC Medicine • July 14, 2024

When your shoulder feels like it’s stuck in place, and each movement is a struggle, it can be more than just frustrating—it can interrupt your day-to-day life. Today, let’s learn more about this condition, often known as “frozen shoulder,” or in medical terms, adhesive capsulitis.

What is Frozen Shoulder (aka Adhesive Capsulitis)?

Imagine your shoulder is encased in a tight-fitting sleeve that restricts its movement. This is essentially what happens with a frozen shoulder. A thickening of the connective tissue around the joint leads to pain, stiffness and limited range of motion.

This condition unfolds in three stages, each with its own unique challenges:

• Freezing Stage: Your shoulder starts to ache and your range of motion begins to become limited. You might notice it’s tough to move without pain. This stage can last from 6 weeks to 9 months.

• Frozen Stage: During this phase, which may persist for 4 to 6 months, pain might not worsen, but your shoulder becomes stiffer, and using it becomes more difficult.

• Thawing Stage: The final stage comes with a warmth of hope. Your shoulder slowly starts to loosen up. The pain eases, and you find you can move your shoulder more freely again. This “thawing” can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Causes of Frozen Shoulder

This condition doesn’t happen overnight. Several factors can nudge your shoulder into this frozen state:

• Long periods of inactivity, often due to an injury or surgery

• Certain systemic conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disease

• Being female over the age of 40, which, for reasons unclear, increases your risk

• Your body’s response to an unknown trigger, leading tissues to tighten and contract

Conventional Treatment Options

Modern medicine typically approaches a frozen shoulder with a combination of methods:

• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications

• Physical therapy exercises to gradually restore movement

• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation

• Sometimes, surgery to loosen the joint capsule

While these options carry benefits for some, they may not offer relief for everyone. And that’s where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can offer its gentle, but effective touch.

Benefits of TCM for the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder

Acupuncture has been proven to be quite effective in the treatment of frozen shoulder. Treatments are designed to:

• Reduce pain: Acupuncture can help ease the discomfort that comes with a frozen shoulder.

• Increase blood flow: Enhanced circulation may help to decrease inflammation and promote healing.

• Relax the muscles: Encouraging relaxation might reduce stiffness and aid in regaining a range of motion.

• Balance the body’s energy: TCM teaches that health issues like a frozen shoulder are due to disrupted energy flow, which acupuncture aims to correct.

Easing out of a frozen shoulder can be a slow process, but patience, coupled with appropriate treatment, paves the way for your body’s natural capacity to find balance and health. Trust in that innate power and reach out to us at TLC Medicine—your path to healing is our mission.

By TLC Medicine • July 7, 2024

Welcome to our TLC Medicine family. If you’re navigating the uncertain waters of PCOS – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – you’re not alone. This is a condition that affects up to 13% of reproductive-aged women, with as much as 70% of those affected never being diagnosed.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. At its core, it involves:

• Irregular periods or no periods at all, which can impact fertility.

• An imbalance of reproductive hormones.

• Small cysts on the ovaries (although not always).

Risk Factors

Understanding the risk factors can empower you to make informed decisions about your health. They include:

• Family history (if your mother or sister has it, you’re more likely to develop it too).

• Obesity can increase the risk due to insulin resistance.

• High levels of insulin can be a contributing factor.

Symptoms and Signs

Listening to your body is key. Here are some signs that it needs your attention:

• Irregular menstrual cycles or no menstrual cycles.

• Difficulty getting pregnant due to irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate.

• Excess hair growth on the face, chest, back, or buttocks.

• Thinning hair on the scalp (hair loss).

• Weight gain, particularly around the belly.

• Acne or oily skin.

Complications

It’s essential to be aware, but not afraid, of the complications tied to PCOS, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in younger women.

• High blood pressure and cholesterol.

• Sleep apnea.

• Depression and anxiety.

• Endometrial cancer due to thickening of the uterus lining.

Conventional Treatments

Modern medicine offers several ways to manage PCOS, focusing on managing symptoms:

• Birth control pills to regulate periods.

• Medication like Metformin to improve insulin levels.

• Fertility treatments if pregnancy is a goal.

• Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise for weight management.

Benefits of TCM for PCOS

Within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we embrace the body’s natural wisdom. TCM offers personalized, holistic care that complements conventional treatments, focusing on restoring balance and enhancing your body’s healing abilities. Benefits include:

• Balancing hormones: Natural herbs and acupuncture can help regulate your menstrual cycle and improve ovulation.

• Improving insulin sensitivity: Through dietary advice and herbal medicine, TCM can help manage insulin levels.

• Reducing symptoms: Acupuncture and specific TCM practices can alleviate excess hair growth, acne, and weight gain by targeting the underlying imbalances causing these symptoms.

• Supporting mental health: TCM recognizes the connection between emotional well-being and physical health, offering strategies to address stress, anxiety, and depression.

At TLC Medicine, we believe in a world where healing is within reach, and your journey is supported with compassion and respect. PCOS may feel like a formidable foe, but together, exploring avenues like TCM, we can unlock the profound healing capabilities of your body. Remember, you’re not on this path alone – we’re here to guide, support, and walk with you towards a future filled with hope and vibrant health.