This month’s case study is ‘Sally’ – who came to the Clinic because of Menopausal symptoms.

Sally’s story:

My periods stopped quite abruptly at the age of 48 and I was suddenly faced with hot flushes and night sweats. I visited my doctor because the night sweats were stopping me from sleeping which was really affecting my energy and mood. She ran some routine blood tests and told me I was going through the menopause. I was quite shocked as I thought the menopause was a gradual transition and that my periods would gradually wind down. She explained that there is no common pattern and with some women their periods just stop and with others the cycle becomes more irregular and then stops.

My doctor talked to me about HRT but I knew that this was something I never wanted to take – no matter how bad my symptoms were. I was prone to lumpy breasts (fortunately just benign) but had heard that HRT could make this worse. However, I knew I had to do something to help myself because the symptoms were impacting on my daily life.

I searched ‘Natural Menopause’ on the internet and it led me to Dr Marilyn Glenville’s website where I downloaded some very useful information and bought her book ‘The New Natural Alternatives to HRT’. It all made so much sense and actually made me feel really positive in the sense that I was actually embarking on a new chapter in my life rather than seeing it as the end of being a woman. This really inspired me.

Having read the book and taken on board the dietary recommendations and nutritional supplements I decided that I needed a bit more expert help and support so I phoned the Dr Marilyn Glenville Clinic from the number in the book. I spoke to a lovely receptionist who put me at ease and booked an appointment for me with one of Dr Glenville’s practitioners in the London clinic.

Before my first consultation I was sent a Nutrition Questionnaire that I was asked to complete and return one week in advance of my consultation to give the practitioner time to look through it before seeing me. This already felt very comforting to know as I always feel so rushed when I see my doctor and get the feeling that my case is never fully looked into.

The first consultation was one hour and the practitioner spent the first twenty minutes taking a full medical history and expanding on the information that I had given in the Nutrition Questionnaire. She explained more about the menopause and how it affects women differently in terms of age, the actual process of the periods stopping and the duration of the menopause.

My diet was given a lot of attention and the first observation was my intake of caffeine and alcohol – two drinks that are known to worsen hot flushes and night sweats as they widen the blood vessels. This brings more blood to the surface of the skin and thus a reddening occurs together with a hot flush and night sweat. I really loved my cups of coffee and glass of red wine, but I knew I had to make some compromises in order to feel well.

The second area to look at was my blood sugar and it was noted that I was eating very little protein in my diet and I was often skipping meals. She explained that something as basic as blood sugar imbalance can cause a flushing sensation as when blood drops to rock bottom, the adrenal glands release two stress hormones – cortisol and adrenaline and in combination they increase blood sugar and make us feel more alert and anxious.

This is particularly true of the early morning night sweats which she felt were more linked to my adrenals pushing out the stress hormones as opposed ‘to true’ menopausal sweats. She explained that by eating protein with each meal and having a small bedtime snack it would help to keep my sugar levels stable.

My practitioner also explained that because women are all so different, there is no one ‘blueprint’ in regards to dietary and supplement protocols. This meant that what was recommended in my first appointment may change along the way and would be modified if necessary. This made perfect sense and I knew that I had invested in my health for the long term and not just for a ‘quick fix’ or to give up if symptoms hadn’t improved in the first 6 weeks!

I was asked to complete a diet/symptom diary until my next appointment which really helped me keep focused. I gradually reduced my coffee and wine intake as recommended rather than simply going ‘cold turkey’ as my practitioner explained how addictive caffeine and alcohol is. I thought it would be really tough cutting the caffeine and alcohol down but once I started the programme it became much easier, plus within the first 3 weeks there was a marked improvement in my hot flushes and night sweats.

The small bedtime snack I was asked to incorporate seemed to really help my sleep pattern and I was no longer waking in the early hours feeling hot and sweaty. Because of this my energy was so much better and my mood was more stable.

I was eating a lot more vegetarian protein including chick peas and lentils and miso and flaxseeds (linseeds) which are rich in compounds called phytoestrogens. Apparently these are very weakly oestrogenic which means they help to ‘top up’ oestrogen levels which are naturally declining during the menopause. They are often referred to as ‘Mother Nature’s gift to women.’

Although they are approximately 1000 times weaker than our own hormone, over time they can make a huge difference. Before the consultation I had never eaten these foods, let alone heard of some of them and now this was second nature to me.

Alongside the dietary changes I was taking vitamins and minerals and an herbal formula containing Black Cohosh, Agnus Castus, Dong Quai, Red Sage and Milk Thistle (called Black Cohosh Plus). This was specifically for the hot flushes and sweats and in combination with the improved diet it was remarkable.

At my follow up consultation my diet was reviewed and a few more useful tips were given and my supplement programme was reviewed. We agreed to have another consultation in 12 weeks to give me more time to get into the programme. This felt reassuring that I would be monitored and not just left to my own devices.

I’m so pleased that I didn’t get tempted into taking HRT and the rewards to my health from visiting the Dr Marilyn Glenville Clinic have been tremendous. I now go through the day without having to carry a fan and at night my husband also gets to sleep because I’m not throwing the duvet off or opening a window every hour! Thank you.

Marilyn’s Comments:

It is often so easy to take the ‘quick fix solution’ and take HRT because for some women they are looking for instant relief and of course HRT is associated with preserving our youth. However, if our body is healthy, through a good diet and taking scientifically tested nutrients and herbs, the menopause can happen smoothly and comfortably.

Sally’s story demonstrates just how effective nutritional therapy can be for women going through the menopause. We see women at the clinic who have tried HRT and are unhappy on it, or like Sally, simply don’t want to take HRT or those who are still on it and desperately trying to ‘wean’ themselves off.

The ‘change of life’ is a gradual process allowing our body to get used to changes and to adapt accordingly. It is a new beginning and not the end.

If Sally’s story has resonated with you, do get in touch and see how we can help.

This month’s case study is ‘Sarah’ – who came to the Clinic because of irregular periods

Sarah’s Story:

“Having always suffered with irregular periods of around 50-60 days I just got used to it and sometimes it actually felt like a blessing because I didn’t have a period every month! However, it wasn’t until I was starting to try for a family that it became a concern. Then for no apparent reason my period stopped altogether and I had no cycle for three months which was quite worrying. I went to my GP who ran some routine blood tests which all came back normal suggesting no hormone imbalance. He suggested I take the Pill to regulate my cycle.

“Even after seeing my GP I still knew it was not normal to be without a period. Aside from wanting a baby, I had read that there was an increased risk of the bone thinning disease, osteoporosis due to the lack of the female hormone oestrogen. But because I was 28, this didn’t seem to be an issue for my doctor. I knew I didn’t want to take the Pill because this would simply mask the problem and not address exactly why my periods were irregular.

“I decided to be a bit more proactive and typed ‘irregular periods’ into the internet and it generated lots of information and links. The first link that stood out to me was the Dr Marilyn Glenville Clinic.’ I downloaded an ‘e-book’ on Irregular Periods which gave me all the information I needed about why periods become irregular and what the medical and natural approach is. After reading the information it made so much sense, but I decided I needed some more support rather than trying to follow it on my own.

“I phoned the Dr Marilyn Glenville Clinic to book my first appointment in London. This felt like such a positive step for me because I was actually taking control and trying to find answers to why I had an irregular cycle and what I could do about it.

“Before my initial appointment I was asked to complete a very detailed questionnaire which formed the basis of the consultation. It went into my medical history, symptoms and very importantly what I ate and drank on a daily basis. Actually writing this all down was quite interesting as I didn’t realise just how much chocolate and cola I consumed! The receptionist at the Dr Marilyn Glenville Clinic did tell me it was best to be honest when filling in the dietary section because the advice given to me would be more relevant.

“My first appointment was one hour and the nutritionist took a very detailed history from me. She had also studied my questionnaire beforehand which made me feel very confident that someone was actually taking the time for me. All too often when I have seen my doctor, they don’t seem to have the time to really take a detailed history. Firstly she asked what my main aim was from the consultation and I explained that it was to ultimately conceive. She explained that we would work on the irregular cycle first because this needed to be sorted before starting to try for a baby.

“The nutritionist explained that suffering from irregular periods is a fairly clear indication that the menstrual cycle had become imbalanced usually due to lifestyle factors including stress and poor diet. I knew stress was a major factor for me because of my career and the long days I work which is very demanding. I confessed that some days I worked through lunch just living on cola and chocolate to get me through the day. She said that stress can completely shut the female reproductive system down because in a ‘fight or flight’ situation where the body is under extreme stress, it would not be in a position to reproduce! This all made so much sense.

“I explained that my routine blood tests from my doctor had come back normal, but apparently this is not always reliable. She explained to me that the natural approach is designed to encourage the body to re-establish regular ovulation and to get hormones back in balance. One of the first things I had to work on was reducing and then ultimately avoiding sugar and cola. I thought this would be impossible but once the nutritionist had explained how sugar and caffeine can affect hormones and create such imbalance it really motivated me to change my diet. She explained that the B vitamins, the mineral magnesium and essential fats from oily fish and nuts and seeds are all essential for hormone balance and to think of these nutrients as ‘fuel’. She explained it so well – ‘if you don’t have enough fuel your car will break down and similarly if your body doesn’t get enough essential nutrients it will also ‘break down’ and stop functioning’. All of my hormones are dependent on a good supply of vitamins and minerals and essential fats. She also explained that some herbs like agnus castus and black cohosh can help to regulate the cycle.

“The nutritionist gave me a plan of action which involved me changing my diet, taking specific vitamin and minerals and a special herbal tincture when contained several different herbs, all with the intention of bringing my period back. She explained that using a herbal formula rather than a single herb is often more valuable because it has a more nourishing effect on the menstrual cycle.

“I was asked to come back after eight weeks so the nutritionist could review and monitor me. She explained that it is particularly important to be monitored when taking herbal preparations. It felt really reassuring that I was coming back after a set time rather than just being left to my own devices. During the eight weeks I was asked to fill in my daily diet diaries which helped me to keep focused.

“In this time I also started to think more about how I could reduce my stress. I knew that some things like my job I could not alter and would always be a ‘constant’, but I decided to have acupuncture and make time for yoga which would hopefully allow me and my body to deal more efficiently with the stress.

“After the first 2 months I was already feeling like a new woman! I had had a period which was fantastic and aside from that I just felt so much better and had more energy and rather than coming home after work and collapsing in front of the TV, I came home and started exercising a couple of nights a week.

“After 6 months I had had a 32 day cycle which was totally unheard of – the first ‘normal’ cycle in years. Even though my partner and I had decided to put trying for a baby on hold, it just felt so reassuring that my body was functioning normally and in balance to prepare us ultimately for having a baby. All I can say is how powerful I have found nutrition to be and only wish I had sought advice sooner, but you know what it’s like – we all put things to the back of our minds until we are forced to deal with them. This has taught me to always listen to my body and take action rather than letting the weeks and months and years pass by.”

My Comments:

“This is just one of many cases where people ignore what their body is telling them. The only reason Sarah sought advice for her irregular cycle was because she was thinking about trying to start a family.

“Ideally she should have acknowledged her cycle as not being normal and done something about it sooner. Unfortunately though we see this at the clinic all too often because of people leading increasingly busy lives and putting off until tomorrow. Thankfully Sarah is young enough to take the time to follow a good 3-6 month preconception programme and putting her fertility plans on hold is a good thing to make sure that we have really got her body back in to balance.

“We can see from Sarah’s story how powerful nutrition can be in encouraging your body to re-balance. Given the right tools, your body has the remarkable ability to balance itself. It is just a question of being ‘in tune’ with your body as we are all so unique and listen to what it is telling you.”

This month’s case study is a couple – ‘Mandy and Paul’ – who came to the Clinic because of infertility.

Mandy and Paul’s Story:

Myself and my husband had been trying to conceive for 3 years. After numerous medical investigations it was discovered that Paul had a very low sperm count of 1.5 million (needs to be at least 20 million to conceive) with 95% of these being abnormal. The motility of Paul’s sperm was also low at only 27% when it should be at least 50%. Our consultant very bluntly told us that we had no hope of conceiving naturally and that we should go straight for an IVF cycle.

Although neither of us was keen to go down this route we wanted to have a baby so much that it was something we had to do. Because of Paul’s poor semen analysis we had to have an ICSI cycle. This means that the sperm is inserted into the egg rather than allowing the sperm to fertilise the egg within the ‘test tube.’ 14 eggs fertilised and 2 were put back into my womb but unfortunately this didn’t result in a pregnancy.

We both found the ICSI procedure very draining both physically and emotionally and after going through this invasive treatment we were devastated by the outcome. Apart from the stress and invasive procedure it cost us more than £3000.

Shortly after, a friend of mine had seen a review on the book, ‘Natural Solutions to Infertility’, by Dr Marilyn Glenville. I read the book cover to cover and what I really liked about it was how it explained so clearly all the possible causes of infertility and what the options were both medically and naturally.

It was also encouraging because the book wasn’t just recommending one course of treatment. It was made very clear that whether a couple wants or has to go down the assisted conception route, or they don’t want to, they can be supported nutritionally. There were case studies in the book that gave us a lot of hope and inspiration. This is what prompted us to contact the Dr Marilyn Glenville Clinic.

When we phoned to book our first consultation it was recommended that we perform a Hair Mineral Analysis before hand. The results would then be back in time for our first appointment with the nutritionist. The Hair Mineral Analysis detects whether there are any deficiencies which can have implications on fertility. The nice thing about this test is how simple it is and non-invasive. This was such a relief having had so many blood tests, injections, been prodded and poked over the last 3 years!

We met two weeks later with our nutritionist who spent a full hour with us going through our medical and fertility history and finding out where we were at and our plans and goals for the next 3-6 months. This felt really reassuring as it was the first time that someone was taking the time to learn everything possible about us, rather than just having a rushed 15 minutes and feeling like another statistic! One of the first areas she looked at was helping me over the IVF by supporting my body to eliminate the toxins from the huge amount of drugs.

The Hair Mineral Analysis showed that I was low in the mineral zinc and magnesium and Paul low in zinc, selenium and magnesium. The nutritionist explained how important zinc was for both of us, but particularly Paul. For the man, zinc is needed for the head of the sperm to enable it to penetrate and fertilise the egg.

Zinc and selenium are also important anti-oxidants which means they protect the sperm from damage which could account for the high percentage of abnormal sperm. Finally, magnesium which is a mineral that can be used up when stress levels are high and is needed for the motility of the sperm. This all made so much sense and gave us something really positive to focus on.

The practitioner talked about the different reasons why men can have a high percentage of unhealthy sperm and explained the possible link between this and an underlying prostate infection. Aside from this, toxins from poor diet and the environment are also a huge factor.

This had never been mentioned before and it was just put down to ‘one of those things’. The nutritionist referred Paul to see a Microbiologist who performed an infection screen which came back positive. Paul was then referred on to an Urologist who prescribed antibiotics to clear the infection.

Immediately this reduced the percentage of abnormal sperm, but motility and count were still low. Having followed an eating plan to maximise our fertility and take nutritional supplements tailored to our needs, we were asked to come back for a follow up appointment in 12 weeks. Before the second consultation Paul had to arrange another semen analysis so we could see what had happened in this time.

Paul was overjoyed as the percentage of abnormal sperm had dropped to 90% and the count had increased to 6 million and motility to 35%. Although some of these improvements were not dramatic, it was a move in the right direction!

Six months on and still eating well and taking the recommended supplements my period didn’t arrive on time. My cycle had always been a regular 30 days, but without getting too excited I waited. After 7 days and still no bleed I performed a pregnancy test – it was positive! We were so excited but at the same time wanted to keep our feet firmly on the ground as it was such early days. I phoned the clinic to tell them and they advised that I had an early pregnancy scan at 5 weeks. This was very reassuring and I felt in control of the pregnancy.

After 12 weeks of pregnancy we had another consultation to review our progress and repeated the Hair Mineral Analysis so the nutritionist could make the necessary adjustments and talk me through the final two trimesters.

Our beautiful son Ben was born weighing 9lb 3oz and it was such an amazing experience for us both. We feel so fortunate to have produced such a wonderful little boy naturally when we were told so many times that it would be impossible.

Our message to anyone reading this is don’t just look at one option. Take everything into consideration and do the best you can to help yourselves and your fertility. Aside from the fertility, we are both enjoying a healthier way of eating and feeling the benefit in other aspects i.e. more energy and I no longer have recurrent bouts of thrush! We are still taking a basic supplement programme and our plan is to have another consultation to prepare us for trying for our second baby.

Marilyn’s comments:

This is such a lovely example of how powerful nutrition can be. All too often we see couples at my clinics that have been ‘railroaded’ into assisted conception when perhaps other avenues haven’t been fully explored. This is a particularly good example of how male factor infertility is not given enough consideration. Mandy had no reproductive problems at all and because Paul had poor sperm quality and low count and motility it was the easier option to recommend IVF.

However, we know, not just from this case, but from scientific research and years of clinical experience that nutrition plays an extremely important part in sperm health. To have been told that it was impossible to conceive without medical intervention and then to have a beautiful son is wonderful.

I hope Mandy and Paul’s story has inspired you all to really think about the power of nutrition whether you are trying to conceive naturally or planning to have assisted conception.

Follow this link if you are interested in having the Hair Mineral Analysis.