Unit 2 lessons

Numerous factors influence the menstrual cycle, including a woman’s nutritional status, stress levels, body weight, exercise patterns, attitudes and beliefs about menstruation, and environmental and workplace exposures. Investigation into these factors can sometimes explain dysfunction; corrections can often restore physiologic and emotional balance. A holistic approach to preventing and treating menstrual dysfunction should always include […]

The herbal educator can play an important role in helping teenage girls to develop a positive self-image, and can provide valuable guidance in helping young women learn natural gynecologic self care. It has long been my vision that herbalists and midwives could serve as community educators, going into local middle and high schools and offer […]

Dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain are very common reasons for which women seek gynecologic care. Causes can range from simple menstrual cramps to complex anatomic anomalies. Treatment approaches can, likewise, range from simple to complex, and from symptomatic to systemic. It is important to be able to differentiate between primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea, as well […]

Menstrual irregularity is a common gynecologic issue that may be presented by your client as her sole concern, or it may be a secondary concern that arises in the context of other gynecologic problems, for example, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or fertility challenges. More rarely, a client will present with menstrual irregularity accompanied by symptoms […]

Approximately 85% of all women experience at least one PMS symptom with each menstrual cycle, and as many as 40% of women of reproductive age report significant  problems associated with their menstrual cycles. PMS leads to missed school/work days, decreased ability to concentrate/ function at school/work, and relationship stresses. The symptoms can range from mild […]

Fibrocystic breast changes and fibroadenomas are so common that many practitioners consider some amount of fibrocystic breast tissue a variation of normal and reject the term “benign breast disease,” preferring simply “fibrocystic breasts” or “fibrocystic breast changes.” While these changes are nearly always benign, with only a very small percentage of women who report such […]

Previously considered primarily a gynecologic condition because of the common finding of polycystic ovaries and clinical reproductive problems, it is now recognized that PCOS, which affects approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age, is a complex endocrine disorder with an uncertain, and likely multifactorial, etiology. It is a hyperandrogenic state characterized by hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, […]

How to Do Lesson 21 1. Read Lesson PDF 2. Read Required Reading 3. Do E-Quiz 4. Download, complete, save, and complete Self-Study Assignment

Vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections represent a tremendous health concern for women. They cause physical discomfort, personal embarrassment, are a primary reason for visits to the medical doctor and use of prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and predispose women to serious health consequences, for example, infertility, pregnancy loss, fetal and neonatal death, and HIV/AIDS […]

How to Do Lesson 23 1. Read Lesson PDF 2. Read Required Reading 3. Do E-Quiz 4. Download, complete, save, and complete Self-Study Assignment

How to Do Lesson 24 1. Read Lesson PDF 2. Read Required Reading 3. Do E-Quiz 4. Download, complete, save, and complete Self-Study Assignment

How to Do Lesson 25 1. Read Lesson PDF 2. Read Required Reading 3. Do E-Quiz 4. Download, complete, save, and complete Self-Study Assignment

The materia medica section of each unit provides an overview of a selection of the herbs relevant to understanding the botanical treatment of conditions found in that unit and throughout the course. Unit 2 materia medica relates to general gynecology. General uses of these herbs can be reviewed in any number of herb books, including […]

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