The Female Reproductive System

Anatomy and physiology
The gynaecological system of a female is largely governed by the hormones which come from the endocrine system. The female reproductive system is far more complicated than the males because it has a monthly cycle. In this cycle (governed by hormones) a follicle matures in the ovary and is released into the fallopian tube waiting for fertilisation from a sperm. If this does not happen the endometrium breaks down as it is not needed to feed the egg thereby causing menstruation. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) comes from the pituitary and matures the follicle it is released when a peak in oestrogen occurs. The egg leaves the ovary and leaves behind what is called a corpus luteum. Lutenising hormone is released from the pituitary and either helps to maintain a healthy environment for a foetus or turns the left-over follicle into a corpus luteum. The corpus luteum then releases progesterone which lowers the amount of oestrogen leading to menstruation. During menstruation the levels of hormone are at their lowest and this triggers the hypothalamus to release gonadotropin releasing hormone which stimulates the pituitary to release FSH and LH and the cycle starts again.

Gynaecological Pathologies
Ectopic pregnancies are foetuses which start maturing outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes but it can be elsewhere. It can lead to spotting, pain in the abdomen, dysuria (pain on weeing) and pain of defacation.
Poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is fairly common and refers to multiple cysts which are formed on the ovaries. These are usually discovered with an ultrasound scan. Usually cyst means an empty sac, in this case it actually refers to immature follicles which have not developed or disappeared with the hormone cycle. It leads to an over-production of progesterone as this is what a corpus luteum produces and gives symptoms such as; hirsutism (manly hair growth patterns), irregular periods or ammenorreha (lack of periods) and infertility.
Endometriosis is when endometrial tissue flourishes outside of the womb. Despite being far from the womb it is still activated by hormones and sheds every month. This can create monthly bleeding in strange places. It leads to painful periods (dysmennorhea), painful sex (dyspareunia), dysuria, infertility and sometimes vertigo.
Adenomyosis is ectopic endometrial tissue within the womb muscle. It causes dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia.
Fibroids are a type of tumour sometimes called uterine myomas. They can cause menorrhagia (heavy periods), dysmenorrhea, abdominal discomfort, painful defacation, back ache, fever, nausea and vomiting.
Salpingitis is inflammation (usually caused by infection) of the fallopian tubes. It causes a change of smell and colour of the cervical fluid, creates pain during ovulation (as the egg passes through the fallopian tube), dyspareunia, abdominal pain, lower back pain, fever and nausea and vomiting.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is used to describe inflammation of any of the reproductive organs, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes etc. It is characterised by a fever, lower abdomen pain, dyspareumia, irregular menstruation, and a change to cervical discharge.
Ashmerman’s syndrome is an acquired uterine condition. In this condition the front and back walls of the uterus adhere to one another. These adhesions can be thick, thin, confluent or spotty. It may result in symptoms such as amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea without bleeding as menses occur but blood can not flow out of the uterus. Often it is caused as a result of a D&C.

Gynaecological Herbs
Rubus idaeus is a uterine tonic used to tone the uterine muscle in pregnancy.
Vitex agnus castus is an oestrogenic regulator commonly used in menopause.
Alchemilla vulgaris is a uterine tonic similar to Rubus idaeus.
Dioscorea villosa is antispasmodic and contains phyto-oestrogens and therefore is used to treat oestrogen related problems. It is als anti inflammatory and therefore used to treat salpingitis and PID.
Salvia officinalis is commonly used to treat hot flushes in the menopause because it is so cooling. Rosa damascene is another nice one for that.