It may not seem intuitive to say that chiropractic adjustments can help with women's hormonal issues, but it's true. Hormonal imbalances and shifts, often associated with monthly menses cycles, can create distress for countless women, even to the point that the symptoms interfere with day-to-day activities. In a healthy body, these symptoms are usually contained to mild nuisances. However, when glands secrete hormones at an unnatural rate -- either too much or too little -- the body's internal mechanisms can easily fall out of balance,

How does this all work?

The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that acts as the body's bridge between the nervous system and the endocrine system. In essence, it's an input/output system, one that takes in information from the nervous system and drives endocrine function in an effort to maintain the body's status quo. However, the nervous system may not necessarily provide accurate data if there are musculoskeletal issues at play. As the body is an immense interconnected machine, a spinal problem in the neck may lead to problems with proper nerve functionality, which is then miscommunicated to the hypothalamus, leading to hormone imbalance via the endocrine system.

That's the simplified version of the process, but it shows in essence why chiropractic care can be so effective for women's health issues. Now, let's take a closer look at some specific problems.

PMS: The exact cause of PMS is still being researched. However, it's a safe to assume that hormones play a significant role in PMS. Thus, a body with a healthy nervous system can help to minimize PMS symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments can lead to both direct and indirect relief of these symptoms. By getting the spine in proper alignment, the nervous system can function properly and thus limiting any hormone secretion issues.

Menstrual cramping: Menstrual cramps occur as the body’s natural response to prostaglandins, lipids that are involved with a woman’s reproductive function. An excessive amount of prostaglandins can increase the intensity of menstrual cramps. In addition to addressing any hormonal imbalances due to spinal misalignment, chiropractic adjustments can minimize prostaglandin production caused by constricted arteries. Related pain can also occur due to menstrual-related pressure on the nerves near the uterus; similarly, chiropractic adjustments can alleviate that additional pressure for pain relief.

Migraines: For migraine sufferers, menstrual cycles can be a regular trigger for intense headaches. While a steady estrogen level can help minimize migraines, the pre-period drop in estrogen can trigger them. By preventatively addressing hormonal shifts, chiropractic adjustments can provide regular relief to migraine sufferers.

Pregnancy stages: A woman’s body undergoes immense structural changes during the different stages of pregnancy -- and no two women will it experience it exactly the same. Chiropractic adjustments can treat specific symptoms as they occur. For example, a woman’s pelvis will naturally change during pregnancy, but this change’s ripple effect will be unique to each woman. Thus, an adjustment plan will evolve with the situation: in some cases, providing immediate pain relief and in other cases, looking preventatively to minimize pinched nerves or joint problems.

Each woman faces her own unique situation when it comes to health issues. For many of these cases, chiropractic can be a non-pharmaceutical path to relief and treatment. Whether you have an acute condition listed above or are just curious to see how chiropractic can bring you some relief, we’re here to help -- schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Fritts today to discover the chiropractic difference.

Fritts Family Chiropractic sees clients from all over the San Francisco Bay Area. The office is located in the Lower Haight neighborhood 94117 and easily accessible from the N Judah MUNI line. Street parking is also available.