A Natural Approach To Pelvic Health: Join A Research Study!

One of my colleagues, Alisa Vitti, HHC, founder of Laughing Sage Wellness Group (LSW) in Manhattan, has teamed up with a research team at Columbia to study the effects of an all-natural protocol on menstrual, ovarian, and hormonal imbalances. I'm very excited about this research for a number of reasons. First of all, because the research study will document what we already know--Vitti's holistic and nutritional protocols are effective. They work. (I have recommended a similar approach for over 20 years.) And second, this is one of the first studies of women's hormonal imbalances that uses natural methods, instead of simply masking the imbalance with drugs, for example, birth control pills. I encourage you to participate or learn more, so you can share this unique opportunity with women who will benefit. The study has already begun, and will continue through June 2010. You can sign up through March 2010.

Millions of women suffer from irregular, erratic, sluggish, heavy, lengthy, crampy, or difficult periods. It's so common that most women have been led to believe this is normal. It's not. What if you could correct this condition naturally in four months AND participate in a Columbia University based study that would help end women's suffering with these issues in the future? And what if you could get the healing you need and deserve, knowing that, just by going through the healing process, you would be helping to change the perspective and quality of health for womankind? Of course you'd do it!

For the past eight years, Manhattan has been home to a company dedicated to taking care of what founder Alisa Vitti refers to as "GYN castaways." Laughing Sage Wellness was founded to treat women from across the U.S. and world with chronic gynecological issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), PMS, fibroids, cystic ovaries, thyroid issues, adrenal fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), amenorrhea (lack of menstrual periods), dysmenorrhea (severe uterine pain during menstruation), and HPV. If you've gone to the gynecologist and have discovered one of these issues and you've heard the following options given to you: drugs, surgery, or we'll see you in six months--then you need to know about what's possible for you at the Laughing Sage Wellness Group.

Vitti designed her five-step healing protocol a decade ago when she herself was struggling with PCOS. She had all the classic symptoms, but went undiagnosed for years (as is common). She was overweight, had acne, menstruated three times a year, and suffered with some depression. When her gynecologist finally heard her request for the appropriate test that led to her diagnosis, the confirmation of the condition was all she needed to light the fire under her to create a solution for herself that didn't involve unhelpful medications and undesired side effects. (I'm happy to report that my book Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom was a guiding light for her.) At the time she was struggling with period problems, Alisa had access to the best medical thinking on these issues, as she was herself planning to be a gynecologist while studying at Johns Hopkins University. Most women simply don't have access to this kind of information.

Fast forward to today, Alisa's eight-year-old center in Columbus Circle, Manhattan, has worked with many hundreds of women in the U.S. and in four continents to help them heal naturally from these conditions. (Many "GYN castaways" have been given birth control to manage their symptoms. Prescribing birth control pills to women who don't need contraception but have problems with their periods is a lot like shooting out the indicator light on the dashboard of your car when the oil is low. You haven't fixed the problem, you've simply removed the indicator. It's the same with women's hormonal problems.) She educates ten thousand readers weekly through the LSW Newsletter, hires and trains other health counselors to deliver this protocol, and her company is now on the verge of major mainstream expansion.

The protocol Vitti designed, which uses the science of food (nutrigenomics) to manipulate a woman's hormonal biochemistry, is now the subject of a year-long clinical trial spearheaded by a brilliant reproductive research scientist and physician from Columbia University. It should be noted that the lead physician for this study spent ten years in his lab researching the effects of turmeric on the vascular health of ovaries!

Alisa wants to put as many women through this study as possible for a few reasons. And I want to help get the word out. First, she is a stickler for scientific evidence--her training at Johns Hopkins left an indelible mark. Second, there has not been a study of this kind before, and its completion will create a paradigm shift for women's health care, which is long overdue. Finally, participating in the study is a way for women to support themselves in a way that benefits everyone. Think about it, if you as a woman get involved in the study, heal your condition, and have your lab results documented, then other women can heal as well. Both Alisa and I love the idea of bringing leading edge science--and light--to an area that has been shrouded in darkness, pain, and shame for too long.

It's simple to participate in the study. Here's how you can get involved:

The study is looking at the following three categories of women:
* women with PCOS
* women with dysmenorrhea (heavy, long, clotty, crampy, spotty periods)
* women with thyroid issues or adrenal issues

To find out if you are a good candidate, simply logon to http://www.laughingsagewellness.com/begin.shtml and fill out the form. You'll then have a conversation with one of LSW's capable counselors to see if you are a candidate. The staff will take care of the rest.

What's involved:

If you partake in the study, you'll have two sets of blood tests taken, one at the beginning of the four month program with LSW, and one at the end. The lab work can even be done with your own doctor or nurse practitioner in your own area. All data will be analyzed by the medical team, and the results will be published in the spring of 2010. During the four months, you will be taken through the LSW five-step protocol--balancing your blood sugar, helping with your detoxification, and ultimately stabilizing your hormonal balance and resolving your symptoms. Unlike most studies of medications, the only side effects you'll have to watch out for here are better moods, better periods, glowing skin, better digestion, and even weight loss.

If this is not for you, I'll bet you know someone who could really benefit from this information. So please pass it along. Let's all help give women the information they need to have healthy menstrual cycles.

For more cutting edge articles on health and wellness, visit www.drnorthrup.com and sign up for the Women's Wisdom Circle.

© 2001-2009 Christiane Northrup, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

This information is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease.
All material in this article is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health program.

Comments

[ajfitz]

I don't begrudge Laughing Sage charging whatever they feel like charging for their services. However, framing this as a research study is at best misleading, at worst deliberately deceptive. I went to the website, filled out the questionnaire, and indicated that I could not afford the $1800 program cost, that I could only participate as part of a "study." I received an email saying I had been chosen for a phone interview. I spent a half hour on the phone with someone from Laughing Sage, and I shared with her intimate details of my emotional, sexual, and physical health. She took me through a guided visualization of what it would be like to achieve wellness through their program. Then, she told me she thought I'd be a great fit for the research study. I was ecstatic! Then, she pulled the rug out from under me, detailing the payment plan for the $1800. I was floored and on the verge of tears. When I told her I couldn't afford it, she said there had been some confusion about the study, that it was "self funded," and that only pharma companies conduct free research studies. Not only did I waste my time on the phone, but I was put on an emotional rollercoaster for nothing. Something isn't right with the way they're handling this "research study" at Laughing Sage, and Columbia should be wary of being associated with it until the "self-funded" aspect of the "study" is stated clearly upfront.

[Demandra]

I am so sorry that you experienced this, particularly after telling them you could not afford to be a traditional client. It is seriously the most exploitative, manipulative marketing tactic I have ever witnessed.

I think it's time for a call to the Better Business Bureau.

[Demandra]

This is NOT a clinical trial or a "study." This is nothing more than an irresponsible, exploitative and manipulative marketing tactic to drum up more business. It is an established treatment modality, and any reputable healthcare practice tracks its outcomes. This is business as usual, except for the unbelievably irresponsible marketing tactic. Clinical studies are entirely different beasts.

I have worked in both the medical research fields and in fund development within non-profits. It is complete bullocks that only big pharm. funds clinical trials (of which this is NOT).

The treatment they offer is a diet and exercise plan. There are countless options available that address insulin resistance/Syndrome X that you can check out from your public library, free of charge. Just look for "Syndrome X" and you'll find several books that provide dietary plans for insulin resistant folks (the top researcher studying PCOS suspects it to be a third type of diabetes) and any exercise information promoting women's health will help.

Giving this fake study your money is tantamount to supporting manipulative and dishonest business practices. I am completely baffled that Dr. Northrup allowed her good name to be used in such an unseemly fashion. Your $1800 is better spent at the farmer's market and on a good pair of walking shoes.

[HolliThompson]

Dear Dr. Northrup,

I am thrilled that someone is finally conducting a study of this nature using Holistic methods. This is something I believe in and I am optimistic about the results based on my experience with clients and these issues.
As for charging? I am sorry it has to be so high, but my guess is you do not have a big pharmaceutical company backing you?
Keep us all posted,
Thank you
Holli Thompson, CHHC, Nutritional Style

[egoptimus]

I feel tricked. What research 'study' charges $1800??? Pretty tacky.

[mrsgroves]

So, I'm confused. I have to pay to be in this study? Seriously? Please tell me I'm wrong because I think I have been let down and had enough heartache from PCOS. I was just told on Tuesday that I will never be able to have kids w/o going through injections and IVF. And even then there are no guarantees. I'm just so sick of being told that there is nothing that can be done me. :(

[jacquelinenh]

@Mrsgroves:

You might want to check out the Women to Women clinic's PCOS program. Don't listen to the "never have kids without IVF" BS until you've gotten your PCOS symptoms under tight control -- then see what your options are. My mantra is that if my hormone levels and blood sugar levels and balanced and within normal range, how am I different from anyone else? But back to Women to Women, Dr. Northrup helped found it, and based on their other programs, I don't think it would cost as much as this one. Here's the link to their main PCOS article: http://www.womentowomen.com/insulinresistance/pcos.aspx
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Good luck!!!

[chris1028]

I would love to participate, but am I correct that it costs $1800? I was very excited about this study until I read that participation in the "4 month program" costs 1800...I realize there are lots of benefits, but for many of us I imagine that price makes particpation impossible.

[TLV]

I am dismayed that this body of mine, which I've maintained pretty well for 51 years, is still a mystery to me. Going to the gynecologist and not finding out what the weird aches and pains at my age are is very frustrating. I wish those with more defined issues good luck. I sure haven't had much!

[MsCuda]

Too late for me; I went through hell and then was disregarded by the medical community. I hope this helps others, whether rich or poor. No one should have to put up with what I did, if there's an alternative. Good luck.

[CanAmFam]

Wow, this is great info. Thanks for bringing this to light!!

[Angie Cordeiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank you Dr. Northrup!

I have passed this on to my son's girlfriend and I've filled out the questionnaire...

Thanks again for keeping our health and health issues at the fore ;-)