Course Overview

Jake Fratkin uses his 44 years of clinical experience to present several lectures on Gynecological topics. Lecture 1 compares the Western biomedical understanding with the modern TCM approach. Also, an in-depth discussion of Irregular Menses, with pattern differentiation, and application of modern herbal formulas and modern herbal products. Custom formulas and case histories from Jake's clinical practice will be included.

Course Objectives

• Learn Western biomedical organization of female hormones affecting gynecological issues.
• Learn TCM organization of gynecological energetic physiology.
• Learn TCM patterns causing Irregular Menses. These include patterns contributing to early, late and erratic periods.
• Learn relevant herbal formulas and products to address various TCM patterns behind Irregular Menses. Discussion will highlight the herbal compositions of each formula. Class discussion will allow herbal modifications and substitutions.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 15 minWe review the Course organization, what topics will be covered, and in which order. We also review our list of Recomended Books, and their relevance to the course.

15 min - 45 minAn Overview of Menstrual Cycle in Modern Biomedicine. Details include discussion of individual hormones involved. We then talk about the three phases of the menstrural cycle: Follicular, Ovulatory, and Luteal phases.

45 min - 1 hrsOverview of Menstrual Cycle in Modern TCM looks at relevant patterns: Liver, Kidney, Spleen, Qi, and Blood patterns. Signs and symptoms are included.

1 hrs - 1.5 hrsOverview of Irregular Menses in Biomedicine includes a discussion of hormones that are involved, other causes for irregular periods, and relevant medical treatment. Lab diagnosis is also discussed.

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsPatterns for Early Menses in TCM describes patterns found in Early Menses, Delyed Menses, and Erratic Menses. Relevant treatment formulas are then discusses.

2 hrs - 2.5 hrsPatterns for Delayed Menses in TCM offer descriptions for Excess Cold, Deficicency Cold, Blood Deficiency, Qi Stasis. Relevant formulas are given and discussed.

2.5 hrs - 3 hrsPatterns for Erratic Menses include Qi Stagnation, Kidney Yang Deficiency, and Kidney Yin Deficiency. Relevant formulas are given and discussed.