Herbal Health

Some proteins are broken down, in the body, and uric acid is formed. This substance is normally present in the blood and is excreted by the kidney. In gout, there is either an over-production or an under-excretion of uric acid. In some, there is a combination of both.

Uric acid builds up in the blood and is deposited as urate crystals in joints and the tissues around them. Urates may also be deposited as gouty tophi in other tissues, such as the ear or around the elbow.

The first indication is usually an acute arthritis. In most cases this involves the big toe, but any other joint may be involved. Occasionally, several joints are involved at the same time.

The pain comes on suddenly and is severe and throbbing. The joint is usually swollen and the skin overlying it is hot, reddened and shiny. The whole area is tender, and even light pressure on the skin is painful. Fever may accompany the attack. Unless treated, each such attack may last from five to seven days.

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These cause the endometrium to build up to form a soft, thick, spongy tissue in which the fertilised ovum can implant and develop into a child.

When, as in most menstrual cycles, conception doesn’t occur, this thick layer of tissue is shed with some bleeding.

When the womb is removed, a woman no longer has periods nor can she become pregnant.

In the past, a partial hysterectomy was common. This removed the body of the womb but left the cervix in place.

This was done because it was an easier and smaller operation for the woman and did not disturb the anatomy of the vagina.

This operation is rarely done now because it leaves the cervix and leaves the woman still vulnerable to develop cancer of the cervix. This cancer is second only to cancer of the breast in frequency in women.

The operation can be carried out through a cut made in the abdomen or by operating through the vagina, so there is no outside cut.

Which approach is used depends on what is wrong with the womb, how large it is and what other procedures are carried out at the same time. It is rarely due to the whim of the surgeon.

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