tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19313737874465036742024-02-08T02:25:03.854-08:00writetouch4uUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1931373787446503674.post-56290038964831580092013-01-30T02:40:00.004-08:002013-01-30T02:41:47.073-08:00<h2>
<span style="color: black;">Solving the Mystery of Hormone Balance:
Experimenting with Minerals<br />
by Patricia Rackowski<br />
</span></h2>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">After
working with estrogen, progesterone and thyroid for three years,
I still hadn't solved the mystery of hormone balance. I still
wasn't sleeping well, I still had episodes of non-stop hot flashes,
and my energy and mood were either very good or very bad. I felt
that hormones were only the proximate causes of my symptoms, and
I had to look deeper to find the original cause of my hormone
imbalances. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
About a year ago, in August of 2000, I began to take copper supplements,
and after three days my estrogen levels increased enough to give
me that high estrogen headache, and I went off of estrogen. My
hot flashes disappeared and haven't come back since. This was
rather dramatic because I had been having non-stop hot flashes
for 4 years unless I used estrogen, and even with estrogen I had
episodes of non-stop hot flashes that kept me awake all night.
This experience with copper convinced me that minerals are extremely
important, not just the "Little Sister" in my Vitamin
and Mineral supplement. Perhaps you would be interested to know
how I got to copper, and whether it would help anyone else.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
I am not a doctor or a scientist. I am a massage therapist. As
a bodyworker, I have learned to listen to my body and to trust
my inner voice. It doesn't always steer me direct, but it doesn't
steer me wrong. Hair analysis had been attracting my attention
for awhile. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
It's not really the hair analysis that's important, it's the minerals.
Minerals are involved in the manufacture and the activities of
enzymes, and it's enzymes that carry out almost every process
in the body. It's enzymes that build up and break down hormones,
enzymes that convert one hormone to another, and enzymes that
carry out activities initiated by hormones at receptor sites.
It was very possible, I thought, that the hormonal imbalances
I was experiencing were caused by mineral deficiencies.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
I was wondering about copper, because I had read that premature
white hair was a sign of copper deficiency. My hair started turning
white little by little since I was 22, at the same time I developed
Graves' disease (autoimmune hyperactive thyroid). Premature white
hair is a common result of Graves' disease. Copper deficiency
is also associated with Graves' disease.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
Also, as a menopause consultant, I was wondering about minerals
and osteoporosis. I read about all the minerals that are important
for bone building: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper,
boron, and manganese. But how much of each should one take? Recommendations
varied from author to author. I thought a more important question
might be: which minerals was I getting enough of and which ones
did I need more of? Although there is a lot of talk about how
much calcium one "should" take, there is little discussion
of how to find out if your body is absorbing the calcium you are
taking. I wanted an assessment tool. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">And
as an eater, I was wondering about the disappearing minerals in
my food. According to the US Dept. of Agriculture, the mineral
content of fruits and vegetables has greatly diminished in the
past 50 years due to poor maintenance of the soil. For example,
the amount of calcium in broccoli has declined by 50% since 1975,
and the amount of calcium in corn is down by 33% since 1963. But
was I really deficient in minerals in general, or was I deficient
in particular minerals? It didn't seem wise to me to start taking
large amounts of minerals willy-nilly without any type of feedback
system to tell me whether I needed them or not.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">Hair
analysis is a test that can give you an approximate idea
of which
minerals your body is absorbing enough of, and which are
deficient.
It is often used to reveal toxic mineral exposure for
arsenic,
mercury, aluminum, cadmium and lead. But it can also be
used to
show nutrient mineral status. It is more useful than a
blood test,
which only shows the minerals in the blood at the moment
it's
taken. A hair analysis of one inch length hair shows
mineral absorption
over about two months for those
minerals that accumulate in hair as well as other
tissues. And, a hair analysis shows the ratio of certain minerals to
their companion minerals, such as the ratio of
calcium to magnesium and the ratio of zinc to copper. The ratios can be
more important than the actual
mineral values when it comes to figuring out what is going on in your
body. This is why a trained
practitioner is required to interpret a hair analysis.
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">I
found out that in order to get a hair analysis test, I had to
see a practitioner, since the testing labs do not deal directly
with the public. Although I didn't understand it at the time,
I know now that mineral balancing is not a straightforward process,
and it's good to have a practitioner's guidance. Lots of different
practitioners use hair analysis testing including medical doctors,
nurse practitioners, naturopathic doctors, chiropractors, nutritionists,
and many others. Each lab instructs the practitioners in interpreting
the test results, and interpretation varies considerably from
lab to lab. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">I
went to a nurse practitioner at the Marino Center, a holistic
health center in Cambridge, MA. They use Trace Elements lab in
Addison, TX. I've gotten other analyses done since then at other
labs, but I still prefer the Trace Elements report. If you try
to call Trace Elements, however, they will not deal with you directly.
They will not even tell you who uses their lab in your area. So
you just have to ask around to find a practitioner who does hair
analysis, and then ask them what lab they use. If you can't find
a practitioner who uses Trace Elements, then Great Smokies Lab
is OK and so is Doctor's Data. Those are the three I have used
and they were consistent with my mineral values. I just liked
the accompanying report by Trace Elements a lot better.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
I got my first hair analysis in January, 2000. I was really impressed
by the report. Without any other information about me other than
from my hair, the Trace Elements report described my metabolic
problems and my symptoms quite accurately. All of my minerals
were really low, except selenium, which I had been supplementing
for a couple of years at 100 mcg/day on the advice of my endocrinologist.
All of my electrolytes were low: calcium, magnesium, potassium
and sodium, although I had been taking calcium and magnesium for
years.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
What happened next was a big delay in progress. As I said, my
inner voice doesn't always steer me directly. Although the report
recommended a great many mineral supplements, being the cautious
person that I am, and having suffered a lot already and gotten
a little better, I was afraid to start taking them all at once.
So I determined to follow the extensive dietary recommendations
in the report, what foods to eat more of and what foods to avoid,
to see if I could improve my mineral uptake through diet.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
The upshot of all this was that after six months I had another
hair analysis, and nothing had changed. Nothing! I was not going
to be able to improve my mineral levels without taking significant
supplementation. During this six months, however, I had learned
a lot more about minerals through a website I found at http://www.ithyroid.com.
I began to realize how complicated this whole thing is, and perhaps
it was just as well that I got into this slowly. If I had gone
whole hog in the beginning, I might have made a mistake and discouraged
myself from continuing.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
In August 2000 I was ready to go up to 6 mg. copper daily. I had
learned that copper was probably my most significant deficiency
and after that magnesium. I also began to take calcium/magnesium
in a 1:1 ratio instead of the usual 2:1 ratio. I switched calcium
supplements from a tablet to a capsule (powdered) form, but I
was actually taking about the same milligrams I had been taking
for years. And I began to take Betaine hydrochloride with Pepsin
before dinner (a stomach acid supplement) to help me absorb more
minerals from my food. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">That's
when, in three days, my hot flashes were cured. These hot flashes
were characterized by a brief feeling of dread, followed by a
shot of adrenaline that would cause palpitations, a sense of heat
rising from my chest upwards, and finally the chills. The chills
lasted the longest, perhaps 15 -20 minutes, and then the whole
thing would start again. These were not funny. These were not
power surges. I couldn't live with these hot flashes, and that's
why I was on estrogen, although I hadn't missed a period yet.
Estrogen greatly reduced the hot flashes. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">Is
there a connection between estrogen and copper? You can bet your
entire plumbing system on YES. Now for some science.</span><br />
<hr />
<h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">ESTROGEN AND<br />
COPPER / PROGESTERONE<br />
AND ZINC </span></span></h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">Copper
levels are related to estrogen levels. Copper is involved in the
production of estrogen. Copper accumulates in the liver, and must
be available for the metabolism of estrogen. Both excessive copper
and deficient copper may cause estrogen imbalance. Adrenaline
stimulates the liver to produce ceruloplasmin, the main copper-binding
protein. Copper is not bioavailable until it is bound to certain
proteins. Thus in cases of adrenal insufficiency there may be
a hidden copper excess in the tissues, caused by unbound, biounavailable
copper. We see that copper may be deficient, excessive or biounavailable.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
In another enzyme pathway, copper removes excess T3 in the body,
and thus "saves" estrogen, which also removes excess
T3. Copper accumulation in the liver can remove too much T3 and
result in fatigue or even hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is associated
with too much copper and not enough zinc. Low zinc results in
low progesterone, PMS and infertility Too much T3 as in hyperthyroidism
may deplete the body's stores of copper, causing an estrogen deficiency.
Untreated hyperthyroidism will cause menstrual cycles to stop,
as excess T3 "eats up" estrogen.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">Are
you confused yet? Let's look at it another way, by symptoms</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">According
to Dr. Lawrence D. Wilson, author of "Nutritional Balancing
and Hair Mineral Analysis", the hormone imbalances of PMS
and perimenopause need to be approached differently depending
upon the symptoms: </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">Estrogen-dominant,
low progesterone women have PMS characterized by fluid retention,
bloating, sore breasts and irritability. These women, who tend
to have a heavier build and more body fat, have a slower metabolism,
higher copper levels and a high sodium/potassium ratio. They require
copper-lowering nutrients such as zinc, B6, choline, inositol,
Vitamin C, molybdenum and sulfur, and more potassium-rich foods.
Zinc supports progesterone production. Fluctuating progesterone
causes blood sugar instability and mood swings. Chocolate and
other sweet cravings at the menstrual period help keep blood sugar,
and mood, up. A desire for red meat may indicate low iron stores.
Salt cravings may indicate a need for trace minerals such as selenium,
chromium and iodine. Low zinc, iron, selenium or iodine may result
in functional hypothyroidism. Uncorrected hypothyroidism in younger
women can cause infertility. This condition can be caused by the
birth control pill, which depletes zinc. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">Low
estrogen, progesterone-dominant women have PMS characterized by
anxiety and hyperactivity, or fatigue and depression if adrenals
are worn out. These women tend to have a more slender body build,
a low sodium/potassium ratio, and low or biounavaible copper.
Their metabolism is generally on the fast side. They feel better
with supplemental copper, Vitamin E, magnesium, pantothenic acid
and other nutrients to assist the adrenal glands. Magnesium may
help them sleep better. Chocolate is high in copper. Chocolate
cravings around the menstrual period may be due to a need for
copper. Copper stores may be so low that the production of estrogen
at the menstrual cycle depletes them. At perimenopause, their
fast metabolism "eats up" estrogen and causes hot flashes,
palpitations, and insomnia. Untreated hyperthyroidism in younger
women can cause an early menopause.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">The
above are not hard and fast rules, and a woman may vary in her
symptoms from month to month if all minerals are low. Just by
taking a multimineral daily supplement*, symptoms should diminish
over time, unless deficiencies are severe, in which case, after
a hair analysis, certain individual minerals need to be supplemented
at higher levels. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia
and diabetes indicate that more severe mineral deficiencies exist.
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">At
menopause, both estrogen and progesterone levels fall. Sometimes
progesterone falls first, causing symptoms similar to the PMS
estrogen dominance symptoms above: fluid retention, bloating,
sore breasts, mood swings, headaches and heavy bleeding. Taking
natural progesterone can counteract the symptoms and "save"
zinc, because zinc is involved in the production of progesterone.
But it's also possible that symptoms can be relieved by taking
zinc which supports progesterone production, and B complex vitamins
with extra B6. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">When
estrogen levels begin to fluctuate, sometimes high and sometimes
low, we can get hot flashes and relieve them by taking estrogen,
which "saves" copper. It is also possible that symptoms
can be relieved by copper, IF one is copper deficient or low in
copper, which in turn "saves" estrogen. If copper is
biounavailable, B complex vitamins with extra B12 may be needed
to enhance the absorption of copper. B12 level can be tested by
a blood test. Be sure to get the numerical results, not just a
"you're OK". B12 on the low side of the normal range
can be supplemented with good benefit. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">In
my own case, I was deficient in copper, which is usually the case
with Graves' Disease or hyperthyroidism. I had treatment with
Radio-Active Iodine in 1976, so my hyperthyroidism had become
hypothyroidism, but due to the copper deficiency, I tended to
be sort of a hyper/hypo person. I had both kinds of PMS. When
progesterone fell at menopause, I had severe estrogen dominance
symptoms at first, but when estrogen began to fluctuate too, I
had non-stop hot flashes. Basically I was low in all minerals
on my hair analysis, but copper was the most significant and underlying
deficiency. Onçe I began to replace copper I began to get
back into balance. I was able to absorb the other minerals better
once the "hyper" side of me was treated.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
Copper, zinc and iron are the three minerals most involved in
thyroid regulation. If you have too much of any one of these,
you will eventually become depleted in the other two. Mineral
ratios are as important or more important than mineral levels.
This means that even if the copper level is normal, if the zinc/copper
ratio is very low, one is likely to experience symptoms of elevated
copper. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">Thus
I recommend that if you do not have a thyroid disease, you try
a multimineral daily supplement that has the daily requirement
of each mineral in the proper proportion (see list at end of article),
but if you have a thyroid disease or diabetes, I suggest you get
a hair analysis first before taking supplements. You may need
copper and iron, as I did, or you may need just copper. You may
need zinc and iron to balance too much copper. Also, your sodium/potassium
ratio will be an indication of adrenal health and your calcium/magnesium
ratio will give information about glucose metabolism. Low magnesium
could explain heart palpitations, waking up startled, insomnia.
Low iron could explain feeling cold, cold flashes, chills, and
waking up early. Thyroid function could be enhanced by iron, selenium,
iodine, manganese and/or chromium. Insulin usage could be assisted
by chromium and vanadium. Look for a practitioner in your area
who uses hair analysis to help you.</span><br />
<hr />
<h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;">MORE
ABOUT <br />
ZINC, COPPER & IRON</span></h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
Copper deficient anemia is very dangerous, but even low copper
can result in an aneurysm (burst blood vessel). About 4-6% of
Americans die from aneurysm . Copper is important for the integrity
of the blood vessel walls. Taking large amounts of Vitamin C for
a long time can deplete you of copper. Copper is also important
for preventing osteoporosis. Altogether it is a very significant
mineral. Yet one must not take too much copper, for high copper
levels can cause poor memory, depression, insomnia, migraines,
and joint and muscle pain. Thus the hair analysis is important
to keep track of long term supplementation above 4 mg/day.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">And
regarding zinc, I have seen recommendations by doctors for very
high levels of zinc supplementation, such as 50 or 70 mg/day,
for prevention of macular degeneration, without any mention of
the fact that this can deplete copper and iron and cause anemia,
hyperthyroidism or aneurysm. From what I have learned, zinc should
not be taken in such high amounts unless it is found to be deficient
through a hair analysis. In that case, more zinc can be taken
until zinc is in the normal range, but then the normal 15-30 mg/day
is enough. Another way to tell if you need zinc is to suck on
a zinc lozenge. If it tastes really bad, you have enough zinc.
If it tastes neutral, you need zinc. As with many other things,
too much can be as bad as too little.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">About
iron, I want to mention that it is not wise to take iron without
being tested for iron deficiency. Postmenopausal women do not
need as much iron as women who are still losing iron each month
at menstruation, since iron accumulates and excess iron is not
excreted in urine or feces. But if you are experiencing fatigue,
feeling cold when others don't, cold flashes instead of hot flashes,
or waking up early, you may be low in iron. If you are a vegetarian
or have had episodes of heavy bleeding in perimenopause you may
be low in iron. Ask your doctor for a blood test, and do not take
"You're OK" for an answer. Get the numbers. If you are
on the low side of the normal range, you may still take some iron
and feel better.</span><br />
<hr />
<h4>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;">IS
HAIR ANALYSIS RELIABLE? </span></h4>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
If you mention hair analysis to your doctor, you will probably
be told that it's a hoax, pure quackery. This is because reputable
medical journals have attacked hair analysis from time to time
with studies that show that there is a great deal of discrepancy
between labs in their reports. I read the most recent debunking
of hair analysis in the Journal of the American Medical Association,
Jan. 3, 2001. It's absurd. Hair samples from ONE "healthy"
woman were sent to six different labs for analysis. There were
large discrepancies in the reports, mostly due to differences
of scale by factors of 10 or 100 in reporting the data, but also
due to different testing procedures. Yet there was, by the Journal's
own data, enough agreement between labs on all the major minerals
to tell you whether the woman was deficient or not. For example,
the results for copper were: 13, 15, 14, 11, 12, and 14.93. This
was good enough to indicate that copper was in the lower half
of normal range. It was probably as close as cholesterol testing
from six different labs would be. I frequently read news articles
about hair analysis being used to look for toxic mineral levels
in people exposed to mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic. There
is no reason why the same technique isn't just as effective with
nutrient minerals. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">Another
problem is that the "normal" range for copper (and all
the nutrient minerals) in hair is not well established, and each
lab has set up its own normal range based upon testing of "healthy"
individuals. I put "healthy" in quotes because people
may appear healthy while they are marginally deficient in some
minerals. A great deal more study could be done in this area,
but it would not be beneficial to any drug company to sponsor
one. There is very little profit in selling minerals compared
to selling hormones and drugs. Minerals are really cheap.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
It's important to remember that the goal of mineral balancing
is not to get a "perfect" hair analysis whatever that
may be. The goal is to feel better, to resolve difficult symptoms
and health problems. If this is accomplished, then that is success.
After all, I don't really care how much copper is in my hair,
I just want to be able to sleep at night! The hair analysis is
just a guide to what might be needed and what needs to be brought
back closer to balance. The body does the rest. The body heals
itself, given the proper raw materials.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<hr />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><b><br />
MORE READING</b></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
Many studies have been done on mineral deficiencies and diseases
in domesticated animals, but they have been done over at the US
Department of Agriculture by veterinarians. After all, a pig with
diabetes or hypothyroidism is a dead pig, and farmers can't afford
too many of those. One such USDA vet became a naturopathic doctor
and began to apply what he knew about animals to people. He is
Dr. Joel Wallach. He made a tape called "Dead Doctors Don't
Lie" which has been passed around extensively by people doing
multi-level marketing for colloidal minerals. (Colloidal minerals
have too much aluminum. Look for ionic trace minerals.) Now "Dead
Doctors Don't Lie" is available as a tape and a book from
Amazon.com. I highly recommend
it. It's entertaining as well as informative.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">"Nutritional
Balancing and Hair Mineral Analysis" by Dr. Larry Wilson
has the information that Trace Elements Lab uses to analyze metabolism,
stress levels and diet. Dr. Wilson says that "Hair analysis
is much more than a test for minerals. From a small sample of
hair, you can learn about your metabolic rate, stage of stress,
immune system, and adrenal and thyroid activity. The test offers
accurate information about carbohydrate tolerance, energy levels
and tendencies for over 30 illnesses, often years before they
manifest. You can also tell if you are eating enough protein,
eating too many carbohydrates, and whether a vegetarian diet is
working for you. . . . Families can learn why a child has learning
difficulties, attention deficit disorder, infections, or difficulty
falling asleep . . . Nutrition consultants can<br />
reduce the guesswork in recommending nutritional products . .
. Health practitioners can approach each patient as an individual
using hair analysis." You can order this book from Dr. Wilson
at http://www.drwilson.com.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">"The
Healing Power of Minerals, Special Nutrients and Trace Elements"
by Paul Bergner, a clinical nutritionist, is another good book
on minerals and disease prevention with mineral supplementation.
He writes about the mineral deficiencies in our foods and the
diseases that are resulting in our society today, about each mineral
and what it does in the body, how much to take, and about food,
herbal and supplemental sources of minerals and trace elements.
He has a table that shows how much aluminum (a toxic metal) colloidal
mineral supplements have and that is why I warn you about them.
He suggests that liquid ionic trace minerals or sea salt are better
sources of trace minerals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">"Why
Am I Always So Tired" by Ann Louise Gittleman, nutritionist
and author of the excellent "Super Nutrition for Menopause",
explores the symptoms of copper imbalance. Copper excess is a
more common problem than copper deficiency, and may explain your
fatigue. Eating
too many carbohydrates and not enough fat and protein, a vegetarian
diet, taking birth control pills, using the copper IUD, and water
high in copper from copper pipes, all
contribute to high copper levels.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">For an interesting discussion of a "hormones and minerals"
case where a woman with two previous postpartum depressions
was prevented from having one after her third pregnancy through
hair analysis and mineral balancing see<br />
http://www.malterinstitute.com/ppd_1.htm,</span><br />
<hr />
<h4>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">CONCLUSION</span></span></h4>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">In
summary, what I have told you here is a GROSS OVER-SIMPLIFICATION.
I highly recommend that you thoroughly study the website
http://www.ithyroid.com where I got a lot of my information.
Credit is due to ithyroid's creator, John Johnson, for putting
together a huge amount of information on minerals. As John says,
this is an EXPERIMENTAL approach. Be cautious, hyperthyroids especially.
Read "Balancing Minerals" first, at http://www.ithyroid.com/balancing_minerals.htm</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
I don't suggest that people stop taking their thyroid medications
or their diabetes medications or even their ovarian hormone therapy.
I suggest working with the minerals and little by little working
into a better mineral balance. Perhaps your need for medications
will then decrease. I am still taking Levoxyl, but my symptoms
have much improved with mineral balancing. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">"The
minerals in our bodies are like precious jewels, rare gifts to
us from the Creator. They perform biological functions there that
nothing can replace, not conventional or alternative medical therapies,
not mind/body medicine, not New Age thinking. To maintain our
health, or to regain a higher level of health, we need only turn,
open-handed, to receive the gift of natural foods." - Paul
Bergner in "The Healing Power of Minerals". </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">In
the more than 30 years that have gone by since I was diagnosed
with Graves' Disease in 1970, I have gone to many endocrinologists
and other doctors. I have had Radioactive Iodine, thyroid replacement,
and hormone therapy. I have had psychotherapy, bodywork, Reiki,
acupuncture, Chinese herbs, homeopathy and hypnosis at different
times. I learned a little or a lot from these experiences. At
times I improved a little or a lot. But I have never had so dramatic
and important a result as I have had since I started repairing
my mineral balance. I feel that my health and my mental and physical
balance are being restored. It's taking some time. I won't bore
you with all the ins and outs of my experience. I just wanted
to tell you that there is something to taking minerals, and you
might want to explore it. You may have tried everything else already,
or you might be lucky enough to start here. Either way, it's worth
exploring. It's not expensive, it's pretty safe, and good results
come along fairly quickly.</span><br />
<hr />
<h4>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">ABOUT SUPPLEMENTS</span></span></h4>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">When
choosing a multimineral supplement, you will have to look carefully
at the label. Different products are better for different people.
For example, if you are postmenopausal you don't want to take
more than 10-15 mg/day of iron, unless your iron is low. Don't
take more than 30 mg/zinc daily for a lengthy period of time (some
multiminerals have more than that). Consider your diet--do you
eat seaweed? If not, you should look for a supplement that includes
iodine. Do you eat a lot of calcium-rich foods? You don't need
to take so much calcium in your supplements.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
As a baseline for mineral supplementation, not taking into account
foods that you eat, the following are generally recommended for
menopausal and postmenopausal women:</span><br />
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="left">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
Calcium 1000 mg<br />
Magnesium 500 mg<br />
Potassium 99 mg<br />
Iron 27 mg (menstruating) <br />
Iron 10 -15 mg (not menstruating)<br />
Zinc 15 - 30 mg<br />
Copper 2 mg<br />
Manganese 4 -10 mg<br />
Boron 1 - 3 mg<br />
Iodine 150 mcg<br />
Chromium 200 mcg <br />
Selenium 100-200 mcg</span></div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<div align="left">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;"><br />
A good general multimineral supplement is Bronson Labs'<br />
Mineral Insurance Formula,
http://www.bronsonlabs.com. Three tablets daily, one with
each meal, contain:</span></div>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div align="left">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
Calcium 324 mg<br />
Magnesium 200 mg<br />
Iron 15 mg<br />
Phosphorus 166 mg<br />
Zinc 15 mg<br />
Copper 2 mg<br />
Manganese 5 mg<br />
Iodine 150 mcg<br />
Chromium 200 mcg<br />
Selenium 20 mcg<br />
Molybdenum 100 mcg</span></div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;"><br />
You would have to add more calcium, magnesium, and some Vitamin
D for your bones, at least another 100 mcg selenium for your thyroid,
and 1-3 mg boron for hormone balance and bones. I recommend 1
or 2 capsules Tri-Boron Plus daily, 1 capsule Tri-Boron three
times a week, and selenomethione 100 mcg (any brand). The Vitamin
Shoppe has good prices on these. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">For
those who need to supplement particular minerals more intensively
until rebalancing is achieved, you can find individual minerals
very cheap at http://www.puritan.com
Zinc lozenges are a good way to add zinc. When they start to taste
bad, you have enough zinc. Magnesium citrate is probably the most
absorbable magnesium. If it gives you soft stools, don't worry,
eat more fiber or take psyllium. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">If
you have a hard time taking pills, look for liquid mineral supplements
in your local health food store. For trace minerals such as germanium,
lithium, vanadium and all the others, use a generous pinch of
sea salt daily, eat some kelp, or take Concentrace Trace Mineral
Drops (http://www.vitaminshoppe.com).
*</span><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1931373787446503674.post-6728294466998971772013-01-30T02:38:00.004-08:002013-01-30T02:41:57.498-08:00How to Keep Your Menstrual Cycle Regular with Herbs<h2>
<span style="color: black;">by Patricia Rackowski<br />
</span></h2>
<br />
When I was 46 and getting closer to menopause, I began to have irregular
menstrual cycles. Instead of my usual 26 day cycle, I was getting my
period early, at 19 days or 21 days. I was spotting between periods,
and I had terrible PMS for several days a month.<br />
<br />
I began to read about herbal remedies for menopause, I went to workshops
and talked with my acupuncturist. I learned how to keep my menstrual
cycle regular with herbs and natural remedies. After awhile, I had a
better menstrual cycle than ever, and I wished I knew about these things
years earlier. I began to share what I had learned in a workshop called
“A Natural Approach to Menopause”.<br />
<br />
A normal menstrual cycle is 26-32 days, with the most fertile cycles
averaging 29 days. A fertile and symptom-free cycle is a reflection
of perfect health in a woman. If her body cannot support a pregnancy
because of starvation, serious illness or stress, even a young woman
may stop ovulating altogether.<br />
<br />
But in between a perfect menstrual cycle and no menstrual cycle are
many variations: short cycles, long cycles, heavy bleeding, fibroids
growing, mood swings, irritability, and painful menses. Many women suffer
one to several days of these symptoms every month, to the detriment
of their relationships, jobs and emotional balance. I did. But between
46 and 47, even so late in my ovaries’ career, I was able to establish
a perfect menstrual cycle such as I had never had. Thus proving, by
the way, that PMS was not “all in my head”.<br />
<br />
Before I describe the herbal regulators of the menstrual cyde, let me
mention two common treatments for PMS and irregular cycles. If you complain
to your doctor about your mood swings, you will be given an anti-depressant.
It may or may not help, but it will probably have the side effect of
decreased sexual desire. If you complain about your irregular cycles,
spotting and heavy bleeding, you will be given a “low dose”
birth control pill. It will control your bleeding, but probably make
your moods worse, due to the synthetic progestin in the pill. Perhaps
some of you have already tried these<br />
treatments.<br />
<br />
Herbs are the best remedy for the menstrual irregularities of PMS and
premenopause. Herbs can regulate the menstrual cycle, working with your
body and its hormonal signals, without side effects. At the same time,
working wholistically, herbs can help to re-establish emotional balance.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<hr />
</h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: black;">Vitex: t<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1931373787446503674" name="ctb"></a>he Women's Herb<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1931373787446503674" name="vitex"></a><br />
</span></h3>
Vitex (also called ChasteTree Berry) is an herb that has been used
for over a thousand years in Europe to help regulate women’s hormones.
In modern times, vitex is widely recommended by herbalists in England
and Germany for PMS, irregular periods, heavy bleeding, infertility,
hyperprolactinemia, poor milk production in lactating women, premenopause,
and perimenopause.<br />
<br />
Studies in Germany have shown that vitex increases LH and supports progesterone
production by the corpus luteum. Progesterone deficiency can be the
cause of many problems, including mood swings, food cravings, irritability,
fatigue, muscle and joint pain, cyclical migraine headaches, dizziness,
decreased libido, bloating and breast tenderness.<br />
<br />
In Germany, vitex is generally prescribed in the liquid extract form.
25-40 drops in a little water are taken once a day, first thing in the
morning. Don’t eat or drink anything else, except water, for 1/2
hour afterwards. Vitex can be taken as early as 3 AM, if you are up.
Vitex is much more effective when taken this way, as opposed to later
in the day or after meals.<br />
<br />
Young women can take Vitex for the last one or two weeks of their cycle,
depending on when their symptoms usually begin. After six months to
a year of using Vitex, if the cycle is regular again, Vitex can be discontinued.
Women near menopause should take Vitex every day. Often the period will
come early during the first month of using Vitex.<br />
<br />
Women usually feel a better emotional balance within the first week
of taking Vitex, but it takes at least six months for the full benefit
of Vitex to take effect, as far as regulating the cycle. During this
time, symptoms such as headaches and bloating should continually improve.
You cannot improve faster by taking twice as much vitex. Herbs don’t
work that way. Once you have taken enough, they either work or they
don’t work, but more won’t help. If you have experienced no
improvement after three months of taking Vitex, then it is not for you.<br />
<br />
Some women whose mood changes in PMS are characterized more by anxiety
than irritability can also benefit from St. John’s Wort in addition
to Vitex. PMS that is characterized by depression may be more related
to low estrogen levels, and can benefit from Dong Quai.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<hr />
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<span style="color: black;">Dong Quai<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1931373787446503674" name="dq"></a><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Dong Quai is the traditional Chinese herb
for women. It’s name has been translated as “compelled to return”,
indicating that it makes the menstrual cycle regular. It has been used
to help teenage girls establish a regular cycle, to help women after
pregnancy re-establish a regular cycle (indicating it could do the same
for women coming off of birth control pills), and to help premenopausal
women maintain a regular cycle as long as possible.<br />
<br />
Dong Quai is usually taken with other herbs that work
synergistically with it, such as Rehmannia, Ligusticum and White Peony.
Women’s Treasure tablets, by Planetary Formulas, is a good example of
such a formula. Women’s Liberty Tea, by Traditional Medicinals, is
another good way to use Dong Quai. Drink one cup a day, in mid-morning
or mid-afternoon. (This tea, which also contains licorice, is not for
women<br />
with high blood pressure. Regular use of licorice can slightly
increase blood pressure. Use Women’s Treasure tablets instead.)<br />
<br />
Dong Quai tends to support the estrogen side of the equation in
hormonal balance. It works to help the ovaries produce estrogen. This is
demonstrated by its great effectiveness in relieving hot flashes in
premenopausal and early perimenopausal women, when the ovaries are still
working, and its complete lack of effectiveness in relieving hot
flashes in postmenopausal women and women with ovaries removed.<br />
<br />
By using Vitex and Dong Quai together, the menstrual cycle can be
completely harmonized. If your cycle does not respond to these herbs,
then you may need to consult with an acupuncturist or naturopathic
doctor for additional herbal support, or with a medical doctor for
hormone testing. There may be an underlying medical condition such as
hypothyroidism or a pituitary gland disorder causing the menstrual cycle
irregularities. Or, in the case of menopause, you might be too far
along in perimenopause for these remedies to help.<br />
<br />
As perimenopause progresses, and ovulation ceases, Vitex and Dong
Quai become less the herbs of choice. Black cohosh and other herbs are
better at relieving hot flashes, and natural progesterone cream will
have to be used to support progesterone levels that the body can no
longer maintain on its own.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<hr />
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: black;">Some Products with Vitex and Dong Quai<br />
</span></h3>
<span style="color: black;">WOMEN’S LIBERTY TEA by Traditional
Medicinals (irregular periods) Licorice Root, Orange Peel, Wild Yam
Root, Ginger Root, Cinnamon Bark, Dong Quai Root, Clove Stem, Fo Ti,
Angelica Root<br />
<br />
VITEX AGNUS CASTUS or CHASTE TREE BERRY extract (irregular periods, mood swings, cyclical headaches, infertility)<br />
<br />
PMS FORMULA tablets by Pioneer (irregular periods & PMS)
Chaste Tree, Dong Quai, Black Haw, Alfalfa, Licorice, Magnesium, Vitamin
B6<br />
<br />
WOMEN’S TREASURE tablets by Planetary Formulas (irregular &
painful periods) Dong Quai, Rehmannia, Peony, Ligusticum, False Unicorn
Root, Blue Cohosh, Cramp Bark Atractylodes, Black Cohosh, Ginger Root,
Poria Cocos<br />
<br />
VITEX/ALFALFA SUPREME extract by Gaia Herbs (hot flashes &
mood swings) Chaste Tree, Alfalfa, Night-blooming Cerus, St. John’s
Wort, Sage, Wild Oats, Motherwort<br />
<br />
WOMEN’S TRANSITION tablets by Pioneer (hot flashes & mood
swings) Chaste Tree, Dong Quai, Black Cohosh, Alfalfa, Licorice Root,
Motherwort, Rice Bran Oil</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1931373787446503674.post-48480348048082953882013-01-30T02:38:00.001-08:002013-01-30T02:42:07.474-08:00Sexual Desire in Menopause<h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">by Patricia Rackowski & Kathleen Gill, Ph.D.<br />
</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><br />
According to the studies of Dr. Barbara Sherwin of Montreal, and others,
testosterone is responsible for libido in women as well as in men. While
this is generally acknowledged, sexual desire is more complicated than
that.<br />
<br />
We like the definition of sexual desire proposed by biologist Winnifred
B. Cutler in her book, Love Cycles.<sup> 1</sup> She identifies three
components of sexual desire: arousal, willingness and libido. Arousal
is the physiological response to sexual stimulation during which blood
rushes to the pelvic area, the vagina is lubricated, and orgasm becomes
possible. Willingness is an attitude. Libido is more elusive because
it happens in the brain and throughout the body. Thinking about sex,
fantasizing about sex, actively seeking a partner (or planning sexual
encounters with a regular partner), even masturbation, are all evidences
of libido.<br />
<br />
When a woman says that she feels a lack of sexual desire, it’s
important to identify which of these aspects of desire is involved.<br />
</span><br />
<h3>
<hr />
</h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Arousal<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1931373787446503674" name="arousal"></a><br />
</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">A woman’s physical
capacity to be aroused requires some minimal level of estrogen. As women
become postmenopausal and their estrogen levels decline, many experience
a thinning of vaginal tissue, insufficient lubrication, and painful
intercourse. Estrogen replacement therapy can restore vaginal tissue,
but so can lower doses of estrogen in vaginally
applied creams. Non-estrogen therapies for vaginal dryness include
progesterone cream, flax seed oil, and herbal remedies such as dong
quai, motherwort, and chickweed. <sup>2</sup><br />
<br />
Dr. Cutler reports studies that show that postmenopausal women who have
sex regularly (at least twice a week), including self-stimulation, have
significantly less vaginal atrophy. <sup>3</sup> Not all women suffer
from vaginal dryness but all men and women need more time to reach arousal
as they get older. As Dr. Cutler points out:<br />
</span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">“ . . .an unaroused
woman tends not to lubricate. Forcing intercourse when a woman is
not yet lubricated is the sensual equivalent of having sex with a
man who does not yet have an erection . . . Although the use of lubricants
is widely touted, I’m not so sure they shouldn’t be used
only as a last resort. They do solve the abrasiveness, but I wonder
if it wouldn’t serve the couple better to . . . take the time
her body needs to promote her own arousal. . . .A woman and a man
in their midlife years may require five minutes or more of undemanding
stroking or petting to get the blood to flow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">. . .The urge to come
and go in a heated rush should give way to a slower, moresensuous
pace. <sup>4</sup><br />
<br />
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">If a lubricant is needed,
many are now on the market. Remember that estrogen cream is not a lubricant!
It should be used at a separate time from sexual intercourse or it might
have undesirable effects on a male partner. Products such as Astroglide
or ID Personal Lubricant are designed for immediate use during sexual
activity. If you prefer to mail order your sex supplies, Eve’s
Garden in New York City has a delightful catalog. (Telephone 212-757-8651).
In Canada, call the Wise Women’s Health Store at 416-962-9473.<br />
<br />
Once sufficiently aroused, the majority of women are orgasmic. Orgasm
is a reflex response, a muscular contraction triggered by rhythmic pressure
on the nerves of the clitoris, vagina and cervix. It can be inhibited,
however, by emotions, tensions or mental processes. <sup>5</sup><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">While orgasm is not necessary
for satisfying sex, many women who have not been orgasmic can learn
to become regularly orgasmic through self-help or sex therapy.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<hr />
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Willingness<br />
</span></h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">An attitude
of willingness towards engaging in sex is subject to many influences,
including past sexual experiences of a positive or negative nature,
cultural practices and beliefs, physical health, availability of a desireable
partner, fear of AIDS or other sexually transmitted disease, repressed
anger against the partner, and the ability of the partner to satisfy
one’s desires. Some of the issues that come up in midlife to detract
from willingness are: fatigue and irritability due to hot flashes and
sleep disturbance, negative beliefs about the attractiveness of middle-aged
bodies, and lack of privacy with grown children, grandchildren and/or
elderly parents in the house.<br />
<br />
Sex therapists recommend the same approach to couples of all ages: talk
about it. Improved communica-tion between partners can result in greater
understanding, joint problem solving, compassion for each other’s
weaknesses and more intimacy than ever. Couples who have difficulty
communicating might benefit from a therapist’s help.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, sex therapists report that the most common problem presented
in therapy today is the same for young and old. People don’t have
time for sex. Sometimes this is literally true because responsibilities
at midlife can be enormous and there is only so much time in the day.
For both men and women, as energy and libido lessen with age, sex can
easily fall down on the list of priorities. If both partners are satisfied
with this, there is no problem.<br />
<br />
If, however, we are not happy and feel that we want<br />
to have more sexual activity in our lives, we have to remember that
both sex and intimacy require time . . .for relaxation, for feelings
to flow, for needs to be felt. Relaxation practices such as meditation,
yoga, tai chi, or massage need a place in our schedules, and this can
lead to a resetting of priorities as we keep in touch with all of our
needs and try to bring our lives back in balance. This is a never-ending
process.<br />
<br />
Another process that can enhance willingness is to ask ourselves about
our conditions for good sex. Remember and visualize some of your best
sexual experiences and identify the elements that pleased you the most.
Become aware of your own conditions for good sex and communicate these
to your partner, not as demands when you’re having sex but at another
time. Let your partner in on what you need or like. “I love it
when you do the dishes!” works better than expecting your partner
to read your mind.<br />
<br />
If your partner wishes to have sex and you are at least neutral about
it, let your partner begin. You may become aroused after all and enjoy
the experience. At midlife, many women say they don’t think about
sex often but enjoy it when it happens. Another possibility, although
it flies in the face of cultural norms that define sex as intercourse
only) is to give pleasure to your partner without receiving stimulation
yourself on occasion. It might be fun, even moving, to focus on your
partner’s pleasure. At some other time you can be the recipient.</span><br />
<br />
<hr />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Libido<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1931373787446503674" name="libido"></a></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">At our workshops on sexual
desire in menopause, women express a variety of feelings ranging from,
“I couldn’t care less about sex right now,” to “I’m
so horny, I’m embarrassed”. Most women are just wondering
what’s happening in these bodies that they hardly know as their
own anymore. They want to know what’s normal at this time of life.<br />
<br />
If there’s one thing that most women are unaware of, it’s
the fact that testosterone has something to do with libido in women
as well as men. Women secrete from 1% to 5% of the testosterone men
do, but it has a powerful effect. In women of reproductive age, the
ovaries secrete testosterone on a more-or-less regular basis. Thus nature
enhances willingness with libido.<br />
<br />
But testosterone output becomes irregular, or out of balance with estrogen
and progesterone, at menopause. Libido becomes unpredictable, intermittent
or--less often--stronger than ever as the other hormones decline in
relative influence. Women who have had their ovaries removed, or subjected
to chemotherapy and/or radiation, may experience a sudden loss of libido.
If they are already several years postmenopausal, they may have already
adjusted to new levels of adrenal androgens and estrogens. If they are
pre- or peri-menopausal, they may need to combine testosterone with
estrogen and progesterone replacement therapy to restore libido.<br />
<br />
In her book The Hormone of Desire , Dr. Susan Rako, a Boston area psychiatrist,
explores loss of desire at midlife and recounts her own experiences
with supplementary testosterone. She advises that most commercial testosterone
preparations contain too high a dose for women. She recommends a more
physiologic dose that can be prepared at
a compounding pharmacist and checked by blood tests. She includes information
on the normal testosterone range in women and the various ways of testing
for it. <sup>6</sup><br />
<br />
Dr. Rako adds to the debate about natural vs. synthetic hormones when
she points out that natural testosterone (an exact copy of human testosterone
made from soy or wild yam molecules) can be converted back to estrogen
in the body, but very little methyltestosterone is converted back. This
could be an important point for women who wish to avoid estrogen. Methyltestosterone
can be used pharmacologically to relieve hot flashes and vaginal dryness,
although only short term use is currently recommended. Long-term use
of pharmacologic doses of testosterone may result in unpleasant side
effects such as lowering of the voice, enlargement of the clitoris,
acne, unwanted hair, and even more serious effects such as liver disease.<sup>
7</sup><br />
<br />
If you already have normal levels of testosterone (which can be checked
by a blood test), there is no reason to take more. Libido can be lacking
for other reasons. Certain drugs--especially some antidepressants and
blood pressure medications--suppress libido in men and women, as do
depression, hypothyroidism, or simple lack of sleep due to hot flashes.
Some women report increased<br />
sexual desire while using natural progesterone cream, possibly because
it restores a more normal hormone balance to women who have “too
much” estrogen. <sup>8</sup><br />
<br />
Just as testosterone stirs sexual thoughts, sexual thoughts can stir
testosterone. Even after menopause, our ovaries and adrenals make some
testosterone. It’s just not on a monthly schedule any more. We
can call it up with fantasizing, watching movies or reading books that
turn us on, or making a special date, listening to special music. There’s
no law that sex has to be totally<br />
spontaneous. A little planning can do wonders for romance . . . as they
say, anticipation is half the fun.<br />
<br />
Speaking of romance, a new relationship or the re-blooming of an old
one can dramatically increase sexual desire. We have heard testimony
to this in our workshops. You can read such accounts in the book Women
of the 14th Moon . <sup>9</sup> It’s proof that libido is initiated
in the mind and heart as much as by hormone production.k Cohosh, Alfalfa,
Licorice Root, Motherwort, Rice Bran Oil</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<hr />
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Analyzing
"The Problem"<br />
</span></h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">A gynecologist
consulted about lack of sexual desire in a midlife woman may miss the
mark entirely by prescribing testosterone for what is really a relationship
problem. A dramatic example is a woman we know who, after mentioning
lack of desire along with other menopause symptoms, was given testosterone
with her hormone therapy. She was living with a man who physically abused
her, but this did not come up in the interview with the doctor. A short
time after her testosterone treatment began, she began to experience
unusual bouts of anger--wanting to hit other passengers on the subway
train who were annoying her. Clearly her aggressive feelings were aroused
and displaced.<br />
<br />
In contrast, another woman told us that, following a hysterectomy at
age 42, she lost all desire for sex with her husband. No one had mentioned
that this could be a result of hysterectomy even with ovaries retained.
After a year of relationship therapy, it finally dawned on her that
the problem might have something to do with the hysterectomy. She then
began to do research and to look for a doctor who would work with her
in a trial of testosterone.<br />
<br />
Another woman felt that she had lost her sexual desire at menopause,
but it also coincided with the death of her mother. She was wondering
if grief were the true cause of her lack of desire. We suggested a short
course of therapy to help her figure out what was going on. Sex therapists
are particularly oriented towards this type of problem solving therapy,
as opposed to long term analysis. Perhaps all she needed was permission
to grieve as long as necessary.<br />
<br />
Discrepancies in desire between partners can go either way. It is not
always women who have less desire. Men often get depressed when they
can’t perform as reliably as they used to. Performance anxiety
can make their “failures” more frequent and they may not wish
to try so often. Both men and women can benefit from adjusting their
definition of “success” from “simultaneous orgasms with
intercourse” to something more within reach, allowing for many
forms of enjoyment besides intercourse and even without orgasm.<br />
<br />
Knowledge of physiology and psychology can be of great help in analyzing
problems of desire, but we may also need to rethink our philosophy.
What is it, after all, that we desire? As we age, our passion may change
its focus. We may no longer desire sex. As we contemplate our bodies’
transition from the “luscious” to the “divine” and
follow in our hearts the glimmers and glances of true intimacy in a
relationship, we may find new ways to love and new objects of desire.
Our desire is for connection and we are never too old for that.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<hr />
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Conclusion<br />
</span></h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Thus we see
that in the case of lack of sexual desire, it is important to locate
the part of sexual desire where our problem lies. Then we can begin
to address the problem, if it really is a problem, with hormones, with
the help of our partners, with doctor, priest or therapist, whatever
is most appropriate to our situation.<br />
<br />
Sexual desire is a complicated and sometimes elusive feeling at midlife,
and we hope that this article sheds some light into its deep mystery.
We believe that by continuing to explore that mystery, and by following
our passions wherever they lead us, we will continue to find satisfaction
in life.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<hr />
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Estriol<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1931373787446503674" name="estriol"></a></span></h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Estriol is
a human estrogen made in large quantities during pregnancy. Estriol
is called a “weak”estrogen because it does not strongly stimulate
cell proliferation in endometrial tissue. It has an affinity for tissue
of the vulva, cervix and vagina. a Estriol cream used vaginally has
been shown to improve tissue health in the area without increasing blood
serum levels of estrogen. b Thus estriol cream is safer than estradiol
cream for women who have had breast cancer. It has also been successful
in reducing urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women. b Estriol
could be called nature’s own “designer estrogen” because
it has some of the beneficial effects of estrogen without strong stimulation
of breast or endometrial tissue. Estriol cream is available by prescription
from compounding pharmacies. For a free packet of information about
estriol, call the Women’s Pharmacy in Madison, WI (1-800-279-5708).<br />
<br />
a. Diczfalusy E, “The early history of estriol”, Journal of
Steroid Biochemistry 1984, Vol. 20, No. 48, p. 951.<br />
<br />
b. Raz R, Stamm W, “A controlled trial of intravaginal estriol
in postmenopausal women with recurrent urinary tract infections”,
New Eng J Med 1993, Vol. 329, No. 11, pp753-756.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<hr />
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1931373787446503674" name="Anchor dose"></a>Physiologic
vs. Pharmacologic Dose</span></h3>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">A physiologic
dose of a hormone will bring a woman into the normal range for that
hormone. Hormones work best, with no side effects, as a physiologic
dose which is neither too little nor too much. A pharmacologic dose
is a large dose given for therapeutic reasons, as in fertility treatments
or as in a shot of progesterone to induce a menstrual period. With a
pharmacologic dose of testosterone, a woman will feel libido restored
quickly as she passes through the normal range, but, in a few weeks
or months, new symptoms of imbalance will develop with masculinizing
effects.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<hr />
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">This article is based on
the workshop Sexual Desire in Menopause
taught by Patricia Rackowski and Kathleen Gill, Ph.D. Pat is a massage
therapist and menopause educator. Dr. Gill is a sex therapist in private
practice. Pat and Kathy offer workshops on menopause throughout the
Boston, MA area. To attend a workshop, see Pat’s
Talks & Workshops. If you would like to schedule a workshop
for your women’s group at your church, your place of business or
your home, e-mail
Pat.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1931373787446503674.post-43445718679671744022013-01-30T02:36:00.003-08:002013-01-30T02:37:14.676-08:00You Can Take HRT Without Side Effects!<h2>
<span style="color: black;"><br />
by Patricia Rackowski<br />
</span></h2>
<span style="color: black;">I write today for the woman who truly
suffers from hormone changes at menopause. Not the woman sitting with
questionnaire and calculator trying to figure out her long term risks of
taking hormone therapy -- but the woman crying in her doctor's office
right now because she is miserable with HRT and miserable without it.<br />
<br />
Can women get relief from hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia,
mood swings, vaginal dryness and other menopausal complaints without
suffering irregular bleeding, headaches, nausea, bloating, depression
and worse mood swings frequently caused by HRT? For many women this
question is a lot more pressing than will they get heart disease,
osteoporosis or breast cancer in the distant future.<br />
<br />
Back issues of AFI are filled with letters from women who have
tried to take HRT for symptom relief, and felt worse. Many women have
tried a variety of herbal and complementary therapies, but these too
have not brought relief. Some have already had their ovaries removed,
and they are desperate.<br />
<br />
That's the women's side. Meanwhile, <i>Menopause, the Journal of the North American Menopause Society,</i>
has an article in almost every issue bemoaning the fact that 80% of
North American women still do not use HRT, which the doctors are
convinced is almost universally beneficial. The most recent issue (Vol.
5, No. 4, 1998) estimates that up to 54% of women who start on HRT quit
within a year. From other surveys we know that as many as two-thirds of
women who start stop within two years. Most of these surveys do not
explore why. While some authors do acknowledge the need to fine-tune
hormone therapy to an individual woman's situation, they rarely examine
what this really involves in terms of time, expertise and the quality of
care.<br />
<br />
This article shares some of what I have learned through
personal experience and research about fine-tuning hormone therapy.
Standard, one-size-fits-all HRT doesn't work for everyone, no matter how
much you explain it, halve it or double it!<br />
</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="color: black;">
<hr />
Finding the Right Doctor<br />
</span></h3>
<span style="color: black;">Most HRT prescriptions are now given out
by internists or primary care physicians, who don't have adequate time
to counsel patients about possible problems that may develop. The ob-gyn
who delivered your babies, if he's still in practice, may not be up on
the latest in menopause. The nice young woman who took his place may be
too busy delivering babies and doing hysterectomies to have time to keep
abreast of her patients' mood swings. "Nice" is not all that we need
when it comes to doctors; what we really need is doctors who know what
they're doing.<br />
<br />
All too often, women find themselves handed a prescription and
told: "See you in three months". There might be a nurse or nurse
practitioner to call for advice, but they are rarely hormone
specialists. Many women, who are leery of HRT to begin with, stop taking
their prescription relatively quickly when unexpected side effects
arise. A practice or clinic devoted to menopause can make a big
difference in the initial evaluation, counseling, and follow-up.<br />
<br />
The woman who is desperate with severe menopausal symptoms --
and many women have other health issues to address as well -- needs a </span><span style="color: #0033ff;">menopause specialist</span><span style="color: #3366cc;">.</span><span style="color: black;">
For this article, I interviewed two such specialists in the Boston area
to explore what they consider when they prescribe hormone therapy. By
now, most large metropolitan areas in the U.S. and Canada have menopause
clinics or practices. If you live in a smaller center or rural area
where such services may not be avail- able, you might consider traveling
for a consultation -- you're worth it!. If that's not possible, take
opportunities to educate yourself, find resources through libraries and
the Internet. Then you'll have to educate your own doctor to be what you
need her/him to be.<br />
</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="color: black;">
<hr />
A Menopause Practice<br />
</span></h3>
<span style="color: black;">"Specializing in menopause is not a big
money-making practice, but it is professionally rewarding," says Dr.
Alan Altman of Brookline, Massachusetts, a gynecologist and member of
the North American Menopause Society. It takes time to listen to
patients with complicated problems, to explain physiology and treatment
plans to baby-boomer patients who want to understand everything, and to
return phone calls at night. "This type of practice goes against the
current direction of health care," he points out, "but it is satisfying
to a doctor who has an independent streak and a desire to be of service.
You can't be just a gynecologist-- you also have to be part internist,
psychiatrist, sexologist, and social worker, and an empathetic human
being".<br />
<br />
Dr. Altman sees many women who have already been on HRT, the
standard prescriptions of PremPro® or PremPhase®, both combinations of
Premarin® and Provera®, and who have difficulties. I asked him to
elaborate on the theme "you can take HRT without suffering side
effects."<br />
<br />
"Patients need to realize that HRT is not one thing," he began.
"We start down a road and we don't know where we'll end up. As you go
along, your body continues to change, and new products come out that
offer more choices than before. Drug companies realize that the
baby-boomer menopause is a big market and they are trying to answer the
needs. Look at what's out just in the past year--Combipatch®, the
vaginal ring and Prometrium®. If the patient is miserable on HRT, then
the HRT can be changed". He has a "somewhat systematic" approach which
would make for a pretty complicated flow chart.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<hr />
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: black;">Fine-tuning Hormone Replacement Therapy<br />
</span></h3>
<span style="color: black;">When Dr. Altman sees a patient who is
not doing well on standard HRT, he starts all over again. His approach
begins with an evaluation of where the patient is in menopause. Is it
perimenopause or postmenopause? How long since the last period? What are
the complaints of the patient?<br />
<br />
If she is in perimenopause and still getting a bleed, then her
body is still making estrogen. He might discontinue the HRT temporarily,
test her hormone levels and see what symptoms exist. A woman with heavy
bleeding and swollen breasts, who is making estrogen without opposition
from progesterone (from lack of ovulation), might be put on
Prometrium™, natural progesterone capsules, with no additional estrogen
unless she also has a lot of hot flashes. Dr. Altman prefers to use
Prometrium™ over Provera® because of its better cardiovascular benefits.
[Women usually prefer it because it has fewer side effects than
Provera®.]<br />
<br />
A perimenopausal woman who has little bleeding but is heavily
symptomatic with hot flashes, night sweats, etc. might just take a
little estrogen augmentation, either herbally or with a low-dose patch
or a formulation called Tri-Estrogen (10% estradiol, 10% estrone, and
80% estriol, a "weaker" estrogen in terms of endometrial stimulation )
Her bleeding pattern would be monitored until she went longer than three
months without a period, in which case it might be time to add some
progesterone to the regimen to reduce her risk of cancer of the
endometrium.<br />
<br />
Early perimenopause can also be successfully treated with low
dose birth control pills, but despite their "low-dose" name they do
contain pharmacologic doses of hormones which are much higher than HRT
and some women don't tolerate them well.<br />
<br />
Postmenopausal women who have used only herbs such as dong quai
and black cohosh, or soy phytoestrogens, up to this point could be
given the "progesterone challenge" (13 days on progesterone) to see if
they get a withdrawal bleed. Women who deal with menopause symptoms
successfully with herbs may have naturally higher estrogen levels than
women who couldn't find relief with herbs. But without progesterone,
they are at slightly higher risk of endometrial hyperplasia.<br />
<br />
Obese women should also get the progesterone challenge, because
their own bodies make more estrogen in fat cells. If these patients
bleed, they should have an endometrial biopsy. They may need to take
progesterone cyclically for awhile, even if they aren't taking estrogen.
Obesity by itself is a substantial risk factor for endometrial hyper-
plasia and endometrial cancer.<br />
<br />
If a postmenopausal (or hysterectomized) woman on HRT has
complaints such as frequent bloating and swollen breasts, nausea, weight
gain and headaches, this may indicate too much estrogen. Dr. Altman
would stop the present HRT and start again with a low .3 mg Estratab®
and no progesterone. Transdermal estrogen in the patch, creams or gels,
might be appropriate, to give greater freedom in dosage amounts than
pills do. Once a woman is comfortable on estrogen, he would add
progesterone. If a withdrawal bleed occurs, then cyclic Prometrium™
would be added to the regime. If not, then a continuous/combined regime
of estrogen and progesterone can be followed, with no bleeding expected.
Some natural progesterone can be given even to a woman who has had a
hysterectomy as this may improve mood and energy levels and counteract
fluid retention.<br />
<br />
If a postmenopausal women on HRT come back with complaints of
hot flashes returning, and estradiol and estrone levels measure around
60 pg/ml each, Dr. Altman is likely to add testosterone to the formula,
usually with Estratest HS® (Half Strength). He explains that he would
add testosterone before more estrogen because testosterone reduces SHBG
(sex hormone binding globulin) and estrogen increases it. A lower level
of SHBG in the blood means more free estrogen and testosterone, reducing
hot flashes and increasing libido. He hasn't seen masculinizing effects
from Estratest HS®, such as acne, facial hair growth, or hair loss.<br />
<br />
For older postmenopausal women who are tired of having a
withdrawal bleed on a cyclic progesterone regimen, or intermittent
spotting and bleeding on the continuous/ combined regimen, Dr. Altman
has been using a "cyclic/combined" HRT regimen. On this regimen, the
other- wise daily progesterone is stopped for five days a month. The
explanation for this is a bit too technical for this article, but it
works to stop the bleeding. Unexpected bleeding should be evaluated by a
doctor.<br />
<br />
Some women have vaginal dryness despite taking HRT, because
estrogen in the blood simply does not adequately reach the vaginal
tissue. Dr. Altman has had good results using the new vaginal ring,
Estring®, a low- dose time-release estrogen application.<br />
<br />
Dr. Altman depends more on what patients report about their
symptoms than on blood test results. He doesn't do a lot of hormone
blood levels, although he does some when it seems useful.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<hr />
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: black;">A Hormone Specialist<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1931373787446503674" name="hormone"></a><br />
</span></h3>
<span style="color: black;">Dr. Carolyn Shaak, a gynecologist in
Needham (Massachusetts), calls herself a "Hormone Specialist". Several
years ago Dr. Shaak responded to her patients' complaints about the few
choices available in HRT by devoting herself to finding a better way.
Now she believes she has found it, with "bio-identical natural hormones"
mixed into creams by her pharmacist collaborators at Bird Hill
Compounding Pharmacy.<br />
<br />
Dr. Shaak now has over 1000 women in her practice using her
hormone creams, which are individualized combinations of estradiol,
progesterone and testosterone. She is applying for a patent for her
formulations, which she will simplify into 5 different commercial
products.<br />
<br />
I asked Dr. Shaak why she prefers to use the transdermal
(through the skin) method of taking hormones. Studies have shown that
women are more compliant with hormone regimes that use pills.<br />
<br />
"We are not trying to corral women like sheep into compliance,"
said Dr. Shaak. "Women know whether they feel better or worse taking
hormones, and they will not take a pill that causes uncomfortable side
effects. I have had tremendous success with women who have tried other
hormone regimes and couldn't tolerate them."<br />
<br />
"When women understand the benefits of transdermal hormones,"
added Dr. Shaak, "they gladly use the cream. Some have tried the patch
[which also provides natural estradiol] and were allergic to the
adhesives. Many women who do not like wearing a plastic patch prefer a
cream to taking a pill. They use creams anyway for moisturizing. It
seems more natural and less medical than taking a pill for the rest of
your life when you consider yourself a healthy person. After all,
menopause is not a disease.<br />
<br />
"Women also like the creams because it makes them an active
participant in their treatment and gives them some control over the
dose," she said. "Unlike pills, cream dosage can be adjusted easily. For
perimenopausal women who still experience their own bodies' hormone ups
and downs, with breasts that are sometimes tender and swollen, the
dosage can be cut back for a few days until the tenderness passes."<br />
<br />
Dr. Shaak's patients use their cream in twice daily
applications to thighs, hips, abdomen--areas where there is body fat to
absorb the cream and slowly release the hormones into the blood just as
the ovaries do. Most hormones taken in pill form do not reach the
bloodstream. They are broken down in the digestive system. Those that
make it through the liver are changed molecules, metabolites of the
original hormones. According to Dr. Shaak, that is the cause of many
side effects women experience in taking hormones in pills. Pills also
result in an uneven release of hormones into the blood, peaking shortly
after taking the pill and dropping off greatly later in the day. Peaks
and falls of hormone levels can cause headaches or nausea.<br />
<br />
Dr. Shaak asks all of her patients to read <i>Natural Woman, Natural Menopause</i>
by Dr. Marcus Laux N.D. and Christine Conrad (Harper Collins, 1997).
This book explains the concepts of hormone balance and the benefits of
natural hormones. Natural, when it comes to hormones, means hormones
that are an exact molecular copy of human hormones. Usually natural
hormones are produced in a lab from a substance in soy or wild Mexican
yam called diosgenin. (Premarin®, the most common form of oral estrogen
prescribed, could be called "natural" because it is extracted from
mare's urine, but is not 100% natural to the human body. It is composed
of 11 different estrogens most of which the human body cannot use.)<br />
<br />
Bio-identical natural hormones have all the same actions in the
cells as our own hormones. Synthetic hormones are different molecules,
and do not have all the same actions. Synthetic progesterones such as
Provera®, for example, will act more strongly than natural progesterone
on the uterus to prevent hyperplasia (excessive cell growth). It will
not, however, have all the same good effects as natural progesterone on
metabolism and mood.<br />
<br />
It wasn't commonly believed, even five years ago, said Dr.
Shaak, that all three sex hormones could be effectively absorbed through
the skin. Her work has demonstrated, by checking blood levels before
and after treatment, that satisfactory levels of hormones can be
achieved using her prescription creams.<br />
<br />
Her goal is to supplement a woman's own hormones to the levels
of Day 17 of a normal menstrual cycle. This puts estradiol at 60-90
pg/ml, progesterone at 3.5-5 ng/ml, and free testosterone at 0.8-1.8
pg/ml. She admits that the targets are somewhat arbitrary in that we do
not know what optimal postmenopausal hormone levels are. But she has
found these levels, which duplicate average hormone levels before
menopause, to be where most women feel comfortable and do not experience
side effects, bleeding or hyperplasia. Her office does perform
endometrial biopsies to confirm the effectiveness of natural
progesterone treatments in preventing hyperplasia.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
<hr />
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: black;">Finding the right prescription<br />
</span></h3>
<span style="color: black;">The physician is on the front lines of
treatment, faced daily by patients who are in distress now. Using
current knowledge and tools, he or she often has to go beyond what has
been studied and proven, to try to solve complex problems. The two
specialists described in this article have done so, courageously I might
add, in an area like Boston, which is dominated by conservative, by the
book, treatment. They have helped many patients, myself among them, to
cope with a very difficult time in our lives.<br />
<br />
In seeking the prescription that is right for you, look for a
specialist with the expertise and information about menopause that you
need. Find someone who will work with you to problem solve and try
different approaches, if necessary. Remember that there are many
different kinds of hormones and ways of using them, as well as
complementary therapies. Don't lose hope!<br />
<br />
And remember too, you are paying for your health care, whether
directly, through insurance or through your taxes. If you are not happy
with your service, seek out another doctor. Ask your friends for
recommendations, network, interview doctors over the phone if possible.
Do research on your own or with the help of a librarian or friend. Don't
be passive; find what you need. It makes the system better for all of
us.<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1931373787446503674.post-11423753936239398972013-01-30T02:36:00.000-08:002013-01-30T02:36:00.917-08:00Progesterone for Menopause<h3>
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black;"><i><b>Surgical Menopause</b></i></span>
</h3>
<span style="color: black;">is caused by the removal of the uterus and
ovaries. Women who have had hysterectomies, with ovaries removed
or not, usually receive estrogen replacement only. This is because
many doctors think that the only role of progesterone in the body
is to prevent excess estrogen stimulation of the uterine lining.
Why prescribe progesterone, they think, if a woman doesn’t
have a uterus?<br />
<br />
But progesterone has receptors in many parts of the body—brain,
bones, breasts, vagina. Some progesterone is converted to testosterone,
estrogen or cortisol if the body finds it necessary, so progesterone
has another role as a back-up hormone. Progesterone plays a role
in metabolism, sleep regulation and bone-building as well. And
we don’t even know all about what progesterone does yet!<br />
<br />
After surgical menopause, women who receive estrogen-only replacement
may continue to complain about bloating, swollen breasts, fatigue,
“crying for no reason”, lack of libido and easy weight
gain. Their frustrated and busy ob/gyn doctor sends them back
to their primary care physician for anti-depressants, diuretics,
diet advice and assurances that “nothing is really wrong
with you— you probably just feel bad about losing your uterus—it
will pass.”<br />
<br />
Some testosterone can help the libido. The estrogen dominance
symptoms can be relieved with natural progesterone. I have recommended
ProGest cream to women who feel like this, and they have resolved
their complaints.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><i><b>Natural Menopause</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">During natural menopause many women experience
a drop in progesterone levels before they experience a drop in
estrogen levels. This is because progesterone is made primarily
by the corpus luteum, the remains of a follicle after ovulation.
When there is no ovulation, there is no corpus luteum. Only a
small amount of progesterone remains, made by the adrenal glands.
This would be fine as long as estrogen levels dropped simultaneously,
but they don’t always. Sometimes estrogen levels continue
relatively high for several years, since some estrogen is still
made by the ovaries and an estrogen called estrone is made in
fat cells. This is nature’s way of easing us into menopause,
but it can get out of balance.<br />
<br />
Estrogen dominance symptoms after menopause include intermittent
bloating and swollen breasts, fatigue, depression, lack of libido
and easy weight gain. Progesterone enhances thyroid metabolism
and estrogen interferes with thyroid. Estrogen dominance can mimic
hypothyroidism.<br />
<br />
The more weight a woman carries, the more likely she is to be
estrogen dominant. In fact, obesity is a risk factor for hyperplasia
and endometrial cancer, because of estrogen dominance. Unopposed
estrogen made by the woman’s own body may stimulate the lining
of the uterus and thicken it with blood. For this reason, any
unexpected bleeding more than one year after periods have stopped
should be checked by a doctor.<br />
<br />
Heavy women, who are less likely to be on estrogen because their
own estrone relieves hot flashes, may nevertheless need to take
progesterone for awhile after menopause to protect their uterus
from hyperplasia. One way to check for this is to take the “Progesterone
Challenge”. It would probably be better to work with adoctor
on this and to take a prescription level of progesterone or progestin.
(ProGest cream would be too low a dose.) Progesterone or progestin
is given for 10 days and then stopped; if a period or any bleeding
results, then there is some blood being built up in the uterus.
Natural progesterone should then be used for several months to
a year, cyclically, until this withdrawal bleed stops.<br />
<br />
For other women, estrogen dominance just doesn’t occur. Instead,
periods get lighter, fewer and far between until they disappear.
Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression,
and vaginal dryness may be their complaints. Their doctor will
most likely prescribe standard H.R.T. which is the most commonly
prescribed drug in the world—PremPro or PremPhase, combinations
of Premarin and Provera. Premarin is a conjugated estrogen (combination
of estrogens) derived from Pregnant Mare’s Urine—thus
the name. Provera is a synthetic progestin.<br />
<br />
Many women feel much better on H.R.T., but others don’t.
They have side effects like bloating, sore breasts, fatigue, nausea,
depression and headaches.</span>They do not realize that You
CAN Take HRT Without Side Effects! It’s just not the
standard prescription. Natural estrogen and natural progesterone
made from wild yam and soy molecules are exact copies of our own
hormones, and they can be prescribed in physiologic doses that
result in NO SIDE EFFECTS!<br />
<br />
In 1998, Solvay Pharmaceuticals brought micronized natural progesterone
capsules to the market in a new product called Prometrium (Trademark).
Prometrium capsules contain 50 or 100 mg. of progesterone suspended
in peanut oil (beware those who are allergic to peanuts). Prometrium
can be prescribed with the estrogen patch or micronized estradiol
capsules to provide natural hormone replacement. Natural hormones
are made from soy and/or wild yam molecules called diosgenin,
which is very similar to human hormones. Natural hormones are
made in a lab, and they are an exact copy of our own hormones.
When prescribed in physiologic doses, they act just like our own
hormones and have no side effects. (Allergy to soy does not seem
transferrable to these products, usually.) This regime has been
promoted extensively by Dr. Christiane Northrup, author of Women’s
Bodies, Women’s Lives.<br />
<br />
Another way to take natural hormones is in cream form, transdermally,
which results in a time-release effect like the patch, but without
the bother of wearing a piece of plastic. Dr. Carolyn Shaak of
Needham, MA, my gynecologist, is developing a product line containing
several different standardized dosages of estradiol, natural progesterone
and testosterone. In the meantime, such creams can be prescribed
by any doctor and made up at a compounding pharmacy near you.
The Women’s Pharmacy
in Madison, WI, can supply such creams by mail order.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1931373787446503674.post-10480487478747589362013-01-30T02:35:00.001-08:002013-01-30T02:35:18.989-08:00Progesterone for PMS<span style="color: black;"></span>Over-the-counter natural progesterone creams
can be used in a self-help fashion to relieve the type of PMS
characterized especially by mood swings, food cravings ( especially
sugar cravings), extreme irritability (or as some women say, homicidal
feelings), “crying for no reason”, feeling cold, poor
sleep two days before the period, hypoglycemic-type symptoms ,
cyclical headaches, breast swelling, fluid retention, fatigue,
fibroids growing and short menstrual cycles. I say this based
upon my own experience and the experience of other women I have
met in my six years as an independent menopause consultant. These
experiences correlate directly with the work of Dr. John Lee,
who has given natural progesterone to women for over 20 years.<sup>3</sup><br />
<span style="color: black;">
<br />
Natural progesterone counteracts the imbalance Dr. Lee calls “estrogen
dominance”, wherein estrogenic effects dominate over progesterone’s
effects due to an insufficient amount of progesterone produced
by the body. Many teenagers experience this during their early
years of menstruating, because their bodies have not yet established
a regular cycle. Women who have had one ovary removed, or who
have one non-functioning ovary, may also experience estrogen dominance
during non-ovulatory cycles. Women who are coming off of birth
control pills or re-establishing their cycle after a pregnancy
may experience this imbalance. For these younger women, I recommend
a six month to one year course of the herb Vitex, which works
on the pituitary gland to re-establish a normal menstrual cycle
by increasing production of luteinizing hormone, resulting in
an increase in progesterone made by the corpus luteum.<br />
<br />
Vitex is a safe, mild-acting herb which has been used for many
years in Europe for PMS, irregular menstruation, infertility,
fibroids, hyperprolactinemia, poor lactation, and perimenopause.<sup>4</sup>
In various German studies, where women took Vitex in extract form
for up to 16 years with no significant side effects, the directions
were to take 25-40 drops in a little water, first thing in the
morning, any time after 3 AM. Do not eat breakfast or drink juice
or coffee for at least 1/2 hour after taking Vitex, to give it
a chance to get into your system.<br />
<br />
In premenopause, if the body is not able to make sufficient progesterone,
which is made primarily by the corpus luteum during the second
half of the menstrual cycle, then supplementary natural progesterone
can be added in cream form, in addition to the Vitex. Progesterone
should be added in a manner to imitate the menstrual cycle, during
the second half of the cycle (see Guidelines below). Vitex doesn’t
help as much with perimenopause or post-menopause; then you have
to take natural progesterone supplementally. Vitex helps the corpus
luteum to make more progesterone. If you are not ovulating, then
you don’t have a corpus luteum.<br />
<br />
Natural progesterone cream is rubbed¸ on the body in areas
where there are lots of fat cells, such as thighs, buttocks, belly,
and breasts. The cream can be measured in 1/8 or l/4 or 1/2 level
teaspoons. Use a real measuring spoon, don’t just take a
dab of cream. That way you get about the same amount of progesterone
each dose. You’d be surprise how different an “estimated”
1/4 tsp. is from one person to the next!<br />
<br />
It’s important to know that when beginning to add natural
progesterone to your body, you may at first experience aggravated
symptoms of estrogen dominance such as increased breast swelling,
fluid retention, and headache. This means that your hormone receptors
are out of balance, and it may take as long as three months to
fully rebalance them.<br />
<br />
If estrogen and progesterone have been out of balance for awhile,
then their receptors are out of balance, too. Adding progesterone
activates more estrogen receptors, and you experience more intense
symptoms of estrogen dominance. Each month, the body resets itself,
in the numbers of receptor sites. In order to rebalance your body
without too much pain, you can add natural progesterone more slowly.<br />
<br />
For example, I started out enthusiastically with 1/4 tsp. of cream
twice a day for Days 7-14 of my menstrual cycle, and 1/2 tsp.
twice a day for Days 14-28. I got my period on Day 26, so I stopped
the progesterone and that became a new Day 1. Fine, but during
the second month I had swollen, painful breasts that were so bad
that I stopped taking progesterone on Day 17. I got my period
early. After that, during the third month I was in no pain and
continued on the pattern recommended with no trouble. It’s
important not to give up in that second month!<br />
<br />
If you experience breast swelling, fluid retention or headache
when first commencing natural progesterone cream, lower the dose
from 1/4 to 1/8 tsp. for the first month. Increase the dose to
the full recommended dose over a couple of months.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><i><b>Fibroids</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">For women with fibroids, this issue of a
temporary increase in the symptoms is important. If your fibroids
are already very large and you have been threatened with the need
for a hysterectomy, you need to be very, very careful in starting
with natural progesterone, because during the first month or two
the fibroids may grow. If you want to try natural progesterone
as a last hope before a hysterectomy, you need to begin very slowly
and only add a little bit of progesterone the first month, for
example, 1/8 tsp. twice a day for Days 21-28. Add a little more
the second month, for example, 1/8 tsp. twice a day for Days 14-28.
Self-help can only do so much at this point. It may not work.
This underlines the importance for women to begin addressing the
fibroid issue when fibroids are still small. By using Vitex as
soon as fibroids have been found, you can prevent their growth.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, few gynecologists know about the benefits of Vitex
and natural progesterone for reducing fibroids and heavy bleeding.
Usually nothing is done about fibroids; one justs waits until
menopause and hopes they go away. Unfortunately, many women experience
months of estrogen dominance before menopause finally happens,
and the fibroids grow. As a result, one of the main reasons that
women have hysterectomies is because of large fibroids.<br />
<br />
If you have large fibroids and/or heavy bleeding (which can occur
even without fibroids) due to progesterone deficiency, you need
to work closely with a gynecologist to manage the fibroids and/or
bleeding with either natural progesterone or synthetic progestins.
Heavy bleeding is common in the premenopausal years from 35 to
50. DO NOT IGNORE HEAVY BLEEDING WITH YOUR PERIOD! This is one
problem that calls for medical assistance. You can lose a lot
of blood and become very weak.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><i><b>Bad Moods</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">A woman who attended my classes told us that
she had severe PMS, heavy bleeding and small fibroids. Her main
complaint was her bad moods, however. That’s what she emphasized
when she saw her doctor. Her doctor prescribed Zoloft, an antidepressant,
which made her sick to her stomach. Finally she read about Vitex
and started taking it. Her moods improved and after a year she
went back to her doctor for another ultrasound. Her fibroids were
gone. The doctor refused to admit they were gone. He said they
were still there, they were just “invisible”!<br />
<br />
Another woman who conferred with me because she was approaching
menopause and had irregular periods and bleeding between periods
was sent back to her doctor to check on the irregular bleeding.
She was put on “low dose” birth control pills to control
the bleeding, despite my recommendation of progesterone alone,
but she continued to have irregular and even heavier bleeding
ov?‘er the next several months. Finally it was found that
her fibroids were growing under the stimulation of the estrogen
in the birth control pills. Fortunately she was able to have her
fibroids removed without a hysterectomy, and she found another
doctor to work with her using natural progesterone only. “Low
dose” birth control pills are only low dose compared to previous
birth control pills; they still contain more (synthetic) estrogen
than postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy, and this is not
going to help the “estrogen dominance” problem.<br />
<br />
Information about natural progesterone and estrogen dominance
has been passed around the country from woman to woman because
the medical establishment has not been interested in how we feel,
unless they can sell us Prozac, or in how much we bleed, unless
they can sell us “low-dose” birth control pills, or
in preventing fibroids, because hysterectomies have been profitable.
These trends will only be reversed by women helping themselves,
and demanding help from their doctors, insisting that PMS is not
a psychological problem, but a hormonal imbalance, and insisting
on natural progesterone.<br />
<br />
I must mention here that a wrong turn was made on the road to
the discovery of the benefits of natural progesterone for PMS
in 1990, when the Journal of the American Medical Association
published a study on the “Ineffectiveness of Progesterone
Suppository Treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome”. This study
is repeatedly cited as proof of the failure of natural progesterone
to relieve PMS. Upon reading the report, however, there are several
glaring problems with it.<br />
<br />
First, the women in the study were given a very high dose of progesterone
in suppository form, 400 mg the first month and 800 mg the second
month. As mentioned above, women experiencing symptoms of estrogen
dominance often find that the symptoms are exacerbated in the
first two months, especially if the dose of progesterone is increased
too rapidly. Second, the study was done for only two months, and
again, as mentioned above, it takes at least three months to fully
rebalance the hormone receptors. In my own case, if I had given
up at two months as the study did, I would not have experienced
the benefits of natural progesterone. Third, the dose given was
not physiologic. Hormones work best when they are given in a physiologic
dose. Fourth, there was no attempt to separate women who were
likely to be having estrogen dominance symptoms (heavy bleeding
would be definitive) from women who might be suffering from PMS
for other reasons, such as hypothyroidism or low estrogen levels
(blood tests could distinguish these, but of course there is the
other problem of subclinical hypothyroidism, which is usually
not recognized.)<br />
<br />
Finally, the women chosen for the study had SEVERE PMS, which
had led them to seek a doctor’s help. Seventy-three percent
had a history of mental illness. Results for these women would
not necessarily be representative of the results that might be
achieved with otherwise healthy and stable persons. Nevertheless,
as I said, this study is cited as the reason for dismissing natural
progesterone as a remedy for PMS, and ignoring the clinical experience
of Dr. John Lee, Dr. Katharina Dalton, Dr. Neils Lauerson, Dr.
Ray Peat, Dr. Joel Hargrove, and others who have written books
and articles on natural progesterone and the good results they
have gotten from prescribing it. We owe a great debt of thanks
to these clinicians who, along with other independent-minded physicians
like Dr. Christiane Northrup, have taught us how to use natural
progesterone.<br />
<br />
But the biggest obstacle to good research on natural progesterone
remains the drug industry. In April, 1998 I read in The Boston
Globe that brain researchers have found that premenstrual mood
changes are due to a drop in progesterone at the end of the menstrual
cycle. Progesterone breaks down into allopregnanolone, a kind
of natural sedative that soothes jangled nerves like alcohol and
Valium do. After progesterone drops, allopregnanolone drops, and
there can be a surge of anxiety. Neuropharmacologist George F.
Koob concludes that this “points the way towards new drugs
that might allay premenstrual anxiety” (italics mine). I
would conclude, more elegantly, that this points the way towards
the use of natural progesterone cream for PMS. I do realize, however,
that what is sought is a patentable drug, not a natural remedy
that can’t be patented.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1931373787446503674.post-5044441231126451182013-01-30T02:34:00.001-08:002013-01-30T02:34:09.504-08:00Taking Natural Progesterone<h2>
<span style="color: black;"><br />
by Patricia Rackowski<br />
</span></h2>
<span style="color: black;">Many women are attempting to use over-the
counter natural progesterone creams to relieve the symptoms of
PMS and menopause, but there isn’t a lot of information available
about how to do this. I have used natural progesterone creams
myself to good effect, and I’ve talked with other women who
are doing this , so I thought I’d write something up about
it. Natural progesterone is a hormone, not an herbal remedy, although
it is manufactured from a wild yam molecule called diosgenin.
I have respect for the powerful effects of hormones, and I do
not think anyone should take natural progesterone on general principles,
like you would take Vitamin C, but I do think it can be helpful
when indicated by your symptoms.<br />
<br />
Natural progesterone can be taken in three ways: </span><br />
<ul>
<li type="disc"><span style="color: black;">in an over-the-counter product,
a low-dose cream such as ProGest cream by Transitions for Health,
available in health food stores;</span>
</li>
<li type="disc"><span style="color: black;">by prescription in higher
doses in a cream made up at a compounding pharmacy;<br />
</span>
</li>
<li type="disc"><span style="color: black;">or by prescription in a capsule
of micronized progesterone suspended in peanut oil, in a product
called Prometrium made by Solvay Pharmaceuticals. </span>
</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: black;">For those who are allergic to peanuts, a
compounding pharmacist can make the capsules with olive oil.<br />
<br />
I recommend ProGest (see below) cream or the equivalent for women
suffering from PMS or perimenopause with mood swings, food cravings,
irritability and hypoglycemic-type symptoms, and women experiencing
irregular periods, or for women with only one ovary who experience
symptoms during anovulatory cycles. I also recommend it for women
who have had hysterectomies and are taking estrogen only, if they
suffer such symptoms as fluid retention and swollen, tender breasts,
or “crying for no reason”. Naturally postmenopausal
women who are not taking estrogen may also benefit from ProGest
cream if they are still experiencing symptoms of estrogen dominance,
which many women who are over-weight, and have a lot of estrone,
experience well into their fifties: fatigue, breast swelling and
tenderness, fluid retention, and headaches.<br />
<br />
There is<i> some</i> evidence that progesterone is involved in
bone-building<sup>1</sup> and a<i> little</i> evidence that progesterone
can protect breast tissue from some of the effects of estrogen
stimulation.<sup>2</sup> The fact that so little study has been
done in these areas is more a reflection of the business aspects
of medicine (i.e. no one company can profit from a product such
as natural progesterone, which, as a naturally occuring substance,
cannot be patented) than it is of the lack of promise in the studies
that have been done. How much progesterone is necessary to achieve
these two possible benefits is also unknown. However, it seems
to me that the tangible benefits of ameliorating the above-mentioned
symptoms of PMS and menopause are sufficient reason for many women
to consider using natural progesterone.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0