MENOPAUSE

“We are the only society in history that has taken a perfectly natural process and turned it into a disease.” (Paraphrased from Dr. John Lee)

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
PROS	CONS
Reduces the risk of osteoporosis	Can cause bloating or irritability
Relieves hot flashes	May increase risk of breast cancer
May improve mood	May increase risk of blood clots and stroke
	May increase risk of heart disease
	May increase risk of dementia
	May increase risk of gallbladder disease

Summary of the results of the estrogen-plus-progestin and estrogen-alone studies in the Women’s Health Initiative study

ALSO - The Journal of the American Medical Association published an article that came to the conclusion that the risks did NOT outweigh the benefits of HRT. A link is on the above-listed website.

General Description: Black Cohosh is a North American forest plant that can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Traditional Uses: The American Indians boiled the root and drank the resulting beverage for a variety of diseases of women. Hence the name Squaw root.

Current Status: Black Cohosh is fairly well studied in

Germany

, where it is used to treat hot flashes. Experiments have shown that the herb has substances that bind to estrogen receptors in animal models and lower LH (a hormone which is elevated in menopause) in both animals and humans. The herb was an official drug in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1926.

Precautions: There are no reports of toxic effects if used in recommended doses.

DONG QUAI (Angelica sinensis)

Traditional Uses: Famous in

China

, used in cooking and in combination with other herbs for menopausal and menstrual difficulties.

Current Status: Dong quai contains phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. Phytoestrogens have been shown to be helpful in relieving hot flashes.

Precautions: May cause sensitivity to the sun.

RED CLOVER (Trifolium pretense)

General Description: Native to many parts of the world, including America

Parts Used: Blossoms

Active Ingredients: Isoflavones, flavonoids, coumarins, resins, minderals, vitamins

Traditional Uses: Because of the isoflavones, this acts as a phytoestrogen in the body. It is also used to treat cancer and tumors, skin diseases, fevers, cold, coughs. It has blood-thinning properties, too.

Current Status: Phytoestrogen, like dong quai. Can help relieve hot flashes.

Precautions: Not for use with blood-thinning medications, like Coumadin or Warfarin.

INSOMNIA

KAVA (Piper methysticum )

General Description: Kava is a sprawling Polynesian evergreen shrub. A member of the pepper family.

Traditional Uses: Kava is central to many Polynesian ceremonies and has been compared to the use of wine in the west. First brought to the West by Captain James Cook it became known as the "intoxicating pepper".

Current Status: Kava is now used throughout the world as a remedy for anxiety and insomnia. Unlike many traditional sleep remedies Kava does not loose effectiveness with time.

Traditional Uses: Valerian was known to Dioscorides ( A.D. 41-68 ), in ancient Rome and has been used since that time as a mild sedative.

Current Status: Valerian is used extensively in Europe as a mild sleep aid and for anxiety. Several clinical studies on humans have shown it to safely relieve occasional insomnia.

Precautions: Valerian is generally recognized as safe and approved for food use by the U.S.F.D.A.

Traditional Uses: Historically Hops have been used as a sleeping aid. Pillows filled with Hops were used to sleep on. Hops were first used in

England

in the 16th century to flavor beer.

Traditional Uses: Probably the most popular herb in Europe where it has been used for centuries. Generally taken as a tea for it's calming effects. “How the doctor's brow should smile--Crown'd with wreaths of camomile" Thomas Moore in Wreaths for the Ministers.

General Description: The Passion Flower is a climbing vine that grows in tropical North and Central America . It derives its name from the imagined resemblance of its flowers to the crucifixion of Christ.

Traditional Uses: Passion Flower has been used in

Mexico

and Central America as a gentle remedy for sleeplessness for centuries. It was formerly approved as an over-the-counter sleep aid.

Current Status: There have not been many large studies of Passion Flower. Several small studies have shown it to have sedative properties and it is used extensively in Europe for anxiety.

MOOD SWINGS/DEPRESSION

General Description: A shrubby European perennial also found in the

U.S.

It blooms on June 24, the day traditionally celebrated as the birthday of John the Baptist.

Traditional Uses: The ancient authorities, Dioscorides (A.D. 41-68 ), Galen ( A.D. 150-200 ), Pliny ( A.D. 23-79 ), and Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.) used St. John’s Wort as a treatment for menstrual disorders. It was used in the Middle Ages for anxiety and depression

Current Status: St. John’s Wort has been featured in Newsweek and on ABC's 20/20. It is approved in

Germany

for the treatment of mild depression. It seems to act as a mild (MAO ) monoamine oxidase inhibitor. MAO inhibitors are used worldwide as antidepressants.

Precautions: Depression can be a life threatening illness. If you feel you are depressed you must be evaluated by a health care professional. Those taking St. John’s Wort should avoid tyramine-containing foods such as aged cheese, beer, wine, etc. St. John’s Wort should not be taken with any prescription antidepressants. May cause light sensitivity.

FREQUENT BLADDER/VAGINAL INFECTIONS

Traditional Uses: Native Americans used echinacea extensively. The herb became a best selling medicinal plant prescribed by physicians until it was replaced by antibiotics and forgotten.

Current Status: Echinacea appears to be a immune enhancing agent. Small studies in

Germany

are encouraging. The herb has been in the news quite a bit lately as American researchers are now beginning clinical studies of this promising herb. We may find it useful in menopause to help fight off recurrent vaginal and bladder infections.

General Description: A low-lying evergreen shrub found in

Canada

, Europe, and Asia . Uva-ursi means "Bear's grape" in Latin, bears like it.

Traditional Uses: Bearberry has been used for bladder infections since it was first described in The Physicians of Myddfai, a 13th-century Welsh herbal. It was listed in the U.S.Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1926.

Current Status: Bearberry is still used as a mild urinary antiseptic for mild or chronic bladder infections. In

Germany

, Bearberry is approved as a urinary antiseptic.

Precautions: Should not be used for more than 7 days. Avoid use during pregnancy. If taken in large doses can cause vomiting, convulsions and collapse.

General Description: Goldenseal is an unusual-looking small perennial with a single red fruit, common in North America .

Traditional Uses: Goldenseal was used by Native Americans for a variety of conditions. It's greatest use was for local inflammation and infections. Goldenseal was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia until 1926.

Current Status: Goldenseal may be useful for post menopausal vaginal irritation and inflammation and for uterine cramps.

Precautions: Not recommended for use during pregnancy. Do not take for longer than 2 weeks at a time. It’s currently scarce and on the endangered plant list.

FATIGUE

General Description: Korean or Chinese ginseng is a small perennial, which grows in moist forests in N.E. Asia.

Traditional Uses: Ginseng is the most famous Chinese herb. For 7,000 years it has been used to restore the YANG quality, or vital force - in other words, to combat fatigue and stress. Ginseng is a famous adaptogen and it also helps with

Current Status: Ginseng has been shown to prevent the thinning of the vagina seen in menopause. Ginseng may help relieve the fatigue commonly reported during menopause.

General Description: Used for centuries around the world for various conditions and as a regular beverage.

Active Ingredients: Purine alkaloids (caffine, theophylline), triterpene saponins, catechins, caffeic acid derivatives, anorganic ions (fluoride, potassium, aluminum ions), volatile oil.

Current Status: The caffeine acts as a Central Nervous System stimulant to combat fatigue. Tannins act as an antidiarrheal. High level of anti-oxidants and works to prevent cancer. May stimulate metabolism. Can fight viruses, slow aging, and have a general beneficial effect on health

Precautions: Those with weakened cardiovascular systems, renal disease, thyroid hyperfunction, or anxiety and those pregnant or nursing should be careful of use.

General Description: In the rose family. Used by Russian soldiers under Communism to boost energy and endurance.

Active Ingredients: P-tyrosol, organic acids (gallic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid), and flavonoids (catechins and proanthocyanidins)

Traditional Uses: Stimulating the nervous system, improving depression, enhancing work performance, improving sleep, eliminating fatigue, and preventing high altitude sickness

Current Status: Just beginning to catch on in America. Used in some menopausal formulas. Great adaptogen, like ginseng. May help relieve fatigue and stress.

Precautions: In rare cases, might cause some individuals to experience an increase in irritability and insomnia within several days.

FORGETFULNESS

General Description: The Ginkgo is one of the oldest tree species on earth. It is widely cultivated in

America

as an import from

China

Traditional Uses: Ginkgo's use in

China

dates back to 2800B.C. It was mainly used for breathing difficulties and for its beneficial effect on the brain.

Current Status: There have been more than 50 double-blind clinical trials showing Ginkgo’s favorable effects on vascular insufficiency and age related decrease in brain function. Ginkgo may be useful for the forgetfulness many post menopausal women complain of. Some women are using Ginkgo in combination with Hawthorn for forgetfulness. Ginkgo may hold promise in the treatment of PMS as well.

Precautions: Ginkgo is non-toxic. Do not use if taking blood-thinners like Coumadin or Warfarin.

Other Names: Centella, March Pennywort, Indian Pennywort, Hydrocotyle (Note: Gotu kola should not be confused with kola nut.)

General Description: It is a tasteless, odorless plant that thrives in and around water.

Active Ingredients: Triterpenoids, especially asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and madecassoside

Traditional Uses: Used to treat syphilis, hepatitis, stomach ulcers, mental fatigue, epilepsy, diarrhea, fever, and asthma. legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than 200 years as a result of using the herb.

Current Status: Boost memory and intelligence. Also used for scleroderma, psoriatic arthritis arthritis of the spine, and rheumatoid arthritis. Recent studies confirm some of the traditional uses and also suggest possible new applications for gotu kola, such as lowering high blood pressure, treating venous insufficiency, easing anxiety, and speeding wound healing.

Precautions: People taking the herb for an extended period of time (up to 6 weeks) should take a 2-week break before taking the herb again. Do not use if taking blood-thinners like Coumadin or Warfarin. Not for use during pregnancy.

HEADACHES

Traditional Uses: For centuries Feverfew has been used for migraine headaches, arthritis, and painful menses. "In the worst headache the herb exceeds whatever else is known." [John Hill in The Family Herbal (1772)].

Current Status: Popular in

Great Britain

, where two well controlled, double-blind studies demonstrated Feverfew was effective for the treatment of headache.

General Description: A perennial shrub found throughout Europe and in parts of Asia and North America.

Traditional Uses: It has been used throughout history to treat of plague, fever, asthma, and skin wounds.

Current Status: Treatment and prevention of headaches and migraines, antispasmodic agent for chronic cough or asthma, prevention of gastric ulcers, and treatment of irritable bladder and urinary tract spasms, menstrual cramps, kidney stone disorders, obstruction of bile flow, and other liver or gastrointestinal disorders associated with smooth muscle spasm. It is approved by Germany’s Commission E for various uses.

IRREGULAR BLEEDING

Traditional Uses: The Chaste berry was well known to many of the ancients "If blood flows from the womb, let the woman drink dark wine in which the leaves of the Vitex have been steeped." [Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.). and "The trees furnish medicines that promote urine and menstruation" Pliny (A.D. 23-79)]. The herb also appears in Homer's 6th. century B.C. epic, The Iliad.

Current Status: Chaste berries may have some use in treating PMS, menopausal symptoms and irregular perimenopausal bleeding. In

Germany

physicians prescribe chaste berry for menstrual problems, swelling in the breasts and PMS.

Clinical Studies: The two most quoted studies are from

Germany

. Each trial included over 1,500 women. Both patients and physicians reported 90% relief from symptoms of PMS after one month. In a similar study patients were followed for up to 6 years. In 90% the chaste berry relieved their PMS symptoms. In a more recent study (1997) chaste berry was compared to vitamin B6 for relief of PMS symptoms. This was a randomized comparative study of 127 patients. Effectiveness was based on scores on two standardized tests the PMTS and the CGI scale. Both groups showed significant improvement after three months.

Precautions: Excess use may cause itching, rash, stomach upset, headache, or nausea. Not recommended for use in pregnancy.

Active Ingredients: Tannins which gives it astringent qualities, niacin, manganese, and vitamin C

Traditional Uses: Used during pregnancy to help alleviate the pain of labor and delivery. Due to its oxytocic properties, it can relax and tone uterine muscles. Used for thousands of years.

Current Status: Treatment of frequent or excessive menstruation and other menstrual disorders. It is often used to ease labor and delivery, as well as to calm morning sickness and prevent miscarriage. effective in glucose regulation. Effective treatment for diarrhea, nausea, colds, and flu. A decoction of Red Raspberry tea is used as a gargle for sore throats. It can also be used as a mouthwash for bleeding gums and cankers of the mouth

There are now at-home tests that you can use to see what stage of peri-menopause you’re in!

5HTP is a precursor to tryptophan and stimulates serotonin production in the brain. It is wonderful to treat anxiety and depression that occur during perimenopause. 100 – 300mg daily are recommended. If taken before bed, it can help combat insomnia, too. Do not use if taking anti-depressants, however.

VITAMIN E helps relieve hot flashes. It also helps with vaginal dryness, but it takes a few months of regular ingestion to see results. We know from the Nurses Health Study that women who took vitamin E over a two-year period reduced their risk of fatal heart attacks by 40%. Vitamin E is also being studied for its effect on Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Combining vitamin E with other antioxidants such as selenium, chromium, beta-carotene, and vitamin C may offer a synergistic effect. That means they work better together than separately. Dosage: 400-1200 IU a day. Precautions: Vitamin E can cause a greater effect of anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin or aspirin. If you are on either of these drugs consult your doctor before starting vitamin E.

VITAMIN C combined with bioflavonoids (the natural pigments in fruits and vegetables) could help reduce the frequency of hot flashes. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids are found in most of the same foods. One study showed that a daily dose of 1,200 mg of Vitamin C combined with 1,000 mg of bioflavonoids relieved hot flashes in half of the participants and reduced the frequency for one third of them.

VITAMIN A plays a role in maintaining normal vision, skin, reproductive function, and protection against infection. One study showed that women with recurrent vaginal yeast infections had low levels of beta carotene and when they took supplemental beta carotene the infections resolved. Cows fed diets low in beta carotene developed ovarian cysts, irregular menses and infertility. There may be a connection between beta carotene and ovarian function. Take 2,500 IU, or Carotenes: 25,000 IU, or Beta Carotene: 15 mg.

Precautions: Doses greater than 10,000 IU a day have been associated with birth defects.

VITAMIN B-2 (RIBOFLAVIN) is vital in energy production. High dose (400mg) of riboflavin was shown in one study to reduce the severity of migraine headaches. Dosage: 5-10 mg a day. Precautions: No toxicity has been reported.

VITAMIN B-6 (PYRIDOXINE) is involved in the production of brain hormones (neurotransmitters). More than 50 chemical processes in the body are dependent on pyridoxine. Vitamin B6 levels can be low in depression or in women taking estrogen, in the form of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. Pyridoxine, folic acid and vitamin B6 deficiencies have been associated with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. At least 10 studies have been done on the use of pyridoxine for PMS. Most studies have shown improvement of PMS symptoms with pyridoxine supplementation. Vitamin B6 has now been associated with a decrease in the incidence of heart disease in women. Dosage: 1.6 mg daily. Precautions: No toxicity has been reported.

VITAMIN B-12 (COBALAMIN) helps keep your folic acid level up which keeps homocystine levels low. Depression has been linked to low levels of vitamin B12 and it has been used along with folic acid to treat depression. Dosage: 100 mcg. a day. Precautions: There have been no reports of toxicity from vitamin B12.

Folic Acid (Tetrahydrofolate) is necessary for development of the nervous system and the RDA in pregnancy is 400 mcg. For many years it was known that folic acid lowered homocystine levels and that high levels of homocystine were associated with heart disease and osteoporosis. It is only recently, that this information is becoming widely known. Folic acid should be taken along with vitamin B6 and B12 as they all influence homocystine levels. Mild cervical dysplasia has been observed to respond to high doses of folic acid, especially if you are taking oral contraceptives. High folic acid dosages have also been used to treat depression. Dosage: 400 mcg. a day. Precautions: Always take vitamin B12 along with folic acid since folic acid can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency. High doses require a doctor's prescription because high doses can cause seizures in epileptics.

BORON is a trace nutrient, but many Americans may not be getting enough in their diets. Boron is necessary for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. It probably does this by activating vitamin D and estrogen. One study showed that postmenopausal women who took 3mg. of boron a day decreased the amount of calcium lost in their urine and increased their estrogen levels. Larger studies of boron's effects in the menopause are needed. Dosage: 3-9 mg a day. Precautions: Boron is safe at recommended levels.

CALCIUM supplementation is generally recommended to help prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Several studies have shown that calcium supplementation can help slow down bone loss but does not prevent it. In osteoporosis calcium does not replace the bone loss which has already occurred. Women who are taking estrogen, Fosamax®, Actonel®, or Miacalcin® for osteoporosis should also be taking calcium. Dosage: 1200 - 1500mg. Precautions: Calcium from bone meal, oyster shells and dolomite can be contaminated by lead. If you have any of these supplements, check the bottle to see if the manufacturer has checked the lead content. Doses greater than 2,000 mg a day may be associated with kidney stones. Calcium is better absorbed when combined with magnesium.

MAGNESIUM helps maintain the function of your heart, bones, muscles and nervous system. Strenuous physical exercise or illness can deplete magnesium. Studies have shown that magnesium supplementation may be helpful in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Maintaining an adequate intake of magnesium is essential in preventing osteoporosis and has been used in the treatment of migraine headache. Several studies have shown that women complaining of PMS have low levels of magnesium in their blood. Two trials have shown that supplementation with magnesium relieved PMS mood changes, breast tenderness and weight gain in a significant number of participants. Dosage: 300-600 mg a day. Precautions: If you have heart or kidney disease you should not take supplemental magnesium unless under the care of a physician.

Foods To Tame Hot Flashes

Although you may have experienced occasional hot flashes at some time in your life, when it's menopause time, they can be unrelenting and debilitating. If hormone replacement therapy is not your cup of tea, then sound dietary advice is in order.

In general the typical American white flour, fat, dairy, sugar, caffeine and meat diet is not only unhealthy but goes a long way towards worsening hot flashes. AND, the much-touted “Healthy Diet” of whole grains, fruit, vegetables, beans, fish and small amounts of meat CAN actually reduce those flashes. Soy as well as other legumes, some fruits, beans, and vegetables contain estrogen-like compounds called phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens modulate the estrogen fluctuations that can cause hot flashes in the menopause and even during normal menstrual cycles. The fluctuations are more radical in menopause and the hot flashes can be equally radical.

So, what can you do to increase the phytoestrogens in your diet? Let's go over that food list in more detail. In the

U.S.

soybeans are most commonly processed into tofu and used as an ingredient in Oriental cooking. You can also make fruit flavored soy milk shakes or use soymilk and soy flour in cooking your favorite dishes. When eating out in Chinese or Japanese restaurants, look for the dishes with tofu, miso, or tempeh, as they all contain soy. There is a plethora of new cookbooks out devoted to soy recipes, and most of the newer editions of traditional cookbooks contain chapters on soy. Beans also contain phytoestrogens, and being more familiar, are easier to incorporated into your diet. Try three-bean salads, chili, and Mexican refried beans. Lentils and peas are also good sources of calcium and fiber. Over time your body will become accustomed to your new diet and produce less gas.

Flaxseeds are a good source of concentrated phytoestrogens. Flaxseeds can be sprinkled on cereal and other food or ground and added to recipes, they have a nutty flavor and contain alpha-linolenic acid, a nutrient with many benefits. Try to eat 2-3 tablespoons a day. They must be ground to be effective.

On the sweeter side, most fruit is rich in phytoestrogens. Concentrate on pears, plums, apples, grapes, strawberries and citrus fruits, but don't stop there. You should be eating 5-7 servings of fruit and vegetables a day.

Finally, there are some foods to avoid. Many women report that spicy food, wine and caffeinated beverages provoke hot flashes. So, improving your diet can not only decrease hot flashes but may reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease.

AND FINALLY.... EXERCISE!!! We hate to do it and love what it does to us. Exercise can help fight the “middle aged spread” we all dread. Any type of regular activity will work just fine. Walking, water aerobics, yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates are all easy on the joints.

Excerpt from Susun Weed's New Menopausal Years The Wise Woman Way , Alternative Approaches for Women 30-90, from the section on herbal allies, pages 172-173.

Cherished all over the Orient as a supreme ally for women with reproductive/uterine/hormonal distresses, dong quai roots are now readily available in North America . Traditional Chinese Medicine always uses dong quai with other roots. Scientific studies of dong quai alone consistently find it ineffective.

Dong quai's stores of iron, folic acid, and phytosterols help diminish bleeding in pale, undernourished women. Vital, feisty, hot-blooded women may have the opposite reaction. Dong quai is tricky to use during menopause. It relaxes the uterine muscle and excites contractions (both actions increase the likelihood of heavy bleeding). In addition, it appears to increase the blood flow to the uterus. For this use, combine with yellow dock root and burdock or white peony root. A dropperful/1 ml of the tincture is taken twice a day. Discontinue immediately if bleeding increases.

Dong quai has long been noted for its ability to nourish and thicken vaginal and bladder walls. Consistent use brings a soothing flow of moisture into the pelvis, hydrating the bowels and easing constipation as well as increasing vaginal secretions. A mixture of half dong quai roots and half wild yam roots, tinctured together and taken a dropperful twice a day for 6-12 weeks should do it.

Dong quai stirs and heats the blood, and the effect is often immediately obvious in the face, where it gradually plumps out facial wrinkles, and quickly brings a rosy glow to the cheeks.

Dong quai's sterols and minerals work promptly to modify hormonal chaos; they accumulate in the body, offering continuing benefits with repeated use. However, in several double-blind studies, women taking dong quai had as many hot flashes as women taking a placebo. In fact, if you feel hot much of the time anyway, dong quai may make you flash all the more.

Dong quai's warming, relaxing qualities bring ease to the entire pelvis, relieving aches and spasms in the uterus, vagina, bladder, ligaments, and muscles. As its healing energy moves to the head, it throws off headaches. And it stirs the kidneys to eliminate excess fluid, ending swollen ankles and bloated bellies. In this instance, combine dong quai with dandelion root, licorice, elecampane root, and/or burdock root. A dose of the combined tincture is one dropperful/1 ml, taken as needed, up to four times in an hour.

Dong quai reduces high blood pressure, counters arteriosclerosis, promotes healthy blood circulation, and markedly increases coronary blood flow. Its coumarins thin the blood much as aspirin does. Combine with motherwort and/or hawthorne tincture, half and half, and take up to a dropperful as needed.

Nerve-mellowing magnesium (depleted by frequent night sweats) and rare elements such as cobalt help stabilize emotional upheavals and improve the quality of your sleep when dong quai and valerian pair up.

Dong quai soothes achy joints during (and after) menopause and is a grand ally of the liver during the menopausal years.

Dong quai smells and tastes a little like its family members: celery, lovage, carrot, parsnip, parsley, cilantro, anise, cumin. Dried sliced roots are wonderful to chew on. Garden angelica is related to dong quai and is a tolerable substitute, as are wild varieties of angelica, including osha (Ligusticum porterii).

CAUTIONS: Dong quai may increase bleeding from fibroids. Do not use during menstruation if bleeding is heavy. Do not use if you regularly take aspirin or blood-thinning drugs. Do not use if you are bloated. Do not use if you have diarrhea. Discontinue use of dong quai if it causes breast tenderness or soreness. Dong quai may cause spontaneous miscarriage in susceptible women.

There are many wonderful herbal blends that contain herbs, vitamins and supplements that work together to treat various menopausal symptoms. These work for most women fairly well and help eliminate the confusion when choosing natural treatment options.

Natural progesterone is the exact same hormone that is produced by a woman's ovary. It is made from naturally occurring plant steroids found in the wild yam, soy and various other natural sources. It is NOT the synthetic version that is commonly purchased as tablets with a prescription such as Provera. The synthetic progesterone can produce severe side effects including increased risk of cancer, abnormal menstrual flow, fluid retention, nausea, and depression. Side effects are extremely rare with natural progesterone. The only one of concern is that it might slightly alter the timing of the menstrual cycle.

Natural progesterone is very useful to balance excess estrogen. Natural progesterone is also different from estrogen in that your body can use it as a precursor or starting material to make other hormones such as adrenal hormones. It can even convert it into estrogen or testosterone if your body needs it. The following table lists the properties of estrogen relative to progesterone.

Some of the reasons that estrogen is frequently in excess in many women are:

Over production of estrogen. Ovarian cysts or tumors can lead to excess estrogen production. Stress also increases production, but probably the most common cause is obesity. All body fat has an enzyme which converts adrenal steroids to estrogen, so the more fat you have, the more estrogen is present.
Inability to breakdown estrogen. Excess estrogen is generally removed by the liver. Diseases of the liver like cirrhosis or decreased enzyme activity can lead to increased estrogen levels. Vitamin B6 and magnesium are necessary for the liver to neutralize estrogen. Increased sugar intake will also excrete magnesium and interfere with its ability to breakdown estrogen.
Exposure to pesticides in foods. Most of us eat foods that have pesticides on them. These and many other unnatural chemicals share a common structure with estrogen and serve as "false" estrogens which further stimulates the body's estrogen receptors.
Estrogen supplementation. Clearly any additional estrogen given by prescription will increase the level unless it is properly balanced with natural progesterone.
Decreased production of progesterone. Progesterone is necessary to counter-balance estrogen. If women do not ovulate during their cycle they will not produce any progesterone that cycle. This happens commonly and worsens the already disturbed progesterone/estrogen balance.

ESTROGEN EFFECTS

Stimulates breasts cysts
Increases body fat storage
Salt and fluid retention
Depression and headaches
Interferes with thyroid hormone
Increases blood clotting and
risk of stroke
Decreases libido (sex drive)
Impairs blood sugar control
Loss of zinc and retention of copper
Reduced oxygen level in all cells
Increased risk of endometrial cancer
Increased risk of breast cancer
Helps decrease bone loss slightly

NATURAL PROGESTERONE EFFECTS

Protects against breast cysts
Helps use fat for energy and
keep it off hips
Natural diuretic (water pill)
Natural anti-depressant
Facilitates thyroid hormone action
Normalizes blood clotting
Increases libido
Normalizes blood sugar levels
Normalizes zinc and copper levels
Restores proper cell oxygen levels
Prevents endometrial cancer
Helps prevent breast cancer
Increases bone building

www.johnleemd.com - Dr. John Lee’s site containing research and an online hormone balance test.

www.alternativemedicine.com - Alternative Medicine Magazine’s website containing tons of alternative therapies, herbs and treatments for most medical conditions.

www.herbs.org - The Herb Research Foundation, a non-profit education and research group site on medicinal plants and herbs. Co-publisher of the magazine Herbalgram.

www.Project-Aware.org - A website by women, for women... offering objective and comprehensive health information, especially related to menopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause.”

www.susanlovemd.com - “The Website for Women.” The site by Susan Love, MD, noted breast surgeon, author and patient advocate. Good breast cancer information.

An older woman will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.

An older woman knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she

wants and from whom. Few women past the age of 50 give a damn what you might think about her.

An older single woman usually has had her fill of "meaningful relationships" and "commitment."

The last thing she needs in her life is another dopey, clingy, whiny, dependent lover!

Older women are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in

the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it.

Most older women cook well. They care about cleanliness and are generous with praise, often undeserved.

An older woman has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to an older woman. They always know.

An older woman looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women or drag queens. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, an older woman is far sexier than her younger counterpart. Her libido's stronger, her fear of pregnancy gone. Her experience of lovemaking is honed and reciprocal and she's lived long enough to know how to please a man in ways her daughter could never dream of.

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off you are a jerk if you are acting like one.

Yes, we praise older women for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal.

For every stunning, smart, well-coifed babe of 70 there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22 year old waitress.

That men are genetically inferior is no secret. Count your blessings that we die off at a far younger age, leaving you the best part of your lives to appreciate the exquisite woman you've become, without the distraction of some demanding old man clinging and whining his way into your serenity."

Doctors are too busy to read all the information that is coming out—the only continuing

education doctors normally receive is through their drug rep or drug company supported seminars. The drug companies fund most medical studies that are done.

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause: The Breakthrough Book on Natural Progesterone by John R., MD Lee, Virginia Hopkins

Natural Hormone Replacement for Women over 45 by Jonathan V. Wright, John Morgenthaler (Contributor)

As women go through menopause and their metabolism slows down, the need for more vitamins increases but their need for calories decreases. During this transitional phase of life, women should eat fresh, whole foods that provide maximum amounts of vitamins and minerals with the fewest calories. Also, proper nutrition can help lessen or alleviate the symptoms related to peri-menopause and adds greatly to the prevention of age-related diseases.

Hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness are by far the most common symptoms during the transition into menopause. They result from changing estrogen levels in the body. Certain plants contain natural compounds called phytoestrogens that act similarly to estrogen in the body. According to Elaine Moquette-Magee in Eating Well for a Healthy Menopause, eating foods rich in phytoestrogens has been shown to alleviate these symptoms in many women. Examples of these foods are soy products, linseed oil, legumes (beans), ground flaxseeds, and most fruits and vegetables. Phytoestrogens also protect women’s bodies from heart disease and osteoporosis. Women with a history of breast, ovarian or uterine cancer should use phytoestrogens with caution. Caffeine has the opposite effect and can actually deplete a form of estrogen, called estradiol, from the body. Susan Weed, in her book Menopausal Years The Wise Woman Way, says that it’s best to avoid or limit caffeine to minimize symptoms before and during menopause. She suggests the following herbs that can help with hot flashes and vaginal dryness include black cohosh, dong quai, vitex and wild yam. Vitamin E, 800 mg daily, is a good supplement for dealing with these symptoms, but isn’t recommended for women using blood-thinning drugs like Coumadin or Warfarin.

Fluid retention is another symptom that plagues many women during menopause. Taking the herbs chickweed, nettles and uva ursi in capsule form and drinking cranberry juice can provide a natural remedy, helping the body to rid itself of excess fluids. Drinking plenty of water is important to keep those fluids moving freely through the body and flushing out toxins.

It’s commonly known that adding sufficient calcium to our diet can prevent osteoporosis, the disease that leads to loss of bone mass, curvature of the spine and bone fractures. People are usually aware of which foods supply the most calcium: dairy products, fortified soymilk, and dark, green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. However, most people don’t realize that certain foods actual

DONG QUAI (Angelica sinensis)

INSOMNIA

KAVA (Piper methysticum )

MOOD SWINGS/DEPRESSION

FREQUENT BLADDER/VAGINAL INFECTIONS

FATIGUE

FORGETFULNESS

HEADACHES

IRREGULAR BLEEDING

Foods To Tame Hot Flashes