[tanysquirrel]

a bit more on BPA:

As it we know, BPA (bisphenol-a_) is an endocrine disruptor.. aka it favors the estrogen receptors and will disrupt the endocrine system.

apparently , the thermal paper receipts we get from the point of sale registers at fast food, grocery and just about any other store are coated with either BPA or BPS (bisphenol-s), which was supposed to replace BPA as a "safe" alternative.. however, it seems just as bad (save that for another thread.).

In this segment, I will continue discovery on the effects of BPA.. I found this article :

http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articl...e-skin.htm
"BPA first was developed by a biochemist and tested as an artificial estrogen supplement," said Frederick vom Saal, Curators Professor of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts and Science at MU, via Science Daily. "As an endocrine disrupting chemical, BPA has been demonstrated to alter signaling mechanisms involving estrogen and other hormones. Store and fast food receipts, airline tickets, ATM receipts and other thermal papers all use massive amounts of BPA on the surface of the paper as a print developer. The problem is, we as consumers have hand sanitizers, hand creams, soaps and sunscreens on our hands that drastically alter the absorption rate of the BPA found on these receipts."
Past studies have warn that excessive absorption of BPA can harm the endocrine system, which regulates hormones. Furthermore, exposure in the womb has been linked with heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Any exposure during pregnancy can be particularly dangerous for the future baby, as well. Research shows that BPA can affect the mental and physical health of a fetus in the womb.
"The combination of dermal and oral BPA absorption led to a rapid and dramatic average maximum increase in unconjugated (bioactive) BPA...in blood and urine within 90 minutes," the study authors concluded, in a news release.
Researchers discovered that skin absorption in general could increase the risk of BPA in comparison to digestion. For instance, when the team accounted for two other factors, they used hand sanitizer prior to touching a BPA-coated receipt and eating greasy foods with hands that had touched the receipt, they discovered an even greater level of exposure to the chemical.
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By using these items, the skin ends up absorbing higher levels of BPA from receipts. The researchers reported that exposure occurred in as little as two seconds, in some cases.

it seems, the used in conjunction with hand sanitizer (most likely from the alcohol content), it upregulates (increases) the transdermal absorption of the BPA through the skin.


http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article...ne.0110509

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting environmental contaminant used in a wide variety of products, and BPA metabolites are found in almost everyone’s urine, suggesting widespread exposure from multiple sources. Regulatory agencies estimate that virtually all BPA exposure is from food and beverage packaging. However, free BPA is applied to the outer layer of thermal receipt paper present in very high (∼20 mg BPA/g paper) quantities as a print developer. Not taken into account when considering thermal paper as a source of BPA exposure is that some commonly used hand sanitizers, as well as other skin care products, contain mixtures of dermal penetration enhancing chemicals that can increase by up to 100 fold the dermal absorption of lipophilic compounds such as BPA. We found that when men and women held thermal receipt paper immediately after using a hand sanitizer with penetration enhancing chemicals, significant free BPA was transferred to their hands and then to French fries that were eaten, and the combination of dermal and oral BPA absorption led to a rapid and dramatic average maximum increase (Cmax) in unconjugated (bioactive) BPA of ∼7 ng/mL in serum and ∼20 µg total BPA/g creatinine in urine within 90 min. The default method used by regulatory agencies to test for hazards posed by chemicals is intra-gastric gavage. For BPA this approach results in less than 1% of the administered dose being bioavailable in blood. It also ignores dermal absorption as well as sublingual absorption in the mouth that both bypass first-pass liver metabolism. The elevated levels of BPA that we observed due to holding thermal paper after using a product containing dermal penetration enhancing chemicals have been related to an increased risk for a wide range of developmental abnormalities as well as diseases in adults.



according to this link, bpa is not as dangerous as previously thought.. if so, why do they drop the TDI (total daily intake) rate? :
http://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/349/no-health-...ssment.pdf

In January 2015, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a new opinion on the assessment of the health risks associated with Bisphenol A (BPA) in foods and from other, non-dietary sources. In this opinion, the EFSA experts conclude that based on the current scientific evidence and given the current levels of consumer exposure, BPA does not pose a health risk for any age group. This also applies to unborn children, infants and young adolescents. New data and more sophisticated methods have led the EFSA experts to significantly reduce the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for BPA - from 50 micrograms per kilogramme of bodyweight per day (µg/kg bw/day) to 4 µg/kg bw/day. In view of this new assessment, the highest estimates of the exposure derived from foods alone or in combination with other sources (diet, house dust, cosmetics and thermal paper) are 3 to 5 times below the new TDI value. Uncertainties regarding possible health effects of BPA on the mammary gland, the reproductive, metabolic and immune systems and in relation to neurobehavioural disorders have been analysed and taken into account in the calculation of the TDI. The TDI must be seen as a temporary value as long as the results of a long-term study on rats, a study which aims to eliminate those uncertainties, are still pending. The BfR welcomes the fact that extensive data from Europe was taken into account in the exposure calculation and, given the uncertainties of the overall BPA data situation, endorses the derivation of the new temporary TDI.

I don't know, maybe I am reading it wrong?

leads me to believe in the "feminization of America" theory

[tanysquirrel]

spotlight on: Motherwart

Class: Herb

Use: Estrogen promotor, anti cancer

Available: Amazon/Ebay

Available in: Pill, powder, extract, dried herb

resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19330917/

http://breast-enlargement-naturally.com/...n-booster/:

Motherwort Uses

Motherwort of the mint family is a herb that serves various purposes.

• is  a Natural Estrogen Booster
  
• taking with progesterone herbs increast breast size
  
• it is used to promote blood circulation,
  
• lower cholesterol,
  
• regulate fast heart rate,
  
• relieve stress on the heart muscles.
  
• western herbal medicine considers motherwort as one of the finest heart tonics. It is particularly regarded as the best herbal tonics for women.
  
• It is valuable in a wide range of female disorders, this being the source of its name.
  
• regulates the menses,
  
• helps stimulate delayed periods,
  
• Motherworth is a remedy for menstrual cramps like the ones accompanied by scanty menses.
  
• combined with scullcap and/or valerian can help relieve childbirth pain and stress.
  
• is used mainly in the preparation of breast enlargement creams and breast enlargement pills because of its strengthening and stimulating effects. It is usually combined with a host of other herbs.
  

http://www.natural-approaches-to-menopau...DbMKIWcHIU:

Motherwort for Menopause Insomnia, Anxiety and Hot Flashes
Motherwort has been used by European, Native American and Chinese women for many years. It has been in use since before the 1600s.
It is gently calming without being sedating.
Leonurus cardiaca is the botanical name, and it is known for helping with hot flashes, anxiety and insomnia.  It is also a heart tonic, and can ease palpitations and angina.  It works well with another heart tonic, hawthorn (Crataegus).  It is also known for opening your heart energetically.
It is hypotensive, meaning it can lower blood pressure.
According to Amanda McQuade Crawford, in The Herbal Menopause Book, "It is especially useful for hot flashes with nervous tension as the primary trigger, accompanied by palpitations of the heart.  Motherwort has been considered a specific treatment for all conditions of hormonal imbalance and nervous tension."
The herb is a perennial that grows 3 to 5 feet high, with purplish or whitish-red flowers.  It is in the mint family.

Precautions: May affect blood clotting.  If you have a clotting disorder, avoid motherwort.  It is a uterine stimulant.  Don't take in pregnancy.

more research needed.

[tanysquirrel]

interesting article:

http://www.webnat.com/articles/HormonesAndHerbs.asp

HORMONES AND HERBS
Note from Four Winds Nutrition:
Read the whole article and then go to the bottom of this page. Notice the description of two products: Astragalus and Dong Quai. Dong Quai contains a very remarkable type of phyto-estrogen (vegetable source estrogen). It can act as estrogen for women if needed. If, on the other hand, estrogen levels are too high in the body, this phytoestrogen competes with the body's estrogen for activity sites and lowers the body's estrogen levels to normal.
In the words of Dr. Bob Arnot, M.D.:
"Imagine a super estrogen that is hundreds of times more powerful that the most potent natural estrogen. It fits precisely into the estrogen receptor, just like natural estrogens. Then imagine that it is included in many of the foods you eat, every day at every meal. This is the nightmare scenario of the chemical estrogen theory of breast cancer: chemicals in the environment that act just like an estrogen when they attach to the estrogen receptor on breast cells but provide a signal that is many times more powerful."

Check your knowledge

Check your answers with the information below. Don't feel bad if you got some answers wrong, two years ago, before I started studying this subject in more depth, I would have answered many of these questions incorrectly myself.

1. Glandular herbs contain natural hormones.
False. Hormones are chemicals produced in the bodies of animals to regulate animal metabolism. Plants produce their own set of chemicals to regulate their plant metabolism, but they do not produce hormones.

2. The term estrogen does not refer to a specific hormone, but rather to any chemical which induces ovulation and the urge to mate in female mammals.
True. Believe it or not ladies, there is no chemical in your bodies called estrogen. You actually have three estrogens in your bodies: esterase, estrone, estradiol. The term estrogen refers to anything which will put a mammal into heat. In addition to the estrogens our bodies produce, there are also phytoestrogens (chemicals in plants which mimic estrogen) and xenoestrogens (environmental pollutants which mimic estrogen). This is an important concept to understand, because when we are talking about plant estrogens, we are not talking about plant hormones. We are talking about chemicals in plants which imitate the effects of hormones.

3. Wild yam contains natural progesterone.
False. We have already established the fact that plants do not contain hormones, so wild yam cannot contain progesterone.

4. The sterols in plants such as wild yam and sarsaparilla are precursors of (i.e., can be converted into) human hormones in our bodies.
False. When people learn that wild yam does not contain progesterone, they think it must contain precursors to progesterone. Unfortunately, that is not true either. Wild yam, and many other herbs, contain sterols which some herbalists believe are precursors of hormones, but there is no known metabolic pathway for converting these substances into hormones in our bodies. These substances are precursors to the chemical synthesis of hormones in a laboratory, which is probably where the myth arose. But the chemical manufacturer of synthetic hormones is different from the body's method of making them.

5. Excess hormones are a toxin which must be broken down by the liver.
True. Because the liver must detoxify excess hormones, liver weakness is often a factor in what appear to be glandular imbalances. So, even though it is not technically a part of the glandular system, liver function should be considered as a possible factor in hormonal imbalances.

6. Research suggests that phytoestrogens may help protect the body against certain types of cancer, but the effect is very weak.
True. As we indicated previously, phytoestrogens are chemicals in plants which mimic estrogen. However, the estrogen-like effect of these chemicals in plants is very weak in comparison to the body's hormones. The growth of breast and prostate cancers is usually stimulated by estrogen. The phytoestrogens, however, don't stimulate the growth of these cancers much because their effect is so weak. When foods containing these phyto-estrogens are consumed in large quantities, it is believed that they tie up estrogen receptor sites and prevent stronger estrogens (those produced by the body or chemical estrogens like pesticide residues) from binding to the same sites. Foods which contain phytoestrogens include green leafy vegetables, whole grains and soybeans. However, don't expect these foods to be of much help if you swallow a few grams of them in a capsule. You have to eat them as a regular part of your diet for them to be of any use. Additional research suggests that consuming these foods as a regular part of your diet also helps you avoid some of the symptoms of menopause by providing a natural estrogenic effect.
What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical substances created by the body that control numerous body functions. They actually act as "messengers" to coordinate functions of various body parts. Most hormones are proteins consisting of amino acid chains. Some hormones are steroids, fatty cholesterol-produced substances. Functions controlled by hormones include:

• activities of entire organs
  
• growth and development
  
• reproduction
  
• sexual characteristics
  
• usage and storage of energy
  
• levels of fluid, salt and sugar in the blood
  

hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is located in the brain, at the base of the optic chiasm. It secretes hormones that stimulate or suppress the release of hormones in the pituitary gland, in addition to controlling water balance, sleep, temperature, appetite, and blood pressure.
The pineal body is located below the corpus callosum, a part of the brain. It produces the hormone melatonin.

pituitary
The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. No larger than a pea, the gland controls many functions of the other endocrine glands.


[b][b][/b]thyroid and parathyroids[/b]
The thyroid gland and parathyroid glands are located in front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box). The thyroid plays an important role in the body's metabolism. Both the thyroid and parathyroid glands also play a role in the regulation of the body's calcium balance.

thymus
The thymus is located in the upper part of the chest and produces T-lymphocytes (white blood cells that fight infections and destroy abnormal cells).

adrenal gland
The pair of adrenal glands are located on top of both kidneys. Adrenal glands work hand-in-hand with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
kidney
The pair of kidneys are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys process the blood to sift out waste products and extra water. This waste and extra water becomes urine, which is stored in the bladder.
pancreas
The pancreas is located across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The pancreas plays a role in digestion, as well as hormone production.
ovary
A woman's ovaries are located on both sides of the uterus, below the opening of the fallopian tubes (tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovaries). In addition to containing the egg cells necessary for reproduction, the ovaries also produce estrogen and progesterone.
testis
A man's testes are located in a pouch that hangs suspended outside the male body. The testes produce testosterone and sperm.

7. The pancreas manufactures hormones which raise and lower blood sugar levels.
True. The pancreatic tail makes two hormones, insulin and glucagon. When blood sugar levels are high, insulin carries the sugar into the cells. When blood sugar levels are low glucagon brings sugar out of storage and into the blood.

8. A review of traditional herb sources suggests that wild yam has no hormonal effect.
True. Wild yam has been around for a long time. It was used by the eclectic physicians (medical doctors of the last century who made extremely careful observations about the effects herbs had on their patients). Prior to the 1960s there are no references to wild yam having hormonal effects.
What changed this was the discovery that diosgenin, a sterol in wild yam, could be converted into progesterone to make birth control pills. Herbalists began assuming that this meant that wild yam itself had a progesterone-like effect. This assumption was not made based on clinical experience or scientific data and did not correlate with the traditional uses of wild yam. As a result, many herbalists don't know some of the real benefits of wild yam. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic herb. Its traditional use was to relieve pain and cramping in the digestive tract associated with adult colic (gas), diverticulitis, irritable bowel and colitis. This is why it is found in CLT-X, an NSP formula for colitis. Because of its antispasmodic action it has also been used to relieve menstrual cramps.
It is used topically as a soothing emollient to soften hardened tissue.

The so-called wild yam creams, are actually progesterone creams. They contain a small amount of natural progesterone in a wild yam cream base. The hormonal effects come from the progesterone in the cream, not from the wild yam. Many companies don't put the fact that the cream contains progesterone on the label. Some creams contain no progesterone. NSP's Pro-G Yam Cream does indicate on the label that it contains the progesterone hormone.

None of the above means that wild yam has no hormonal effects, period. It merely means that there is a lack of data to support that conclusion. If wild yam does have a hormonal effect it is more likely it affects the adrenals and the anti-inflammatory hormones they produce. Which brings us to the final issue about the hormonal effects of wild yam.

What about its use as a birth control agent? Some herbalists discount this, but I have had many positive reports from people about wild yams ability to prevent conception, so I tend to believe that it can. However, its birth control effect is not necessarily hormonal. If it is acting as a natural progesterone, then theoretically it would shut down the menstrual cycle like birth control pills and would probably have the same side effects. So, how does it work?

When I was working for NSP years ago, the company was considering introducing wild yam because managers wanted to have it available to use for birth control. The debate at the company centered around the fact that the research and development people were not sure how it worked. I was told it was possible that it caused the uterine lining to become slippery so that a fertilized egg would be unable to implant in the womb. Because wild yam is an emollient, I tend to believe that this is how it works. It fits with the description of how the plant is used. It must be taken regularly for two months before it becomes effective and if you miss a day you have to start over. This sounds to me like a mechanical action rather than a biochemical one. Wild carrot seed, another natural contraceptive, works by this same mechanism.

9. Melatonin is a natural substance derived from plants. It has been thoroughly researched and proven to be safe and effective.
False. First of all, melatonin is a hormone, so it cannot be derived from a plant. Secondly, it has been researched pretty thoroughly for short term use for occasional insomnia. However, its claims as an anti-aging wonder drug for daily use are subject to suspicion.

10. Odors and thoughts have a powerful influence on hormone production via the hypothalamus.
True. The hypothalamus is a stalk of the brain upon which the pituitary sits. The cells which have nerve endings to detect odors are connected to the hypothalamus. As a result, smells cause immediate changes in our moods by altering hormonal output in the pituitary. This is an exciting new area of research which suggests we can use volatile oils to correct hormonal imbalances. Some of the interesting tidbits I have gathered include the fact that the smell of sweat helps to regulate the female menstrual cycle. This was discovered after it was determined that women who had regular physical intimacy with a man or who lived in close proximity to other women (as in a dorm) had more regular menstrual cycles than women who lived alone. Another piece of research I saw on PBS indicated that the smell of cinnamon buns increased testosterone levels in men, adding to the old maxim the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

11. Any plant containing phytoestrogens should be avoided during pregnancy.
False. As we pointed out earlier, some of the best sources of phytoestrogens include whole grains, green leafy vegetables and soybeans, all of which are excellent foods to be used during pregnancy. Unless an herb has been observed in its traditional use to induce abortion or damage the fetus we should not be afraid to use it during pregnancy.

12. DHEA has no known side effects.
False. DHEA does have side effects. It can cause breast swelling and tenderness in women, acne and mood swings. Basically, taking too much DHEA can bring back all the problems you experienced in puberty.
Personally, Im glad DHEA levels tend to decline with age. I don't want to be a teenager again. I believe that you should not take DHEA unless a lab test shows you are actually low in DHEA and you should try to figure out why your levels are low and correct the underlying imbalances rather than just relying on the hormone.

13. Natural progesterone is synthesized from wild yam or yucca.
True. Wild yam and yucca both contain sterols which can be used as the basic building blocks for synthesizing progesterone. I have also been told they are synthesizing it from a chemical in corn. The question is tricky because people wonder, how can natural progesterone be synthesized?
After all, something which has been synthesized is synthetic, not natural, isnt it? Well, thats the way us common people think, but its not the way a natural products chemist thinks. To us lay folk, the word natural means it comes from nature. To the product chemist, however, it means that the substance duplicates what is found in nature.
The progesterone being used in the wild yam creams is not from nature, it is a synthesized version of the natural progesterone found in our bodies. A distinction needs to be made because most hormone-replacement drugs are not duplications of the natural hormones in our bodies. They are isomers of the natural hormones.

To understand the concept of an isomer, we need to understand how our steroidal-based hormones (such as testosterone, estrogens, etc.) work. A hormone molecule has a three dimensional shape. Inside our cells are molecules called hormone receptors. The hormone is like a key and the hormone receptor is like a lock. The hormone shape fits into the shape of the hormone receptor and joins with it to create a new molecule which moves into the nucleus of the cell to trigger certain chemical reactions.
Because these hormonal effects are triggered by molecular shapes, not by chemical composition, other substances with a similar shape can attach to a hormone receptor and trigger it. This is why chemicals in plants (which are not hormones) and environmental pollutants (like pesticides) can act as estrogens. Even though their chemical structure is different, their molecular shape is similar enough to trigger a hormonal reaction.

The reason why drug companies don't manufacture duplicates of the natural hormones in our bodies is because they cannot be patented. Since they did not create it, they cannot own it. Anyone who can synthesize or extract a natural substance can sell it. So, what drug companies do is create isomers of the hormones. Isomers are molecules which have been slightly altered from the original, but still possess some ability to bond to the hormone receptor sites and stimulate them. Because they create molecules which do not exist in nature they can patent them and have exclusive rights to market them.

The doctor who started the craze with natural progesterone creams felt that the natural form of the hormone was less harmful and more beneficial than the isomers. There may be some merit to this argument, but it sure causes confusion in the public mind. Anyway, I hope its clear to you, now.
As a side-light, there are natural forms of most hormones available in the marketplace. Hence, if you must be on some type of hormone replacement therapy, you might want to ask your doctor to prescribe the natural hormone instead of the isomers.

14. Kelp and other seaweeds help to reduce overactive thyroid function.
False. Many people believe that seaweeds like kelp will help to balance out an overactive thyroid as well as an underactive thyroid. This is simply not true. If you run into someone with an overactive thyroid (also known as Graves disease) do not use Thyroid Activator (KC-X), TS II, kelp, dulse or other iodine supplements with them.
Support the adrenals with licorice root and adaptagens. Use nervines to help reduce stress (hops or catnip might be a good choice). Bugleweed helps to reduce an overactive thyroid function and is a specific for this problem. Motherwort also helps calm an overactive thyroid and sedates the heart (which tends to race when the thyroid is overactive).
Raw cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, etc.) also tend to inhibit thyroid function.

15. The precursor to steroidal hormones is cholesterol.
True. If you want a hormone precursor for DHEA, estrogen, testosterone, etc. then eat a steak or pat of butter. Cholesterol is not all bad, we need it for many body functions, including the health of our adrenal and reproductive glands.

16. Frequent use of caffeine bearing plants (guranna, coffee, kola nuts, etc.) and stimulants like Chinese ephedra can deplete the bodys energies by overtaxing the adrenals.
True. Caffeine is an adrenal stimulant and ephedrine (the alkaloid in ephedra) mimics adrenaline. Hence, frequent use of these plants has a similar effect on the body as constant stress. These plants increase the heart rate, tense the muscles, inhibit digestion and ultimately drain the bodys energy reserves. This leads to a condition I like to call burn-out.
Burn-out is very common in our society and is characterized by fatigue, restless or poor sleep patterns, confusion, loss of short term memory (absent-mindedness), emotional sensitivity and a general drained feeling.
Licorice root and Nervous Fatigue Formula are my favorite remedies for aiding burn-out.

17. Circle all of the plants which contain phytoestrogens:
The following plants contain phytoestrogens:
Hops, black cohosh, red clover, soybeans, licorice, green tea and coffee beans.
The rest, including red raspberry, dong quai and chaste tree do not.
Hops are one of the most estrogenic herbs on this list.

Hops have been traditionally used to increase sexual drive in woman and decrease it in men. Says something interesting about drinking beer doesn't it? It is likely that the phytoestrogens in alfalfa, red clover and soybeans have a protective effect against cancer.
Red raspberry tones the uterus muscle, but is not hormonal.
Dong quai is a blood nourishing tonic in Chinese medicine. It helps anemia, pelvic congestion, loss of blood and estrogen utilization, but is not directly estrogenic.
Chaste tree helps regulate the cycle by regulating the pituitary and hypothalamus, but does not have a direct estrogenic effect.

18. Circle the hormones which are manufactured in the adrenal glands.
All of these hormones are produced by the adrenals. Before puberty, the adrenals take the major role in producing sex hormones. After menopause, the adrenals again become the major suppliers of female hormones. Hence, much of the discomfort associated with menopause in women may be due to adrenal fatigue (see Ardenal Support).

19. Circle the plants which have oxytocic effects.
Blue cohosh and scotch broom both mimic the hormone oxytocin, which is produced by the pituitary to stimulate uterine contractions during labor and delivery.
While alfalfa feeds the pituitary, it does not stimulate uterine contractions.
Black cohosh relaxes muscle spasms rather than causing the uterus to contract.

This information is for educational purposes only. Consult with a qualified health practictioner for all serious or persistant illness. Copyright 2000 by Robinson & Horne, L.C., P.O. Box 1028, Roosevelt, UT 84066. This material may be duplicated for educational purposes only (not for resale)
Distributed by: Four Winds Nutrition
 

Note from PURE HERBS Ltd.

ASTRAGALUS - (Milk Vetch Root) Powerful immune system builder. Comes to us from Chinese herbal medicine with the recommendation of nearly 2,000 years ofrecorded satisfactory use as a powerful immune system builder. We know from use and clinical investigation in the Western world that the root of this legume (a type of plant which enriches the soil and produces proteins by having nodules or "bumps" on its roots that collect nitrogen from the air) does indeed activate the liver to produce a substance called interferon. Interferon holds tightly to the surface of body cells and causes them to produce the body's own antibodies (proteins) which kill viruses and viral infections. This can be especially helpful where drug medicine has no answer.

Also, please understand that many times a vaccination or immunization can leave lingering viruses to masquerade as a whole host of symptoms and baffling "diseases" which are seldom connected with being the true cause. As just a single instance, who would ever think of warts under the eyes or elsewhere as being a side effect of an immunization, but they can be. Astragalus, with its ability to see to it that viruses are killed, can be very helpful as an answer to the common cold, provided a person has a decent diet and two to three bowel movements per day. Because viruses are killed, pus is expelled from wounds and they are healed.

Astragalus also works to improve appetite where needed, and either cause the skin to sweat and expel poisons or, if perspiration is unwarranted, reduce it. Astragalus strengthens the ability to digest, repairs chronic lung problems, reduces fluid swellings, provides energy by being an adrenal gland(s) nutrient and increases circulation.

Astragalus and another Chinese herb, Dong Quai (Chinese Angelica), are often combined for this purpose. Thanks for this friend of the immune system and energy builder must be given to the Creator and the Chinese for its discovery.

DOSAGE: 40 to 80 drops three times per day. If Dong Quai is also taken to form a team then take both in the same amount.

DONG QUAI Angelica sinensis

PROPERTIES AND USES: Regulates hormones, menopause, hormone replacement, estrogen hormone balance.
Dong Quai comes from China. The root of this Chinese Angelica herb is a time proven and tested remedy for feminine distress. Dong Quai contains a very remarkable type of phyto-estrogen (vegetable source estrogen). It can act as estrogen for woman if needed. If, on the other hand, estrogen levels are too high in the body, this phytoestrogen competes with the body's estrogen for activity sites and lowers the body's estrogen levels to normal. This explains the apparent contradiction of why herbalists have successfully recommended Dong Quai for maladies we now know were caused by a condition of too high or too low levels of estrogen.

For example, when P.M.S. (Pre-Menstrual- Syndrome) occurs and there is too much estrogen, Dong Quai is recommended. When menopause occurs there is too little estrogen, once again, Dong Quai is recommended. In both cases, Dong Quai can handle the job. This causes people who work with synthetic estrogen in the orthodox medical field much consternation and head shaking. They are used to drugs that act in a limited manner with possible undesirable side effects and not the safe, balanced, multi-task capability with which many herbs are endowed. Dong Quai strengthens and oxygenates all of the female organs. Circulation is restored and "dryness" is solved.

Traumatic injuries such as during childbirth and operations are corrected.
Pelvic congestion is corrected and expelled.
The antibiotic nature of Dong Quai to eliminate infection and thus calm nerves, as well as its hormonal balancing ability can be especially helpful in cases of a condition labeled "endometriosis" where there is infection and or uterus lining cells (endometrium) get scattered and grow in many unusual parts of the body where they have no business being, even in the lungs and nasal passages. These, then are also active hormonal sites which can throw the body into an uproar. Dong Quai can help to correct this hormonal imbalance, as well as the infection.
DOSAGE: For menstrual disturbances, starting 10 days before and during the period, 40 drops three times per day after meals.
For correcting more serious problems, increase from one teaspoon to one tablespoon one time per day and, if found really necessary, three times per day until problem(s) disappear.
For maintenance, 40 drops per day.
DOSAGE: In cases called "endometriosis", 40 to 80 drops three times per day internally, and externally apply 80 drops three times per day on the lower abdomen.
Also, institute a bowel maintenance program, which produces two, and preferably three, easy and complete bowel movements per day. (SEE: C.C.E.-W.)

[tanysquirrel]

interesting article:

http://www.webnat.com/articles/HormonesAndHerbs.asp

HORMONES AND HERBS
Note from Four Winds Nutrition:
Read the whole article and then go to the bottom of this page. Notice the description of two products: Astragalus and Dong Quai. Dong Quai contains a very remarkable type of phyto-estrogen (vegetable source estrogen). It can act as estrogen for women if needed. If, on the other hand, estrogen levels are too high in the body, this phytoestrogen competes with the body's estrogen for activity sites and lowers the body's estrogen levels to normal.
In the words of Dr. Bob Arnot, M.D.:
"Imagine a super estrogen that is hundreds of times more powerful that the most potent natural estrogen. It fits precisely into the estrogen receptor, just like natural estrogens. Then imagine that it is included in many of the foods you eat, every day at every meal. This is the nightmare scenario of the chemical estrogen theory of breast cancer: chemicals in the environment that act just like an estrogen when they attach to the estrogen receptor on breast cells but provide a signal that is many times more powerful."

Check your knowledge

Check your answers with the information below. Don't feel bad if you got some answers wrong, two years ago, before I started studying this subject in more depth, I would have answered many of these questions incorrectly myself.

1. Glandular herbs contain natural hormones.
False. Hormones are chemicals produced in the bodies of animals to regulate animal metabolism. Plants produce their own set of chemicals to regulate their plant metabolism, but they do not produce hormones.

2. The term estrogen does not refer to a specific hormone, but rather to any chemical which induces ovulation and the urge to mate in female mammals.
True. Believe it or not ladies, there is no chemical in your bodies called estrogen. You actually have three estrogens in your bodies: esterase, estrone, estradiol. The term estrogen refers to anything which will put a mammal into heat. In addition to the estrogens our bodies produce, there are also phytoestrogens (chemicals in plants which mimic estrogen) and xenoestrogens (environmental pollutants which mimic estrogen). This is an important concept to understand, because when we are talking about plant estrogens, we are not talking about plant hormones. We are talking about chemicals in plants which imitate the effects of hormones.

3. Wild yam contains natural progesterone.
False. We have already established the fact that plants do not contain hormones, so wild yam cannot contain progesterone.

4. The sterols in plants such as wild yam and sarsaparilla are precursors of (i.e., can be converted into) human hormones in our bodies.
False. When people learn that wild yam does not contain progesterone, they think it must contain precursors to progesterone. Unfortunately, that is not true either. Wild yam, and many other herbs, contain sterols which some herbalists believe are precursors of hormones, but there is no known metabolic pathway for converting these substances into hormones in our bodies. These substances are precursors to the chemical synthesis of hormones in a laboratory, which is probably where the myth arose. But the chemical manufacturer of synthetic hormones is different from the body's method of making them.

5. Excess hormones are a toxin which must be broken down by the liver.
True. Because the liver must detoxify excess hormones, liver weakness is often a factor in what appear to be glandular imbalances. So, even though it is not technically a part of the glandular system, liver function should be considered as a possible factor in hormonal imbalances.

6. Research suggests that phytoestrogens may help protect the body against certain types of cancer, but the effect is very weak.
True. As we indicated previously, phytoestrogens are chemicals in plants which mimic estrogen. However, the estrogen-like effect of these chemicals in plants is very weak in comparison to the body's hormones. The growth of breast and prostate cancers is usually stimulated by estrogen. The phytoestrogens, however, don't stimulate the growth of these cancers much because their effect is so weak. When foods containing these phyto-estrogens are consumed in large quantities, it is believed that they tie up estrogen receptor sites and prevent stronger estrogens (those produced by the body or chemical estrogens like pesticide residues) from binding to the same sites. Foods which contain phytoestrogens include green leafy vegetables, whole grains and soybeans. However, don't expect these foods to be of much help if you swallow a few grams of them in a capsule. You have to eat them as a regular part of your diet for them to be of any use. Additional research suggests that consuming these foods as a regular part of your diet also helps you avoid some of the symptoms of menopause by providing a natural estrogenic effect.
What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical substances created by the body that control numerous body functions. They actually act as "messengers" to coordinate functions of various body parts. Most hormones are proteins consisting of amino acid chains. Some hormones are steroids, fatty cholesterol-produced substances. Functions controlled by hormones include:

• activities of entire organs
  
• growth and development
  
• reproduction
  
• sexual characteristics
  
• usage and storage of energy
  
• levels of fluid, salt and sugar in the blood
  

hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is located in the brain, at the base of the optic chiasm. It secretes hormones that stimulate or suppress the release of hormones in the pituitary gland, in addition to controlling water balance, sleep, temperature, appetite, and blood pressure.
The pineal body is located below the corpus callosum, a part of the brain. It produces the hormone melatonin.

pituitary
The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. No larger than a pea, the gland controls many functions of the other endocrine glands.


[b][b][/b][/b]


thyroid and parathyroids



The thyroid gland and parathyroid glands are located in front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box). The thyroid plays an important role in the body's metabolism. Both the thyroid and parathyroid glands also play a role in the regulation of the body's calcium balance.

thymus
The thymus is located in the upper part of the chest and produces T-lymphocytes (white blood cells that fight infections and destroy abnormal cells).

adrenal gland
The pair of adrenal glands are located on top of both kidneys. Adrenal glands work hand-in-hand with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
kidney
The pair of kidneys are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys process the blood to sift out waste products and extra water. This waste and extra water becomes urine, which is stored in the bladder.
pancreas
The pancreas is located across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The pancreas plays a role in digestion, as well as hormone production.
ovary
A woman's ovaries are located on both sides of the uterus, below the opening of the fallopian tubes (tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovaries). In addition to containing the egg cells necessary for reproduction, the ovaries also produce estrogen and progesterone.
testis
A man's testes are located in a pouch that hangs suspended outside the male body. The testes produce testosterone and sperm.

7. The pancreas manufactures hormones which raise and lower blood sugar levels.
True. The pancreatic tail makes two hormones, insulin and glucagon. When blood sugar levels are high, insulin carries the sugar into the cells. When blood sugar levels are low glucagon brings sugar out of storage and into the blood.

8. A review of traditional herb sources suggests that wild yam has no hormonal effect.
True. Wild yam has been around for a long time. It was used by the eclectic physicians (medical doctors of the last century who made extremely careful observations about the effects herbs had on their patients). Prior to the 1960s there are no references to wild yam having hormonal effects.
What changed this was the discovery that diosgenin, a sterol in wild yam, could be converted into progesterone to make birth control pills. Herbalists began assuming that this meant that wild yam itself had a progesterone-like effect. This assumption was not made based on clinical experience or scientific data and did not correlate with the traditional uses of wild yam. As a result, many herbalists don't know some of the real benefits of wild yam. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic herb. Its traditional use was to relieve pain and cramping in the digestive tract associated with adult colic (gas), diverticulitis, irritable bowel and colitis. This is why it is found in CLT-X, an NSP formula for colitis. Because of its antispasmodic action it has also been used to relieve menstrual cramps.
It is used topically as a soothing emollient to soften hardened tissue.

The so-called wild yam creams, are actually progesterone creams. They contain a small amount of natural progesterone in a wild yam cream base. The hormonal effects come from the progesterone in the cream, not from the wild yam. Many companies don't put the fact that the cream contains progesterone on the label. Some creams contain no progesterone. NSP's Pro-G Yam Cream does indicate on the label that it contains the progesterone hormone.

None of the above means that wild yam has no hormonal effects, period. It merely means that there is a lack of data to support that conclusion. If wild yam does have a hormonal effect it is more likely it affects the adrenals and the anti-inflammatory hormones they produce. Which brings us to the final issue about the hormonal effects of wild yam.

What about its use as a birth control agent? Some herbalists discount this, but I have had many positive reports from people about wild yams ability to prevent conception, so I tend to believe that it can. However, its birth control effect is not necessarily hormonal. If it is acting as a natural progesterone, then theoretically it would shut down the menstrual cycle like birth control pills and would probably have the same side effects. So, how does it work?

When I was working for NSP years ago, the company was considering introducing wild yam because managers wanted to have it available to use for birth control. The debate at the company centered around the fact that the research and development people were not sure how it worked. I was told it was possible that it caused the uterine lining to become slippery so that a fertilized egg would be unable to implant in the womb. Because wild yam is an emollient, I tend to believe that this is how it works. It fits with the description of how the plant is used. It must be taken regularly for two months before it becomes effective and if you miss a day you have to start over. This sounds to me like a mechanical action rather than a biochemical one. Wild carrot seed, another natural contraceptive, works by this same mechanism.

9. Melatonin is a natural substance derived from plants. It has been thoroughly researched and proven to be safe and effective.
False. First of all, melatonin is a hormone, so it cannot be derived from a plant. Secondly, it has been researched pretty thoroughly for short term use for occasional insomnia. However, its claims as an anti-aging wonder drug for daily use are subject to suspicion.

10. Odors and thoughts have a powerful influence on hormone production via the hypothalamus.
True. The hypothalamus is a stalk of the brain upon which the pituitary sits. The cells which have nerve endings to detect odors are connected to the hypothalamus. As a result, smells cause immediate changes in our moods by altering hormonal output in the pituitary. This is an exciting new area of research which suggests we can use volatile oils to correct hormonal imbalances. Some of the interesting tidbits I have gathered include the fact that the smell of sweat helps to regulate the female menstrual cycle. This was discovered after it was determined that women who had regular physical intimacy with a man or who lived in close proximity to other women (as in a dorm) had more regular menstrual cycles than women who lived alone. Another piece of research I saw on PBS indicated that the smell of cinnamon buns increased testosterone levels in men, adding to the old maxim the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

11. Any plant containing phytoestrogens should be avoided during pregnancy.
False. As we pointed out earlier, some of the best sources of phytoestrogens include whole grains, green leafy vegetables and soybeans, all of which are excellent foods to be used during pregnancy. Unless an herb has been observed in its traditional use to induce abortion or damage the fetus we should not be afraid to use it during pregnancy.

12. DHEA has no known side effects.
False. DHEA does have side effects. It can cause breast swelling and tenderness in women, acne and mood swings. Basically, taking too much DHEA can bring back all the problems you experienced in puberty.
Personally, Im glad DHEA levels tend to decline with age. I don't want to be a teenager again. I believe that you should not take DHEA unless a lab test shows you are actually low in DHEA and you should try to figure out why your levels are low and correct the underlying imbalances rather than just relying on the hormone.

13. Natural progesterone is synthesized from wild yam or yucca.
True. Wild yam and yucca both contain sterols which can be used as the basic building blocks for synthesizing progesterone. I have also been told they are synthesizing it from a chemical in corn. The question is tricky because people wonder, how can natural progesterone be synthesized?
After all, something which has been synthesized is synthetic, not natural, isnt it? Well, thats the way us common people think, but its not the way a natural products chemist thinks. To us lay folk, the word natural means it comes from nature. To the product chemist, however, it means that the substance duplicates what is found in nature.
The progesterone being used in the wild yam creams is not from nature, it is a synthesized version of the natural progesterone found in our bodies. A distinction needs to be made because most hormone-replacement drugs are not duplications of the natural hormones in our bodies. They are isomers of the natural hormones.

To understand the concept of an isomer, we need to understand how our steroidal-based hormones (such as testosterone, estrogens, etc.) work. A hormone molecule has a three dimensional shape. Inside our cells are molecules called hormone receptors. The hormone is like a key and the hormone receptor is like a lock. The hormone shape fits into the shape of the hormone receptor and joins with it to create a new molecule which moves into the nucleus of the cell to trigger certain chemical reactions.
Because these hormonal effects are triggered by molecular shapes, not by chemical composition, other substances with a similar shape can attach to a hormone receptor and trigger it. This is why chemicals in plants (which are not hormones) and environmental pollutants (like pesticides) can act as estrogens. Even though their chemical structure is different, their molecular shape is similar enough to trigger a hormonal reaction.

The reason why drug companies don't manufacture duplicates of the natural hormones in our bodies is because they cannot be patented. Since they did not create it, they cannot own it. Anyone who can synthesize or extract a natural substance can sell it. So, what drug companies do is create isomers of the hormones. Isomers are molecules which have been slightly altered from the original, but still possess some ability to bond to the hormone receptor sites and stimulate them. Because they create molecules which do not exist in nature they can patent them and have exclusive rights to market them.

The doctor who started the craze with natural progesterone creams felt that the natural form of the hormone was less harmful and more beneficial than the isomers. There may be some merit to this argument, but it sure causes confusion in the public mind. Anyway, I hope its clear to you, now.
As a side-light, there are natural forms of most hormones available in the marketplace. Hence, if you must be on some type of hormone replacement therapy, you might want to ask your doctor to prescribe the natural hormone instead of the isomers.

14. Kelp and other seaweeds help to reduce overactive thyroid function.
False. Many people believe that seaweeds like kelp will help to balance out an overactive thyroid as well as an underactive thyroid. This is simply not true. If you run into someone with an overactive thyroid (also known as Graves disease) do not use Thyroid Activator (KC-X), TS II, kelp, dulse or other iodine supplements with them.
Support the adrenals with licorice root and adaptagens. Use nervines to help reduce stress (hops or catnip might be a good choice). Bugleweed helps to reduce an overactive thyroid function and is a specific for this problem. Motherwort also helps calm an overactive thyroid and sedates the heart (which tends to race when the thyroid is overactive).
Raw cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, etc.) also tend to inhibit thyroid function.

15. The precursor to steroidal hormones is cholesterol.
True. If you want a hormone precursor for DHEA, estrogen, testosterone, etc. then eat a steak or pat of butter. Cholesterol is not all bad, we need it for many body functions, including the health of our adrenal and reproductive glands.

16. Frequent use of caffeine bearing plants (guranna, coffee, kola nuts, etc.) and stimulants like Chinese ephedra can deplete the bodys energies by overtaxing the adrenals.
True. Caffeine is an adrenal stimulant and ephedrine (the alkaloid in ephedra) mimics adrenaline. Hence, frequent use of these plants has a similar effect on the body as constant stress. These plants increase the heart rate, tense the muscles, inhibit digestion and ultimately drain the bodys energy reserves. This leads to a condition I like to call burn-out.
Burn-out is very common in our society and is characterized by fatigue, restless or poor sleep patterns, confusion, loss of short term memory (absent-mindedness), emotional sensitivity and a general drained feeling.
Licorice root and Nervous Fatigue Formula are my favorite remedies for aiding burn-out.

17. Circle all of the plants which contain phytoestrogens:
The following plants contain phytoestrogens:
Hops, black cohosh, red clover, soybeans, licorice, green tea and coffee beans.
The rest, including red raspberry, dong quai and chaste tree do not.
Hops are one of the most estrogenic herbs on this list.

Hops have been traditionally used to increase sexual drive in woman and decrease it in men. Says something interesting about drinking beer doesn't it? It is likely that the phytoestrogens in alfalfa, red clover and soybeans have a protective effect against cancer.
Red raspberry tones the uterus muscle, but is not hormonal.
Dong quai is a blood nourishing tonic in Chinese medicine. It helps anemia, pelvic congestion, loss of blood and estrogen utilization, but is not directly estrogenic.
Chaste tree helps regulate the cycle by regulating the pituitary and hypothalamus, but does not have a direct estrogenic effect.

18. Circle the hormones which are manufactured in the adrenal glands.
All of these hormones are produced by the adrenals. Before puberty, the adrenals take the major role in producing sex hormones. After menopause, the adrenals again become the major suppliers of female hormones. Hence, much of the discomfort associated with menopause in women may be due to adrenal fatigue (see Ardenal Support).

19. Circle the plants which have oxytocic effects.
Blue cohosh and scotch broom both mimic the hormone oxytocin, which is produced by the pituitary to stimulate uterine contractions during labor and delivery.
While alfalfa feeds the pituitary, it does not stimulate uterine contractions.
Black cohosh relaxes muscle spasms rather than causing the uterus to contract.

This information is for educational purposes only. Consult with a qualified health practictioner for all serious or persistant illness. Copyright 2000 by Robinson & Horne, L.C., P.O. Box 1028, Roosevelt, UT 84066. This material may be duplicated for educational purposes only (not for resale)
Distributed by: Four Winds Nutrition
 

Note from PURE HERBS Ltd.

ASTRAGALUS - (Milk Vetch Root) Powerful immune system builder. Comes to us from Chinese herbal medicine with the recommendation of nearly 2,000 years ofrecorded satisfactory use as a powerful immune system builder. We know from use and clinical investigation in the Western world that the root of this legume (a type of plant which enriches the soil and produces proteins by having nodules or "bumps" on its roots that collect nitrogen from the air) does indeed activate the liver to produce a substance called interferon. Interferon holds tightly to the surface of body cells and causes them to produce the body's own antibodies (proteins) which kill viruses and viral infections. This can be especially helpful where drug medicine has no answer.

Also, please understand that many times a vaccination or immunization can leave lingering viruses to masquerade as a whole host of symptoms and baffling "diseases" which are seldom connected with being the true cause. As just a single instance, who would ever think of warts under the eyes or elsewhere as being a side effect of an immunization, but they can be. Astragalus, with its ability to see to it that viruses are killed, can be very helpful as an answer to the common cold, provided a person has a decent diet and two to three bowel movements per day. Because viruses are killed, pus is expelled from wounds and they are healed.

Astragalus also works to improve appetite where needed, and either cause the skin to sweat and expel poisons or, if perspiration is unwarranted, reduce it. Astragalus strengthens the ability to digest, repairs chronic lung problems, reduces fluid swellings, provides energy by being an adrenal gland(s) nutrient and increases circulation.

Astragalus and another Chinese herb, Dong Quai (Chinese Angelica), are often combined for this purpose. Thanks for this friend of the immune system and energy builder must be given to the Creator and the Chinese for its discovery.

DOSAGE: 40 to 80 drops three times per day. If Dong Quai is also taken to form a team then take both in the same amount.

DONG QUAI Angelica sinensis

PROPERTIES AND USES: Regulates hormones, menopause, hormone replacement, estrogen hormone balance.
Dong Quai comes from China. The root of this Chinese Angelica herb is a time proven and tested remedy for feminine distress. Dong Quai contains a very remarkable type of phyto-estrogen (vegetable source estrogen). It can act as estrogen for woman if needed. If, on the other hand, estrogen levels are too high in the body, this phytoestrogen competes with the body's estrogen for activity sites and lowers the body's estrogen levels to normal. This explains the apparent contradiction of why herbalists have successfully recommended Dong Quai for maladies we now know were caused by a condition of too high or too low levels of estrogen.

For example, when P.M.S. (Pre-Menstrual- Syndrome) occurs and there is too much estrogen, Dong Quai is recommended. When menopause occurs there is too little estrogen, once again, Dong Quai is recommended. In both cases, Dong Quai can handle the job. This causes people who work with synthetic estrogen in the orthodox medical field much consternation and head shaking. They are used to drugs that act in a limited manner with possible undesirable side effects and not the safe, balanced, multi-task capability with which many herbs are endowed. Dong Quai strengthens and oxygenates all of the female organs. Circulation is restored and "dryness" is solved.

Traumatic injuries such as during childbirth and operations are corrected.
Pelvic congestion is corrected and expelled.
The antibiotic nature of Dong Quai to eliminate infection and thus calm nerves, as well as its hormonal balancing ability can be especially helpful in cases of a condition labeled "endometriosis" where there is infection and or uterus lining cells (endometrium) get scattered and grow in many unusual parts of the body where they have no business being, even in the lungs and nasal passages. These, then are also active hormonal sites which can throw the body into an uproar. Dong Quai can help to correct this hormonal imbalance, as well as the infection.
DOSAGE: For menstrual disturbances, starting 10 days before and during the period, 40 drops three times per day after meals.
For correcting more serious problems, increase from one teaspoon to one tablespoon one time per day and, if found really necessary, three times per day until problem(s) disappear.
For maintenance, 40 drops per day.
DOSAGE: In cases called "endometriosis", 40 to 80 drops three times per day internally, and externally apply 80 drops three times per day on the lower abdomen.
Also, institute a bowel maintenance program, which produces two, and preferably three, easy and complete bowel movements per day. (SEE: C.C.E.-W.)

[tanysquirrel]

Does the starting TG start off at the menopause phase that a genetic woman would be getting at a certain age?

http://www.consumerhealth.org/articles/d...0209141736

MENOPAUSE: The Good, the Bad and the Exciting
by: Carolyn De Marco, MD
MENOPAUSE: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE EXCITING by Carolyn De Marco, MD Carolyn De Marco, M.D. is a well-known author and journalist who specializes in women's health and alternative medicine. She has been a pioneer in natural childbirth and in the campaign to raise public awareness about the overuse of drugs and surgery in women's health care. She has lectured throughout Canada and the U.S. and frequently appeared on radio and television. Dr. De Marco is the author of the best selling book on womens health entitled, Take Charge of Your Body: Womens Health Advisor. Her new book Dr. De Marco Answers Your Questions is a mini-encyclopedia on natural remedies for over 100 conditions. View her books at www.demarcomd.com.
Menopause is a radical transition into another stage of life, and in many cultures it is the beginning of a more spiritual orientation towards life.
STAGES OF MENOPAUSE
Thepre-menopause can start as early as age 35 and go up to age 50, and it is a more tumultuous time than the actual menopause because the hormones are fluctuating. In particular, the estrogen is often very high (higher than it is when you are in your twenties), or going up and down, and the progesterone and testosterone are frequently low, particularly from adrenal stress. Menopause itself is actually a quieter time and the hormones stabilize. In post-menopause, all hormones are at lower levels. We actually dont know what is normal for the post-menopause period; we dont know at which level the hormones should cycle. That is something that we are still researching, but it does seem to be helpful for the female body to have at least some level of hormones. We do naturally produce these hormones for many, many years after menopause, for at least ten years especially if we maintain a state of health and balance.
BALANCING YOUR HORMONES
There are a lot of different types of hormones: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, thyroid hormone and pregnenolone, which is another master hormone. The hormonal shift at menopause is a gigantic wakeup call and the more we have ignored our lifestyle, the bigger the wake-up call is. Dr. Christiane Northrup says in her book, The Wisdom of Menopause (an excellent new book), that the hormone system goes out of balance because something is out of balance in our lives. It could be an unsatisfactory situation like an unsatisfactory relationship. If you're drinking a lot of coffee, eating a lot of sugar, your adrenals and thyroid will be stressed, or if you have liver dysfunction, you will experience a lot more menopausal symptoms. You will be much more sensitive to alcohol around the menopause; for instance, if you have one glass of wine you can experience hot flashes. The worst menopauses Ive seen are in people who are drinking regularly, because that really puts stress on the liver that cant be handled when you are going through a huge transition like that. Sometimes I wonder why a person is having such a hard menopause and when I actually question them, I will find they are having a significant amount of alcohol each day. The bad estrogen is broken down in the bowels, so if you are not digesting properly, you will also have a more difficult menopause. Inadequate diet, lack of exercise, stress, emotional problems, chemical exposures (we are exposed to a huge range of chemicals now from chemtrails to pesticides concentrated in the fat of meat and dairy), lack of rest, spiritual crisis, will have a cumulative result.
Excess estrogen unbalanced by progesterone, excess insulin caused by a high carbohydrate diet and excess of these pro inflammatory substances also caused by a high carbohydrate diet and stress all work together to produce imbalance. Dr. Young says to eat six meals a day, eat protein at each meal, and cut down on refined and high glycemic index foods - like white bread, white rice, etc. which are very bad for producing sugar cravings. Eat a wide variety of colourful foods and vegetables. Eat healthy fats every day, extra virgin olive oil and flaxseed oil and fish oils. Those are the healthy fats. There is no doubt that menopause is a challenging time, and that it's a time of change. You have to make changes in your lifestyle, balance your hormones and concentrate on inner beauty and outer beauty and rejuvenation.
EXERCISE
When you reach menopause or peri-menopause, you need to have an exercise program and it has to include weight training, as well as movement like walking and aerobic exercise. It is absolutely critical to include weight training in your exercise program and it only takes 15 minutes four times a week. It is critical for the prevention of bone loss. It also causes the single greatest rise in growth hormone, which is associated with anti-aging. So it's a great anti-aging exercise as well. When you inject growth hormone, it will cause a reversal of aging, aging of the skin, aging of the hair; it will increase muscle mass and decrease fat mass. It is used in some clinics, actually my brother has an anti-aging clinic here in Toronto called The Clinic (theclinic.ca) and he uses all of these aspects: cleansing, detoxing, growth hormone, balancing of hormones, all of the above, to achieve true anti-aging.
WEIGHT TRAINING PROGRAM
The easiest weight-training program I have found so far is the Strong Women Stay Young program. I usually do this in a workshop on menopause. It takes a day to cover it. It is a very easy program invented by a researcher at Tufts University. It shows you how to do weight training, how to design a program, and its so easy. It takes only 15 minutes four times a week and you feel really good. It slenderizes your body and it has the following beneficial effects: it increases bone mass, increases muscle mass, decreases fat mass, reduces depression, reduces blood pressure, decreases cholesterol and improves joint pain. Even people with rheumatoid arthritis can do this simple weight training. It consists of three exercises for the arms, three for the legs and two bouncing exercises. It provides the largest increase of growth hormone, the rejuvenating hormone and it improves your overall health resistance. The Strong Women Stay Young phone number to order the video is 1-888-796-6361.
EMOTIONAL RELEASE
If theres an emotional backlog of things you havent dealt with, that is a very significant problem at menopause. There is a strong connection between our emotions and what is happening to our hormones. It is very important for women to have some method of emotional cleansing and releasing emotions. Some recent studies published in one of the major medical journals demonstrate that writing about stressful events will actually boost your immune system by even three to four times. There are a number of different articles that show the beneficial effects of releasing stress just by writing about the event, not necessarily finding any insight, but just expressing what youre feeling on paper. Expressing your feelings in art is also beneficial. A balance of giving and taking is important for women and often women have been giving too much. Taking is as important as giving. In Chinese medicine, that signifies that the water energy ( chi) is depleted, that is the kidney-adrenal energy, and thats why people who have given too much and not taken enough for themselves may have severe hot flashes. There's definitely a danger of being "too nice". That depresses your immune system. In a relationship, there has to be a balance between giving and taking.
REST
During menopause, its good for women to have a time of relaxation. They need to have personal time out because it can be a very tumultuous time. Rest, rest, rest is very important for women. Most women are not resting enough. They have no time for themselves.
SLEEP
One of the most important things during peri-menopause and menopause is to enhance your sleep. Most women are not getting seven hours or more of sleep and that is a critical thing. A very dark room with no light coming in enhances sleep.
INSOMNIA
Tryptophan 2000 mg. can be prescribed by your doctor. If you cant get a doctor to prescribe it, you can go to a health food store and get 5-HTP. 5-hydroxytryptophan. It's good to take your calcium and magnesium at night too. It helps you sleep. I also use aromatherapy oils like lavender and some of the Young Living oils like Valour, Peace, Calming and Surrender. They are all very useful. I also use melatonin. 1 to 3 mg. at night can be very helpful. It is available in this country but only through the government. You can use it with or without tryptophan. Sleep is the most important thing for enhancing your health. In Japan, they have a rest cure, where they just go to bed for two whole weeks in a darkened room and that's it!
REJUVENATION
is a very important aspect at the time of menopause. Cleansing and fasting have been used by all cultures for rejuvenation.
SPIRITUAL
Aligning with the highest purpose, having time for quiet and reflection, prayer and meditation - this kind of balance really has to be worked on.
CHOLESTEROL
If you don't have enough cholesterol in your diet, you will not be able to make your hormones. We need to consume some cholesterol, some good fat because cholesterol is a precursor to our hormones. I believe that low fat diets can be dangerous and they are not very helpful for weight loss or for decreasing cholesterol. The high protein diets are much more effective than low carbohydrate diets.
PROGESTERONE DECLINES MORE THAN ESTROGEN AT MENOPAUSE
When we think of menopause, we always think of estrogen declining. But actually progesterone declines more. Research by Dr. Jerilynn Prior, a professor of endocrinology at the University of British Columbia demonstrates that progesterone declines 400%, whereas estrogen only declines 50 to 100% from baseline. Progesterone is a mother hormone and will eventually turn into testosterone or estrogen.
NATURAL PROGESTERONE
There is massive confusion about natural progesterone. All hormones, both synthetic and natural, come from natural sources, for instance from wild yam or soy. However, it is natural only if its structure is absolutely identical to the structure of the hormones in our bodies; therefore natural progesterone will have a chemical structure that is identical to the progesterone in our own body. The progesterone most commonly prescribed by the medical profession, Provera, has a structure that doesnt resemble anything in our body, and our body doesnt really recognize it. It is very harsh on the body and can cause depression and bleeding. Extremely small chemical differences in hormones have a profound significance. For instance, if you remove one little molecular group from testosterone, it becomes estrogen.
Natural progesterone has a great side effect. It causes drowsiness and sleepiness and that can be very helpful for the insomnia around menopause. So, its usually taken at night. You can ask your doctor for prometrium. It will definitely help you sleep if you take a dose of 200-300 mg at night. For sleeping, I use L-tryptophan, a prescription amino acid that has absolutely no side effects. Its a very excellent sleep aid. These are not estrogenic herbs; they actually balance the estrogens.
If you are peri-menopausal, if you are still having periods, then you will take the natural progesterone from roughly day 12 to day 26 (day one being the first day of your period). If youre not having periods you can take it from 21 to 25 days each month. To help people remember, I have them take it for instance from the 1st to the 21st or 25th of each month, or every month they would take it at the same time and go off it at the same time.
You can start taking natural progesterone whenever you start your peri-menopause, which could be in your late 40s, whenever you see your periods changing or develop mood swings or irregular cycles, so whenever you're symptomatic.
Natural progesterone is produced in various forms. It comes in an oral form, in a vaginal suppository form, in a skin cream and in a gel. Prometrium is an oral natural progesterone available in Canada that is covered by some prescription plans. A lot of doctors know about it now and if youre on Provera, you can ask to be switched to Prometrium.
PROGESTERONE CREAMS
The form of progesterone that you rub into the skin is the best absorbed of all the types of progesterone. Note that when its taken on the skin, the site has to be rotated, otherwise it will become saturated and you wont be absorbing the same amount. Dr. John Lee, author of What Your Doctor Won't Tell You About the Premenopause, originally recommended that you apply it to the face, the neck, back of neck, breast, belly and the hands, but now hes changed his recommendation. Hes no longer using the breast or the belly. Hes using the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. You use about a quarter of a teaspoon per day. You can actually get pre-measured forms and syringes so that you know the exact dose. Some pharmacists are making it up like that. Natural progesterone comes from wild yam but wild yam creams do not contain natural progesterone. No wild yam cream that you can buy in Canada will contain natural progesterone because natural progesterone including the progesterone cream is currently is available only by prescription.
TYPES OF ESTROGEN
There are three types of estrogen - estrone, estrio l and estradiol. Of these, estrone is the most cancer causing of all the estrogens. Estriol is the least cancer causing. Estradiol is the strongest of all the estrogens.
The most commonly prescribed estrogen is made from pregnant mares urine and its called Premarin. Thats how they get the name. Pre-marin, pregnant mares urine. It has a lot of estrone and it also has horse estrogens in it which are unnatural to the human body, and it is now believed that it is the breakdown products of premarin that cause breast cancer and other problems, so that some of these products from Premarin can be very harmful.
There are many kinds of prescription hormones and one that is very common is the estrogen patch. It consists solely of estradiol; also there is Estrace, which is an oral estrogen. They at least dont contain any horse estrogens. They just contain one estrogen which is more or less bioidentical to the estrogen in the body. But estradiol is a very strong estrogen; its 12 times stronger than estrone and 80 times stronger than estriol.
Some natural practitioners have been using a preparation called Tri-estrogen, which consists of 80% estriol, 10% estrone and 10% estradiol. Dr. Jonathan Wright was the first person who started this Tri-estrogen - this triple estrogen.
Compounding pharmacies will make up the special estrogens for you. These estrogens are very effective in controlling symptoms of those women who need to take them. Its not as strong as some of the other preparations but you can get it in a pill form, a capsule form, and a cream form.
I dont routinely prescribe estrogens. I routinely prescribe natural progesterone because I find it takes care of a lot of the problems of menopause. I dont prescribe estrogens unless the person is having a very difficult time with menopause, or has had an early menopause at age 30 or 35 or something like that.
Dr. John Lee advised a five-day gap in the treatment to give a break to the receptors. You stop both the estrogen and the progesterone. Sometimes when people are in the midst of a very severe menopause, I will have them go every day of the month for a very short period of time and then cut back. The body is cyclical. There is a big trend now to prescribe premarin and Provera every day of the month, but there is very little evidence on the safety of that regimen. Even in conventional journals, they will tell you that there are no studies on this everyday regimen with low doses of provera. Its really an experiment.
Vaginal estrogen is very useful for those who have vaginal dryness and dont want to take pills. Estriol is the most effective for this particular vaginal dryness and estriol in a vaginal cream is a powerful easy way to deal with vaginal dryness. There are also natural remedies, like chasteberry, which is also very good for vaginal dryness, and even if you take a prescription of vaginal estrogen, it will not increase the blood levels of estrogen.
Look at your lifestyle and natural methods first, but if everything else fails, there is definitely a role to taking natural estrogens, along with progesterone, and sometimes it is very effective. I had a patient who was having incapacitating hot flashes - twelve to fifteen a night. She was up all night and she was trying to work during the day. She had a very good lifestyle, lots of exercise, a good diet, a good attitude; but she probably was too stressed, but thats quite a common thing. She tried Remifemin, which is black cohosh extract and a number of other things but they didnt work. So we put her on an estrogen skin cream and a progesterone orally and she is doing very well. She feels like a new person because shes sleeping every night. Thats a big change. Were planning short term, maybe six months for the estrogen and progesterone together, and then continue with the progesterone alone.
SIDE-EFFECTS OF ESTROGEN
Estrogen does relieve hot flashes and night sweats and vaginal dryness. It somewhat improves the cholesterol profile. All of these things can be done naturally without estrogen. Estrogen can be helpful for urinary problems, urethral problems, but you can also get a little vaginal ring or you can just use local estrogen right in the vagina to help with the vaginal dryness. It helps bone loss but as soon as you discontinue the estrogen, you lose all the bone that you gained. It does increase skin thickness. It has never been proven to decrease the risk of Alzheimer's, stroke, osteoarthritis or colon cancer. It does have a lot of possible negative side effects. It definitely increases uterine cancer by eight to ten times, and that is why it was originally combined with the synthetic progesterone, known as Provera. That has been proven without any shadow of a doubt. It increases the risk of breast cancer by a small amount, depending on which study you are using. It definitely increases gall bladder surgery, fibroid growth, blood clots in the leg, known as thrombophlebitis, endometriosis and lupus. Also, a long-term study shows that if you take estrogen for more than six years, it increases the risk of fatal ovarian cancer. It may also make asthma worse, because there are some estrogen receptors in the lungs and some people taking Premarin do notice an increase in asthma and respiratory problems.
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
It may surprise you to know that only 50% of women develop heart disease and only 25% of women develop osteoporosis, yet at the present time it is recommended that all women go on hormones for ten years! The medical profession is becoming much less dogmatic about whether this is absolutely necessary because the research is becoming less and less convincing with respect to heart disease. Its become questionable whether hormones do prevent heart disease. With regard to bone loss, there are a lot of good natural ways to prevent bone loss.
HEART DISEASE
Vitamin E reduces the risk of heart disease as much as estrogen. In a famous study thats always quoted, the nurses study, they found it reduces heart disease by 60%. Vitamin E reduces recurrent heart disease and recurrent heart attacks. Every man should take Vitamins E and C for prevention of heart disease. The cardiologist, Dr. Steven Sinatra, says that heart attack is preceded by a great sense of alienation and separation in the world. We never link love and the heart and separation with regard to heart disease. It is definitely linked. If you do develop heart disease, you can go for chelation therapy. Many physicians in this province now practice chelation therapy. There are a huge number of chelation clinics.
BLACK COHOSH
Black Cohosh extract has been used widely in Europe for over 40 years and is very well tested for hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It is one of the most studied of the natural remedies for menopause. The brand name that was studied was Remifemin. Its a standardized root extract of black cohosh. You only have to take one tablet twice a day. They lowered the dose, which is good because it is fairly expensive. It improves all menopausal symptoms. It has a good safety record, and it has an estrogenic effect on the vagina, so it helps with vaginal dryness the same as Premarin. It has a very similar effect. Another great thing is that it is totally natural. I usually combine it with natural progesterone. Black cohosh is not estrogenic, and does not increase your estrogen level. Its an excellent herb, but it does not work for everyone.
RED CLOVER
Another one that you can get in the health food store is red clover extract, which is is high in plant estrogens.
HERBAL COMBINATIONS
Dr. Tori Hudson, head of a clinic at the Naturopathic Clinic in Portland for women is using licorice root which helps the adrenal glands, burdock which helps the liver, dong quai and wild yam, which is actually just a soothing herb. She did a study using a combination of two parts licorice, two parts burdock, two parts dong quai, one part wild yam and one part motherwort. That will get rid of any hot flashes. You can get it in a health food store already made up. Whenever Dr. Hudson uses a herb like dong quai or black cohosh, she uses another herb that will balance it like licorice and wild yam, so that it will have a progesterone-like effect. Dong quai and Panax ginseng are Chinese herbs and it is recommended that dong quai be taken for four weeks followed by panax ginseng for two weeks. Panax ginseng can make you more anxious and more irritable if you are prone to high blood pressure or anxiety or irritability, so you have to use them cautiously. Chasteberry is very good for vaginal dryness. It takes a long time to work so you have to take it on a long-term basis. Its an excellent herb. Motherwort is great for palpitations at night. Its an easy herb to grow. It belongs to the mint family.
SOY
Soy is another plant estrogen that can be used for hot flashes and menopausal symptoms. Soy can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of breast cancer. It contains very weak estrogens. There is a synthetic soy derivative that has been used for bone loss and there have been 100 published studies showing that it is helpful. I have a problem with it because there was a large study which showed that it affected the blood count! They took soy derivative and they altered it in order to patent it. Every time you alter a molecule, it has effects. I only advise fermented organic soy, because that seems to have the best health effect. Often people cannot tolerate soy and if we eat too many soy capsules that could become a problem. It can affect your thyroid, and it can have a negative effect.
FLAXSEED
A substitute for soy that is very, very interesting is flaxseed. One tablespoon of ground organic flaxseed, is equal to about one serving of soy. There is actually a cookbook to that effect: Estrogen the Natural Way by Nina Chandler.
BONE LOSS
Important treatments for bone loss are natural progesterone, weight training, weight bearing exercises, a high quality calcium-magnesium supplement and improving digestion. I usually I tell people to rotate through the different calcium and magnesium supplements, especially to emphasize the calcium-magnesium citrates because they appear to be better absorbed. The carbonates are the worst absorbed. If you are losing bone, its recommended to test hormone levels. If you are not taking hormones and want to know where your bones are at, you can have a screening test known as a heel ultrasound. You just put your heel in a little machine and it will tell you whether you have lost bone. You can also do a bone scan which is about a seventh of a chest X-ray. That is very valuable. If you start calcium supplementation at age 35, you can maintain your bone density better. There was a large very well designed study of 98 women. Half took calcium, half didn't. Even though they took a lousy form of calcium, calcium carbonate, they still maintained their bone mass better than those who didnt. So that indicates that at age 35 we must start using calcium and magnesium. Calcium citrate, calcium citrate maleate is the best form of calcium. Trace minerals as well as magnesium are very important. If you take 1,000 mg. of calcium, you always take half the quantity (500 mg). of magnesium.

[tanysquirrel]

Tremella mushroom- Testosterone reducer/inhibitor:

So as usual, I stumble upon yet another acorn of info.. I am happy to share with you all.

Apparently, Tremella mushrooms *especially the yellow kind* temporarily drop testosterone levels and reduce the weight of the testes. This would theorhetically clear the pathways for xenoestrogenic induction via PM,B.O., Estrodial,etc introduced orally and/or transdermally...

in theory..should you take tremella mushroom extract/pills..one hr or so before introducing the xeno estrogen, it should help with the remapping of the chemical synthesis of testosterone by the testes, by telling it: take this, don't produce that (testosterone)....just a thought.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tremella

http://www.australiansteroids.com/effect...ne-levels/

Tremella Mesenterica

Tremella mesenterica, the yellow jelly mushroom, is associate degree edible mushroom that has been used historically within the treatment of polygenic disorder and alternative health issues. in an exceedingly study printed in “Archives of Andrology” in 2005, researchers from Changhua Christian Hospital in China created associate degree sudden discovery. whereas the flora had no have an effect on on the blood glucose of diabetic mice, it did considerably scale back endocrine levels. genus Tremella reduces the assembly of each progestin and Testosterone following bodily process, while not inflicting toxicity. whereas the result was potent, Testosterone levels came back to traditional four hours later


http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.10...ode=iaan19
 

Tremella aurantia (TA) has been traditionally used as food and crude medicine in Chinese society. The polysaccharide isolated from the fruiting bodies of TA exhibits significant hypoglycemic activity in diabetic mouse models of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Diabetes will cause sexual dysfunction in patients. In the present study, we examined if the treatment of TA on IDDM and NIDDM rats will restore steroidogenesis and then the reproductive function. The fruiting bodies (FB), mycelium ™ and polysaccharide (GX) of TA were fed to the IDDM and NIDDM rats, and testosterone and corticosterone levels in plasma, the weight of steroidogenic organs, and the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and P450scc enzyme were determined. Plasma testosterone productions were significantly suppressed with the feeding of FB or TM in normal rat (p < 0.05). Testosterone productions were also significantly suppressed in IDDM diabetes rats (p < 0.05), and FB or TM could not restore the inhibitory effects (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference of the testosterone production between normal and NIDDM rats (p > 0.05). In plasma corticosterone production, there were no differences among control, FB- or TM-fed normal rats (p > 0.05). Corticosterone levels were reduced in IDDM rats compared to control, and FB or TM could restore its level. Corticosterone levels were induced in NIDDM rats compared to control (p < 0.05), but FB, TM or GX significantly brought the corticosterone back (p < 0.05) to the control levels. Considering steroidogenic organs, IDDM rats with or without TA treatments had heavier testis and adrenal glands, but not epididymis, than normal rats with or without TA treatments. There were no effects of TA on the weight of steroidogenic organs among normal and NIDDM rats. However, GX feeding in NIDDM rat had lesser testis weight compared to NIDDM rats. The expression of StAR protein and P450scc enzyme were not different among groups in IDDM and NIDDM rats. Plasma testosterone productions were suppressed in normal rats with the feeding of TA (FB and TM). IDDM rats did have lower testosterone, but not in NIDDM, and FB or TM could not restore the inhibitory effects. The induction of IDDM or NIDDM rats did affect steroidogenesis and steroidogenic organ weights, and the feeding of TA had different effects on steroidogenesis in different types of diabetic rats.

Caution should be exercised if you have diabetes.

Secondary side effect: great skin??
http://www.allure.com/story/snow-mushroo...e-benefits
As far back as the imperial Tang dynasty, concubine Yang Guifei (713 to 756)—one of China's famed four great beauties—it said to have credited the snow mushroom with maintaining her youthful appearance. Modern science can explain why: "It draws moisture to the skin, likehyaluronic acid," says dermatologist Dendy Engelman, the director of dermatologic surgery at Metropolitan Hospital in New York City. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, so finding an all-natural match for its hydrating power is pretty major. And snow mushroom has an extra edge. "The particles are smaller than hyaluronic acid so it penetrates the skin more easily," says Engelman. She cautions, however, that she wants to see more targeted studies on the ingredient's skin-care properties before she hails it as a magic mushroom.

[Happyme]

And she's BACK! I've missed ya!
Thanks Tanya.
Bobbi

[tanysquirrel]

And she's BACK! I've missed ya!
Thanks Tanya.
Bobbi

awe thanks : nice to know I was missed :  Took a social media hiatus for a bit. life and work gets in the way.....

[bathtub-alchemist]

Awesome thread Squirrel.  Just curious though....on the little pop quiz you posted a few posts above (the one with all the questions and the answers) you stated more than once that plants cannot contain hormones.  Given that pommegranite contains E1, E2, and E3, and english walnut leaves contain progesterone, isnt that technically more of a rule of thumb and not hard fact?

[tanysquirrel]

that pop quiz, was not of my origin. it was one I had found interesting in my perusing of the research world. I don't base anything in hard fact, myself. I merely proffer it up to those who might be interested in the research I have found.

I hold many theories about many things, and in regards to this thread, it is  a clearinghouse, if you will, of bits and bobs of info that I find, sometimes related, sometimes not. it is good to know that English walnut leaves contain progesterone. I will have to look into that further.  With the myriad of info out there for estrogenic type compounds in plants, there seems to be a shortage of plants that contain progesterone. The mainstay of the "wild yam" which has to be synthesized into a compound for the body to absorb, there are few others (known to myself, in my hours of relentless searching the world wide web). not to say, that I don't err, or make mistakes along the line, or even perhaps am not aware of other such benefits of some of the natural plants.

Wait.. that sounds familiar maybe I already posted something on that already? hahah... would have to check back in the backpages...I remember reading this article : https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20...144815.htm