What Are the Benefits of Progesterone?

[spb_blank_spacer height=”30px” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [spb_row element_name=”Row” wrap_type=”content-width” parallax_image_height=”content-height” parallax_image_movement=”fixed” parallax_image_speed=”0.5″ bg_video_loop=”yes” parallax_video_height=”window-height” parallax_video_overlay=”none” row_overlay_opacity=”0″ row_col_pos=”default” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [spb_text_block animation=”none” animation_delay=”0″ simplified_controls=”yes” custom_css_percentage=”no” padding_vertical=”0″ padding_horizontal=”0″ margin_vertical=”0″ custom_css=”margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px;” border_size=”0″ border_styling_global=”default” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] The Multiple Roles of Progesterone Progesterone is the master female hormone, produced primarily by the ovaries and in a smaller amount by the adrenal glands. As the master hormone, it is the one necessary for the production of many other hormones, two of the really significant ones are, estrogen and testosterone. Testosterone, among it’s other roles, is responsible for libido in both men and women! What other roles does this hormone, progesterone, fulfill in your body? [/spb_text_block] [spb_button element_name=”LEARN MORE” button_text=”LEARN MORE” button_size=”standard” button_colour=”pink” button_type=”bordered” rounded=”yes” button_dropshadow=”no” button_icon=”fa-share” button_link=”https://serenity-organics.com/pages/what-is-progesterone/” button_target=”_self” align=”center” animation=”fadeIn” animation_delay=”5000″ width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [/spb_row] [spb_text_block animation=”none” animation_delay=”0″ simplified_controls=”yes” custom_css_percentage=”no” padding_vertical=”0″ padding_horizontal=”0″ margin_vertical=”0″ custom_css=”margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px;” border_size=”0″ border_styling_global=”default” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] References: Stein DG. The case for progesterone. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2005 Jun;1052:152-69. Hotze SF. Hormones, Health, and Happiness. Houston, TX: Forrest Publishing; 2005. Gulinello M, Smith SS. Anxiogenic effects of neurosteroid exposure: sex differences and altered GABAA receptor pharmacology in adult rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2003 May;305(2):541-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12606703 https://www.healthline.com/health/progesterone-function Everything You Need to Know About Progesterone. Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH on April 29, 2019 — Written by Jill Seladi-Schulman, PhD https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/low-progesterone#low-progesterone  Low Progesterone: Complications, Causes, and More. Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C on August 25, 2016 — Written by Ana GotterMedically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C on August 25, 2016 — Written by Ana Gotter [/spb_text_block]

Progesterone & Environmental Estrogens (EDC’s)

Progesterone & Environmental Estrogens (EDC’s) Xeno-Estrogens: What You Need to Know… Falling Sperm counts, rising breast cancer diagnoses, PMS, PCOS, Infertility…  What’s up with this trend?  Are there environmental chemicals at work, ones we can’t see, feel or touch?  Let’s get a little science…The word xeno-estrogen is derived from the Greek words ξένο (xeno, meaning foreign), οἶστρος (estrus, meaning sexual drive) and γόνο (gene, meaning “to generate”) and literally means “foreign estrogen”.  Xeno-estrogens are also called “environmental hormones” or Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC’s). Most scientists that study xeno-estrogens, including The Endocrine Society, regard them as serious environmental hazards that have hormone disruptive effects on both wildlife and humans. Your health, as a woman, is threatened by these pervasive xeno-estrogens.  If you live in an industrialized country, there are more than 100,000  environmental estrogens, (xeno-estrogens), that challenge your health & well-being and put you at increased risk for all the trappings of estrogen-dominance, not the least of which is an increased risk for female -specific cancers.These harmful chemicals must be identified and avoided, as they have been shown to cause birth defects, abnormal sexual development, problems with the nervous system, the immune system, cancer, PMS/PMT, infertility, osteoporosis and very unpleasant menopause. While xeno-estrogens mimic natural estrogens in some activities (they plugin to estrogen receptor sites), they all have undesirable side-effects, not the least of which is an increased risk for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Xeno-estrogens gravely interfere with the production & healthy performance of your body’s natural estrogen and natural progesterone. Where are Xeno-estrogens? Three Primary Sources 1. Petroleum derivatives: also called petro-chemicals, are found in almost all personal care products & household cleaning products and are EDC’s. BPA, PCB’s and phthalates, are universally recognized as exerting an estrogenic effect on humans. Since the list of petroleum compounds (petro chemicals) that are in use commercially is so extensive (>100,000), there is no single list of harmful petro-chemicals. Suffice it to say, if a product touches your skin or you breathe it in, the label must state “all plant-based”. 2. GMO: all genetically modified foods contain glyphosate, a known carcinogen, which is also an endocrine disrupting chemical parentheses (EDC). This includes, but not limited to, all fruits and vegetables, as well as all cotton products. Cotton tampons are especially guilty of supplying EDC’s into a woman’s pelvis, and our a primary contributing factor to PCOS. 3. Meat and/or dairy products: farm animals, by default, are fed growth hormones for profit.  So, if you eat meat and dairy products, it is imperative that the label states: “No added hormones; no antibiotics, no pesticides“, otherwise you will be adding fuel to a fire that will hurt you. also called petro-chemicals, are found in almost all personal care products & household cleaning products and are EDC’s. BPA, PCB’s and phthalates, are universally recognized as exerting an estrogenic effect on humans. Since the list of petroleum compounds (petro chemicals) that are in use commercially is so extensive (>100,000), there is no single list of harmful petro-chemicals. Suffice it to say, if a product touches your skin or you breathe it in, the label must state “all plant-based”. all genetically modified foods contain glyphosate, a known carcinogen, which is also an endocrine disrupting chemical parentheses (EDC). This includes, but not limited to, all fruits and vegetables, as well as all cotton products. Cotton tampons are especially guilty of supplying EDC’s into a woman’s pelvis, and our a primary contributing factor to PCOS. farm animals, by default, are fed growth hormones for profit.  So, if you eat meat and dairy products, it is imperative that the label states: “No added hormones; no antibiotics, no pesticides“, otherwise you will be adding fuel to a fire that will hurt you. If the label states: “Certified Organic” and you trust the certifying agency, then you can consume those foods safely. USDA Organic & Ecocert Approved, by the way, are trusted certifiers. What to Do? We fully appreciate the challenges may seem daunting, perhaps overwhelming. With that stated, for more than 35 years, we have consulted personally with tens of thousands of women, including many natural health care professionals and can state, without reservation, that application of this information will improve your health status and well-being, irrespective of your gender. In addition to these defensive measures, consider going on the offense. A diet designed to purify the body with foods that promote detoxification will help restore a healthy balance of hormones and all of your body’s circadian rhythms. Studies that have been conducted in people who ate a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables such as, Kale, Collards, Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Broccoli, & Radishes versus those who did not eat such foods. The cruciferous group decreased their odds of forming cancer in the body by approximately 50%! These Cruciferous vegetables contain special compounds that change a dangerous cancer-causing form of estrogen into a benign, protective form of estrogen. Additionally, intermittent fasting helps purge the body of unwanted debris. A Vital Key Principle! Anything, literally, Anything that touches your skin or that you breathe in has the potential to deliver harmful Xeno-estrogens into your bloodstream. Make Certain that All products with which you have contact are “All Plant-Based“, Petro-chemical-Free. If you already have a hormone imbalance, a very tiny amount of these chemicals will trigger symptoms. Become an obsessive Label Reader! Xenoestrogens: Conclusion Optimal health is the result of not subjecting your body to the myriad of harmful chemicals, so prevalent in our lives. We appreciate the need to replace harmful products with ones that are organic and, above all, Safe: Details, here… Natural Estrogens: the Good News… The female body manufactures approximately 27 different natural estrogens, the most beneficial of which is estriol (widely used in Europe for more than 50 years, as it has been shown to exert protective influence against female cancers).  These hormones carry out a wide array of functions and they do so safely, when balanced by progesterone, a hormone in a class by itself.  Natural estrogens are responsible for female

Progesterone: Why is Cream Form Superior?

Inefficiency of Oral Hormone Therapy When progesterone is administered orally, your liver intercepts about 80% of it and converts it into progesterone metabolites. So, if your doctor wants to achieve a net dose of 20 mg. of progesterone, he will prescribe a 200 mg pill. As a result, 180 mg. will be converted to progesterone metabolites. These metabolites oppose optimal hormone balance. Why is Cream a Superior Delivery System? When bio-identical progesterone is administered in a proper cream formulation, it bypasses the liver and goes directly to progesterone receptors, where it balances the undesirable effects of too much estrogen (unopposed estrogen or estrogen dominance). What is Unique About Serenity Organics Natural Progesterone Cream? Serenity Natural Progesterone Cream is the only progesterone cream that does not contain Chinese progesterone nor does Serenity contain any petroleum compounds or derivatives (petrochemicals). Formulated with bio-identical, USP Natural Progesterone, manufactured solely in the United States. Dr. John Lee stated “It is the purest form of pharmaceutical progesterone found anywhere in the world”. Why Serenity Organics, Bio Identical, Natural Progesterone Cream? There are many progesterone creams making many claims. Since 1995 Serenity Natural Progesterone Cream has been the premier quality natural progesterone cream, free of harmful chemicals, free of Chinese constituents. Quality you have come to trust and expect; an exceptionally “delightful” moisturizer that will also nourish your skin, whilst addressing the underlying cause of hormone deficiency. What Serenity Natural Progesterone Cream Does Not Contain: No PARABENS no ethoxylates no PEG’s no Chinese materials no animal derivatives no artificial colors No petro-chemicals Serenity Natural Progesterone Cream is: All Plant-Based. Hypo-allergenic Cruelty-Free Manufactured under the Highest Standards of Purity Purity and potency guaranteed by HPLC analysis Exceptionally high quality moisturizer

Progesterone: What are BioIdentical Hormones?

What does “Bio-Identical” mean? Bio-identical hormones have the exact same molecular structure as hormones that are made by our bodies. What makes Bio-identical hormones different from prescription hormones? Bio-identical hormones are identical to the naturally occurring hormones found in the human body and are necessary for optimal health. Conversely, the molecular structure of synthetic hormones is one that never occurs naturally.  Therefore, synthetic hormones have cautions, warnings and side-effects associated with their medicinal use. It is vital, therefore, that you fully educate yourself of the known risks, prior to taking synthetic hormones. Why choose Bio-Identical Hormone therapy? The goal of Bio-identical Hormone replacement therapy is to provide an adequate supply of the deficient hormone(s) in a form that is safe and in harmony with your biology. What Are the Benefits of Bio-identical Hormones? Alleviation of the symptoms caused by hormone deficiencies. Re-establishing the protective benefits provided by naturally occurring hormones. So, why don’t doctors typically recommend using Bio-Identical hormone therapy? The use of natural, bio-identical human hormones is not taught in most medical schools.  Medical schools have adopted the belief, propagated by the drug companies, that the health challenges that are the result of the environment and / or aging can be treated with drugs or surgery. As a result, they do not always teach traditional medical professionals the art of wellness, by addressing the cause of the disease, rather than its symptoms. Hysterectomies and mastectomies being just two examples of treating the symptoms.  How valuable would you say it is, to identify and correct the causes for disease, Before they become manifest? For these very reasons, informed women have chosen to take charge of their health care decisions and, when appropriate, incorporate safe, alternatives that are free of documented side-effects associated with traditional medicine. References: Pharm Pract (Granada). 2011 Jan-Mar; 9(1): 16–22. Published online 2011 Mar 15. doi: 10.4321/s1886-36552011000100003. Defining bioidentical hormones for menopause-related symptoms. Patsner B. Pharmacy compounding of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT): a proposed new approach to justify FDA regulation of these prescription drugs. Food Drug Law J. 2008;63:459-491 [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Sood R, Shuster L, Smith R, Vincent A, Jatoi A. Counseling postmenopausal women about bioidentical hormones: ten discussion points for practicing physicians. J Am Board Fam Med. 2011;24(2):202-10. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2011 Mar;111(3):153-64. Bioidentical hormones: an evidence-based review for primary care providers. Conaway E1.  

Progesterone Levels: Deficiency

How would you know if you are suffering from a deficiency of progesterone & too much estrogen? A healthy woman should naturally produce  about 25-30 mg of progesterone per day during the progesterone phase of her monthly cycle (days 14-28). Allowing for stress and environmental toxins, supplementing women should apply not less than 25-30 mg per day, the amount that should be produced naturally. PMS PMS encompasses more than 150 different symptoms, although, thankfully, no Woman experiences them all. The observable symptoms generally include all or some combination of: Irritability Frustration Vertigo Acne Bloating Mood Swings Food Cravings Cramping Prolonged periods Cessation of periods Depression Foggy thinking Hair loss Exhaustion Sluggish thyroid Weight Gain Loss of Libido Acute Headaches Anger Panic Backaches Fatigue Breast Swelling & Tenderness Address the causes of PMS by managing stress and replacing the chemicals that interfere with hormone balance with products that are plant-sourced, ergo, safe & therapeutic. While identifying & avoiding the myriad of harmful chemicals in the environment, the other half of what is needed is a properly formulated organic progesterone cream, one free of petro-chemicals, free of Chinese progesterone and free of Genetically Modified Ingredients (GMO-free) one that, since 1995, has proven to be the safest and most effect choice for the Informed Woman. Menopause Always apply to freshly bathed skin. 1/8th teaspoon twice a day, mornings and bedtime for 25-26 consecutive days. Discontinue for 5-6 days. If symptoms are severe you may increase to a quarter teaspoon twice a day, but monitor progress and decrease as required. Using Serenity will not restart your menstrual cycle, as menopause is marked by the release of your last egg. Always apply to freshly bathed skin. Meticulously avoid all environmental estrogens so that progesterone can optimally support your health. If hot flashes persist, include whole psyllium seed husks in the evening according directions on product page. In the U.K. and in the U.S., bone loss begins, on average, at age 37, however, osteoporosis may not be diagnosed until menopause. Fertility Progesterone is the “pro-gestational hormone” and necessary for conception and full-term pregnancy. A drop in progesterone levels or a blockage of progesterone receptors during the first 11 or 12 weeks will normally result in miscarriage. *note: if you discontinue your cream at the end of week 19 and the placenta has not taken over progesterone production, resume cream.  You will clearly know if the placenta is not producing significant quantities of progesterone. Libido Testosterone is the source of libido in women.  Progesterone is the precursor for testosterone.  Apply according to your menstrual status. Add kindness, candlelight, soft music and a chilled bottle of Pinot Noir for enhanced effect. Conclusion There are no reported short or long term side effects to using Serenity Bio Identical Progesterone Cream. – Too much estrogen can cause irregular cycles and retention of old blood.  Because natural progesterone has a normalizing effect on the menstrual cycle, it may initially promote the shedding of old blood. This shedding is very desirable as stored blood can increase the risk of endometriosis & endometrial cancer. Note: At the onset of using natural progesterone cream some women may initially experience an increase in “estrogen dominance” symptoms. This is due to the natural progesterone “waking up” estrogen receptor sites, not a reaction to progesterone. If experienced, simply reduce the amount of cream to an amount that does not trigger symptoms and gradually return to a normal dose.  This condition is only temporary. As your body adjusts the re-introduction of the Master hormone, you will achieve an optimal balance and the symptoms caused by estrogen dominance will ameliorate.  

Progesterone & Your Health

Progesterone & Your Health In order to accurately evaluate the effects of the hormones estrogen and natural progesterone, on Menopause, PMS, Fertility, and Osteoporosis, it is necessary to identify the sources of these two primary female hormones. Distinguishing safe and natural hormones from those that are foreign and carcinogenic will allow women to make informed choices. This information will help them to avoid the unwanted effects of low or no progesterone (Estrogen Dominance) and the subsequent unpleasant symptoms associated with Menopause & PMS. Other major disorders, including breast cancer, stroke, osteoporosis & heart disease have also been shown to be the result of an imbalance of hormones. Under the normal, healthy circumstances of a woman’s monthly cycle, estrogen should be the dominant hormone for the first two weeks and is balanced by natural progesterone, which should be the dominant hormone for the latter two weeks.After a woman has entered menopause, whether it is due to age or surgery (hysterectomy), female hormone production is reduced to approximately 40% to 60% of the pre-menopausal levels. While the need for a proper balance of estrogen and progesterone are important to all adult women, it is more critical at this time and many informed women have chosen a properly formulated natural progesterone cream.Problems arise, however, when foreign estrogens and synthetic hormones are introduced into the body that interfere with natural hormone production and normal thyroid function and when natural progesterone production is consequently suppressed by these environmental antagonists.What are the sources of foreign hormones or xeno-estrogens?  

Progesterone Overview

  Informed Women’s Health Guide to Understanding & Managing Menopause, PMS, Infertility & Osteoporosis Progesterone is a steroid hormone released from a woman’s ovaries at ovulation & in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands. A menstruating woman will typically produce about 22-25 mg of progesterone per day during the luteal phase of her menstrual cycle (days 14-28). A properly formulated bio-identical progesterone is converted from a fatty-acid sterol called diosgenin (a plant sterol) which is commonly extracted from wild yams or soybeans, non GMO being a must.  In spite of the fact that diosgenen is  extracted from soy, the end result is a highly purified, biologically identical hormone, one completely free of any remnants of soy substances.  You may have an allergy to soy, but will not respond to Serenity, as there are no traces of soy and there is no diosgenin in the cream. Bio-identical progesterone is molecularly the same as what is produced by the woman’s ovary. It is made from naturally occurring plant sterols found  in abundance in yam or soy.  More than 5,000 plants contain diosgenin. Although frequently confused, it is not the synthetic version that is commonly dispensed by  prescription e.g., Provera. These synthetic chemicals interfere with a woman’s natural hormone production and normal glandular function, i.e., thyroid and will suppress the body’s production of natural progesterone. Based on 37 years of use and clinical observation by Dr. Jonathan Wright, Dr. Ray Peat and Dr. John Lee, side effects have been shown to be extremely rare with natural progesterone in a plant-based cream. Since progesterone is a primary hormone that regulates a woman’s menstrual cycle, it is important to only use a biologically identical progesterone in a plant based cream during the progesterone phase of the month (days 14-28). What are the sources of these foreign hormones or  xeno-estrogens? Meat & Dairy that contain growth hormones – Farmers feed growth hormones to their animals, as the net increase in profits is substantial. So, when choosing meat or dairy, make certain the label says “hormone-free; antibiotic-free”. Better yet, “Free-Range, Grass-Fed” is more sustainable and better for your health.  Sustainable and local grownwill be of greatest benefit to your health. Personal Care Products that contain petroleum derivatives – Petroleum derivatives (petro-chemicals) are used in most personal care/cleaning products.  When they enter the human body, they act like synthetic estrogens, wreaking havoc on your efforts to achieve optimal hormone balance. Birth Control Pills Prescription Progesterone pills Synthetic progesterones usually called progestins, (medroxy-progesterone), often cause many undesirable side-effects including increased risk of cancer, abnormal menstrual flow, fluid retention, nausea, depression, PMS, PMT and may even increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. Make sure that the label on all of your personal care products reads: “All Plant-Based” or “Petro-Chemical-Free” Conclusion: This clear distinction will furnish vital information for the unwanted effects of low or no progesterone relative too much estrogen (Estrogen  Dominance) & the subsequent unpleasant symptoms associated with Menopause, PMS, and the conditions of infertility &  osteoporosis. Other major disorders, including breast cancer, stroke, osteoporosis & heart disease have also been shown to be caused or, at the very least, contributed to by an imbalance of steroid  hormones. Distinguishing safe and natural hormones from those that are foreign and carcinogenic will allow women to make informed choices that will benefit future health and quality of life.   References: Stein DG. The case for progesterone. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2005 Jun;1052:152-69. Heersche JN, Bellows CG, Ishida Y. The decrease in bone mass associated with aging and menopause. J Prosthet Dent. 1998 Jan;79(1):14-6. Hotze SF. Hormones, Health, and Happiness. Houston, TX: Forrest Publishing; 2005. Dalton, K. The Premenstrual Syndrome and Progesterone Therapy. Chicago, IL: Year Book Medical Publishers; 1977. Sumino H, Ichikawa S, Itoh H, et al. Hormone replacement therapy decreases insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in Japanese postmenopausal women with impaired and normal glucose tolerance. Horm Res. 2003;60(3):134-42. The history of natural progesterone, the never-ending story. P.Piette. Pages 308-314 | Received 10 Jan 2018, Accepted 05 Apr 2018, Published online: 28 May 2018 Swyer GIM. Progestogens and their clinical uses: Part I. Br Med J 1960;1:48–9 [Crossref], [PubMed], [Google Scholar]  

Progesterone & Estrogen Dominance

Progesterone & Estrogen Dominance Estrogen Dominance It has been estimated that 85 to 90% of all cycling women living in industrialized countries suffer from too much estrogen, relative to insufficient progesterone (PMS/PMDD,PCOS). As a woman enters into her 40s (peri-menopause), and progresses to full-blown menopause (hot flashes, sweats, weight gain, low libido, thyroid malfunction), progesterone levels decrease significantly faster than estrogen and testosterone, and this imbalance becomes more acute. Does this mean that women are destined to have to struggle with these many painful symptoms? By no means! The “New Normal” does not have to be Your new normal! Take a look at simple cultures, people who live close to the earth and are not bathed in the myriad of chemicals which plague modern, industrialized cultures. These women have no symptoms of PMS, there is no such thing as peri-menopause, (which cause is unknown by most doctors), and menopause is a time of celebration and a time of freedom! From the first day of a woman’s period until ovulation, the 27 estrogens should be the dominant hormones (days 1-14).  Then, at ovulation, one of the ovaries releases an egg and Progesterone.  From the day of ovulation until the start of the next period (days 14-28), the single hormone, progesterone, should be the dominant hormone. Take a look at the chart on this page. If, however, a woman’s body fails to make enough progesterone during the “progesterone phase of the month”, the luteal phase (days 14-28) and the estrogens dominate her biology, she will experience some combination of the 150+ symptoms of PMS/PMT/PMDD & PCOS. Because of the myriad of symptoms women experience in menopause, the underlying cause has been identified as insufficient progesterone relative to too much estrogen. This condition has been termed “estrogen dominance”. When progesterone production is suppressed by the myriad of environmental estrogens, the effects of estrogen dominance become manifest.  Many women experience otherwise unexplained weight gain from the lack of progesterone that is required for proper thyroid function. This imbalance of too much estrogen, relative to insufficient, optimal levels of progesterone is the primary underlying cause of the condition referred to as Estrogen Dominance: All Women: Increased Body Fat Interference with Thyroid Hormone Activity (hypo-thyroid) Depression Migraine Headaches Salt & Water Retention Blood Sugar Irregularities (Food Cravings) Reduced Oxygen in All Cells Decreased Libido (Sex Drive) Loss of Zinc and Retention of Copper Excessive Blood Clotting Increased Risk of Breast Cancer Reduced Vascular Tone Endometriosis Increased Risk of Endometrial Cancer Uterine Cramping Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer Increased Risk of Uterine Cancer Infertility When the above list of ill-effects is compared to the benefits of Natural Progesterone, we see a nearly one-to-one correlation. It is also important to distinguish Body-Identical Progesterone from yam extract and from its synthetic counterparts in the drug industry – PROGESTINS. Although these drugs are commonly referred to as progesterone, this is a misnomer. In some ways they mimic the effects of progesterone in the body, but in other important ways they gravely interfere with natural progesterone and, in time will create and exacerbate hormone related health problems, as well as increase your risk for female-specific cancers.

Progesterone & Insomnia

Safe Birth Control: Protect The Female Body Insomnia: What can I do to achieve deep, restful, Phase IV sleep? Go to bed at the same time each day, preferably before 10:00 p.m. Get up at the same time each day. Maintain a comfortable temperature in your bedroom, <66° F (18.8° C). Keep the bedroom quiet when sleeping. Keep the bedroom dark enough. Use blackout shades or wear an eye mask if needed. Use your bed only for sleep and romance. When you go to bed, relax your muscles, beginning with your feet and working your way up to your head. Exercise daily, however, Don’t exercise before going to bed. Don’t engage in stimulating activity just before bed. Don’t expose your eyes to bright light after sundown, i.e., computer monitors, tv, etc. Avoid caffeine. Remember that caffeine is present in chocolate, as well as regular coffee or tea, and most sodas. Don’t watch television in bed. Don’t erroneously believe that alcohol will help you acheive quality sleep. Don’t lie in bed awake for more than half an hour. Instead, get up, do some quiet activity, then return to bed when you are sleepy. Do this as many times in a night as needed. Don’t take sleeping pills for a long duration. You will achieve best results if you practice the above principles over a period of time. Usually, two to four weeks for best results. More, excellent suggestions can be found here. What about sleeping pills? Sleeping pills may render you unconscious, but do not promote deep, restful, delta rhythm sleep. They are mainly used to treat the short term insomnia that may occur as a result of temporary stress. Sleeping pills that you can buy at the store are usually not effective. If you are older, taking over-the-counter sleeping pills may be risky, because they can cause confusion.  If your doctor decides to prescribe a sleeping pill and you decide to take them, use only as directed. Taking more pills than prescribed will not make you sleep better. Under most conditions, sleeping pills should not be taken for more than two weeks, as they will probably make insomnia worse. Are there any precautions I should take when using sleeping pills? Sleeping pills cause drowsiness and poor balance, so be careful about driving or doing other activities that may be dangerous. Don’t drink alcohol when taking sleeping pills. If you’re older, you’re more likely to fall if you are taking sleeping pills. If you have to get up at night to go to the bathroom, get up slowly, sit on the side of the bed for a minute, and then walk carefully to the bathroom. Use good light. Either turn on the lights or use a bright flashlight. What Natural Supplements Promote Deep, Restful, Phase IV Sleep? Organic Whole Psyllium Seed Husks – This sticky form of fiber absorbs toxins in the gut that would otherwise interfere with brain chemistry and normal sleep patterns. Carlson’s Super Omega III Fish Oils – During sleep the blood tends to become thick and sludge-like due to cleansing by the liver. These essential oils keep the blood thin and also furnish choline for brain chemistry Natural Vitamin E (400 i.u.)- Also keeps blood thin. Organic Kefir – we have tested every natural/herbal sleep supplement.  Kefir is, by far, the most effective. Replace harmful household products with safe, plant-based products. Balance the excitatory effects of too much estrogen with a Premium Cream.

Estrogen, Progesterone, Birth Control Pills & Breast Cancer

Estrogen, Progesterone, Birth Control Pills & Breast Cancer Estrogen, Progesterone And Breast Health; What Effect do Hormones Have? A friend was recently diagnosed with stage zero & stage one breast cancer.  She was scared, so opted for a double mastectomy.  While the two tumors were removed (the symptom was treated) the underlying causes were not addressed. She received no dietary/lifestyle modification guidelines.  Her risk of reoccurrence has not been reduced! The Underlying of Cause of Breast Cancer, Failure of Apoptosis Molecular biologist, Dr. Ben Formby of Copenhagen, Denmark and Dr. T.S. Wiley at the University of California in Santa Barbara have researched two genes, BCL2 and P53, and their effect on female-specific cancers and prostate cancer. Cells of breast, endometrium, ovary and prostate, were grown in the laboratory. Estrogen (estradiol) was added to the cells. The estradiol turned on the BCL2 gene, causing the cells to grow rapidly and not die (blocking apoptosis). Then, progesterone was added to the cell cultures. Progesterone turned on the P53 gene. The result? Cell reproduction stopped and the cells died on time (apoptosis). What is the result of cells not dying on time? Cysts, benign tumors, malignant tumors… This methodology was applied to all the above types of cancer. The BCL2 gene, therefore, blocks apoptosis, stimulates the growth of these cells and the risk of cancer. Conversely, the P53 gene promotes apoptosis or programmed cell death and thereby, reduces the risk of cancer. Estradiol upregulates or stimulates the production of the BCL2 gene, while progesterone upregulates or stimulates the production of the P53 gene. Further investigation revealed transdermal estradiol increased the cell proliferation rate by 230%, while transdermal progesterone decreased the cell proliferation rate by >400%. A combination estradiol/progesterone cream maintained the normal proliferation rate. This is direct evidence that estradiol (a potent estrogen) stimulates hyper-proliferation of breast tissue cells and progesterone mediates hyper-proliferation. In his best selling book, “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer” Dr. John Lee states, “estrogens promote breast cancer, progesterone prevent breast cancer.” A second study by noted researcher Bent Formby, Ph.D. was just published with more insightful results. To determine the biologic mechanism of why progesterone inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells, a variety of cancer cell lines with different receptors and different expression of genes were exposed to progesterone. The results: Exposure to progesterone induced a maximal 90% inhibition of cell proliferation in T47-D breast cancer cells and no measurable response to MDA-231 progesterone-receptor negative breast cancer cells. An impressive 43% of the T47-D cancer cells had undergone apoptosis (programmed cell death) within 24 hours after exposure to progesterone. Further analysis showed that in the presence of progesterone, the genetic expression by T47-D cancer cells of the BCL-2 gene was down regulated, and that of the P53 gene (tumor suppressor gene) was up regulated. Since the P53 gene expression induces cell apoptosis and the BCL-2 gene when expressed inhibits apoptosis, if one’s cancer cells are progesterone-receptor positive, then progesterone as part of one’s therapy appears to be very important. However, 50% of breast cancer cell lines have mutant or no P53 oncogene expression, so in this instance, genistein therapy might be helpful. Birth Control & Apoptosis In order for body-identical progesterone to stimulate the production of the P53 gene it must attach itself to progesterone receptors found in abundance in breast, ovarian, and endometrial cells. If a woman is taking birth control pills or any other form of synthetic progesterones (progestins, progesterone acetate, medroxy-progesterone acetate) these synthetic progesterones will occupy progesterone receptors and prevent body-identical progesterone from occupying the receptor site. Synthetic progesterones not only fail to produce the P53 gene but prevent it’s production by blocking body-identical progesterone from occupying the progesterone receptor and in the presence of excess estradiol, dramatically increase a woman’s risk for all female-specific cancers. There are 12 references to tests on BCL2 and P53, and how they are affected by progesterone & estrogen. This information has been published, in part, in the following journals: The American Cancer Society Journal  The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology The American Journal of Pathology International Journal of Cancer The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Fertility and Sterility – Journal of the American Society For Reproductive Medicine Conclusion Clearly, from the above information, we can conclude that primary underlying causes of breast cancer are too much estrogen (BCL2 gene) relative to too little of the helpful benefits of the P53 gene, stimulated by the presence of body-identical progesterone. This increased risk for breast cancer is especially so in the presence of trans fatty acids (hydrogenated fats). Supplemental Research