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
Progesterone & Osteoporosis
Bio-identical Progesterone & Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disorder in which progressive bone mass loss and demineralization increase ones risk of fracture. This condition permits us to observe how prescription progestins and estrogens compare to Bio-identical Progesterone. The standard medical protocol for osteoporosis is to use estrogen, (commonly synthesized from pregnant mare’s urine), in spite of the fact that the most authoritative medical textbooks do not support it. The following article illustrates: “Estrogens decrease bone resorption” but “associated with the decrease in bone resorption is a decrease in bone formation. Therefore, estrogens should not be expected to increase bone mass.” *Scientific American’s Updated Medicine Text, 1991. Bone tissue should be broken down and rebuilt continuously, just like all of the cells in our body. This process takes place when Osteoclasts help to dissolve old bone tissue, while osteoblasts stimulate new bone growth. Because estrogen has a rate limiting effect on Osteoclasts, Estrogen Dominance delays the breakdown of bone tissue but does not support bone building (osteoblast function). Bone is a dynamic tissue that is constantly being reshaped by osteoblasts, which build bone, and osteoclasts, which resorb bone. Consequently, estrogens only slow down bone loss, not promote the formation of new bone tissue. Maintaining proper levels of natural hormones, giving due attention to dietary choices, dietary calcium, managing stress and regular exercise have proven to be sound choices for the informed woman. References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2194787 Progesterone as a bone trophic hormone – Endocr Rev. 1990 May;11(2):386-98. Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Seifert-Klauss V, Prior JC. Progesterone and bone: actions promoting bone health in women. J Osteoporos 2010;2010:845180 [Crossref], [PubMed], [Google Scholar] Kalyan S, Barr SI, Alamoudi R, Prior JC. Is development of ovulatory cycles in adolescence important for peak bone mass? J Bone Miner Res 2007;22:S494–511 [Web of Science ®], [Google Scholar] Kalyan S, Prior JC. Bone changes and fracture related to menstrual cycles and ovulation. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr 2010;20:213–33 [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®], [Google Scholar] Seifert-Klauss V, Schmidmayr M, Hobmaier E, Wimmer T. Progesterone and bone: a closer link than previously realized. Climacteric 2012;15(Suppl 1):26–31 [Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®], [Google Scholar] Ishida Y, Heersche JN. Progesterone stimulates proliferation and differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells in bone cell populations derived from adult female but not from adult male rats. Bone 1997;20:17–25 [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®], [Google Scholar]
Progesterone & Hot Flashes
Hot Flashes At approximately age 45 to 50 estrogen levels begin to fall. When they fall below the levels necessary to signal the uterine lining to thicken and gather blood, the menstrual flow becomes less and/or irregular, eventually stopping altogether. Take a closer look at Hot Flashes, one of the primary symptoms associated with menopause in industrialized countries. Although there is no empirical proof of the cause for hot flashes, the following explanation may have merit. An area in the brain’s hypothalamus (the GnRH center) monitors estrogen and progesterone levels. When levels of these hormones decline, this triggers the GnRH which, in turn, stimulates the pituitary to make the hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This, then, results in the ovarian production of estrogen and progesterone. The rise in these hormones inhibits further production of GnRH. At menopause, estrogen levels fall and progesterone levels are usually already low. The ovaries, therefore, no longer respond to the FSH and LH prompt. In addition to hot flashes, the heightened activity of the hypothalamus can cause mood swings, fatigue, feelings of being cold, and inappropriate responses to other stressors. Many women will have symptoms of hypothyroidism despite normal thyroid hormone levels. When estrogen is supplemented, FSH levels fall and so does the incidence of hot flushes. The most likely scenario for this phenomenon is that low hormone levels stimulate the hypothalamic centers resulting not only the FSH elevation, but also the activation of nearby hypothalamis controlling vasomotor responses. Although estrogen supplementation is effective in reducing hot flushes, later attempts to reduce estrogen supplementation often results in recurrence of the symptoms. There are other ways to deal with hot flushes. Experience shows that a diet rich in fresh vegetables and low in sugar and refined carbohydrates, along with vitamin E and aerobic exercise, will often decrease the intensity and frequency of these symptoms. Also, replacement of natural progesterone alone and in sufficient doses, will frequently result in elimination or decreased severity of hot flushes. Since the hypothalamic centers monitor both estrogen and progesterone, it should not be surprising that sufficient natural progesterone will be effective in treating hot flushes. Because of the inherent toxicity of unopposed estrogen, these methods should be thoroughly tried before resorting to estrogen supplements, and, when supplementing with estrogen always supplement with progesterone on the same days of use, so as to avoid “unopposed estrogen”. Summary The GnRH centers in the brain effectively signal to increase estrogen and progesterone levels. Elevated estrogen and progesterone inhibit GnRH release. After menopause the ovaries no longer make estrogen and progesterone. Lack of estrogen and progesterone response results in increased activity of the GnRH center. Heightened GnRH activity activates the vasomotor center, causing hot flashes and perspiration. Supplementing with topical progesterone alone, will almost always ameliorate hot flashes. (avoid EDC’s} References: The Midlife Women’s Health Study – a study protocol of a longitudinal prospective study on predictors of menopausal hot flashes. Ayelet Ziv-Gal, Rebecca L. Smith, Lisa Gallicchio, Susan R. Miller, Howard A. Zacur, Jodi A. Flaws. Womens Midlife Health. 2017; 3: 4. Published online 2017 Aug 17. doi: 10.1186/s40695-017-0024-8 PMCID: PMC6300019 Genetic Polymorphisms, Hormone Levels, and Hot Flashes in Midlife Women. Chrissy Schilling, Lisa Gallicchio, Susan R. Miller, Patricia Langenberg, Howard Zacur, Jodi A. Flaws. Maturitas. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2008 Jun 20. Published in final edited form as: Maturitas. 2007 Jun 20; 57(2): 120–131. Published online 2006 Dec 21. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2006.11.009 PMCID: PMC1949021 Longitudinal Changes in Menopausal Symptoms Comparing Women Randomized to Low-Dose Oral Conjugated Estrogens or Transdermal Estradiol Plus Micronized Progesterone Versus Placebo: the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) Nanette Santoro, Amanda Allshouse, Genevieve Neal-Perry, Lubna Pal, Rogerio A. Lobo, Frederick Naftolin, Dennis M. Black, Eliot A. Brinton, Matthew J. Budoff, Marcelle I. Cedars, N. Maritza Dowling, Mary Dunn, Carey E. Gleason, Howard N. Hodis, Barbara Isaac, Maureen Magnani, JoAnn E. Manson, Virginia M. Miller, Hugh S. Taylor, Whitney Wharton, Erin Wolff, Viola Zepeda, S. Mitchell Harman. Menopause. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2018 Mar 1. Published in final edited form as: Menopause. 2017 Mar; 24(3): 238–246. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000756 PMCID: PMC5323337
Progesterone & Menopause
Menopause Overview Menopause literally means the end of monthly cycles from the Greek word pausis (cessation) and the root men (month) and normally occurs at age 50-51. In the islands, as well as in most simple cultures, menopause is a time of liberation, a time of celebration, a time of joyful accomplishment, a time of renewed energy. The unpleasant symptoms of we have only recently learned to associate with menopause are the bane of only a small group of women in history: American & Northern European women in the past 75 years. Outside that group, menopause is not so traumatic and is no more than a natural & welcome phase in a woman’s life. The more simple the lifestyle, the more simple the diet – the better quality of life & well-being at menopause. Contrary to popular belief, a decrease of hormone levels is a symptom of menopause, not a cause. Menopause occurs naturally when the last egg is released by the ovaries. After menopause or a hysterectomy, estrogen production decreases by about 40% to 60%. Therefore, your adrenals & fat cells still produce estrogen at approximately 40% to 60% of pre-menopause levels. There are a number of treatments for menopause, the most common being estrogen replacement therapy. In cases where Estrogen Replacement Therapy is elected to control hot flashes, vaginal dryness or night sweats, natural phyto-estrogen cream is recommended usually for several months or, in some cases a year. Risks of HRT By default hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is prescribed, the drug of choice being Premarin, which stands for Pregnant Mare’s Urine. Many take issue with this method of harvesting conjugated estrogens. Significant side-effects have been associated with the use of HRT. The evidence became clear 5-6 years ago, and it is now well accepted in the medical community that estrogen replacement therapy is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. As if that is not incriminating enough, estrogens have also been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, and also tend to raise your insulin levels. Risks of HRT Studies have shown that women taking replacement estrogen have a 2 to 8 times higher risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer than women who do not take estrogen. The risk increases after 2 to 4 years of estrogen use and seems to be greatest when large doses (>1 mg./day) are taken or when the estrogens are used for long periods of time (>4 years). This risk factor increases sharply in women who smoke cigarettes. Issues with Oral Administration Nature did not intend for humans to put hormones in their stomachs. When this basic principle is ignored the liver will intercept approximately 80% of the given hormone and convert it to a hormone metabolite. This is even true with orally administered bio-identical hormones. So, in order to achieve a net dose of 20 mg., the prescription for an oral hormone has to be 200 mg. The result: your body is flooded with hormone metabolites which encourage an imbalance of natural hormones. Hormone in a Cream? When steroid hormones are applied to the skin, the liver never knows! As a result, a proper bio-identical progesterone cream free of petro chemicals, will offer a 97-100% delivery to the appropriate hormone receptors. Because the hormone progesterone is the biological precursor for the production of natural estrogen, it is the natural choice for menopausal women as well as for pre-menopausal women to enjoy optimal health. Additionally, natural progesterone is vitally important for the health of every organ of the body. Persistent Symptoms Women who wrestle with persistent hot flashes, night sweats and/or vaginal dryness have found that 400 i.u. of natural vitamin E three times per day (1200 i.u./day), essential oil supplementation (primrose oil, omega III) and two to three tablespoons of whole psyllium seed husks in juice daily has been effective in ameliorating these persistent symptoms. In most cases, however, phyto-estrogen is not needed when a sufficient amount of bio-identical Progesterone is available, as it is the precursor (raw material) for other adrenal hormones, including natural estrogen, testosterone and cortisone. Bio-identical Progesterone has been found to be the choice for informed women when applied topically, in a cream formula free from petrochemicals and animal by-products. By establishing a balance of these hormones through proper diet, exercise, stress management, quality phase IV sleep and Biologically Identical Progesterone supplementation, fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone, the resultant hot flashes, night sweats and other symptoms of menopause are normally alleviated. Happy Menopause!
Progesterone & Teenagers
Does your teenage daughter suffer with: mood swings heavy bleeding painful menstrual cramps irregular menstrual cycles acne water weight gain migraines rage anger, and/or depression… If she experiences and combination of the above symptoms, in particular, some time during the two week span before her period, then she may be suffering from too much estrogen, relative to too little progesterone. While young people today have many difficult challenges to contend with, one important underlying cause for so many health issues may well be a deficiency of the primary female hormone, progesterone. Too much stress creates an excess of a steroid hormone called cortisol, which, in turn, leads to hormonal imbalances. This imbalance creates, in particular, a deficiency of progesterone. Why Important? Of all the hormones in the female body, progesterone is, by far, the most important. It is necessary for the proper function of every organ. Conversely, a lack of progesterone in teens (& adults) may (and likely will) result is some combination of the following: Abdominal bloating Abdominal cramping Accident proneness Coordination difficulties Acne Hives Aggression Rage Anxiety Irritability Suicidal thoughts Back pain Breast swelling and pain Confusion Depression Withdrawal from others Emotional instability Exacerbation of pre-existing conditions (lupus, arthritis, ulcers, herpes, etc.) Excessive sleep patterns Insomnia Fatigue Lethargy Food binges Salt cravings Sweet cravings Headaches Migraines Heart palpitations Joint swelling and pain Nausea Seizures Sex drive changes Urinary difficulties What to do? If you treat only symptoms the underlying cause will remain. While avoiding environmental estrogens (how), the most effective approach to normalizing progesterone levels has proven to be a properly formulated natural progesterone cream. Achieving Optimal Health as a Teenager We live in a time of “better living through chemistry…” and for that reason it is a challenge to acquire and maintain optimal health and wellness. Following are some well established guidelines for you to achieve that goal: Manage stress – yes, I know, this is usually easier said that done, however some of the following suggestions will assist you Achieve quality, Phase IV sleep each evening. There are 32 principles found at “How Can I Enjoy Quality Sleep?”Exercise Eat right for your blood type Avoid fast food restaurants. They are full of GMO foods; foods that contain growth hormones and foods that contain pesticides, anti-biotics and any other antagonists to your teen’s health Dietary Fiber – ensure that they consume no less than 75 grams per day; whole psyllium seed husks are an excellent choice. Avoid petroleum derivatives in all personal care products. Please see “the Overview Page” Finally, here is “the One Simple Thing…” that will naturally support your good efforts to help your teen achieve optimal health.
Progesterone & A Hormone Healthy Lifestyle
Hormone Healthy Lifestyle Considerations In all industrialized countries, most meat, chicken, and dairy products contain growth hormones (foreign estrogens), that are used by farmers to increase profits and at the expense of our health. In addition, pesticide residues and many other petrochemical compounds with estrogenic properties are consumed in the food that is given to these animals and are consequently concentrated in the milk and fat of the meat. These harmful estrogens are then deposited in our fatty tissues and on estrogen and progesterone receptors where they have been shown to interfere in the proper utilization and production of natural progesterone & natural estrogen. They have also been implicated in promoting other more serious health problems such as fibrocystic breast disease and female-specific cancers. There are, however, “good” estrogens available in our food supply. By replacing animal proteins with saponin rich plant foods such as fermented soy products we can introduce phytoestrogens (genistein), which have a higher affinity for estrogen receptors than “bad” estrogens and have been demonstrated to have protective influences against endometrial & breast cancer. Other Important Cosiderations Include Eliminate commercially grown meat, poultry & dairy. Replace with “hormone-free, antibiotic-free, pestcide-freen meat & dairy, fermented soy (Tofu), Cold Water Fish (wild-caught salmon, Cod Eat right for your blood type Essential Oils Identify GMO foods and do not consume! Safety for these modified foods Has Not Been Established! Avoid Hydrogenated fats and oils as they convert to trans-fatty acids which increase breast cancer risk (all hydrogenated fats are harmful to your health) Eliminate completely ALL artificial sweeteners, tobacco products & simple carbohydrates (twinkies) Avoid high fructose corn syrup Eliminate or reduce consumption of caffeine, hard liquor, high fat dairy Reduce consumption of simple sugars (they promote sharp blood sugar fluctuations) Increase cruciferous & dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, and whole grains (Organic) Consume more cold water fish and legumes for protein (or protein powder) Consume low quantities of protein in the evening Consume smaller, more frequent meals or snacks. Don’t stretch your stomach! Never go more than 4 hours during any day or 12 hours overnight without food Drink plenty of pure water. 8 glasses daily. Fluid restriction can be harmful. Supplement with a properly formulated calcium formula (Bone-Up) Use a proper natural progesterone cream formulation Exercise (30-40 minutes four or five days per week) Laugh frequently! (preferably with your mate). Hearty laughter stimulates your immune system to release healing immune cells. Learn to successfully manage stress (Regular deep-tissue massage therapy; breathing exercises; improve sleep quality; counseling) Replace Traditional Western Recipes with organic fermented soy and other health promoting recipes Beneficial snacks include: Nuts, raw vegetables, fresh fruits, sardines, high fiber snacks (sweetened with low amounts of organic unrefined cane sugar, honey, stevia, or molasses), Organic/NonGMO fermented soy such as tempeh, all other fermented foods, grass fed milk & cheese, whole grain products, excluding wheat and corn unless heirloom.