Prior
to menopause estrogens are normally produced
from a hormone known as progesterone,
which is generally present in higher levels
than estrogen. Progesterone controls estrogen
levels by converting to estrogen when
needed, and by antagonizing high estrogen
levels to prevent cancer and other estrogen
related problems. During natural or surgical
induced menopause estrogen levels drop
slightly, and progesterone levels drop
drastically. Without sufficient progesterone
to keep estrogen in check, estrogen becomes
the dominant hormone. This leads to problems
such as weight gain, insomnia, thyroid
dysfunction, and depression. Synthetic
estrogens, because of their considerably
stronger effects, can further increase
some of these symptoms, and increase the
risk of cancer, strokes and heart attacks;
due to the formation of blood clots, and
disrupts the attempt of the body to normalize
it's own hormonal balance.
Though
not widely known, the adrenal glands also
form estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone.
These hormones are produced in much lower
amounts than is produced by the ovaries,
but they do help provide a cushion when
the ovaries shut down, or are removed
preventing a hormone "crash".
It
should be understood that menopause is
not a disorder. Menopause is a normal
hormonal transition. The body will adapt
to the transition in time if external
hormones do not disrupt it, including
those found in the meat and milk of most
farm-raised animals or by xenoestrogens.
Plant hormones, such as phytoestrogens
and diosgenin help ease this transition.
Though
estrogen can be dangerous, it is not all
bad. Estrogen does protect bones from
breaking down, although progesterone does
more by stimulating bone growth. Estrogen
also converts into testosterone, which
plays a role in female sexual desire.
When elevated to excessively high levels
in the blood though, as for example during
menopause, with estrogen replacement therapy
or the use of birth control pills, serious
side effects such as cancer and blood
clots may occur.
The
source of one popular pharmaceutical estrogen,
Premarin, may surprise you. This estrogen
is named for the source it is derived
from, PREgnant MARes urINe. Premarin is
several thousand times stronger than the
estrogens produced by the body, greatly
increasing the risk of serious side effects.
There
are safe alternatives to estrogen replacement
therapy. Many plants contain natural estrogens,
known as phytoestrogens. These estrogens
are around 200-400 times weaker than human
estrogens. Their weak estrogenic effect
helps to balance hormone levels. When
estrogen levels are low they can provide
a weak estrogenic effect. When estrogen
levels are elevated though, these estrogens
lock up estrogen receptor sites preventing
the formation of cancer, and other dangerous
side effects of estrogens. Phytoestrogens
may also provide some protection against
synthetic estrogens, known as xenoestrogens,
including dioxin, DDT, and PCB's.
Bioflavonoids
are best known for their synergistic effect
with vitamin C though like phytoestrogens,
bioflavonoids have the ability to block
excessive estrogens, and protect the body
from cancer.
Ingredients:
Prepared
rehmannia root- Used in Chinese medicine
to alleviate night sweats (hot flashes),
palpitations, insomnia, constipation,
menstrual irregularities, and to lower
cholesterol.
Vitex
(chaste tree berry)- Stimulates the pituitary
gland resulting in an increased level
of progesterone. Source of bioflavonoids.
Black
cohosh- Historically used to balance hormones
and control hot flashes.
Huang
bai (phellodendron)- Used in Chinese medicine
for night sweats.
Motherwort-
Used to control hot flashes, heart palpitations,
and to calm the nerves.
Hu
zhang (Knotweed Rhizome)- Very rich source
of phytoestrogens and resveratrol.
Zhi
mu (anemarrhena)- Used in Chinese medicine
for night sweats.
Wild
yam- Contains diosgenin, which has weak
progesteorone-like activity. Wild yam
also strengthens the adrenal glands, which
assists with hormone balance.
Ge
gen (kudzu)- Source of phytoestrogens,
strengthens the heart, may assist with
hormonal migraines.
Red
clover - Contains 4 phytoestrogens, including
the same 2 found in soy. Helps regulate
hormone balance and protect the body from
cancer and other side effects of estrogen
dominance.
Alfalfa-
The richest source of phytoestrogens.
Excellent source of nutrients, including
calcium and trace minerals. Nourishes
the pituitary gland, which aids I hormone
balance.
Suan
zao ren (jujube date seed)- Used in Chinese
medicine for night sweats, anxiety, insomnia,
and palpitations.
Chinese
licorice root- High in phytoestrogens.
Supports and nourishes the adrenal glands.
More calming than the American variety.
Sargasso
seaweed- Contains phytoestrogens and B
vitamins, which help support proper hormone
balance. Supports and nourishes the thyroid,
adrenal and pituitary glands. Rich in
calcium and trace minerals needed for
bone formation and strength.
Boron-
Strengthens bones and has been shown to
prevent bone loss in the absence of estrogen
replacement therapy. Has a beneficial
effect on hormone balance.
Natural
Peach-Mango Flavoring
Recommended
use is 1/2 teaspoon of the powder 3 times
daily on an empty stomach at least 20
minutes before meals. The powder can be
mixed in juice, water, or unsweetened
applesauce, or may be placed under the
tongue and washed down with water.