Applied Health Journal Topics of Health and Natural Healing

Issue 43 ISSN: 1525-6359

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Oh, the joys of being a mature woman. . . .!!!

Hot flashes, weight gain, unexplainable mood swings, fatigue, irritability, water retention, depression, forgetfulness, dry skin, loss of sex drive and muscle tone. These are just some of the uncomfortable, even maddening, symptoms that Mother Nature throws our way just because we were born female.

These feelings we experience, somewhere between our late thirties through our fifties, are related to erratic hormonal activity as the bodies production of hormones - namely estrogen and progesterone - declines.

Yes, I am talking about "menopause" - a mid-life transition that marks the end of fertility, a "pause" or stop of menstruation.

For all you men reading this article, please do not put it down and walk or even run at the sound of the "M" word. If you have a female in your life in her "mid" years (and most likely you do - with thirty million menopausal women in North America, and some twenty million "baby-boomer" women on the brink of menopause), it would really help her out if you understood this transition. Unfortunately, we females often feel like we are going through this alone.

Let us start with the definitions of the two main female hormones:

Progesterone is made by the corpus luteum (the empty follicle on the ovary that is left after the ovulation process occurs). Progesterone production starts just before ovulation and increases rapidly after ovulation. It is the major female reproductive hormone during the latter two weeks of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is the precursor of estrogen and many other hormones. Progesterone promotes the survival and development of the embryo and fetus and provides a broad range of intrinsic biological effects.

Estrogen is made from progesterone within the cells of the ovaries. Estrogen is not the name of one hormone, but the name of a group of similar hormones. The three main estrogens are estrone, estradiol and estriol. Each type of estrogen has a different effect in the body.

The average age of menopause remains around age 50; however, peri-menopause is a process that begins several years before the last menstrual period. Peri-menopause begins when a drop in the normal production of estrogen begins, and it officially "ends" about one year after the last menstrual cycle.

During peri-menopause, the ovaries continue to produce estrogen sufficient for regular (or irregular) shedding creating "estrogen dominance". Some women may go for years with irregular cycles and slowly wind down. On the other hand, they may just suddenly stop menstruation one month and never start again.

Also during this time, there may be months without ovulation (yet, menstruation still occurs). Estrogen production may become erratic, with surges of high levels of estrogen alternating with irregular low levels.

When estrogen surges, women undergoing these changes may notice breast swelling and tenderness, mood swings, sleep disturbances, water retention, and a tendency to put on weight.

These may be symptoms of estrogen dominance caused mostly by lack of ovulation, and thereby lack of progesterone. A highly critical key to hormonal balance is the knowledge that when the estrogen becomes the dominant hormone and progesterone is deficient, the estrogen becomes toxic to the body. Thus, progesterone has a balancing, or mitigating, effect on the estrogen, which eliminates the undesirable side effects.

Most physicians advocate synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In fact, this past week there have been segments on a prominent TV show and in newspaper articles promoting the idea that estrogen replacement therapy is essential for most women. Very little was said about the negative effects of ERT (estrogen replacement therapy) or HRT (hormone replacement therapy), both synthetic hormones.

Do not confuse natural hormones with synthetic (prescribed by doctors)! Synthetic estrogens and progestogens, as with most drugs, have risks. ERT/HRT has been shown to increase the chance of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, stroke, heart attacks, uterine fibroids, migraine headaches, and other health problems.

It is true that menopause is known to be associated with decreasing estrogen levels, but what is not known is whether these decreased levels of estrogen do in fact cause all the symptoms of menopause.

Dr. Jerilynn Prior, researcher and professor of Endocrinology at the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, points out that:

"No study proving the relationship between estrogen deficiency, menopausal symptoms and related disease has yet been done. Instead, a notion has been put forward that since estrogen levels go down, this is the most important change, which explains all the things that may, or may not, be related to menopause. So synthetic estrogen treatment, at this stage of an understanding, is premature. . .. It leads to ridiculous ideas - like calling a headache an aspirin-deficiency disease."

There is a period ten to fifteen years prior to menopause where western women suffer from estrogen dominance symptoms (excess estrogen, when unopposed or unbalanced by progesterone). Yet, doctors are giving them more estrogen. Something is terribly wrong with this scenario.

It should be obvious that hormone balance can not be achieved, if doctors continue to ignore the problem of progesterone deficiency. Since progesterone levels are rarely measured, many doctors are unaware that their menstruating patients may be deficient in progesterone. Adding synthetic estrogen will not solve their problems.

It is essential that estrogen and progesterone maintain an appropriate balance. By reading the following list of the opposing effects of estrogen and progesterone, it will become obvious why an excess of estrogen in the body can have a negative result.

 

D.E. (Dominant Estrogen): Increases body fat (especially
around abdomen and hips)
B.P. (Balanced Progesterone): Helps use fat for energy

D.E.: Causes breast swelling and tenderness
B.P.: Protects against Fibrocystic breasts

D.E.: Increases salt and fluid retention
B.P.: Natural Diuretic

D.E.: Causes depression and headaches
B.P.: Natural antidepressant

D.E.: Increase blood clotting
B.P.: Normalizes blood clotting

D.E.: Decreases sex drive
B.P.: Restores sex drive

D.E.: Impairs blood sugar control
B.P.: Normalizes blood sugar levels

D.E.: Causes loss of zinc and copper
B.P.: Normalizes zinc and copper levels

D.E.: Reduces oxygen in all cells
B.P.: Restores proper cell oxygen levels

D.E.: Increases risk of Endometrial cancer
B.P.: Protects against Endometrial cancer

D.E.: Increases risk of Breast cancer
B.P.: Helps prevent breast cancer

D.E.: Reduces vascular tone
B.P.: Restores regular vascular tone

Before even thinking of Estrogen Replacement Therapy, I strongly recommend two things. First, have both your estrogen and (more importantly) progesterone levels tested. Make sure your health care practitioner shows you the test results, giving a thorough explanation of each hormone level, and if they are in their proper balance compared to the optimum levels. Holistic health care practitioners have very accurate methods of testing hormone levels.

Secondly, understand all the risks of synthetic hormone therapy and realize there is, in fact, an increased chance of developing estrogen-related cancers when taking synthetic hormones. Then consider natural alternatives. According to scientific research, many women get as much relief from vitamins and herbs, as they do hormonal drugs - yet, without the side effects.

The following "plant" estrogens help reduce menopausal symptoms, including the two biggest complaints, hot flashes and vaginal dryness:

Black Cohosh, red clover, soy, vitex agnus-castus (known to enhance progesterone naturally), siberian ginseng, fenugreek, dong quai, and licorice root. Another estrogenic herb that helps improve dry skin is flaxseed and evening primrose oil (EPO).

All these can be found in health food stores. The proper dosage is usually on the bottle, or you can ask an informed employee for literature.

Herbs such as these work differently than drugs. When taken properly, they are much safer because they do not flood the system with an external source of estrogen. For example, one way an herb can work is to make the body more sensitive to the dwindling supply of estrogen and to better utilize what is available.

Natural progesterone creams are found in health food stores. Natural progesterone creams can be used without a prescription. Applying a small amount every month (a total of approximately one-ounce per month) to the soft-skin areas of the body (such as stomach, buttocks, breasts, face, etc. . .) supplies about 1000 milligrams of natural progesterone. It is important to vary the area that the cream is applied.

As John R. Lee, MD, states in his book, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause":

"Once fat cells are saturated with progesterone, they won't accept any more, so vary the areas to which you apply the progesterone, allowing time for the progesterone to be absorbed into your bloodstream. The photon bone density test is a sure way to track your progress."

Plant estrogens (foods and herbs that are high in estrogen-like activity) uniquely bind to estrogen-receptor sites in tissue (breast, ovarian, etc.), thereby preventing high levels of blood estrogen from developing excess build-up at these sites. This helps to protect against estrogen caused cancers.

Research suggests taking at least 400 - 800 IU of Vitamin E a day, combined with the above-suggested menopausal herbs, enhances the effectiveness of these herbs. Vitamin E improves the strength and flexibility of the vaginal wall and helps any vaginal abrasions that occur to heal quickly.

In regards to foods and menopause - never underestimate the healing power of nutritionally rich foods. For good menopausal health, start with soy products, which are high in estrogen-like activity. Studies show soy helps protect the body against the symptoms of menopause (including hot flashes, nightsweats, bone loss) and encourages the reduction of cholesterol and heart disease.

A number of substances within soy appear to offer health benefits. The strongest and best studied is the effect of the isoflavones, natural plant estrogens found only in the soybean.

Japanese women report few menopausal symptoms. This may be due to the large amount of tofu, soy milk and tempeh in the Japanese diet. In a recent study, post-menopausal women ate foods high in natural estrogen: soy, red clover, sprouts and flaxseeds. All of their estrogen levels rose significantly. Once they discontinued the diet, their original estrogen levels returned.

Doctors recommend estrogen supplements not only to correct menopausal symptoms, but also to counteract osteoporosis. Natural estrogen, obtained by consuming the appropriate foods and herbs, can help prevent bone loss due to lack of calcium absorption. It is interesting that Japanese women, probably due to their high soy diets, have not only a low incidence of menopausal symptoms, but also a low incidence of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis and calcium absorption are complicated topics that we will cover in more depth at a future time. However, it is important to know we need to be aware of foods that contribute to better calcium absorption (not cow's milk). In addition, calcium supplements can be beneficial, but only a small percentage of the calcium is actually utilized by the body. Therefore, it is imperative that we choose a supplement that is more readily absorbed (for example, a "chelated" version), and be aware that calcium needs support from other vitamins or minerals to be effective. A diet high in animal protein blocks the absorption of calcium, whereas a diet high in fish/fish oils, fruits and vegetables increases absorption. Kathi Keville states in her article "Managing Menopause, Naturally":

"As far as prevention goes, exercise and a low-fat, low-protein, high-fiber diet may be as important as estrogen to avoid heart, bone, and menopausal problems." (Better Nutrition, January 2000, pg. 60)

Research shows that weight-bearing exercise programs, at least three times a week, will slow bone loss, and lessen the occurrence of hot flashes. Weight lifting, running, walking, etc. . . A proper exercise program, along with appropriate food choices, can either reduce, or completely eliminate, the need for hormonal replacement therapy.

If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms, it is definitely worth your time to investigate further. Remember to be patient when using natural hormone alternatives. The benefits may not be obvious for at least six to eight weeks, but you will not have to worry about negative side effects.

Use wisdom in making this decision. Please remember, most medical doctors were trained only in synthetic estrogen replacement therapy, not in natural alternatives, so self-education is vital. There is vast information on the Internet and in books, regarding natural hormone replacement - information that is not only surprising, but will give you a new understanding of the compelling reasons to use natural hormone alternatives.

There is life beyond age 40! This can be the best years of our lives. This is the time to be more wise, more confident, and secure. It is possible to be healthier and happier than ever before. When we understand our bodies and take the necessary steps (including nutrition and fitness), the transition can be easier. . . and yes, even enjoyable.

Resources:

John R. Lee, M.D., "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You
About Menopause", Warner Books, 1996.

Betty Kamen, Ph.D., "Hormone Replacement Therapy - Yes
or No?", Nutrition Encounter, Inc., 1993.

Kathi Keville, "Managing Menopause, Naturally"; Better
Nutrition, Volume 62, Number 1; January 2000.

Lois M. Collins, "Salutory Soy"; Deseret News;
October 31, 1999.

[Stephanie Jenkins has over twenty years experience as a nutritional consultant and exercise physiologist. She earned her degrees from California PolyTech at San Luis Obispo, California and the American Academy of Nutrition. She has written nutrition and fitness columns for the Los Angeles Times, along with free-lance articles for various newspapers and magazines. As a Fitness Trainer and Nutritional Consultant, she has had the opportunity to work with many professional people like Mossimo, men's clothing designer and Mike Gonzales, Pan-Am Gold Medalist and Olympic Trial Athlete. Stephanie's experience has also included overseeing the opening and operations of eighteen different health clubs. She has been a consultant for many corporate fitness health programs. She also designed eight health facilities for the owner of the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Team.]

 

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