Issue 13
by Dearest
Power Surge Founder/Host
Surgettes, In my seemingly unquenchable thirst for more knowledge about what we're going through - - transitional-menopause-syndrome-whatever -- I'm constantly coming across new reading material. The following is excerpted from an excellent book I'm currently reading by Betty Kamen, Ph.D. -- "Hormone Replacement Therapy: Yes Or No? :How to make an informed decision about Estrogen, Progesterone, & other strategies for dealing with PMS, Menopause and Osteoporosis." I strongly recommend this book . If you can't locate it in your local library, or at your favorite bookstore, it's published by Nutrition Encounter, Box 5847, Novato, CA 94948; Tel. (415) 883-5154. Having only recently begun a regimen of natural progesterone via Mexican, wild yam, extract, using both the cream and sublingual forms, and having experienced some very positive results from same, I wanted to share this information on progesterone from Dr. Kamen's book. After reading the excerpt [which took only four hours to type [sigh] .. I, recommend Yamcon ™ natural progesterone cream, as well as the sublingual drops. It's as natural and pure as the driven snow [and those of you who know me, know my personal preference for natural methods Furthermore, let's face it, our generation of women are, for the most part, part and parcel of a great deal of experimental methodology regarding menopause. The most admirable trait about this generation is that we're willing to discuss, cuss, and try a whole host of treatments in order to enhance our quality of life. In any event, you can order these from the manufacturer, Phillips Nutritionals, at 800-514-5115, or you can write them at: 27071 Cabot Road, Suite 121, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. When I called for information about natural progesterone and Yamcon, in particular, I asked to speak with someone who could give me more specific information about the product as I was a tad leary, and was connected with the president of the company, Wayne Phillips, an articulate, knowledgeable and very helpful gentleman who provided me with exemplary information about Yamcon and progesterone, in general. When you call Phillips Nutritionals, ask to speak with Dr. Phillips, and tell him that you heard about Yamcon from Dearest of "Power Surge" on America Online. No, I do NOT earn any commissions as a result of recommending this product, in the same way that I earn NO salary, nor compensation for what I do, and have been doing for two years, for "Power Surge." However, sharing this information with everyone I can reach via the super information highway and AOL is important to me if I can help even *one* woman out there who's in distress during this most difficult of life's passages. Oops, the best part of all this is that Yamcon is on sale through the end of September. I believe the regular price of the cream is $32.50, but I paid $19.95 for a 2 oz. jar. This may be the most important twenty dollars you'll ever spend. As you well know, I don't often recommend products, nor methods other than to remark frequently on my personal choices about exhausting every NATURAL method of dealing/coping/managing through/grappling with MENOPAUSE --garnering as much knowledge as possible through research, chats like "Power Surge," the folder, this newsletter, e-mail, what have you, is very important before otherwise deciding that prescription intervention via HRT or ERT is the way you choose to go. Also, bear in mind that it's generally do-able to utilize both HRT AND natural remedies as a sort of buffer. The decision, ultimately, is yours, but knowing that I can serve as a conduit in obtaining more information for getting through this...... uhhhh.... #^!*&$@% ..... ahem, time, is gratification enough for me. Read on and understand, and more power to you for doing so. Dearest
PROGESTERONE TREATMENT : PROGESTERONE FOR BALANCE Dr. Kamen writes, "The word Progesterone was first proposed by William Allen and George Corner in 1934, when they isolated this newly discovered sex hormone. Since then, more than 5,000 plants have been identified as containing substances with progesterone-like chemistry. In 1943, Russel Marker successfully manufactured progesterone from the roots of Mexican yams. With minor conversion in the laboratory, the Mexican yam extract, diosgenin, has been made to match natural progesterone exactly. But the manufacture of cortisone and progestogens from the saw raw materials attracted far more attention. The neglect of progesterone led Dr. Dalton to refer to it as "the forgotten hormone." "The success of many practitioners has helped us to catch up with this hormone. The spotlight has been turned back in progesterone's direction. "When is the use of progesterone appropriate? Like nearly all of us, you may be among the women who could probably benefit from assistance, and progesterone could be the answer. "Rerports of improved well-being with the use of transdermal natural progesterone are impressive. Less anxiety and depression, increased vitality and reduced sleep disturbances -- not to mention enhanced sexual libido -- are all benefits of a product with a track record of total *safety*!!!! "Are you already on estrogen replacement therapy? Do you want to bail out? A slow weaning process is mandatory, preferably under a physician's care. If you are on Premarin, for example, you may be advised to cut down your intake by 10 to 15 percent each month simply by skipping days. [Alternating days may work better than dividing the tablets only because they are difficult to split]. As for patches, they can be worn for shorter periods of time, gradually diminishing the duration of their application. "If, however, you have made the decision to continue or to begin the traditional form of hormone or estrogen replacement therapy [HRT or ERT], it should be clear that natural progesterone used in conjunction with estrogen is called for. Most physicians now prescribe oral progestogens with the oral estrogen pill. Try to avoid synthetic progestogens -- ask your physician to recommend natural progesterone. Although there is some uncertainty about absorbability withoral forms, it's possible to get good results with the right combination of diet, exercise and balanced estrogen-progesterone therapy. "Robert Atkins, M.D., of NYC, prescribes estrogen for his menopause patients only if other tratments fail to reduce symptoms. He recommends just enough estrogen to cut problems to a tolerable degree -- not necessarily to eliminate them; he wants to keep the dose low. 'Natural progesterone,' he says, 'is an absolute MUST to accompany estrogen therapy. Patients report desired changes in a week or two of the combined therapy.' [Recovery takes longer with the use of natural progesterone alone, but avoids the possibility of side effects]. Dr. Atkins also recommends high doses of folic acid plus boron for anyone on estrogen replacement therapy. [Again, high doses of folic acid should only be taken under doctor's advisement]. "Another problem with synthetic progestogens involves glucose [blood sugar] metabolism. Natural progesterone is converted into corticosteroid hormones by your adrenal glands. These substances help to regulate your blood sugar metabolism. You may experience a drop in blood sugar if your progesterone is low. Low blood sugar causes the sensation of hunger, and you know how that feels -- you're ready to jump on your child or spouse for no reason. This scenario frequently occurs with the use of synthetic progestogens because the synthetics do NOT convert to corticosteroids [TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY, SYNTHETIC PROGESTINS LOWER YOUR PRODUCTION OF NATURAL PROGESTERONE LEVELS]. "Neils H. Lauersen, M.D., of New York's Mt. Sinai Medical Center, advises that synthetic progestogins may inhibit the concentration of natural progesterone, so hormone imbalances -- which may be *off* to being with -- are worsened. "Physicians are influenced, albeit inadvertently, by drug company advertising rather than by information in their own textbooks. Understanding the functions of the osteoblasts and osteoclasts, you can talk about bone loss to your physician with more knowledge. You might even tell your doctor that natural progesterone stimulates osteoblasts, and that you know that estrogen restrains osteoclasts, but only slightly, and only temporarily. "Chances are you now know as much about natural progesterone metabolism as most physicians. Don't hesitate to show 'this' to your doctor, pointing out the extensive medical journal citations and clinical validations included extensively throughout and at the back of this book [Betty Kamen's book from which I'm excerpting]. "When you intervene with synthetic estrogen, you're adding a powerful hormone that has a direct effect on tissue all over your body. But progesterone is more of an intermediate building block. You're giving your endocrine system a tool to work with -- leaving the natural control and regulation mechanisms in place. That explains why it's so much safer to use natural progesterone than estrogen. In addition, studies show that natural progesterone helps to prevent or reverse osteoporosis whether or not supplemental estrogen is use "Recall that one traditional problem with the use of natural progesterone is the fact that your liver protects you from dietary hormones with first-pass removal during digestion. In her book "Once A Month," Dr. Dalton lamented the lack of an easy way of getting progestogens into the bloodstream: Dr. Kamen further states in her book, 'For many doctors progesterone is a forgotten hormone so far as treatment is concerned, and many doctors who use estrogen and know its possibilities and limitations are shy of using progesterone. One problem is that progesterone cannot be taken by mouth, as it is too quickly broken down in the liver, so it has to be given in other ways such as pessaries [tablets to be inserted into the vagina], suppositories [for use in the anus], injections, or implants. Recent work in India on monkeys has suggested that it is absorbed into the bloodstream when given by nasal administration. So, who knows, we may yet be using it in aerosols or nasal sprays.' "There is a way to circumvent the difficulty! Wild yam extract and natural progesterone are formulated in a cream base that may also contain aloe vera, vitamin E, jojoba and/or avocado oils, burdock root extract, Siberian ginseng, chamomile, and/or even black cohosh extract -- plus cream protectors. Spreading the cream over a substantil area of skin is the method of application, so that the hormone can enter your blood transdermally [through the skin]. The cream leaves no trace after a few minutes. Oil-based liquids also appear to sidestep the problem. "In "Cancer Causes And Control," researchers advise that women currently using unopposed estrogen, estrogen and synthetic progesterone, or synthetic progestogens alone, are all at increased risk for breast cancer compared with never-users, and that the addition of synthetic oral progesterone [more accurately, progestogen] does NOT remove the increased risk observed with current use of unopposed estrogen. This is typical of an error in the use of the word 'progesterone,' an inaccuracy made by many physicians. It cannot be overemphasized that side effects stem from synthetic progestogens, not from 'natural' progesterone. Again, the word 'progesterone' refers to the specific molecule made by the ovary, and not to the numerous synthetic substitutes. "As Dr. Lee explains: "Is it any wonder that breast cancer has increased so rapidly in recent years? Its victims in the United States, alone, could fill a 747 every day. And, on every third day, the equivalent of a 747 full of women die from this avoidable disease. "Should you self-treat with natural progesterone? Until recently, the short answer to this question was "No." The introduction of creams containing natural progesterone and/or substances that promote your body's own progesterone production, or help to initiate the conversion of substances to progesterone, now provides viable options. "Is it safe to use natural progesterone cream without medical supervision?
Although it's always best to have the guidance of a nutrition-oriented M.D.,
the clinical experiences of the physicians I interviewed suggest an
affirmative answer. Applying an ounce of this cream every month to the soft
skin areas of your body [breasts, neck, face, stomach, inside area of thighs,
upper inner arms] is recognized as safe. If you use this quantity in two
weeks, wait until the next month to start a new jar. Many patients apply the
cream for the first ten days of every month. Others, concerned with
infertility, apply the cream from Day 15 to Day 25 of their cycle [Dearest
note: There's more later on for those of you no longer menstruating.. so
don't fret "Some women experience immediate relief; others find that it may take from
one to three months to turn things around. Remember, this is a NATURAL
product, NOT a drug. Just as we recommend that you start any new supplement
in small amounts, it's a good idea to start using the cream in small
quantities, at the start, too, especially if you are going to apply it to
your face.
"If you have menopausal symptoms, but are still menstruating, don't apply the
cream during your period, from Day 1 to Day 6 -- apply 1/4 teaspoon twice a
day from Day 7 to Day 20 [during which time ovulation should occur, usually
on Day 14]; then 1/2 teaspoon twice a day from Day 21 to the start of your
period. If you are NO LONGER MENSTRUATING, don't apply the cream for the
first week of the calendar month [Days 1 through 6], and then proceed as
above.
"For vaginal dryness or discomfort, 1/2 - 1/2 teaspoon once a day applied
intravaginally should help. Also, insert a vitamin E capsule intravinally.
No need to break open the capsule; the pH of your body will do the job.]
[Dearest note: with all I know about vitamins, etc., I never knew you
could insert a vitamin E capsule vaginally. This is marvelous!]
"For hot flashes or night sweats, apply 1/4-1/2 teaspoon at 15 minute
intervals for one hour or until the flashes disappear. A severe case? Apply
even more, or use two drops of natural progesterone oil [in liquid form] held
under the tongue one or two minutes at seven-to-ten-minute intervals until
the flashes stop [Dearest note: I used five sublingual drops under my tongue
on a day of severe hot flashes, and I was astonished to find that they'd
diminished in severity].
"Dr. Lee recommends its use even for women who live a prudent lifestyle and
have never experienced menopausal symptoms. He reminds us that we are
subject to stresses against which our bodies are not prepared. We are using
3-1/2 million year old genes in a late twentieth century world. We just
cannot get enough natural progesterone or its precursors even if we eat the
very best food available - regardless of heroic efforts.
"For mild osteoporosis, 1/4 teaspoon twice a day is recommended. Severe
osteoporosos or broken bones in the past? 2 ounces or more a month, skipping
the first 7 days.
"When asked how long a woman should use the cream, Dr. Lee responds, 'Until
you are 96. Then we'll talk about it.'
The Power Surge Newsletter disclaims any representation for the accuracy or completeness of information contained herein. The sharing of information herein is not indicative of Power Surge's personal endorsement of same. It is purely for informational purposes. Health matters should be taken up with one's personal physician. Nothing in the Power Surge Newsletter is intended as a substitute for professional
medical advice.
Sharing is what Power Surge is all about
Dearest
Love And Good Health!
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