Women with estrogen dominance as well as those who suffer from menopause problems whose diets are high in saturated fats, such as butter and dairy products (especially cheese and ice cream), often stimulate the growth of unhealthy, anaerobic bacteria in their intestinal tract. These bacteria chemically change the breakdown products of estrogen into forms that can be reabsorbed back into the body.
These bacteria split estrogen from the binding substances that inactivate it in your liver. This splitting process causes free estrogen to be reformed within your intestinal tract. As this free estrogen is reabsorbed into the circulation, it increases free estrogen levels within the blood.
To suppress the growth of these unhealthy bacteria, you should not only reduce your intake of saturated fat (which can lead to the problem in the first place), you need to increase your intake of probiotic-rich, fermented foods so you can recolonize your intestinal tract with healthy bacteria. These include yogurt (preferably goat- or coconut-based), kim chee, pickles, and sauerkraut.
Women with estrogen dominance or high estrogen levels need to eat a more acidic diet that can help to bring estrogen levels back into balance by interfering with estrogen’s ability to bind to tissue receptors, as well as support the breakdown, detoxification, and elimination of estrogen by the liver and intestinal tract.
The best foods for job include:
• High fiber foods such as buckwheat and flaxseed • Citrus fruits • All vegetables • Free-range poultry and wild fish • Soy and soy-based foods • Vinegar • Hot, spicy foods • Nuts like almonds and walnuts
While I ususally focus my blog on alleviating menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, today, I'd like to address new mammography guidelines that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force proposed yesterday. Essentially, the recommendations now state that women between the ages of 40 to 49 should not get annual mammograms unless they are high-risk (i.e., strong family history and/or positive for the breast cancer genes BRCA-1 or -2) because the risks outweigh the benefits. The new guidelines also state that women over the age of 50 should get mammograms, but every two years instead of yearly. Finally, they state that self-breast exams are no longer necessary.
There are aspects of these new guidelines with which I agree, and others that, quite frankly, anger me.
First and foremost, I have been speaking out against mammograms for decades because I, too, believe that the risks outweigh the benefits. As I stated in my February 2008 issue of Women’s Wellness Today:
A routine mammogram’s sensitivity (how good it is at detecting suspicious tissue) varies. If a woman is still menstruating, her breast tissue is denser, which drops the sensitivity of routine mammograms to below 70 percent. That means that as many as 30 percent of existing breast cancers are missed, which is troubling because cancers in younger women tend to grow faster. After menopause, a mammogram’s sensitivity is better, but still not great. Routine mammograms are hamstrung by the fact that any tumor smaller than about four-tenths of an inch across is less likely to show up, so a tumor might be just small enough to escape detection, and then have lots of time to grow and spread before the next mammogram. On top of all this, human error in reading the films is also a very real possibility.
Here’s another problem with mammography. Five out of six “suspicious” routine mammograms turn out not to be cancer. Those five women are undoubtedly relieved, but they also got the scare of their lives, underwent more tests, maybe got biopsies, and possibly even had surgery they didn’t need.
The latest studies show that for every 2,000 women who get a routine mammogram, one life is prolonged. If that seems mediocre, you should know that protecting any individual woman against breast cancer was never the goal of routine mammograms—it’s well known that they miss too many cancers in the early, most treatable stage. As a routine screening tool, their purpose is simply to reduce the percentage of women who die from breast cancer.
For these exact reasons, I recommend a breast imaging test called thermography over mammography. In short, mammography looks at the structure of a woman’s breast tissue, while thermography looks at its behavior--which is a much more accurate indicator of potential future problems.
Keep Up with Those Self-Exams The Task Force’s belief that self-exams are no longer important really frustrates me. I strongly believe that becoming familiar with your breasts, and how they look and feel, can help you determine if any scars, dents, lumps, or bumps are normal for you. Plus, you'll be more sensitive to any little changes that might indicate the need for further testing.
In a nutshell, I recommend that you look into getting breast thermography done, and I strongly encourage you to keep up with your breast self-exams. To learn more about thermography, visit the International Academy of Clinical Thermology or Infrared Sciences Corp.
Loss of sex drive is one of those menopause symptoms that many women have but don't discuss very openly because, unlike hot flashes and night sweats, it can be uncomfortable to talk about with your doctor and even your partner.
Why does libido tend to wane as women reach their menopausal years? Research shows that, after menopause, sexual desire is no longer controlled by female hormones because women no longer have the biological motivation to make a baby. Since hormones are no longer involved in the equation, physical arousal becomes even more important in helping women "get in the mood." Don't be afraid to discuss your desires with your partner. In addition, try the following supplements, which can heighten your physical sensations of arousal:
L-dopa is the natural precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine--which is a powerful physical arouser. I recommend using an extract of the herb Mucuna pruriens—a concentrated natural L-dopa source. Try Herbal Herbal Powers Mucuna Pruriens. Take 300 mg per day in capsule form, standardized to 60 mg L-dopa.
L-arginine is an amino acid shown to be effective in sending blood to the clitoris, which boosts physical sensitivity and arousal. Take 500 mg one to three times a day, or try a product called ArginMax for Women.
Maca is a root vegetable with aphrodisiac qualities. The traditional dose is between 2 to 10 grams, but start low and work up to the dose that gives you the desired effects.
When I worked with Dr. Lark to overcome my PCOS, she recommended a number of healthy, lifestyle-based treatments. In addition to completely changing my diet (no wheat, dairy, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol), she also suggest I add a few nutrient to my supplementation regimen.
Firstly, to treat my insulin resistance, Dr. Lark suggested I eat 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day to help stabilize my blood sugar level. To manage my estrogen dominance and bring my excess estrogen levels under control, I added 600 mg of fish oil and two tablespoons of ground flaxseed a day to my plan. I also started taking 400 mg of magnesium 15,000 IU of beta-carotene, 100 mg of vitamin B6, 800 mg of vitamin C, and 800 IU of vitamin E, in addition to my multinutrient.
Within a two to three months, my estrogen dominance was under control and my female hormone levels were within the normal range. Best of all, I wasn’t getting the horrific periods and menstrual cramps that had plagued me for years.
If you suffer from estrogen dominance or PCOS, try this regimen for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.
While this may seem like the title of a bad B-movie, it is actually a pretty accurate description of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). If you are like me and suffer from PCOS, you know how frustrating and difficult this condition can be. On one hand, you suffer with the effects of too much testosterone, including acne and increased growth of hair on the face, abdomen, upper thighs, chest, and back. Plus, you must contend with estrogen dominance issues, such as infertility and menstrual irregularities.
As if that weren’t bad enough, us PCOS women are also at risk for insulin resistance, which can cause many sufferers to become severely overweight, putting us at risk for diabetes and diabetic complications.
Part of the difficulty with PCOS is that it has multiple underlying causes, namely a number of different hormonal imbalances. Specifically, the production of the pituitary’s luteinizing hormone is significantly elevated in women with PCOS, while the production of the pituitary’s follicle-stimulating hormone is normal or slightly diminished. The imbalances in these female hormones upset the normal production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone by the ovaries and adrenal glands, disrupting the healthy balance between all three of these female sex hormones.
Fortunately, by following a particular diet (namely one geared toward women with estrogen dominance), and taking some targeted nutrients, you can find relief from PCOS. I know, because I have. And I’ll share the diet and nutrients with you in future postings.
I was at a conference on women's healthcare last week where there was some discussion as to why women are hesitant to discuss some of their health issues, and possible treatments, with their doctors. Perhaps the condition is embarassing to them. Or, maybe their doctor isn't open to new solutions, beyond the traditional treatments.
One presenter at this conference shared a quote from a doctor that perhaps explains it, "no one ever died from peeing on onself." It's sad to think that our health professionals would have such attitudes about women's health issues.
When I heard this quote, I was immediately reminded of a doctor's visit I had during my first pregnancy. I was about 7 months along, and meeting with one of the most senior doctors in the practice. I asked him if he could tell the position of the baby, to which he responded rudely "I don't care about the position of the baby." I asked a couple more questions, which he blew off, as well. He ended the exam by saying, "Don't buy the farm." I was shocked. Did he actually just tell me not to die? I got in my car and cried all the way home. I had never been treated so poorly by a doctor.
When I got closer to my due date I started asking my OB/GYN practice for their on call schedule. I'm convinced that I went into labor when I did because I knew Dr. Jerk wasn't on call, and wouldn't deliver my baby.
I later learned that this particular doctor was notorious for being awful during exams. There have even been discussions about him, and his poor bedside manner, on my mommy listserv.
So, tell me. Have you had a similar experience. Have you ever been disappointed by a doctor? And, if so, what did you do about it?
With the holiday season right around the corner, that likely means a trip or two to the airport or on the road. And with all the tempting treats that seem to abound, it can be very difficult to maintain a healthy weight, let alone eat right for your hormone type.
When traveling, always keep your eye out for fresh, local fruits or vegetables. However, if you have menopause problems, you’ll want to avoid highly acidic fruits like oranges and grapefruit. Instead, stock up on high-enzyme foods like sprouts, carrots, celery, or papaya to snack on.
If you are eating in a restaurant, aim for salads, steamed vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and poultry, especially if you suffer from hot flashes or night sweats. Be sure to order the less acidic, more alkaline fruits such as melons and papayas.
Conversely, if you have estrogen dominance, you should load up on spinach salads with vinegar- or lemon juice-based dressings, entrees with tomato sauce, spicy entrees, or healthy meat-based dishes.
If you are flying and your trip is an hour or more, try brown bagging it. That way, instead of raiding the frig or mini-bar, you can reach into your own store of energy-rich foods that you brought from home. These can include raw, fresh vegetables with a flavorful dressing or dip, whole-grain crackers with almond butter, and a piece of fruit.
If you tend to eat out frequently, then you know that it is tough enough to make healthy choices, let alone having those choices reflect your particular hormonal makeup. To help you out, Dr. Lark and I created several tools in Hormone Revolution to make your food selections much easier when you are dining out.
Whether you tend to be overall acidic woman dealing with menopause problems or a more alkaline, woman with estrogen dominance or someone with low estrogen levels but excess yin, eating out can prove to be tricky since you are not the one preparing the food.
Traditionally, people have chosen mostly highly acidic dishes and entrées when eating in restaurants. Luckily, all-American, overly acidic fare such as the 16-ounce porterhouse steak, French fries, and rich, sugary deserts, and French cuisine with its heavy butter- and cream-based sauces have been replaced or supplemented in many restaurants by lighter, healthier, and less acidic, more alkaline dishes. This is true both in American restaurants and in those serving ethnic cuisines. The important thing is to know which dishes on the menu represent the less acidic, more alkaline options and to select a variety of these types of dishes when dining out.
International Cuisine
The following list can help you make healthy choices, particularly if you are working hard to balance your female hormones. In general, you will want to order salads, non-dairy soups, vegetable or bean appetizers and side dishes, and vegetarian or fish entrées. Remember, most restaurants are willing to make up vegetarian entrées and platters at your request, even if they are not on the menu.
American cuisine: salad or salad bars, bean or vegetable soups, baked potatoes, rice, vegetable side dishes or platters, fish or shellfish entrées.
Italian cuisine: escarole soup, bean or minestrone soup, white bean salad, Caesar salad, risotto, polenta (cornmeal) with a mushroom sauce, grilled eggplant entrée, fish or shellfish entrées.
French cuisine: vegetable or seafood salads, nondairy soups, vegetable side dishes, stewed beans, fish or shellfish entrées.
Indian cuisine: lentils, rice pilafs, cucumber salad, curried vegetable or shellfish dishes.
Chinese cuisine: stir-fried vegetables, sizzling rice soup, tofu or bean curd dishes, steamed rice, shrimp and mixed vegetable entrées.
Japanese cuisine: Japanese salads, miso soup, sticky rice, sushi, side dishes and soups made with vegetables and tofu.
Mexican cuisine: mixed vegetable salads, tostada salad, bean and rice side dishes, bean or shrimp burritos, chicken or shrimp fajitas, bean or seafood tacos (skip the cheese and sour cream).
I just saw a press release this week announcing the release of a natural progesterone cream by a nutraceutical company, and it got me thinking that, with all the focus on estrogen, progesterone is often a forgotten female hormone. So, I'd like to refresh your memory about the many important jobs of progesterone in your body.
Estrogen and progesterone balance each other out, which is why it is often used as part of a hormone replacement therapy regimen. For example, estrogen elevates your mood, while progesterone has a sedative effect on mood. And one of the major jobs of progesterone is to prevent menstrual bleeding from become too heavy or long-lasting (which often happens as a result of estrogen dominance). It also prevents the uterine lining from becoming too thick, which can lead to uterine cancer.
How do you know if your body is making enough progesterone? I've provided a checklist in the past, which I encourage you to review. If you and your doctor determine that you are a candidate for progesterone replacement to relieve your menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, I recommend that you look into natural progesterone replacement.
The month of October is National Celiac Disease Awareness Month. As you likely know, celiac (also known as sprue) is an intolerance to the protein (gluten) found in wheat, rye, and barley. Current statistics show that about one in every 100 people is affected with celiac disease.
Symptoms range from mild to severe bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, cramps, fatigue, aches, flu-like symptoms, and/or mood swings. Any of these sound familiar? They should…they are similar symptoms to conditions as varied as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, Crohn’s disease, and even fibromyalgia. No wonder so many people are either misdiagnosed or never even seen.
While celiac disease represents the extreme end of a gluten disorder, women with even a mild to moderate case of wheat or gluten intolerance (like me) can put their health at risk if they keep wheat on the menu. Some of the conditions that can be trigger by even a slight wheat intolerance include digestive inflammation, chronic fatigue, mood disorders, estrogen level imbalances, false fat-related weight issues, and migraine headaches.
In the case of digestive inflammation, wheat and other food allergies or intolerances can cause bloating and fluid retention in the abdomen. In addition to swelling and bloat (the “false fat”), wheat intolerance can cause intestinal gas and bowel changes.
Additionally, allergens such as wheat stress your adrenals, thereby triggering the release of anti-inflammatory hormones. Over time, these repeated allergic reactions can weaken your adrenals, greatly increasing your susceptibility to stress of all types and can lead to fatigue and low energy. Plus, recent studies indicate that an astounding 80 to 93 percent of women suffering from migraines also suffer from food allergies that trigger their headaches, and wheat is one of the most common allergens that triggers these incredibly painful headaches.
Finally, wheat can wreak havoc on your hormones. For women suffering from menopause problems, wheat can trigger mood shifts, due in part to your growing inability to produce enough enzymes that are needed to digest wheat properly and easily. And for women like me who tend toward estrogen dominance, wheat can throw your estrogen levels even more out-of-whack, due in part to the high carb content, as well as the inflammation factor.
Clearly, wheat is one ingredient to keep off your plate. On Friday, I’ll give you a few tips and brands that make going wheat-free an easy and delicious choice for your health.
As I’ve indicated before in this blog, I battle with estrogen dominance. I’ve been fortunate to have had a long relationship with Dr. Lark, and as such, I’ve benefited from much of her advice and have able get my estrogen levels into normal range.
The one thing that I haven’t been able to overcome to this point however has been my struggle with fertility. My husband and I have tried every natural, alternative, complementary, and conventional medicine avenue there is. So when it was suggested to me that I have my thyroid checked, I balked. Am I an idiot? Of course I’ve had my thyroid checked! I have been consistently tested at 3.49 then again at 3.36…always being told that my tests were “within the normal range.” It wasn’t until the issue was brought up to me yet again by my mother then again by my friend’s brother who happens to be a naturopathic doctor that I dug a little deeper.
As it turns out, according to conventional laboratories, the official "normal" range for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) blood test runs from approximately .5 to 5.0, as of May 2009. However, this flies in the face of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists themselves who, back in January 2003, suggested that doctors "consider treatment for patients who test outside the boundaries of a narrower margin based on a target TSH level of 0.3 to 3.0." When I talked to Dr. Lark, she agreed that she believes that anything over a 3.0 is too high, and other alternative and complementary physicians believe that number should be as low as 2.5 or even 2.0.
After much negotiating with my physician, he finally agreed to let me try a natural thyroid replacement (prescription needed), but only if I agreed to have an ultrasound taken of my thyroid first. I agreed, and learned that I have two nodules on the right side of my thyroid. While I need to have an additional test to be certain, it is very likely that I have some type of thyroiditis.
After all I’ve been through, this could very likely be the cause of many of my fertility issues. And to think, if my family and friend hadn’t offered their help and suggestions, if I had ignored them out of frustration and irritation, and, more importantly, if I had not taken my health into my own hands and insisted that my doctor listen to me, I would not have known about what was going on in my own body.
Now that I know, there is one thing I will start doing immediately before my follow-up test—avoid soy. Some studies have shown a correlation between dietary intake of isoflavones and thyroid disease for several species of animals. Additionally, some studies have found that animals fed soy isoflavones developed enlarged organs, particularly the pancreas and thyroid.
And while Dr. Lark believes that soy is fine for most women with a thyroid condition, she does feel that women who have autoimmune thyroiditis should avoid soy. Therefore, until I know what I’m dealing with, all soy, even my occasional organic tofu and edamame, are off the table…and the plate.
My editor picked up the latest edition of Philadelphia Magazine this weekend while waiting for a flight at the Philadelphia airport. She tells me what drew her attention to the magazine was an article titled "Did Wyeth Give This Woman Cancer?" She passed the article on to me and, in turn, I want to pass it on to you because the author delves into the tactics Wyeth used over the past couple of decades to sell its blockbuster hormone replacement therapy drug, Prempro--despite early concerns that it could greatly increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. (This risk was confirmed in 2002's Women's Health Initiative study.)
While certainly disturbing and unscrupulous, I suppose I'm not too surprised by the tactics used by Wyeth to market Prempro, preying on women's desperation to find menopause relief and help for hot flashes. But this article adds to my resolve in helping women find safe, natural alternatives to reduce menopause hot flashes and night sweats. I've spoken many times about the dangers of conventional hormone replacement therapy and why bioidentical hormone replacement and herbs such as black cohosh are healthier, more effective options. I strongly encourage you to consider these natural treatments over Prempro and Wyeth's newest hormone replacement therapy drug, Aprela.
Over the summer Women's Health magazine wrote an article about "Bumpaholics"--women who get a high from being pregnant. I didn't give it much thought at the time. But, recently I've been wondering if I may be one of those women.
The woman who sits in the office to my left just gave birth last week. The woman to my right is pregnant and due in February. On top of that, we have a few other women working here who are either pregnant or on maternity leave. I'm starting to feel a little jealous of them.
One of my colleagues on maternity leave just brought in her 5-week-old baby girl today and as soon as I heard the little squeals of a newborn my body reacted. I felt this electric shock. I got chills. And, for a moment, I thought I might start producing milk again. It was a true physical reaction.
I enjoyed both my pregnancies. In fact, I would say that I loved being pregnant, despite the morning sickness, heartburn, weight gain, and all the fluctuations in hormone levels. But am I addicted? Perhaps I am.
I have no desire to be Octomom or Kate Gosselin. But, maybe one more baby? I'm really on the fence. I do know that I'm not ready to have another baby now. The thought of 3 kids under the age of 5 scares the daylights out of me.
My husband and I have decided to revisit the matter when our baby turns 2 in June. We'll see then if my baby pangs have subsided by then. Stay tuned!
Since mammography became widely available in the early 1970s, physicians have mandated that women need annual mammograms in order to detect breast cancer at a much earlier stage, thereby allowing for more effective treatment and life-saving intervention. If you are like millions of other women, you have come to depend on this “gold standard” for the early detection of breast cancer.
However, over the years, a number of negative studies have cast doubt as to the true benefits of mammography in comparison to its many risks. Mammography has many flaws, including painful compression of the breasts, a high rate of false positive and false negative test results, and even increased risk of developing the very cancer you are trying to avoid.
Fortunately, an alternative method exists to help detect changes in a woman’s breasts—thermography. Thermography uses a heat-imaging screening technique that does not use radiation or breast compression to detect tumors.
I had thermography done a year or so ago. With this procedure, you undress down to your waist in a room that is keep at a fairly cool temperature. A qualified technician then uses a high-resolution camera to “read” the temperature of your body. The camera then converts it into an infrared heat image, records the images, and sends them to a computer where they are stored until a physician can perform a detailed exam to detect the exact differences in temperature that indicate whether or not cancer may be present.
It is very cool! Best of all, they can position you at the ideal angle for your particular breast contour to be examined simply by asking you to turn this way or that. This is very important, as the infrared “map” of each woman’s breast is as unique as her fingerprint.
Any change in this map over the course of months and years can signal an early indication of possible tumors or other abnormalities. In fact, studies have shown that an abnormal infrared image is the single most important indicator of high risk for developing breast cancer. Similarly, it has been found that a woman can increase her survival rate from breast cancer by 61 percent simply by including thermography as a part of her regular breast health checkups.
While thermography is still not as widely used and available as mammography, it is becoming more prevalent. Your best bet is to check with a complementary physician, osteopath, chiropractor, or naturopathic doctor in your area and ask them if there is anyone they recommend.
Once you locate a physician and facility, be sure to ask who will be reading your exam and what qualifications they have. You’ll also want to ensure this doctor regularly tests, or at least participates in the quality control of the facility and equipment.
Final thought: The doctor I saw, Dr. Bruce Rind in Washington, DC, had the best comparison I’ve ever heard regarding thermography versus mammography. He said that thermography is like looking into the future, while mammography is like looking in a rearview mirror. In other words, mammography tells you what HAS happened while thermography tells you what MAY happen. Which would you rather have?
Performing a breast self-exam every month is one of the most important things you can do to promote breast health—and prevent cancer. Become familiar with your breasts, and how they look and feel. By doing so, you’ll be aware of any scar tissue or dents that are normal for you, and can work to develop your own intuition about the health of your breasts. You’ll also become more sensitive to any subtle changes in your breasts that might indicate the need to see your doctor.
Dr. Lark professes that there are three main components to a good breast self-exam. The first is the timing of the exam, the second entails a visual examination, and the third involves palpation (physical examination) of the breast tissue.
Step 1—Timing
Do your exam at the same time each month. If you are still menstruating, perform your exam after your period has ended. Your hormone levels are at their lowest during this time, and your breasts will tend to be less lumpy and swollen.
Step 2—Visual Examination
Take a good, long look in the mirror. While standing in front of a large mirror, hold your arms over your head, clasping your hands together. Look at your breasts for the following signs: an indentation in the breast that wasn’t there before; one nipple is inverted; eczema on either or both nipples; discoloration of nipple; and/or discharge from the nipple that is not a result of squeezing. Next, place your hands on your hips and gently bring both elbows forward in front of you. Look for the same signs listed above.
Step 3—Physical Examination
If your breasts are on the larger side, it may be best to do the manipulation part of the exam lying down. However, if you have small- to medium-sized breasts, you can perform the exam standing up. Just be sure to stand up straight. If you lean forward, glands and other benign nodules can feel like lumps and cause undue worry.
First, raise your left arm over your head and place it behind your head. Examine your left breast with your right hand. Picture your breast as a clock, with the nipple as the center. Moving clockwise, start in the 12:00 position, beginning at the nipple, and with firm but gentle pressure, press into your breast tissue with the pads of your fingertips, examining up as far as your collarbone, and as far to the sides as your armpits. Next, move to 1:00, 2:00, and so on, until you’ve examined the entire breast. Once you have finished examining your left breast, raise your right arm over your head, and repeat the procedure on your right breast.
Dr. Lark recommends that all women ages 20 and older perform monthly breast self-exams and have their physician do a clinical breast exam every year—at the same time they have their annual Pap smear. Starting good health practices early in life has been shown to increase compliance over time.
Women over 65 need to be especially vigilant with their screenings, as nearly 50 percent of all new cases occur in this small segment of the population (13 percent of all women), yet result in two-thirds of all breast cancer-related deaths.
Last month we learned that my mother-in-law has breast cancer. The tumor was small, and removed a few weeks ago, along with a couple lymph nodes that were tested and came back clear. She began radiation treatments this week.
My grandmother was also breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in the late 1970's, had a mastectomy, and remained clear of the disease for the rest of her life. I was upset to learn about my mother-in-law's diagnosis, not only for her, but also for what this means for my girls. Knowing that family history is a risk factor, I worry about what this latest diagnosis means for them.
There have been many advances in breast cancer research and treatments since my grandmother's mastectomy 30 years ago. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month we've done a number of wonderful blogs on this site discussing new, natural ways to deal with this retched disease.
My editor, who lives in Tampa, forwarded me a column that appeared in her local newspaper about one woman's account dealing with menopause hot flashes. While this woman's story was obviously meant to be rather light-hearted and humorous (at least to the reader!), I also have a great deal of empathy for her. I have worked with countless patients who have suffered from menopause hot flashes and night sweats that were not just annoying, but downright debilitating--just like this writer's.
Fortunately, in about half of menopausal women, hot flashes disappear within a year. If you suffer from menopause hot flashes, remember, there are effective natural solutions--including supplements and even acupressure--that can provide real relief. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is also an excellent option for some women--but be sure to talk to your doctor about this, since you'll need a prescription for it.
I encourage you to try these therapies out and find a an effective combination that works for you.
Nothing says “breast health” like good nutrition. In addition to the benefits of DIM and Brassica vegetables, there are several other powerful nutrients that can promote not only healthy breasts, but overall health. Best of all, they include a supplement, food, and beverage, so it's a breeze to incorporate these changes into your life.
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids, found in soy, buckwheat, alfalfa sprouts, the inner peel of citrus fruits, and many berries, are a natural source of plant estrogens that may help protect women from developing hormone-related cancers, strengthen blood vessels, and reduce inflammation.
Dr. Lark recommends 700–2,000 mg per day.
Flaxseed
This small, amazing seed benefits every cell, organ and system in the body. It helps maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels, supports healthy breast tissue, and even provides moisture to skin and joints. It’s easy to add flax to your diet. Just sprinkle two tablespoons of milled flaxseed over oatmeal or yogurt or blend into a smoothie once or twice a day.
Green Tea
Research continues to identify specific ways the polyphenols found in green tea fight cancer. The growing list already includes the following impressive actions:
They prevent the formation of cancer-causing compounds, including nitrosamines (formed when the nitrites in cured foods bind with amino acids).
They directly detoxify certain cancer-causing agents.
They block carcinogen activity by binding to tissue receptor sites. Polyphenols bind to receptor sites on breast tissue, preventing carcinogens (tumor promoters, hormones, and growth factors) from binding to and harming the cells. In essence, the polyphenols “seal off” the tissue from invasion by carcinogens.
Dr. Lark recommends drinking at least two to thee cups of green tea per day.
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