Signs of Menopause

How did this happen? One day I woke worried about treating the occasional blemish and now I wake up worried about smile lines and forehead creases. When did I switch from needing anti-acne skin care to wrinkle free skin care? (Answer? About three years ago!)

Fortunately, the natural anti aging skin care market is exploding the pure, natural, and effective treatments for anti aging/anti wrinkles. And my two favorite are Organic Natralox and the Revenir system.

What I love about Organic Natralox is that it not only uses safe, naturally derived ingredients, but it is clinically proven to reduce wrinkles 30 to 50 percent in just one month! Plus, it helps minimize the appearance of age spots and other visible signs of aging, protects against free-radical damage, and reduces skin dryness and flaking.

As for Revenir, you can can’t get any more basic and yet high-tech that this. Revenir is a hand-held water device that deliver electrolyzed water solutions to help promote wrinkle free skin. In layman’s terms, you add a solution of pure ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and purified water to your Revenir device to create a powerful antioxidant solution that can penetrate your skin’s barrier all the way to the dermis. This is key, as the vast majority of “antioxidant” creams on the market do not get through even the top layer of your skin, let alone penetrating far enough to reach the dermis, where collagen is produced. Plus, the electrolyzation process used by Revenir increases the strength of the antioxidant solution—up to eight times the normal rate. In other words, Revenir fights free radical damage at the cellular level.

As a result, Revenir has been clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, soften rough skin, increase collagen and elastin production, and improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.

Anyone with rosacea knows that the tell-tale signs of the skin condition are ruddy cheeks and small pimples. Although it is unknown why people develop rosacea, we do know that the redness and breakouts are due in part to enlarged, dilated blood vessels. We also know that, for many women, rosacea is one of the side effects of menopause.

Iinitial rosacea symptoms include a flushed appearance on the cheeks, forehead, and nose. If left untreated, symptoms can also develop on the neck, back, ears, scalp, and inside and around the eyes. In an advanced stage, a person may develop a bulbous nose or thickened, distorted patches of skin. Aside from being unsightly, rosacea can be extremely painful. Many women describe it as a stinging or sunburn sensation, due in part from inflammation that occurs during flare-ups.

Avoid Breakouts

The best strategy for treating rosacea is a preemptive one. First and foremost, get diagnosed to be sure you truly have the condition. Next, make a few lifestyle changes that can greatly reduce flare-ups:

• Avoid things that trigger your face to become flushed. These include highly acidic foods, spicy and fried foods, sugar, caffeine, dairy products, trans fatty acids, and alcoholic beverages. The National Rosacea Society has also identified Mexican food; hot sausage; hot peppers; black, red, and white pepper; paprika; vinegar; and garlic as triggers.
• Determine whether any of your cosmetic products are aggravating your condition. Ask your dermatologist to recommend skin-care products that are non-irritating.
• Protect your skin with a sunscreen containing SPF 15 or higher.
• You also need to be careful not to scrub or rub your face roughly. You don’t want to be the cause of your own redness.

Two Treatment Options

• Take a good, high quality multinutrient that contains 25–100 mg of the B-complex vitamins—especially riboflavin (B2), which has been shown to be effective in treatment of rosacea.
• Glycolic acid peels have been used effectively to treat rosacea. Known for their ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, the fruit acids used in glycolic acid peel treatments will significantly improve your skin’s texture, reducing redness and ridding your skin of break-outs.

With Thanksgiving just two days away, you’d think that most people have their meals planned out. However, if the phone calls I’ve received from family and friends are any indication, this is not the case.

One of the things I am most frequently asked for are delicious yet healthy desserts that will please even the most finicky of palates. So, to make good on these requests, here are two easy yet delicious treats that will not only help you balance your estrogen levels, but will have your guests begging for more.

Both of these recipes are adapted from Eat Papayas Naked, by Dr. Lark.

Baked Pears
Serves 2

This recipe is perfect for women with estrogen dominance or for those on a natural weight loss plan.

2 large pears, peeled and halved
¼ cup apple juice
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Core pears and place in a shallow baking dish.
3. Pour apple juice over the pears and sprinkle with nutmeg and cinnamon.
4. Cover dish with tin foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. While pears are baking, toast walnuts in a skillet coated lightly coated with olive oil. Toast until walnuts are lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
6. Divide walnuts evenly among pears and serve warm.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Makes 4–5 dozen

Pumpkin contains beta-carotene, which is a terrific natural skin care ingredient. Plus, the fiber from the oatmeal and the sugar-free benefits of erythritol make these treats perfect for women trying to lose weight!

1 cup canned pumpkin
¾ cup erythritol
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups rolled oats
1 ½ cups Pamela’s gluten-free baking mix
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup currants
Cooking spray

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cream pumpkin and erythritol together until fluffy and well-blended (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until well blended.
4. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients (Pamela’s baking mix through cloves).
5. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and blend well.
6. Add currants and mix well.
7. Spoon 1” balls onto cookie sheet coated with cooking spray, spacing about two inches apart.
8. Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until golden.
9. Cool on wire rack then enjoy!
 

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 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.

Fall is my favorite time of the year. Not only does it mean snuggly sweaters and football, but it is also the time to pull out those soup and stew recipes. As you look through your favorites, keep your hormone type in mind.

If you have low estrogen levels and are experiencing menopause symptoms, you will want to lean toward recipes that are light on the spice and acid and high in vegetables, gluten-free grains, legumes, and seafood/fish.

If you have high estrogen levels and/or are estrogen dominant, then you’ll want to lean toward a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, poultry, fish, eggs, and more acidic condiments like vinegar and lemon juice. You will want to steer away from a grain-heavy diet.

In some cases, you’ll find that perfect recipe that pleases both estrogen profile. And here is just such a one for you!

Butternut Squash Soup
Serves 6

Butternut squash is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C. Beta-carotene helps balance the estrogen excess in women with estrogen dominance, while vitamin C has many menopausal benefits, including the ability to fight heart disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

Plus, the onions in the recipe provide the antioxidant power of quercetin. And with an antiseptic boost from sage, this soup is sure to keep your immune system strong during the cold winter months.

1 cup red onion, chopped
2 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground sage
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups vegetable broth
1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
2 tablespoons soy or rice parmesan cheese (optional)

1. In a soup pot, sauté onion in olive oil over medium heat until soft
2. Add sage, salt, pepper, broth, and squash. Bring to a boil. 
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until squash is soft. 
4. Ladle ¾ of the soup in to a blender or food processor and purée. 
5. Pour back into pot and reheat for 5 minutes. 
6. Stir in parmesan cheese (if desired) and serve.

To soy or not to soy…that is the question I am asked at least once a week. Unfortunately, there’s not a clear answer, even in the research. Part of the problem is lies in the underwriters of many studies. For example, many of the pro-soy studies are funded, in part, by John Deere and other companies that have a vested interest in soy production. On the flip side, some of the anti-soy studies are funded, in part, by the dairy lobby, which has an interest in less soy, more dairy. This makes the already murky waters a bit murkier.

For me, I tend to lean toward less soy less often. Here’s why.

For women with estrogen dominance or those suffering from perimenopause symptoms where estrogen levels are already a bit high, adding more estrogen (albeit phytoestrogen) to the mix doesn’t seem to make rational sense. Now, I’ve heard that the soy blocks the estrogen receptors and blocks you more potent estrogens from locking in and all that; but the reality is, you are adding an additional estrogen to a system that’s already overtaxed. That cannot be good.

For women looking for relief from their menopause symptoms, soy can be a Godsend for the exact same reason it’s questionable for estrogen dominant women. Meaning, you are providing additional estrogen where estrogen levels are low. Sounds good, right? Well, maybe, maybe not.

A study from the May 2002 issue of Cancer Research looked at the interactions between dietary genistein and tamoxifen (an estrogen antagonist used in the treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancer). Researchers implanted estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells in mice who had had their ovaries and thymus removed. They found that genistein negated or overwhelmed the inhibitory effect of tamoxifen. Based on these findings, they urged postmenopausal women to exercise caution when consuming dietary genistein while taking tamoxifen.

Other studies that 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, as well as increased deposition of fat in the liver.

Additionally, Dr. Lark has written in the past that women who have inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, and/or a known allergy or sensitivity to soy should avoid soy. Finally, soy is one of the two most genetically modified (GMO) foods in the United States. That for me is a huge red flag.

My Suggestion

Given all the controversy, the GMO issue, the interaction with tamoxifen, and the possible thyroid concern, I personally err on the side of caution with soy. I limit myself to true soy foods only, meaning edamame (the beans themselves), tofu, and tempeh and always, always organic (eliminates the GMO concern). I also limit my soy consumption to no more than three times a week.

In the May 8, 2009 issue of Menopause, there were two powerful studies that looked at the use of intravaginal DHEA to treat vaginal atrophy.

The researchers explained that DHEA, the “exclusive source of sex steroids in postmenopausal women, is already decreased by 60 percent and continues to decline at the time of menopause.” For this reason, they wanted to determine if intravaginal DHEA could alleviate the symptoms of vaginal atrophy, just one of the effects of menopause.

After 12 weeks, researchers found that daily intravaginal DHEA at doses of 3.25–13 mg was able to “rapidly and efficiently achieve correction of all the signs and symptoms of vaginal atrophy and improve sexual function and caused no or minimal changes in serum sex steroid levels, which all remain within the normal postmenopausal range, thus avoiding the risks of all estrogen formulations.” In other words, DHEA did not raise estrogen levels, which is good news for women who are sensitive to estrogen, or whom have cancer or blood-clotting risks.

Natural Hormone Levels

This is all great news! DHEA has been referred to as the “fountain of youth hormone.” DHEA is one of the five major sex hormones. It is made from pregnenolone, a steroid hormone made from cholesterol that is the precursor to all the other sex hormones.

Pregnenolone converts to the other four sex hormones (DHEA included) via two different pathways. In the first, pregnenolone is converted into DHEA, which is then converted into testosterone and subsequently estrogen. In the second pathway, pregnenolone is converted into progesterone. The progesterone is then converted into testosterone and, finally, into estrogen. This pathway takes place during the first half of your menstrual cycle, when estrogen is the dominant hormone.

In the second pathway, pregnenolone is converted into progesterone. The progesterone is then converted into testosterone and, finally, into estrogen. This pathway occurs during the second half of the menstrual cycle, when progesterone and estrogen are both dominant.

When you are in your reproductive years, or even during premenopause, you experience both pregnenolone pathways. However, once you enter the later stages of menopause, you only go through only the DHEA pathway and not the progesterone pathway. This is one reason why estrogen levels are so much lower during menopause.

DHEA Eases Menopause Symptoms

Low serum (or blood) levels of DHEA have been associated with risk of heart disease, cancer, and immune-related conditions. Conversely, as the study shows, supplementing with DHEA helps with vaginal atrophy, as well as other menopause symptoms, including poor memory, joint pain, increased body fat, insomnia, and more.

According to Dr. Lark, women looking for menopause relief should take 15–25 mg of DHEA before bed. Be careful not to take more than this, as overdosing may result in increased levels of testosterone, which can lead to acne, increased facial hair, or deepened voice. It can also lead to increased estrogen levels, which can cause sleep disturbances, fatigue, anxiety, and irritability.

As is the case with any hormone replacement, you should have your hormone levels checked before you take DHEA. If your levels are low (below 130 ng/dl in blood; under 40 pg/ml in saliva) and you choose to take it in supplemental form, start with the lowest dose, and increase as needed, being careful not to exceed the abovementioned dosage.

Twice a year, I hold week-long SkyLab boot camps with Jackie Warner, star of Bravo TV’s Workout. The most recent boot camp we held was in early June this year.

At the boot camp, Jackie was raving about a new sweetener called Truvia. Because I have seen the ads on TV and in magazines, I was immediately suspicious. Usually, when a “natural” sweetener takes up this type of ad space, it is not very natural. Think Splenda.

As it turns out, my concerns were unnecessary. Truvia is made from rebiana, erythritol, and natural flavors. While I’d like to know a bit more about these “natural flavors,” the other ingredients are fine.

Rebiana comes from the stevia plant, and as you know from my June 26, 2009 posting, I am a huge fan of stevia. Erythritol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is nearly calorie-free. Like other sugar alcohols, erythritol doesn’t spike glucose or insulin levels; however, unlike most sugar alcohols, it doesn’t cause the “laxative” response that come people get with xylitol or maltitol.

All of this makes Truvia a great, sweet option for women suffering from menopause symptoms such as night sweats or hot flashes, as Truvia won’t alter hormone levels. More specifically, it won’t increase estrogen levels, which is a huge plus for women with estrogen dominance.

And, if weight loss is a priority for you this summer, Truvia may be your new best friend. Make it a part of your natural weight loss plan by adding it to oatmeal, green tea, or anything that you want to make just a little bit sweeter.

Hmmm…maybe I can add it to my husband!

When I think of addiction, I go right to alcohol or drugs. But one of the most common (and most dangerous) addictions is sugar addiction.

Like most narcotics, eating a diet high in sugar gives you a “high,” and can help to mask negative feelings like loneliness, depression, resentment, or fear. In fact, sugar has opioid or narcotic properties, meaning it acts like an endorphin in your body. But, like any drug, this lift is short-lived, and soon you need more and more sugar to achieve the same effect.

There is also physical withdrawal from sugar. During the SkyLab bootcamps that I run, we break sugar addictions from the onset. And within four to five days, many of the participants experience sugar withdrawal. This can take the form of shaking, anxiety, low energy, and extreme cravings as they come off sugar. And research has shown this detox to be very real.

In a study published in the June 2002 issue of Obesity Research, scientists deprived rats of food for 12 hours, then fed them a glucose solution for the next 12 hours. Withdrawal was then induced using either 24 hours of food deprivation or the withdrawal drug naloxone. In both cases, the rats showed signs of withdrawal, including teeth chattering, shaking, and tremors. Researchers concluded that withdrawal from repeated, excessive sugar intake created symptoms that were similar to those of withdrawal from morphine and nicotine.

Sugar Wreaks Havoc on Female Hormones

Sugar depletes your body of important nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This leaching actually leads to cravings and binges as your body desperately seeks to replenish the nutrients that have been taken away.

It also increases estrogen levels, which can exacerbate estrogen dominance and worsen menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopause problems.

Sugar Sabotages Weight Loss

If you have a few extra pounds you have been fighting to lose, then sugar may be the culprit. Sugar is a born enemy of natural weight loss. Sugar contributes to false fat, increases inflammation, and can worsen digestive problems. It also provides empty calories, meaning you tend to overeat sugary, starchy foods without ever really feeling full and satisfied.

So, if you are looking to lose weight, reduce the appearance of cellulite, and regain appetite control, cut the sugar…today!

Sugar Damages Your Skin

Sugary foods overstimulate your sebaceous glands and can trigger excess oil production. They can also contribute to blood sugar imbalances, which can worsen symptoms of anxiety and stress, both of which can lead to breakouts. Who needs acne at our age!

Sugar also has a vasoconstrictive effect, which translates to decreased circulation to the skin. This can lead to wrinkles and sallow-looking skin. So wrinkle-free skin is your goal, then losing the sugar is the best natural skin care program you can find.

Overcoming Sugar Addiction

Beating any addiction can be difficult, and sugar is no different. I have found that the best way to break your sugar addiction is to go cold-turkey. This means no candy, bakery items, sugary coffee drinks, etc. Nada. Nothing.

This will take about five days to completely break. In that time, lean on fruits when you need a sweet treat, and drink lots and lots of water and herbal tea to help flush the sugar out of your system.

You can also try using to of the nutrients Dr. Lark recommends for controlling your appetite and reducing cravings. These include 5-HTP and chromium.

5-HTP is the precursor to serotonin, a critical neurotransmitter in your brain that influences mood and diminishes hunger. Take 50 mg of 5-HTP twice per day. Take it with half of an apple and 50–100 mg of vitamin B6 to facilitate uptake into the brain.  

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that is necessary for controlling blood sugar and helping to reduce food cravings. Aim for 100–200 mcg of chromium picolinate once or twice per day.

As I’m sure you’ve heard, the FDA issued a consumer advisory regarding several Hydroxycut products on May 1, 2009. (Hydroxycut products are supplements geared at promoting weight loss, fat burning, increased energy and metabolism, and decreased appetite.)

According to the FDA, they have received 23 reports over the course of seven years that people taking Hydroxycut products experienced serious liver-related problems. The FDA advisory goes on to state, “Although the liver damage appears to be relatively rare, FDA believes consumers should not be exposed to unnecessary risks.” As a result of the FDA advisory, Iovate Health Sciences (the manufacturer of Hydroxycut products) issued a voluntary recall of the products in question.

This recall shows, yet again, that the idea of “weight loss in a bottle” is a myth. As Dr. Lark has written about time and again and I have preached in seminar and retreats several times over, the “secret” to effective weight loss is (drum roll please!)…exercise and proper nutrition.

That being said, there are a few tricks laying right in your refrigerator or kitchen cabinet that can make your weight loss efforts, well, effortless, such as green tea and flaxseed. Then there are the things that should NOT be in your frig or cupboard…things like wheat and dairy. Let me explain.

Both wheat and dairy are common food allergens. For some, this can translate to very serious conditions such as celiac disease (wheat and gluten allergy) or lactose intolerance (dairy allergy). However, thousands of women have developed an intolerance to these foods. The result is often “false fat” due to inflammation of the digestive system.

When you think of inflammation, you most likely think of swelling around a knee or bruise. But the reality is that no matter where an injury occurs, the physical manifestations are the same—pain, stiffness, and swelling. Therefore, when certain foods irritate or “injure” your intestinal tract, the abdomen and midriff can swell, resulting in bloating and fluid retention in the abdomen—this is false fat. Simply avoiding foods that contain wheat and dairy can result in a flatter tummy for many women.

And if you are looking for delicious way to boost your metabolism and burn calories, skip the hype and just brew up a cup of green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, which appear to block the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, a brain chemical that regulates your metabolism. The higher your levels of norepinephrine, the faster your metabolism, which in turn allows you to burn calories even more efficiently. To reap the full benefits of green tea for weight loss, aim for drinking three 8-ounce cups of green tea a day. This is enough to provide roughly 240 to 320 mg of polyphenols.

And if you are looking for an easy, healthy way to decrease your appetite, try flaxseed. Flaxseed is living proof that great things do come in small packages. Flax is a great source of fiber, which has been shown to enhance weight loss, help in weight management, and decrease feelings of hunger. It does this by increasing bulk and helping to reduce appetite, thereby producing feelings of satiety.

Plus, flax contains essential fatty acids (great for skin, hair, energy levels, and heart protection), as well as phytoestrogens, weakly estrogenic plant nutrients that bind with your body’s estrogen receptors, mimicking the effects of estrogen. This is good news for anyone suffering from menopause symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, or other signs of menopause. Aim for 4–6 tablespoons of ground flaxseed a day. Simply sprinkle on dairy-free yogurt or oatmeal in the morning, over a salad at lunch or dinner, or add to your favorite smoothie as a snack.
 

With all the discussion surrounding conventional hormone replacement therapy and bioidentical hormones, it’s no wonder that women are at a loss for ANY solution, natural or otherwise, to their menopause symptoms. If you are looking for a quick, easy, effective, and delicious option to ease the discomfort of night sweats, hot flashes, and other signs of menopause, then soy is for you.

Soy contains phytoestrogens, weak, estrogen-like plant compounds. The specific phytoestrogens found in soy are genistein and diadzein. They are also often referred to as isoflavones. These soy isoflavones have been shown ease menopausal symptoms in thousands of women.

Plus, eating soy-based foods has other long-term health benefits. For example, soy does not appear to have a carcinogenic effect on uterine cells or breast tissue. Plus, the EFAs in soy are good for heart health and supple skin.

To ensure you are getting adequate amounts of soy in your diet, Dr. Lark suggests aiming for 50–100 mg of soy isoflavones per day. This translates to two cups of soy milk (35–40 mg in one glass), ½ cup of edamame (150 mg in ½ cup), or one cup of tofu (35 mg in ½ cup). Just be sure to always, always choose organic soy products, as soy is one of the two most common genetically modified crops in the United States.

Here are a few easy and delectable ways to ensure you are getting enough soy in your diet:

• Make a smoothie for breakfast. Mix one cup soy milk with one banana, a handful of strawberries, one tablespoon of ground flaxseed, and a few cubes of ice. Blend well and enjoy your 70 to 80 mg of soy isoflavones.
• Enjoy a hormone-healthy salad for lunch. Mix 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce with one tomato (diced), ½ a cucumber (diced), ½ cup edamame (whole soybeans), and 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds. Toss with a bit of extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar and enjoy.
• Whip up an easy dessert. Place four ounces soft tofu, one cup mango, one cup papaya, and 1 teaspoon honey in a blender. Mix well and share with a friend. You’ll each get about 15 to 20 mg of soy isoflavones.
   

Ever since the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported on the dangers of conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the July 17, 2002 issue of the journal, women have been scrambling to find a safer, yet still effective treatment for menopause symptoms.

In case you are not familiar with the study, JAMA reported on the findings from one part of the Women’s Health Initiative, an 8.5 year project funded by the National Institutes of Health. According to the findings, menopausal women taking estrogen/progestin for five years or more had an increased risk for blood clots, coronary heart disease, strokes, and breast cancer. In fact, researchers felt so strongly about the negative implications of long-term combined HRT, especially the unacceptably high risk for breast cancer, that they ended the study three years early! Participants were contacted and instructed to stop taking the drug—immediately.

As you can imagine, the pharmaceutical companies have been in a panic ever since, as hundreds of thousands of women have stopped taking their medication and look to natural medicine for answers…answers that many have found in bioidentical hormones.

Dr. Lark has written about and prescribed bioidentical hormones for more than 20 years. In fact, in our book Hormone Revolution, we have devoted several pages to the topic. And when it comes to using bioidentical hormones to treat menopause symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, and other signs of menopause, the most commonly prescribed hormone is estriol.

Given the sudden drought in conventional HRT usage (and therefore loss of money to pharmaceutical companies), as well as the increased interest and media attention surrounding the usage and efficacy of bioidentical hormones—namely estriol—it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the FDA is now cracking down on these natural options.

According to the FDA’s Web site, the “use of ‘bio-identical’ as a marketing term implying a benefit for the drug, for which there is no medical or scientific basis.” They even go so far as to state that estriol “is not a component of an FDA-approved drug and has not been proven safe and effective for any use.”

This is simply ridiculous and just plain outrageous. Estriol is the weakest, and therefore safest, of your three main types of estrogen. It has been studied in various animal and human studies and has been shown to be less likely to promote excessive tissue growth, and even helps prevent breast and endometrial cancers.

To me, that seems to contradict the “not been proven safe” part of the FDA’s statement. And, as for the “not been proven effective for any use,” I cannot help but wonder if the FDA is familiar with the JAMA study that found that estriol was particularly effective in treating vaginal atrophy, mood swings, and hot flashes. Or, how about study from Alternative Medicine Review, which found that estriol provided the protection of conventional hormone replacement therapy without the risks. Plus, estriol was found to ease menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and urinary tract infections.

Don’t be fooled by the FDA’s “concerns.” Sadly, in this arena, their main concern seems to be with the pharmaceutical company’s checkbooks, not your health. Keep yourself informed by reading blogs, newsletters, and informative emails from trusted sources and doing research for yourself. And fight for your right to natural alternatives to all your health concerns.

Yesterday on Oprah, Robin McGraw (Dr. Phil’s wife) and Dr. Christiane Northrup discussed menopause and the effect it had on a woman’s life. In the course of the conversation, they talked about the pluses and minuses of bioidentical hormone therapy.

I was not able to watch the show, but I pulled video and some text off Oprah’s Web site to see if I could get the gist of the story. Two particular conversations were especially poignant to me. The first was Robin McGraw’s statement that her mother never discussed her experiences with menopause with her.

It is amazing to me that, as women, we can discuss everything from our favorite books and recipes to the best hair salon or ob/gyn. But when it comes to really discussing how we feel, both physically and emotionally, we tend to hold back. Why is that? What’s wrong with saying that you have unbearable hot flashes, bed-soaking night sweats, or excruciating menstrual cramps? Even more difficult is admitting that we are sad, disappointed, irritable, or, God forbid, angry.

What are we afraid of? That someone will judge us as less than? Ladies, we need to be gentler with ourselves and our gender in general. These are tough times we are all living through and no one has the magic answer in how to cope with them. The best we can do is to be compassionate, share our feelings and experiences, and be there for each other.

The second thing that struck me was when Robin discussed changes in her overall attitude, sharing that she was normally a happy person and always smiling and that she felt as if she was losing that. Wow did that hit home personally!

It seems like, lately, I have been completely out of sorts. It wasn’t until I read Robin’s quote that it occurred to me that I might need to adjust my hormone protocol. I had a really solid program that has been incredibly beneficial for me for the past five to six years. But in the last six months, I have undergone IVF treatments (two). Of course it makes sense that my hormones may have been affected for longer than simply the weeks I was taking the hormone medications.

As Dr. Northrup indicated on the show, an imbalance in any other the key sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone) can lead to a whole host of physical and emotional side effects. For me, irritability was the one that was the most notable (to others beside myself, I’m sure!). And, sure enough, too little progesterone can lead to irritability.

You’d think I’d know better! After all, in Hormone Revolution, Dr. Lark and I talk at length about the signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance. Looks like a classic case of the shoemaker’s kids going without shoes!

And while both Dr. Lark and Dr. Northrup are big advocates of bioidentical hormone therapy (and for good reason!), I think I’ll just readjust a few of my supplements and try a progesterone cream for now. Hopefully my hormones—and my mood—will come back into balance soon.