Makeripples

Excerpt from “Women’s Health-Looking at the Natural View”

In 1966 a book called Feminine Forever by Robert Wilson MD was the first to openly tout the benefits of HRT. He claimed that everything from wrinkles to depression were menopausal issue related to estrogen deficiency. His claims have since been disproved, but not before countless women ingested this toxic estrogen.

By 1970 clinical studies found links to women taking estrogen having high rates of endometrial cancer. It was this information that caused drug companies to add progesterone to the estrogen. Still touting claims of a miracle cure for a variety of symptoms the “balanced” estrogen, which contained synthetic progesterone, became the good guy and the “Unopposed” estrogen became the bad guy. HRT was remarketed stating that the NEW blend would prevent everything from heart disease to osteoporosis. While some data supported these claims, no major clinical studies have ever proven these facts.

The “Women’s Health Initiative” (WHI) studies showed an increase in breast cancer in women who take HRT for more than 4 years. It is a known fact that estrogen causes breast tissue to proliferate.

Other notable facts from the WHI, are that estrogen that is unopposed causes increased rates of endometrial cancer. They also found increases in heart disease, strokes, and blood clots in women taking HRT. It certainly seems that not only should you not use HRT to prevent heart disease but in fact you should NOT take HRT if you have even a slight risk of heart disease.

Be aware that synthetic estrogens are also present in such drugs as tamoxifen and birth control pills, patches and time released injections.

On May 31, 2002, The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) stopped its 16,608 woman study after 5.2 years of monitoring. The study was aimed at investigating the long-term effects of estrogens and synthetic progestins on menopausal women. The goal of this study was to determine how well this combination of drugs prevented heart disease and hip fractures and to analyze its effects on breast and colon cancer.

Why did NIH stop this study? - The study was halted when researchers looking at preliminary data determined that the use of these drugs to combat symptoms of menopause caused an increased risk of invasive breast cancer. How much of an increase? Women who were taking this combination of drugs experienced a 26 percent increase in risk of developing breast cancer. NIH scientists determined that the increased risk of breast cancer was not offset by a lower incidence of hip fractures or any possible benefit to the heart from the drugs.

Skilled herbalists know that not all women respond to Black Cohosh. NSP also offers isoflavones from Soy and Red Clover, Wild Yam with or without Chaste Tree (Vitex), Dong Quai and Progesterone creams are also good choices.

While conventional HRT aims to reduce heart disease and hip fractures, it increases the risk of cancers. But natural products like soy, Flax Seed and Omega-3 Fatty Acids all have very impressive evidence suggesting that these products may help maintain cholesterol levels already within the normal range, reduce hot flashes, increase bone density and help offset some of the effects of endogenous estradiol. (That’s the estrogen that your body naturally produces) Flax and omega-3 fatty acids may also help maintain a positive mental outlook, and support joint health and mobility. It is very important to digest these fats as well as ingest them. If you tend to carry stress in your shoulders, feeling a frequent need to roll or massage the trapezius muscle (that’s the one on the back of your shoulders), then you may have an issue with digestion of these precious nutrients. Try nourishing the liver and taking supplemental lipase (Enzyme Solutions #2 or NSP's Hi-Lipase).

It was good news to hear that the medical community has dispelled the Myth of the benefits of HRT and has taken steps to protect women. This is clearly a case where bad news is good news for women’s health.

If you are taking HRT medical authorities do not suggest stopping cold turkey. Sudden hormone drops may cause symptoms like hot flashes. They suggest that you slowly taper off. If this is the case send a bit of extra nourishment to your adrenal glands in the form of Vitamin B-5 or Licorice Root and pay attention to your protein consumption. Be sure you are getting enough.

“Women’s Health-Looking at the Natural View” - This is an audio seminar which discusses, in depth, the issues dealing with women's health from the child bearing years to menopause. Get the facts on HRT, synthetic estrogens and other issues. 2 hours and 12
minutes of information that may change your life!