Natural Remedies For Menopause...

        Understanding Your Herbal Choices....

Over the years Doctor’s have prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, however we are now aware that this is not the safest or most effective choice for women. There are many herbal choices for women, that along with diet, nutritional supplements, and exercise have been found to be as effective or more effective then the dangerous HRT.

As a women’s body prepares for menopause (the point at which she stops ovulating) her production of the hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone by the ovaries slow down. Estrogen is needed by many cells in the body for many functions such as to help control the internal temperature of the body, keep the skin moist, bone formation, and keeping the vaginal lining, and bladder healthy. When estrogen production slows by the ovaries it is the job of the adrenal glands to pick up production of this hormone. Progesterone is important during the second part of the menstrual cycle as it helps to build the lining of the uterus. It is also has a calming effect on the brain and other aspects of the nervous system. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for maintaining a healthy sex drive. As the body works on it’s balancing act during all these hormonal changes many women experience symptoms such as anxiety, dry skin, hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, vaginal dryness, lack of sex drive, loss of concentration, urinary incontinence, and weight gain.

The following program using herbs and vitamins to support the natural hormone changes women experiences during menopause and perimenopause. Because each women is different and the symptoms experienced are from various causes it may take a little playing around with the supplements to find the just right program for you.

Basic Program:

MasterGland This is the base formula for our program, it is designed to nourish the entire glandular system. It contains herbs that balance the ovaries, thyroid, adrenals, liver, kidneys, and bladder. As well as vitamins and minerals to support the glandular system. Take 4 capsules daily.

Flash-ease This is a time released formula allows natural plant estrogens to be released into the bloodstream all day and night long. Plant estrogens mimic the hormones made by our bodies and fit into the same receptor sites in the cells. This blocks excess harmful estrogens, such as those found in breast tissue that cause cancer growth, or fills the need for more estrogens during such times as menopause. The formula contains standardized black cohosh and dong quai. Natural plant estrogens carry none of the side effects associated with HRT.

Take one tablet at morning and bedtime

Note: If you are fading off your HRT ,many women find that they get good success using the Flash-Ease one day, then their HRT the next day. Do this for a week, then use Flash-Ease 2 days, HRT one day, continue this for a week or two, gradually replacing the HRT with the herbal formula.

• Some women require 2 Flash-Ease twice daily initially, if they have been on a stronger HRT.

Pro-G-Yam Cream This is a fragrance free body cream containing wild yam and progesterone. Wild Yam extract contains diosgenin a natural precursor to progesterone.

Each ounce contains 5 mg. progesterone. Research shows that progesterone helps reduce the incidences of hot flashes, it protects against cancer and fibrocystic cysts, as well as increasing the beneficial effects of thyroid hormone. Place 1/4 teaspoon of cream in the palm of your hand, apply as directed on the label once or twice daily.

* If you prefer a capsule rather than the cream you may use Wild Yam/Chaste Tree combination 1-2 capsules twice daily.

To personalize your program consider the following supplements:

After trying the basic program for 4 weeks and evaluating the results, you may wish to add some supplements to personalize your program. There are many supplements that help to alleviate symptoms of menopause because of their indirect effect on hormones or hormonal functions.

Vitamin E Well known for its ability to reduce hot flashes it also helps lessen vaginal thinning and dryness. Start with 400IU daily. Many doctors recommend gradually increasing to 400IU twice per day until hot flashes are relieved, then gradually decreasing back to 400IU over time.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) - These Fatty acids are natural precursors to natural hormones. They are very important in the diet but very hard to obtain.

Evening Primrose Oil supplies fatty acids which help to stimulate the production of hormones, lessen hot flashes, and regulate nerve transmission. They have been helpful with hair loss, dry scaly skin, and painful joints as well. EFA’s are particularly helpful with PMS tension and painful fibrocystic breasts. Many women have found benefit by taking 2-3 evening primrose daily. You can also increase your intake of essential fatty acids by adding flaxseed, raw nuts and sunflower seeds, to your diet and by consuming salmon, albacore tuna, or mackerel fish several times per week. For those of you who find it hard to regularly add these foods to your diet, supplementing with primrose oil may be very helpful.

Citrus Bioflavonoids The bioflavonoids are nutritional factors that are found naturally in foods and plants high in Vitamin C. They seem to enhance the action of vitamin C. These plant compounds act as phytoestrogens and therefore helpful in balancing menopausal hormones. They have been found to be helpful in relieving hot flashes. Another area that they are well known for is strengthening your veins and capillaries. Excessive bruising, varicose veins, or being prone to hemorrhoids are good indicators that you need more bioflavonoids. 1 tablets 3 times daily.

Insomnia - Sleep disturbances is a common problem with menopause. Part of the problem is caused by the hot flashes, which can be helped by the basic program above. But for many women sleep disturbances have been going on long before menopause set in. If you add in the prior lack of sleep, the added hot flashes and irritability, it’s no wonder a woman has a hard time functioning during early menopause. Calcium and magnesium are very important for a good night’s sleep. They feed the nervous system and help prevent irritability, muscle cramps, clenching of the teeth, constipation, and sleep problems. As well as help prevent bone loss associated with menopause. To help correct this problem I recommend Skeletal Strength This product combines calcium and magnesium along with several other necessary vitamin and mineral co-factors to ensure proper calcium absorption.Take 2 tablets 2-3 times daily.

Herbal Sleep This combination of valerian, passionflower, and hops, supports restful sleep, and provides soothing and calming properties. A great formula for those who really have a hard time sleeping, or those under high stress that can’t unwind at night. Take 3-4 capsules prior to bedtime.

For Women Under Stress - your adrenal glands are your stress glands, they help you to handle day to day stresses. However, lack of nutrients from a less then perfect diet, combined with an abundance of stresses on a day to day basis causes your adrenal glands to become weak. As menopause begins and your ovaries decrease their production of estrogen and progesterone it is your adrenal glands job to take over production of these hormones. If your adrenal glands are stressed out and exhausted they can’t handle the job, this causes too rapid a drop in hormone levels, which triggers the symptoms of menopause. The following supplements help support stress:

Nutri-Calm This combination of B-vitamins, Vitamin C and calming herbs support your adrenals under stress. Lack of B-vitamins causes irritability, fatigue, poor digestion, and /or a nervous energy that makes you go, go, go all day, but then drops around 9pm. Excessive worry, and blood sugar imbalances are also a signs of low B-vitamins. Coffee, nicotine, and caffeine further deplete your B-vitamins.

Take 1 tablet two to three times daily.

Mineral Chi Tonic This is a unique blend of herbs along with 60 trace minerals needed by the body, as well as extra potassium. The herbs in this formula are called adaptogens, they allow your body to more quickly recover from continuous stress and strengthen the adrenal glands. Several of the herbs help digestion and build the immune system as both areas suffer under stress. The herbs in this formula help increase circulation to the brain, level mood swings, and prevent hot flashes. I personally like this formula as it really helps to increase your energy, as well as deal with stress. The flavor is strong, and not very pleasant, but easily taken when followed by a little juice.

1 tablespoon twice daily, or 2 each morning. Keep Refrigerated after opening.

Loss of Libido - The decline in estrogen and testosterone levels can result in lowered libido. Damiana is a wonderful herb that has been famous as an aphrodisiac since ancient Mayan times. Because of its hormone balancing effects it is helpful in reducing hot flashes as well. Damiana has been used for lifting moods for those with depression, and helping prevent urinary infections, making this an even better choice for menopausal women. It will take a little playing around to discover the best dosage for each individual. 3-6 capsules daily works well for most people.

Depression - A certain amount of depression and mood swings are associated with menopause. Chinese Mood Elevator is a Chinese combination of 18 herbs traditionally used for depression, fatigue, and insomnia. It helps to clear the liver of toxins, and renew the nervous system. The formula is gives a increased sense of well being and renews motivation. Take 4 capsules twice daily. Make sure to drink plenty of water daily while on this formula to help clear your body of excess toxins.