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February 22, 2005
IN THIS ISSUE
MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR MENOPAUSE & HOT FLASHING FEMALES
This kat just happened to be pawing through some scientific journals and came across an article in February’s Integrative Medicine reviewing the current therapies available to improve the symptoms associated with menopause.
The article first discusses the risks with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Since menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, headaches, fatigue, mood swings, etc.) are triggered by the fluctuation and decline of hormones, particularly estrogen, HRT over the years has been the treatment of choice.
However, the article cites over a dozen studies that associate HRT with some serious side effects.
As you may know, estrogen-plus-progestin (synthetic version of progesterone) in HRT clinical trials proved to increase the risk of heart disease, blood clots, stroke, dementia and breast cancer. And estrogen-only HRT also increased risks of stroke and blood clots.
The persnickety question for some time has been: Can the benefits possibly outweigh the risks?
NATURAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
Natural hormone replacement therapy (also called “bio-identical') is the use of naturally-formulated hormones, which originate from plant sources.
These hormones are forms of estrogen or progesterone that are derived from plants. They function just as human hormones do in the body. They are chemically indistinguishable.
Micronized progesterone (pharmaceutical-grade or USP) is a natural form of progesterone and has the most visibility and good press. This natural progesterone is identical to the progesterone produced by the human body.
Fast factoid: “micronized” means that progesterone has been broken down into tiny particles for steady absorption.
Natural progesterone – the biochemical precursor to estrogen – alone can restore estrogen levels to normal levels and eliminate menopause symptoms in many women.
CO-OP’S NATURAL PROGESTERONE PLUS
The Co-op’s Progesterone Plus cream is just that – pharmaceutical-grade, micronized progesterone that delivers progesterone – all without side effects often experienced with oral prescriptions.
Each jar of our Progesterone Plus contains 1000mg per 2 oz jar. With as little as 1/8 of a teaspoon, you can apply 10 mg of natural progesterone.
If you have any questions, just ask Teri. She’s right in the middle of those nasty hot flashes. For more information, take a peak at this natural ally during menopause: Progesterone Plus.
OTHER NATUROPATHIC METHODS FOR MANAGING MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS
The Integrative Medicine article also outlines dietary, lifestyle and herbal-management options to facilitate a more pleasant transition through menopause.
The research recommends the following naturopathic methods:
1. Increase phytoestrogen-containing foods such as soy, flaxseed, nuts, whole grains and legumes, to name a few. Although weaker than natural estrogen, phytoestrogens bind to estrogen receptors, thus helping to stabilize healthy hormonal levels.
2. Include prebiotic and probiotic foods. Prebiotics are non-digestible foods (like dietary fiber) that provide substrates for bacteria contained in probiotics.
Probiotics are found in fermented foods (like yogurt) as well as in supplements and are used to introduce or enhance friendly bacteria colonies. Interestingly enough, these little critters convert lignans -- a source of valuable phytoestrogens -- into constituents that can be metabolized more easily.
3. Avoid hot and spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, refined carbohydrates and prolonged stress. All of these no-no’s can trigger symptoms, particularly those uncomfortable hot flashes that I’m always hearing way too much about!
4. Ensure adequate calcium in diet. Lower levels of estrogen can increase the risk of osteoporosis – particularly post-menopause. Calcium maintenance is a critical part in reducing osteoporosis risk.
5. Exercise! How many times has this kat told ya! Exercise increases those little endorphins that help those wretched mood swings.
6. Be happy! Research shows that a positive attitude can help reduce the symptoms of menopause.
7. Include herbal medicines, such as much-studied black cohosh.
Black cohosh comes from the root and rhizome of a North American woodland plant. Native Americans valued this herb, using it for many conditions, ranging from rattlesnake bites to menstrual cramps.
A variety of controlled studies have indicated that the use of black cohosh in treating menopause symptoms is beneficial. Even though the mechanism of action is not quite understood, the studies showed black cohosh relieves not only hot flashes, but also depression and vaginal atrophy. In addition, the herb is well-tolerated and safe.
That brings us to the Co-op’s Menopause Formula. The Co-op’s Menopause Formula not only has a substantial amount of black cohosh, but also dong quai, soy isoflavones, hesperidin (a flavonoid from citrus), vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamins B6 & B12. Click here for more details on our Menopause Formula.
A GROCERY LIST FOR OUR MATURE FEMALE AUDIENCE
So, if you’re one of our menopausal ladies (or want to help such a lady), here are our top product picks and our fabulous prices after our current 20% discount:
* Progesterone Plus – $5.46!
* Menopause Formula - $7.98!
* Probiotics - $11.11!
* Calcium with Magnesium – $4.60!
HEALTH IN THE NEWS
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Laughter can increase hope: http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/509944/?sc=mwtn
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Heart health in women connected to social circles: http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/509919/?sc=mwtn
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Wine keeps women’s hearts beating healthily: http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/509799/?sc=mwtn
It’s a good thing that everyone is stocking up now, ‘cause Cindy and Teri will be heading to Tucson for the Nutrition & Health conference in March. This kat hopes there won’t be a lot happening while they’re gone.
Meanwhile, enjoy the sale while it lasts, and please do tell a friend who would appreciate getting a break on supplements that we carry!
That’s it for now.
Still purringly yours,
Guido
Guido Housemouser (The Enforcer) ^..^
Chief Kat and Community Manager
Our Health Co-op
931 Village Blvd, Suite 905-480
West Palm Beach FL 33409
Making Health Affordable Together