Women in the millions are headed by a shift-change, rather that not-so-magical moment of a woman's life when her ovaries decide to call it departs. Doctors call it "menopause, women have other names for the phenomenon dreaded experiencing, usually between the ages of 45 and 55. Traditional Western medicine has been limited to forms that could support women who come to their physician with complaints classic-menopausal hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and memory or concentration difficulties. For these women, the options have been limited to two: 1) hormone replacement therapy with drugs that contain estrogen and progesterone, hormones that the ovaries stop making at menopause, or 2) living with her.
Today, however, women are demanding more choices of ways they can be more comfortable without having to rely on synthetic hormone therapy. Leaving aside the traditional medical therapy, herbal remedies have become increasingly popular for women who want to make a good natural menopause, but the transition. In a three-part series of articles, I will discuss the various medicinal herbs for menopause and help you make an informed decision about what is best for you.
One of the most popular herbs for menopausal symptoms is black Cohosh root, harvested from a bush native plants and parts of eastern North americas. It has been used widely in Europe as a treatment for menopausal hot flashes and is gaining popularity in the U.S.. The way black Cohosh works to control hot flashes is interesting and worth discussion. Unfortunately, most painless means a mini-conference on menopause and why hot flashes occur. Therefore, if you are for it ...
When a woman approaches menopause, your ovaries basically raise awareness and stop producing the usual amount of estrogen and progesterone, hormones normally produced cycle in women menstruating. The brain, sensing the relative lack of female hormones, starts sending chemical signals in an attempt to attract the ovaries to "pick up the pace a bit and produce more hormones. These brain chemicals are called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The women in menopause have many of these hormones in their bodies. Scientists believe that fluctuations in the highest levels of LH, in particular, are the causes of hot flashes.
Enter Cohosh black. When taken for menopausal symptoms, the herb attaches itself to some of the same receptors in the body that estrogen does and tricks the brain into thinking it is really estrogen. The LH levels are reduced hot flashes and get better. Easy, huh?
Well, not exactly. If black Cohosh can fool the brain into thinking it is estrogen, it does act like estrogen in other ways? More importantly, does carry the same risk of stimulating the growth of estrogen-sensitive cancers (such as some breast and uterine cancer) as well as estrogen real? Although not completely understood scientifically, recent evidence suggests that black Cohosh has minimal estrogenic properties. This means that while grants to estrogen receptors and estrogen, not "become" receptors in the same way as estrogen. Apart from its effects on the brain LH secretion, it is not known to stimulate the lining of the uterus or do any other of the commonly known estrogen does things. In other words, part of the body is fooled into thinking black Cohosh is the estrogen, but not all of it.
So what does all this mean? If science can prove that black Cohosh reduces levels of LH but does not act like estrogen completely, this may be an excellent option for postmenopausal women at risk for estrogen-sensitive cancers that otherwise would not be candidates for traditional therapy Hormone replacement. The "jury" is still in this, but I personally am very hopeful that this will be the case.
If you're willing to give black Cohosh an example, here's what you need to know before heading to the store to buy some. Look for a brand reputation that gives the dose of black Cohosh as an "extract". The daily dose should be approximately 80 milligrams of extract. Sometimes, other herbs are mixed with the black Cohosh and called for a "formula of menopause." This is probably fine, but as you can learn in the following articles, each herb is not as effective or as safe Cohosh black and he can invite the undesirable side effects. Take it for a month or so and see how he feels. There has been no scientific studies on black Cohosh beyond 6 months of use to see your healthcare provider if you want to use the grass for that.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Feminine Forever? More Herbs for Menopause
Menopause is the ideal audience for marketers of all types of medical devices. Overwhelmed by the symptoms do not like and just understand, menopausal women are desperate for relief and exceptionally sensitive to complaints from manufacturers of products that supposedly "cured" of their illnesses and menopause avoid the aging process. Now, do not get me wrong. The traditional doctors are as guilty when writing prescriptions for synthetic estrogen and progestin for menopausal and tell their patients the drug will be those of getting heart disease and osteoporosis. What I have done myself. I think, what woman does not want to hear the answer to all their problems is packed in a small pill? If menopause is a state of estrogen and progesterone deficiency, why not just replace what is missing and things back the way it was?
I wish that were so easy. Medicines and, yes, even natural herbs risks and benefits. None offers the perfect answer, especially when it comes to menopause. Two natural products promoted as potentially useful for menopausal symptoms are dong quai and wild yam extract. According to the see-before-you-leap philosophy of this site, I think it would be worthwhile to look more closely at each of these before rushing to buy.
First, let's look at wild yam. Just to get this straight, did not eat for Thanksgiving last year. Wild yam comes mainly from Mexico and is unrelated to the type we eat. In the years 1940, it was discovered that the wild yam contains diosgenin, a chemical precursor of progesterone found naturally in humans. Nothing much came to the conclusion, commercially speaking, because shortly thereafter, pharmaceutical companies have found a way to manufacture a synthetic progesterone-like chemical that was, quite frankly, an easier way to make money. Such synthetic progesterone found in birth control pills and in most forms medically prescribed hormone replacement therapy for menopause. Recently, however, natural progesterone has made a return, especially in a topical cream applied in which the progesterone (derived from wild yam) is absorbed through the skin. Available nonprescription, does not have to imitate the body of natural progesterone, is actually the same chemical that we have in our bodies.
Is this type of product? Probably. The saliva tests to show predictable progesterone increases several hours after progesterone cream is applied to the skin. Moreover, studies have shown improvement, especially in premenopausal symptoms such as fluid retention, heavy or irregular menstrual cycles, depression and mood swings that actually precede the cessation of menstruation for several years. In women with hot flashes and night sweats, there is some evidence that wild yam cream alone provide relief without the simultaneous use of estrogen, a necessary condition "ingredient" of medically-prescribed therapy. This is good news for those who are concerned about the Estrogens related risks such as breast or uterine cancer and blood clots. The risk of osteoporosis, too, is probably reduced by the use of wild yam cream.
So what is the disadvantage? Wild yam cream is not entirely natural. Remember I said that contain wild yam "diosgenin" and not actually progesterone. His body can not make the chemical change itself so that the wild yam has to go through a laboratory for chemical conversion before it can be effective. That is not a bad thing as far as I'm concerned, but beware of someone trying to sell land of fresh wild yam field of menopause therapy.
The product you buy should have already been converted to progesterone (although the label does not necessarily say that) and should be able to provide a concentration of progesterone so that the amount to be applied between 15 and 20 milligrams per day. A concentration of about 400 milligrams per ounce is a good idea. Again, not really "natural" but the end result is a chemical that is identical to progesterone.
Dong quai, also known as angelic china, is a traditional remedy herbal found in many "support for menopause" formulas available at the pharmacy or health food store. Chinese herbalists cree that has the ability to "balance" the female hormone system and is known to improve uterine cramps.
Although dong quai is backed by centuries of use in herbal medicine china, modern studies do not support its effectiveness for menopausal symptoms. A 1997 study showed no benefit from dong quai over placebo in postmenopausal women with hot flashes. In addition, it carries significant risks if used incorrectly. The root contains a photosensitizing chemical that can cause severe burns or rashes and sensitive women, in others there is the possibility of bleeding complications.
Therefore, the take-home message is this: I can not say that I am particularly excited with dong quai, but if it works for you and you are aware of the risks, by all means use it.
Wild yam cream, on the other hand, has potential. I think if a woman does his homework and buys a product containing adequate amounts of progesterone reputation, it is a good opportunity to get some relief from their symptoms of menopause. Bringing to menopause women who suffer from irregular menstrual cycles heavy cream May actually find this useful as it can provide a respite highly appreciated the often unpredictable cycles of these women have.
I wish that were so easy. Medicines and, yes, even natural herbs risks and benefits. None offers the perfect answer, especially when it comes to menopause. Two natural products promoted as potentially useful for menopausal symptoms are dong quai and wild yam extract. According to the see-before-you-leap philosophy of this site, I think it would be worthwhile to look more closely at each of these before rushing to buy.
First, let's look at wild yam. Just to get this straight, did not eat for Thanksgiving last year. Wild yam comes mainly from Mexico and is unrelated to the type we eat. In the years 1940, it was discovered that the wild yam contains diosgenin, a chemical precursor of progesterone found naturally in humans. Nothing much came to the conclusion, commercially speaking, because shortly thereafter, pharmaceutical companies have found a way to manufacture a synthetic progesterone-like chemical that was, quite frankly, an easier way to make money. Such synthetic progesterone found in birth control pills and in most forms medically prescribed hormone replacement therapy for menopause. Recently, however, natural progesterone has made a return, especially in a topical cream applied in which the progesterone (derived from wild yam) is absorbed through the skin. Available nonprescription, does not have to imitate the body of natural progesterone, is actually the same chemical that we have in our bodies.
Is this type of product? Probably. The saliva tests to show predictable progesterone increases several hours after progesterone cream is applied to the skin. Moreover, studies have shown improvement, especially in premenopausal symptoms such as fluid retention, heavy or irregular menstrual cycles, depression and mood swings that actually precede the cessation of menstruation for several years. In women with hot flashes and night sweats, there is some evidence that wild yam cream alone provide relief without the simultaneous use of estrogen, a necessary condition "ingredient" of medically-prescribed therapy. This is good news for those who are concerned about the Estrogens related risks such as breast or uterine cancer and blood clots. The risk of osteoporosis, too, is probably reduced by the use of wild yam cream.
So what is the disadvantage? Wild yam cream is not entirely natural. Remember I said that contain wild yam "diosgenin" and not actually progesterone. His body can not make the chemical change itself so that the wild yam has to go through a laboratory for chemical conversion before it can be effective. That is not a bad thing as far as I'm concerned, but beware of someone trying to sell land of fresh wild yam field of menopause therapy.
The product you buy should have already been converted to progesterone (although the label does not necessarily say that) and should be able to provide a concentration of progesterone so that the amount to be applied between 15 and 20 milligrams per day. A concentration of about 400 milligrams per ounce is a good idea. Again, not really "natural" but the end result is a chemical that is identical to progesterone.
Dong quai, also known as angelic china, is a traditional remedy herbal found in many "support for menopause" formulas available at the pharmacy or health food store. Chinese herbalists cree that has the ability to "balance" the female hormone system and is known to improve uterine cramps.
Although dong quai is backed by centuries of use in herbal medicine china, modern studies do not support its effectiveness for menopausal symptoms. A 1997 study showed no benefit from dong quai over placebo in postmenopausal women with hot flashes. In addition, it carries significant risks if used incorrectly. The root contains a photosensitizing chemical that can cause severe burns or rashes and sensitive women, in others there is the possibility of bleeding complications.
Therefore, the take-home message is this: I can not say that I am particularly excited with dong quai, but if it works for you and you are aware of the risks, by all means use it.
Wild yam cream, on the other hand, has potential. I think if a woman does his homework and buys a product containing adequate amounts of progesterone reputation, it is a good opportunity to get some relief from their symptoms of menopause. Bringing to menopause women who suffer from irregular menstrual cycles heavy cream May actually find this useful as it can provide a respite highly appreciated the often unpredictable cycles of these women have.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Phytoestrogens for Menopause:What does it all Mean?
This is not easy for me to admit. After scouring the Internet and textbooks for the latest research on phytoestrogens for menopause, I am stumped as to what that all means and what to recommend to women considering the use of phytoestrogens for the relief of menopausal symptoms. Frankly, I discovered that many of the studies and articles in conflict with one another. By the time I was finished, I did not know what to believe. However, let's look at the data and see what we can resolve.
Phytoestrogens are chemicals found naturally in plants that are biologically related to human estrogen. There are phytoestrogens in soy, clover, alfalfa sprouts and flaxseeds, soybean is the most commonly used source in the human diet. Soyprotein is found in tofu, soy milk, soy nuts, "vegetarian" and hamburgers in some supplements in tablet form. It is in the soy isoflavones, which give phytoestrogenic properties.
What are phytoestrogens good for? Unfortunately, it depends on what kind of research that are looking at. The cultural studies argue that soy is good for preventing breast cancer and for reducing hot flashes in women because Asian women, who consume a large amount of soy in their diet, have a lower risk for both conditions, compared with American women. The problem as I see it, however, is that soy is not the only difference in our diet (not to mention our genetic makeup, either) and that consumption of soy could be why not relate to Asian women have a better risk profile than we do.
Some menopausal women in clinical studies showed a reduction in hot flashes in those who consume soy isoflavones compared with those who took a placebo. Other studies showed no statistical differences. I do not know how to interpret studies that differ from this type.
I was particularly intrigued by the biochemical studies of phytoestrogens. It appears from these studies that make the plant estrogens bind to estrogen receptors in the human body, but to an extent which is 100 times less than human estrogens. The results are divided, however, on whether the plant estrogen, once linked to an estrogen receptor to activate the receiver (hence, have estrogenic properties) or shuts down the receiver (thereby having anti-estrogenic properties).
Why is this important? Because if the soy protein has estrogenic properties positive, I will not be too enthusiastic about recommending it to women who are at risk of developing estrogen-dependent cancers as breast cancer. Anything that acts as an estrogen in theory could feed these types of cancer, stimulating growth. Moreover, studies in animals and cell cultures of cancer have shown that soy phytoestrogens actually inhibit the growth of this type of cancer rather than encourage them.
Okay, so maybe I'm just being picky about the details but I really wish that someone would do research to determine how soy phytoestrogens affect breast cancer cells and could therefore provide safe soy as an option for women without having to worry about their breast cancer risk. Despite the lack of agreement between research on soy phytoestrogens, some things can be said of soybeans that make a good addition to your diet:
1. I am thus reducing cholesterol reduces the risk of heart disease.
2. Soybeans may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
3. There seems to be no evidence to suggest that soy increases the risk of breast cancer.
4. It can help reduce hot flashes in menopause.
Nobody seems clear on how to eat soybeans. Most sources indicate that about 3 ounces of tofu or 60 grams of soy protein eaten daily is appropriate to lower cholesterol and minimize the hot flashes.
The tablet forms of soy isoflavones that I found at the pharmacy contained 1.5-2 grams of concentrated soy isoflavones per capsule to be taken four times a day. Is my math is all wrong or that not only 8 grams of soy per day? And what does "soy isoflavones concentrated"? Does it mean that you need less of it because it is concentrated? I have no idea how to answer these questions and manufacturers are suspiciously vague in this regard.
The bottom line is that I'm pretty sure soy protein is healthy for you and can help reduce the symptoms of menopause. It may or may not be effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer and is probably better to get in their diet instead of using the supplements in pill form. How do you decide to turn tofu into a tasty dish of the whole family will love depends on you.
Phytoestrogens are chemicals found naturally in plants that are biologically related to human estrogen. There are phytoestrogens in soy, clover, alfalfa sprouts and flaxseeds, soybean is the most commonly used source in the human diet. Soyprotein is found in tofu, soy milk, soy nuts, "vegetarian" and hamburgers in some supplements in tablet form. It is in the soy isoflavones, which give phytoestrogenic properties.
What are phytoestrogens good for? Unfortunately, it depends on what kind of research that are looking at. The cultural studies argue that soy is good for preventing breast cancer and for reducing hot flashes in women because Asian women, who consume a large amount of soy in their diet, have a lower risk for both conditions, compared with American women. The problem as I see it, however, is that soy is not the only difference in our diet (not to mention our genetic makeup, either) and that consumption of soy could be why not relate to Asian women have a better risk profile than we do.
Some menopausal women in clinical studies showed a reduction in hot flashes in those who consume soy isoflavones compared with those who took a placebo. Other studies showed no statistical differences. I do not know how to interpret studies that differ from this type.
I was particularly intrigued by the biochemical studies of phytoestrogens. It appears from these studies that make the plant estrogens bind to estrogen receptors in the human body, but to an extent which is 100 times less than human estrogens. The results are divided, however, on whether the plant estrogen, once linked to an estrogen receptor to activate the receiver (hence, have estrogenic properties) or shuts down the receiver (thereby having anti-estrogenic properties).
Why is this important? Because if the soy protein has estrogenic properties positive, I will not be too enthusiastic about recommending it to women who are at risk of developing estrogen-dependent cancers as breast cancer. Anything that acts as an estrogen in theory could feed these types of cancer, stimulating growth. Moreover, studies in animals and cell cultures of cancer have shown that soy phytoestrogens actually inhibit the growth of this type of cancer rather than encourage them.
Okay, so maybe I'm just being picky about the details but I really wish that someone would do research to determine how soy phytoestrogens affect breast cancer cells and could therefore provide safe soy as an option for women without having to worry about their breast cancer risk. Despite the lack of agreement between research on soy phytoestrogens, some things can be said of soybeans that make a good addition to your diet:
1. I am thus reducing cholesterol reduces the risk of heart disease.
2. Soybeans may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
3. There seems to be no evidence to suggest that soy increases the risk of breast cancer.
4. It can help reduce hot flashes in menopause.
Nobody seems clear on how to eat soybeans. Most sources indicate that about 3 ounces of tofu or 60 grams of soy protein eaten daily is appropriate to lower cholesterol and minimize the hot flashes.
The tablet forms of soy isoflavones that I found at the pharmacy contained 1.5-2 grams of concentrated soy isoflavones per capsule to be taken four times a day. Is my math is all wrong or that not only 8 grams of soy per day? And what does "soy isoflavones concentrated"? Does it mean that you need less of it because it is concentrated? I have no idea how to answer these questions and manufacturers are suspiciously vague in this regard.
The bottom line is that I'm pretty sure soy protein is healthy for you and can help reduce the symptoms of menopause. It may or may not be effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer and is probably better to get in their diet instead of using the supplements in pill form. How do you decide to turn tofu into a tasty dish of the whole family will love depends on you.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Fact and Fancy of Fenugreek: Part Two
At the end of Part I of this article, I was not sure what to think of Fenugreek. The idea that applying a poultice of ground Fenugreek seeds in the chest breast size similar improvement tones curanderismo to me, although the idea behind it some substance. However, I could not find solid evidence to support claims that Fenugreek improves breast size. In this part of the article, we will explore a completely different aspect of Fenugreek-one for which scientific evidence of its effectiveness is available.
Fenugreek seeds gomoso contain a substance called mucilage, a gelatinous type of fiber is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract when we consume. Not only does not get absorbed, has a tendency to enjoy some other things along the way which, in turn, is not well absorbed and pass through our systems undigested.
It has been suggested that Fenugreek has promise for diabetics. Scientific studies have found that Fenugreek blocks the absorption of sugar in the GI tract and thus reduces blood sugar levels after meals. Two studies showed that found 20 percent reductions in the readings of blood sugar after a meal containing Fenugreek compared with a meal without. (I will explain the downside to this later.)
Similarly, grass se cree que reduce cholesterol levels even though its mechanism of action is a bit more complicated. Presumably, a diet rich in Fenugreek would be a cheaper way to reduce cholesterol in the blood of using some of the lipid-lowering drugs currently available (which are priced at about $ 100 per month).
Some literature states that Fenugreek can be useful in managing obesity, the idea that the mucilage in the seeds can absorb enough calories in the GI tract to promote weight loss. Could not find any supporting scientific studies on this and I suspect that we should eat a lot of Fenugreek to see any noticeable effects.
Which brings me to the downside of all this. In the scientific papers I read, the amount of Fenugreek used to achieve reductions in blood sugar after meals seems excessive. A study used 100 grams of grass for food. This is almost a quarter-pound of Fenugreek much of what they had to try to eliminate particularly bitter taste and then the baking powder in a pan before anyone could eat. Another study used only 15 grams per meal. They ground up seeds and made a slurry with the water they drank with their food items (how appetizing!). Similar reductions in blood sugar were found in each study.
Hence, must be a herbal pill for this, right? Of course there are, mostly in the range of 500 milligrams per capsule of Fenugreek. Only thirty of these pills a day would be required to match the amount used in one study that I mentioned. I'm not saying that the manufacturers' recommendations of 3-6 capsules per day will not be effective, it's just that there is no real evidence that these small amounts is no difference. Moreover, when manufacturers capsules Fenugreek talk about the cholesterol-lowering properties and diabetes health Fenugreek, articles I have mentioned are the most frequently cited. Do you think that is not going to read the details of these studies? That is the point. We almost never do and that is how you create misconceptions. What about good old-fashioned power supplies Fenugreek? I found several recipes that contain Fenugreek seeds as a spice, mostly lamb and seafood. Fenugreek is popular in the East Indies and the kitchen. Unfortunately, one teaspoon Fenugreek prescription may not be sufficient to provide any of the medicines we have just effects.
Fenugreek seeds gomoso contain a substance called mucilage, a gelatinous type of fiber is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract when we consume. Not only does not get absorbed, has a tendency to enjoy some other things along the way which, in turn, is not well absorbed and pass through our systems undigested.
It has been suggested that Fenugreek has promise for diabetics. Scientific studies have found that Fenugreek blocks the absorption of sugar in the GI tract and thus reduces blood sugar levels after meals. Two studies showed that found 20 percent reductions in the readings of blood sugar after a meal containing Fenugreek compared with a meal without. (I will explain the downside to this later.)
Similarly, grass se cree que reduce cholesterol levels even though its mechanism of action is a bit more complicated. Presumably, a diet rich in Fenugreek would be a cheaper way to reduce cholesterol in the blood of using some of the lipid-lowering drugs currently available (which are priced at about $ 100 per month).
Some literature states that Fenugreek can be useful in managing obesity, the idea that the mucilage in the seeds can absorb enough calories in the GI tract to promote weight loss. Could not find any supporting scientific studies on this and I suspect that we should eat a lot of Fenugreek to see any noticeable effects.
Which brings me to the downside of all this. In the scientific papers I read, the amount of Fenugreek used to achieve reductions in blood sugar after meals seems excessive. A study used 100 grams of grass for food. This is almost a quarter-pound of Fenugreek much of what they had to try to eliminate particularly bitter taste and then the baking powder in a pan before anyone could eat. Another study used only 15 grams per meal. They ground up seeds and made a slurry with the water they drank with their food items (how appetizing!). Similar reductions in blood sugar were found in each study.
Hence, must be a herbal pill for this, right? Of course there are, mostly in the range of 500 milligrams per capsule of Fenugreek. Only thirty of these pills a day would be required to match the amount used in one study that I mentioned. I'm not saying that the manufacturers' recommendations of 3-6 capsules per day will not be effective, it's just that there is no real evidence that these small amounts is no difference. Moreover, when manufacturers capsules Fenugreek talk about the cholesterol-lowering properties and diabetes health Fenugreek, articles I have mentioned are the most frequently cited. Do you think that is not going to read the details of these studies? That is the point. We almost never do and that is how you create misconceptions. What about good old-fashioned power supplies Fenugreek? I found several recipes that contain Fenugreek seeds as a spice, mostly lamb and seafood. Fenugreek is popular in the East Indies and the kitchen. Unfortunately, one teaspoon Fenugreek prescription may not be sufficient to provide any of the medicines we have just effects.
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