HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy - Hormone Treatment

charmed4evr asked:


The reason why I ask this is because as we know, we’re always hearing something in the news about how any kind of synthetic/artificial hormone placed within our bodies can cause our bodies to go awry. On top of that, whenever I read the backs of those birth control advertisements in various magazines, that small print which gives side effects and what not, it always states that if you’ve ever had any type of cancer, discontinue use immediately–(maybe not in those words but basically that’s what it’s stating). So, I guess my question is, why do doctors prescribe birth control pills like they’re candy and why are women so quick to take them? (I have never been on BC –it’s just too damn risky, period). I don’t want to fake my body out by making it think (if you will) that those synthetic hormones are what my body is naturally producing. I’m thankful I’ve never had a need to be on them. What are some of your thoughts/opinions on this? Thanks in advance.
PPNurse, I don’t drink, smoke, nor do I drink sodas. My entire family eat everything organic. I did have a baby and had a successful pregnancy (no complications whatsoever and lost all 53 pounds of weight gain in two and half months without any surgical procedures). Again, every woman’s body is different and react differently to various things. Although I appreciate your response, I’m still leery of BC and will never use them. For me, it’s much more safer to have never been on them versus being on them and dealing with risky/potential problems caused by them later on.
Not on any medications either…believe it or not, I’m 34 and have never been on any prescribed or unprescribed medications. I hate pills!

Brittani

Jon Benson asked:


One of the more common questions I get relates to hormones. How do you handle the onset and aftermath of menopause? What about “male menopause”, or andropause? Are there products out there that will help boost hormones naturally? What about products to help with the physical symptoms of these hormonal declines? More over, can I avoid this process?

The sooner you accept it, the better your post-40 life will become:

You have more control over your hormones than you believe.

I can quote you endless studies that prove that regular exercise (the more intense the better) stimulates and keeps hormone levels naturally elevated. Exercise also delays the process of menopause in many women – and, without a doubt, lessens the symptoms. Growth hormone is practically dependent upon a proper nutrition plan and exercise routine.

Follow the routine you feel best suited for and you’re well on the way to taking back your life.

We will cover a few of the natural remedies for menopause and andropause. Do they work? How does this compare with HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), and is there a “safe blend” of the two?

Hormones are the absolute KEY to long-term health and fat loss.

First of all, as just about every post-menopausal woman will tell anyone who’ll listen, menopause is no fun. I have to take their word for it, of course, but I’ve had my own hormonal demons to overcome. I can relate…perhaps not specifically, but definitely to the inconvenience, the slowing down, and the physical “junk” that comes with whacky hormones.

Are any of you out there moody? Lack the ability to concentrate? How’s your sleep? Hot flashes?

Yep…it can be a rough ride. Let’s see if these natural suggestions will help. We’ll cover HRT in passing. As always, pass all this information by your doctor. I cannot stress that enough.

Let’s take it from the top: one of the biggest problems with menopause is the issues with testosterone. In case you’re wondering why certain herbs that elevate testosterone are recommended, it’s because of how the body reacts to a sudden drop in both estrogen and testosterone. Testosterone decreases are really what I’d like to focus on, as it is a subject I’m very well-read on, as I myself am (or rather was) testosterone-deficient.

Low test (we’ll just call it “test” from here on out to save my fingers) is fortunately something you can do many things about on the natural side. First, simple weight training and increasing your dietary protein intake can elevate serum test levels significantly. The body responds to the added stress by adapting…however, such adaptation is not an overnight process. So patience must be exercised along with the body.

Speaking of exercises, the best ones are the ones most women, especially over 45, are ‘afraid’ to do! If you ever take anything I say to heart, this would be it – baby weights and cardio is NOT the way to increase your hormone levels. You need to train with “compound movements”, like squats and dumbbell bench presses. If you think you’ll turn into the Hulk, think again.

It is the greatest gift I can give a woman – the freedom to train the way her body is craving her to train. Free of society’s “norms”, or what you’ve been led to believe in the magazines.

Now, other than weights you have supplements. Most of the stuff you see is junk, and it’s hard to tell the difference between what may work and what is just tossing cash down the drain.

The only place we part ways is with the herb tribulus…at least slightly. If you combine quality tribulus with potassium-rich foods and, believe it or not, fish oil, you may see substantial results in the area of test increase. Many of my clients have…granted, not to the levels of HRT, but enough to alleviate some or all of the menopause symptoms related to low test. The best product I’ve found for this is called Tribustol.

MACA is another herb worth looking into, and it has the added benefit of aiding thyroid production – a very important part of keeping lean.

Okay, what about the mood swings? Ask your doctor about Ginkgo Biloba. I’m a huge fan of this herb now, as it really did a good number on my vascular health. I also noted an incredible increase in mental focus. I’ve never been that moody, but many people report that moodiness is decreased on Ginkgo. I take 240mg/day and feel great on it, but I’ve been cleared by my doctor to do so.

Now, as odd as this may sound, I’ve seen it work just about every time I recommended it. A friend of mine told me about it, and ever since I’ve been passing it on to my clients…and they love it! It’s a simple way of increasing the “mood elevators” dopamine and serotonin…and it’s dirt cheap. In fact, it comes from the dirt! I’m talking about a spud. Mr. Potato, just without the “head”. The book this information comes from is “Potatoes Not Prozac” by Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons.

Consume a baked potato about 1 hour prior to bed. Be sure to put some olive oil on the potato, or perhaps a small amount of real butter. That’s it. Now, there’s a trade-off here. First, you may notice a small increase in body fat…but I bet you won’t, especially if you keep your carbs clean and moderate during the day. Also, this is the only time I break the “always consume protein at every meal and snack” rule, but this is for health purposes, and it can work wonders. Now, for my little tip: take a few grams of Evening Primrose Oil (just follow the directions on the bottle…I like Carlson Brand) with the spud. This does more than slow down the insulin spike – it can really help with those hot flashes. The herb Dong Quai is supposedly also good for hot flashes, but I’ve never personally had any experience with using it with my clients.

For other symptoms, try a cold or cool shower before sleep. Also, increase your calcium and magnesium intake. I like to see people take between 750mg and 1,500mg of magnesium per day for a variety of reasons. Simply multiply that number by 2 for your calcium intake. This may be the ‘best for last’. Almost everyone is magnesium deficient. I’m convinced of that! Just about everything in our lives and our environment drains magnesium. Watch what happens to your sugar cravings, too.

Lastly, there’s soy. Soy is a ‘hot topic’, no pun intended, in the menopause world. Many people are high on soy. It’s the isoflavones in soy that have the most benefit to menopausal women…at least according to some studies. However, soy is a double-edged sword. Read Jill Langham’s experience with soy in her free bonus report for more information.

If you do decide to take soy, and many doctors recommend it for various reasons, check out CardioSoy by Pax Beale’s Body For The Ages product line. It’s the best soy formulation I’ve seen. Also, if you do try soy, my recommendations are to take it only during the day and, if you’re on thyroid medication, no more than 30 grams per day.



Alfonse

Traci A asked:


I had to have a complete hysterectomy about five years ago and my figure has been getting more and more manly ever since. It seems that all the fat that used to be on my hips and thighs has traveled upwards. My waist is gone. My midriff keeps getting thicker. My back and shoulders are now broad and fat, while my hips and legs get thinner. Would taking hormones reverse this? I want my feminine shape back.
Yeah, thanks for answering even though you have no clue as to how human physiology works. In adult females the hormone estrogen helps to insure the safe carrying of a fetus by causing fat to accumulate in the lower portions of the torso, ie hips and thighs. The absence of estrogen-producing organs following a complete hysterectomy, means that normal body fat (as well as any additional new fat) collects in the abdomen and upper torso, as it does in males. This is fact. Your comments can only lead me to believe you have never set eyes on a post-menopausal woman. But thanks anyway.

My question was whether reintroducing reproductive hormones into my blood stream would have a retroactive effect on the unfortunate results of enforced menopause on my figure.
Yeah, thanks for answering even though you have no clue as to how human physiology works. In adult females the hormone estrogen helps to insure the safe carrying of a fetus by causing fat to accumulate in the lower portions of the torso, ie hips and thighs. The absence of estrogen-producing organs following a complete hysterectomy, means that normal body fat (as well as any additional new fat) collects in the abdomen and upper torso, as it does in males. This is fact. Your comments can only lead me to believe you have never set eyes on a post-menopausal woman. But thanks anyway.

My question was whether reintroducing reproductive hormones into my blood stream would have a retroactive effect on the unfortunate results of enforced menopause on my figure.

Jane

John Russell asked:


age estrogen levels fall, which impacts many parts of the body including skin, bones, and bladder.

Dry itchy skin is a common complaint. FACT: Without estrogen, the body tissues lose elasticity and shrink. A common complaint is you feel like your skin is crawling or it becomes sweaty and hot. There is an increased sensitivity to the sun, problem with teeth such as bleeding gums, lose teeth, and the eyes may be dry and itchy. FACT: Estrogen is a hormone that is circulated in the blood and affects both the well being and general state of health. FACT: Menopause is triggered by hormonal changes in the endocrine system. FACT: The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (the father of medicine) was the first to describe menopause, which he put at the age of 50. FACT: A blood test called the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) can reveal the arrival of menopause. The common medical response to menopause and estrogen loss is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). HRT is a synthetic form that acts as a replacement for the natural hormone, estrogen, the body produced in higher levels prior to menopause.

Hormone Replacement Therapy must be prescribed by a licensed physician. Recent studies indicate HRT has the potential for significant side effects. The side effects should be carefully evaluated. More information on the risks of HRT can be found from the following sources:

1. National Women’s Health Network - 514 10th Street NW, Suite 402, Washington, DC 20004, Phone 202-347-1140.

2. National Institution on Aging Information Center - P.O. Box 8057, Gaitnersburg, MD 20898-8057, Phone 800-222-2225, Publishes resource directory for older people, resources for womens health and aging.

Because of the risks now found to be inherent in hormone replacement therapy, all natural estrogen formulations from plant sources are becoming available. Carefully formulated hormone balancing creams are available both with and without herbs that resolve the physical and emotional changes that occur during menopause but from all natural sources. Look for herbal balances that include black cohosh, chaste tree berries, dong quai, evening primrose oil, red clover, alfalfa, licorice, and ginseng. These creams are available over-the-counter.

Exercise and diet are also important during menopause. The best type of exercise will build strength and stamina, increase flexibility, and help balance and concentration. Exercise such as tennis, brisk walking, jogging, and step aerobics are recommended. A carefully balanced diet, often including supplemental vitamins and minerals, help the body function at its optimal level.

Typically, Vitamins A, C, E and the mineral Selenium, commonly termed antioxidants, become more important in protecting body cells from damage as we age. Vitamin D, combined with calcium, formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin are typically recommended.



Ariana

RIZZI P asked:


I am 49 and am not overweight

Ariana

iqueen24 asked:


I had a rough hysterectomy last june with several severe complications including having to heal from the inside-out with seeweed packing from a home nurse for 6 weeks, plus my legs feel like lead and i have zero energy, maybe it’s because im so young but i need suggestions or help.

Kristina