HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy - Hormone Treatment

Jo Godden asked:


As promised, here is an over-view of the main essential vitamins and minerals, BUT, rather than take them in isolation it is better to take a good multi-vitamin and mineral tablet aimed specifically at the over 50s.

Vitamin

What it can do for you, for example -

Found in, for example -

Helpful Advice

A

Promotes growth, strong bones, healthy skin, hair, teeth, and gums. Builds resistance to respiratory infections. Good for eyes, particularly night blindness.

Carrots, fish oils, eggs, green and yellow vegetables, milk and dairy products

10,000 iu is the average daily dose.Prolonged high doses can be bad for you as it can be stored in the body.

B

Helps to maintain a healthy nervous system, muscles and heart and energy.Good for stress and aids memory.

Whole-wheat, whole brown rice, oatmeal, bran, milk, liver, fish, vegetables, beef, pork, nuts, fruits.

It is a good idea to take all the various B vitamins in one B complex tablet. Smoking and alcohol can deplete the body of this vitamin.C

Aids in the prevention of the common cold, infections, helps repair body tissues, eg. helps healing after surgery.

Citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, potatoes. NB. It is generally not a good idea to eat citrus fruits, eg oranges, grapefruits, etc. if you suffer from arthritis.

Helps the body absorb iron. Vit C works best when taken with calcium and magnesium. Vit C is excreted from the body quite quickly so it is a good idea to take a time-release tablet. Smoking can destroy Vit C.

D

Works with calcium for strong bones and teeth

Acquired through sunlight, eating plenty of fish and fish oils, and dairy products

Dosages over 5,000 iu daily not recommended. Dark-skinned people living in northern climates usually need to take additional Vit D.

E

Good for the skin and helps you to look younger. Helps healing of burns, and helps with fatigue.

Wheat germ, soya beans, broccoli, spinach and leafy greens, whole-grain cereals and eggs.

Iron tablets destroy the efficiency of Vit E if taken together - allow 8 hours between. Women over 50 and menopausal women should increase their Vit E intake.

MINERALS

Calcium

Essential for strong bones and healthy teeth

Milk, cheese, soyabeans, sardines, walnuts, sunflower seeds and green vegetables.

Calcium and iron are the two minerals often deficient in a woman’s diet. Dolomite tablets are a natural form of calcium and magnesium

Iron

Necessary for the production of red blood corpuscles (haemoglobin). Prevents iron-deficiency anaemia and fatigue.

Red meat and offal, egg yolks, nut, beans, molasses, oatmeal

For normal adults the recommended amount is 10 - 18 mg, but before increasing the amount (perhaps because of fatigue, etc) it is better to consult your doctor. It is worth noting that ferrous sulphate, a form of iron that appears in many supplements, may destroy your Vit E: the chelated form of iron is preferable.

Magnesium

Necessary for the optimum functioning of nerves and muscles. Helps fight depression. Good for the heart.

Figs, nuts (in particular almonds), seeds, apples, grapefruit and apples.

People who suffer from cramp are often deficient in magnesium. Alcoholics are also usually deficient. Dolomite (a balanced formula of magnesium and calcium) is a good quality supplement.

Selenium

Works with Vitamin E and appears to slow down the aging process. Helps with energy.

Wheat germ, tuna fish, onions, broccoli, tomatoes, bran

Selenium is important to human nutrition. Because of intensive farming and food processing techniques, many of our foods are depleted of Selenium.

Zinc

Good for the immune system, muscle function and blood and brain function. It can also help with healing.

Choice meats such as steak and chops, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, eggs.

Men should keep their zinc levels up, particularly if worried about prostrate problems. Zinc and manganese are thought to help ward of senility in the elderly.

REMEMBER: What you put into your body is what you get out of your body! So think of food as fuel and choose food from the chart above.

Sadly, cakes, biscuits, etc. are merely ‘comfort’ foods and not nourishing fuel for the body.

The only result we get from eating too many buns is perhaps ending up looking like one - which is certainly food for thought!!!

NOW HERE ARE A FEW MORE SUPPLEMENTS TO HELP YOU ‘SPRING’ INTO SPRING.

Co-enzyme 10 The body’s ’spark-plug’ for energy.

Ginkgo Biloba Helps maintain good circulation to the body’s extremities (so good for those who suffer from cold hands and feet). Also improves blood supply to the brain and helps with poor memory.

Glucosamine Helps maintain connective tissues in the joints and is believed to stimulate cartilage growth and promote smooth functioning joints.

Echinacea Boosts the immune system - an aid in the prevention of colds and flu.

Garlic Also boosts the immune system and, importantly, has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Omega 3 fish oils. Benefits heart, circulation, joints and brain.

Evening Primrose Oil Good for the immune system and appearance of skin.

So all the above are a bonus for the over 50’s.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Now we all know that there is nothing like a nice cup of tea of give yourself a lift, and at last it has been confirmed that tea is actually good for us (this comes as a surprise, as we all know from experience that if we enjoy something then it is guaranteed that someone will come up with the discovery that it is bad for us). Research has also shown that Green Tea contains remarkable health promoting properties. So next time you feel like a ‘cuppa’ reach for the Green Tea - drink it on its own or with a slice of lemon - and it is really refreshing. As a matter of interest, I recently visited a tearoom where they had on offer a choice of over 300 different teas, and guess which one the owner drank? Yes, Green Tea …’nough said!

MENOPAUSAL TREATMENT

Now that there is concern about the long term use of HRT (hormone replacement therapy), many women are looking for a natural alternative in order to alleviate menopausal symptoms and maintain a healthy lifestyle when their oestrogen levels drop. Phytoestrogens are oestrogens derived from plants that work in a similar way to ours. These are found in soyamilk, soyabeans, linseeds, pumpkin seeds, red clover, etc. So here is an opportunity to give you the recipe for what is known as the ‘HRT CAKE’. So why not cut yourself a slice of this ‘feel good’ cake to go with your cup of green tea?

HRT CAKE

Ingredients:

50 gr sunflower seeds, 50 gr pumpkin seeds, 50 gr linseeds,

50 gr sesame seeds, 50 gr almond flakes, 50 gr raisins.

100 gr cranberries, 150 gr chopped dried apricots,

2″ stem ginger, chopped, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon cinnamon,

1 tablespoon malt extract, 3 tablespoons apple juice,

425 ml (approx) of soya milk (add more milk if necessary to make a soft dropping consistency).

Method:

Mix all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Add the cranberries, apple juice and soya milk and stir well.

Leave to soak for approx ½ hour.

Pre-heat the oven to 190°C.

Line a loaf tin with baking paper and spoon mixture in.

Cook in pre-heated oven for approx l¼ hrs.

When cooled, slice and store in freezer.

If you don’t feel inclined to bake a cake, why not include a good percentage of the above ingredients with your breakfast porridge.

Here is MY version of a nourishing/HRT breakfast.

Into a microwaveable dish mix oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, linseeds, sesame seeds, raisins; toss in all or any of the following as your fancy takes you - chopped dried apricots, prunes, apple, dates, almonds, walnuts, also perhaps a spoonful of malt extract or honey if desired, cover with water or preferably soymilk, and microwave for approx. 3-4 minutes. Eat with a dollop of bio-yoghurt on top (if desired) and you’ll be truly set up for the day - you certainly won’t feel the need for a mid-morning snack.

And whilst we are on the subject of the menopause, don’t forget the importance of looking after your bones with extra calcium.

* Healthspan of Guernsey (www.healthspan.co.uk) offer a good rangeof tax-free vitamins and minerals with free post and packing. They also print a very good informative monthly magazine, and if you spend over £10 (and with so much on offer it’s quite difficult to spend less than £10) they will add your name to their

mailing list for a free monthly magazine.

Top of Page

STOP PRESS ! ! !

Although in my previous column I promised not to mention chocolate, I can’t wait to pass on the good news ….. recent research has shown that chocolate is actually good for us - Halleluiah! I give below an extract from the Daily Mail, 1 June 04…….

“CHOCOLATE ‘KEEPS YOU IN GOOD HEART’

Scientists endeared themselves to chocolate lovers yesterday when they revealed that eating the sweet can help protect against heart disease. The researchers, at the University of California, San Francisco, found that the dark variety of the sweet with a cocoa content of over 70 per cent can be beneficial to blood flow. Better blood flow is crucial to avoiding narrowed or clogged arteries, leading to heart attack or stroke.” …….

I must say I personally agree with the newspaper heading, as my heart always feels good when I tuck into a bar of my favourite chocolate. It is only after I have demolished it that my heart sinks when the guilty feeling kicks in. Well, as long as it is the dark chocolate with over 70% cocoa solids then we needn’t spoil the pleasure with a feeling of guilt. And, unlike milk chocolate or other comfort food such as chocolate cake, there is the added bonus that we are unlikely to put on too much weight with this ‘high cocoa content’ chocolate, as it is quite difficult to over-indulge with this very rich dark chocolate.

However, don’t forget that ‘less is more’! Remember what happened when the medical profession informed us that ‘a glass of red wine is good for the heart? Generally, people only heard ‘red wine is good for the heart’ and ignored the recommendation of ‘one glass’. Unfortunately, just because you consume a bottle of red does not mean that you are consuming a bottle of health. (Sorry to be a ‘party puper’). Similarly, if you are a chocoholic, then try exchanging your usual milk, fudge, cream, chocolate for a small amount of high quality dark chocolate containing over 70% cocoa solids - enjoy it, and,

hopefully, reap the rewards.

Visit Mabels…Maintaining Bygone Times, containing numerous articles thoughtfully researched mainly for the older person. You may access these articles by visiting http://www.mabels.org.uk/ - You will learn about the best tips to improve your health, fitness, finances, & helpful organisations to make the most out of life.



Aubrey

carol ellen asked:


The test is at 4 and the fast is to be for 14 hours. I take meds for ADHD and for hrt. It could be a very rough day on myself as well as coworkers if I do not have that medication. Can I take it?

Jessie

Tom Nuckels asked:


Menopause is a natural part of life and does not necessarily require treatment. You need to be informed of your options. Symptoms and health risks associated with low estrogen can be treated, often, in natural ways that don’t include drug related risks.

Definition

When a woman’s menstrual period ceases, and the ovaries permanently stop releasing eggs, a woman has entered the time in life called menopause. It is considered complete when a woman has been without her period for a full year. Menopause can occur anytime between the ages of 40-58, however, the average age is 51 years old.

The Cause

Menopause is a natural part of life and is a gradual process. The ovaries begin producing lower amounts of hormones prior to menopause during a phase called perimenopause.

If menopause occurs before the age of 40 it is called premature menopause. Premature menopause can occur naturally but can also be the result of several conditions, including:

* Family history of premature menopause

* Autoimmune diseases

* X-chromosome abnormalities

* Medical treatments (pelvic surgery, surgical removal of ovaries, chemotherapy,

or pelvic radiation therapy)

* Medications that lower estrogen levels

* Smoking

The Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Since menopause is a natural process associated with aging, there are no risk factors, but risk factors for premature menopause include:

* Family history of premature menopause

Symptoms

A number of physical and emotional symptoms may occur as menopause approaches. Women entering menopause often experience:

* Irregular menstrual periods

* Hot flashes and night sweats

* Disturbed sleep patterns, insomnia

* Anxiety

* Depression

* Dry skin

* Irritability

* Vaginal dryness and pain with sexual intercourse

* Difficulty concentrating

* Trouble remembering things

* Diminished interest in sex

* Frequent urination or leaking of urine

* Headaches

* Achy joints

* Fatigue

* Early morning awakening

The Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Blood tests, a pelvic exam, and a Pap smear may also be performed. Natural menopause is usually diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.

If a woman had a hysterectomy before menopause, and no longer has periods, menopause may be suspected. It can be confirmed by an FSH test. This test is considered the most accurate for the diagnosis of menopause. It is the measurement of follicle stimulating hormone. High levels of FSH (greater than 40) may indicate menopause.

Treatment

Menopause is a natural part of life and does not automatically require treatment. Symptoms and health risks associated with low estrogen can be treated. These include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Be sure you completely understand the benefits and risk before starting HRT.

A number of different types of hormones are available. These include natural, synthetic, and plant-derived estrogens and progesterone. Combined therapies may include combinations of estrogen and progesterone; or the addition of small amounts of male hormones. Hormone preparations are available as tablets, gels, skin patches, vaginal rings, vaginal tablets, injections, and pellets inserted into the skin.

There is significant scientific evidence that the global health risks associated with combined estrogen and progesterone HRT on a long-term basis (more than 3-5 years) outweigh the benefits for many women. The average age of the women in these research studies is over 60 years old.

Use of combined HRT at the time of menopause (around age 50) may pose less risk. Also, most of these studies used conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone. Other evidence suggests that use of estradiol and natural progesterone may pose less risk.

Phytoestrogens

A high intake of phytoestrogens (or plant estrogens) may help menopausal women. Phytoestrogens are found in soybeans, black cohosh, whole grains, legumes, tempeh, and flax seed. They are also found in concentration in capsule form. Phytoestrogens may reduce the risk for diseases associated with estrogen.

Healthful/Helpful Diet

Diet can play an important and beneficial roll. A healthful diet during menopause can improve a woman’s sense of well-being, and may also reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. The diet should be low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium, and vitamin D. Low-fat does not mean no-fat. Some fats, especially the Omega-3 fats are essential.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

High use of caffeine or alcohol is never a good choice. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol may reduce symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and loss of calcium.

Quit Smoking

There are no health benefits derived from smoking. Giving up smoking can reduce the risk of early menopause, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

Regular Exercise

A healthy lifestyle should embrace regular exercise. It may reduce hot flashes. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, climbing stairs, and resistance exercises such as lifting weights help strengthen bones and decrease the risk of osteoporosis.

Stress Management

Stress management may help ease tension, anxiety, and possibly other menopausal symptoms. Deep breathing, massage, warm baths, and quiet music are relaxation techniques that may lessen stress.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Moisturizers and lubricants are used to help vaginal dryness.

Non-hormonal Medications

Certain blood pressure medicines (like “Catapres” and “Aldomet”) taken in lower doses than are used to treat high blood pressure have been somewhat helpful in relieving some menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.

SSRI medications (serotonin reuptake inhibitors like “Prozac”, “Paxil”, and “Effexor”) have shown a modest benefit on hot flash severity scores. These medications should not be used if you are taking tamoxifen to reduce risk of breast cancer recurrence.

Prevention

Menopause does not need to be prevented. It is a natural biological event.

If you smoke, quitting could slightly delay the onset of menopause.



Aaliyah

Rebecca Prescott asked:


HRT, or Hormone Replacement Therapy, is a form of treatment that is designed to replace estrogen hormones in women. It comes in the form of a pill, patch, spray, gel, or implant. This type of treatment is administered in order to try and combat menopausal symptoms, which can include mood swings, hot flushes, excessive sweating, urinal and vaginal problems, vaginal bleeding, emotional problems, and a variety of other changes or symptoms. Most women will reach menopause between the ages of forty five and fifty five.

Taking HRT after a hysterectomy

Although for most women the menopause comes about naturally in their forties or fifties, having a hysterectomy performed whilst still at a pre-menopause age can actually bring about the menopause. This is known as a surgical menopause.

Not all women will experience menopause as a result of a hysterectomy. But if both ovaries are removed, or the ovaries fail after the operation, then HRT is recommended. The ovaries produce the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and in small amounts, testosterone. Losing the ovaries, or the functioning of the ovaries, will disrupt a woman’s hormonal system before her body has had time to adjust.

Taking HRT after a hysterectomy is one option for those that have had both ovaries removed, although it is not necessary if the ovaries are present and functioning. The sudden onset of menopausal symptoms following a hysterectomy can be very distressing and difficult to cope with. Therefore, many women do seek treatment in the form of hormone replacement therapy.

For those experiencing surgical menopause the symptoms can seem more severe than those dealt with by women going through a natural menopause. Seeking appropriate treatment is important in order to try and relieve some of these problems. These symptoms are unlikely to go away for some time, so it’s important to speak to your doctor about taking HRT, or to discuss an alternative if you prefer.

In the event that you do take HRT after menopause, you will usually be prescribed an estrogen-only replacement therapy. The regular combination HRT, which includes the progestogen component, is normally prescribed to reduce the risk of thickening of the uterus. This will not be an issue for those whot have had a hysterectomy, as they will no longer have their uterus.

There are other steps that you can take to try and ease menopausal symptoms following a hysterectomy. These can be pursued alongside HRT or as an alternative if you don’t want to take synthetic hormones. These steps include eating a balanced diet which has plenty of calcium and phytoestrogens, taking regular exercise, (although you should obviously avoid strenuous activity until the healing process has been completed), and trying herbal and natural treatments where appropriate.



Enrico

Juliette Samuel asked:


Many women who are entering their middle years and going into menopause, or perimenopause as it’s called, are confused about the hype surrounding something called HRT. HRT is an acronym for Hormone Replacement Therapy, and it’s a therapy intended to treat or ease the annoying side effects of menopause by replacing the lost hormones, i.e. estrogen and progesterone, and occasionally even, testosterone. Confused yet? Good. But keep reading, anyway, it will get better… hopefully.

A lot of the confusion has to do with the usage of words such as “Natural,” “Synthetic” and “Bioidentical.” We all think we know the meaning of natural and synthetic - natural is good, synthetic is bad and bioidentical just sounds scary.

“Natural” hormones are created within a biological organism, be it human, animal or plant matter. To be considered “natural,” a hormone must share the same characteristics as its real-body counterpart, in terms of its make-up, shape and structure. But bear this in mind; a popularly prescribed hormone called “Premarin” is a natural estrogen hormone, because it’s made from a biological organism. Unfortunately, that organism happens to be a horse. Now, it’s been quite a while since Biology 101 class, but I don’t recall that humans and equines share any biological qualities that are interchangeable.

“Bioidentical” hormones are made entirely in the lab, but they are identical or a clone to the hormones you produce naturally in your body, and they do the same thing. Now, the compounds could come from any source, but the bottom line is, when they enter your body, they do exactly what your body would have done, no more and no less.

A “synthetic” hormone in produced or made in the laboratory by means of a process known as synthesis. But, just because a hormone is synthetic doesn’t mean that it’s bad, provided that it does exactly what it’s supposed to do, in the same way that the body does it. Because it does exactly what it’s supposed to, it’s actually quite “natural.”

The real concern is the clever advertising directing you to choose one hormone over another. “Natural” implies better for you than “synthetic” or “bioidentical,” but that may not be the case.

All of that didn’t help much, did it? Good, because you should be ever cautious about what you put into your mouth in the form of a pill, or slap onto your body via a patch. Hormone replacement therapy can and does work, but don’t let the media or the marketers influence your decision.



Alfonse