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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to take Estrogen after having had a complete hysterectomy for endometrial cancer?
I'm 44 and am at a higher risk for osteoporosis without any estrogen. However, endometrial cancer is estrogen dependent, so my thought is it wouldn't be wise to take it for risk of recurrence elsewhere. I can deal with the other menopausal symptoms, but am concerned about bone loss since I would typically have had several more years of estrogen before hitting menopause. Any alternatives or thoughts?
I would say that it is probably not safe for someone who has had endometrial cancer to take estrogen replacement therapy but the only way to find out for sure is to double check with your dr to see what they think.
What is a natural way to deal with menopause?
I had cancer of the cervix, and the radiation treatment threw me into early menopause. What is a natural alternative to hormones?
As far as I know, and I have read all the latest info about natural alternatives to hormones, nothing really helps. The only remedy (partly a remedy) was to take some of the anti-anxiety medication like Prozac etc. Of course there are natural anti depressants (look at this site)
but I am not sure how well they alleviate the symptoms. I wish I kept these medical journals I get to give you the reference. If I find it I will let you have it.
What are some alternative ways to treat menopause symptoms without using any hormone replacements?
I really do not want to use any HRT therapy, even bio-identicals. Can you recommend a type of Dr. to see that can treat menopause symptoms without a prescription of some type?
I was told years ago by a dental hygenist that when hot flashes and mood swings begin to up the intake of calcium. This I have done for nearly 10 years. What a difference this has made! I breezed through menopause. It really works for me. So, I tell all women about it. With calcium, you want to be sure you are getting a 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium. Be sure if you are taking at least 1200 mg of calcium a day, that you get at LEAST 400 mg magnesium. The very best form of magnesium is magnesium glycinate with the Albion chealate process. Unfortunately, this is not found in every store and for sure it is not found combined in calcium supplements. I got mine on line. A good calcium supplement is better than none though. You also want to be sure you are getting enough Vit.D and Vit.D3 is the best form of that. Vit D helps the body absorb calcium as does magnesium. You can get the best VitD from the sun. 15-20 minutes a day is usually sufficient. Those who live in mid-northern states probably do not get enough sun in the winter, which means we have to supplement. Calcium is always in combination with magnesium, so one has to add a tablet of the gylcinate form of magnesium to reach the correct daily ratio. Women in this stage of life need 1500 mg of calcium, 400-700 mg of magnesium and 800-1000 units VitD3. Try this and see if you notice some changes within a week or so. If you notice some loose stools gradually add the magnesium. Many women I know also use wild yam extract cream which is a natural product women have been using for centuries without problems. Try the calcium trick first. If it doesn't work then add the cream. All one usually needs of this is 1/4 tsp once or twice a day rubbed on the thin areas of the skin. Directions where, are found on all containers of wild yam cream. Another thing I have found that works for me is a product found here: www.stemcellfacts.info I would try these first before looking for a naturopathic doctor or a holistic doctor. I do consult these doctors once in a while for other matters, but I have had no problem with menopause once I added the calcium program. When you get everything in balance, IF you should have a hot flash again, look to adding a bit more calcium for a day or two. Good luck! Let us now here how it is working for you.
does any body know what to take for the menopause without resorting to pills from the doctor. Also?
is excessive sweating whilst only doing the housework, hoovering etc part of the menopause?, i have heard people sweat at night but most days i really don't have to work hard in the home before i am dripping in sweat. please help if poss.
The trouble with herbal alternatives such as plant oestrogens is that no one knows what the long term implications of using them are, the studies are just not being done. It has taken more than 20 years of studies into the long term effects of conventional HRT, and doctors are even now not totally sure of how the risk benefits stack up.
Homeopathic preparations are of course useless, since none of them have effects beyond placebo.
Perhaps there is still an argument for conventional therapy as it can at least be said it is the devil we know.
What are alternatives to horomone therapy after hystorectomy?
I just underwent a complete hystorecomy. Due to illness, everything was taken, including my ovaries. I am looking for alternatives to hormone therapy because of the risks involved with this therapy, such as bloodclots and stroke. What are the alternatives available to me, besides hormone replacement therapy?
You should see a Homeopathic Doctor......but I know FOR A FACT that the herbal supplement combo of Soy and Black Cohash works. I work at an OBGYN office and the doc prescribes that all the time. Its why you never see many Asian women with hairy faces or excessive wrinkles after menopause - soy is a heavy part of their diet.
Plus the progestin in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is know to cause blood clots in some women.
Is it harmful for a person going through menopause to take a birth control pill?
I am getting married soon and want to start the pill. I have prescription for it. However, I started missing my periods and have had tests that show that I am starting menopause.
No it is not harmful...but you might want to talk to your doctor about alternatives. Birth control pills are hormone based (as I'm sure you know) and menopause is a hormonally challenging time and there is one school of thought that says that it is not ideal to further mess around with hormones, and another which says it helps moderate menopause symptoms. You may want to use an IUD instead, and may want to look into the Mirena IUD which can be left in situ until you have come out the other side of menopause and it also stop your period, which you may or may not like.
I would do some research, talk to your doctor, consider your options and then enjoy.
ps congrats on your wedding, and if you do start bc pills make sure you do it so you are not having your period on your wedding day or honeymoon
I am looking for a good healty concealer to cover my acne scars. What would be a good one?
I have tried all of MACS concealers and liked them. However, they clogged my pores. I am looking for a healthy alternative concealer. I am switching to mineral makeup but need a good concealer because mineral makeup doesn't give you much coverage.
Acne is one of the most common skin disorders and affects mainly young people, but may even appear after the age of 30 years. This condition in many cases tends to disappear by itself after a certain period of time, however, if it is left untreated, it can cause deep scars in the skin. Acne can also cause psychological problems, especially among young people.
These are the causes of this disorder:
Excessive hormone production: Every square centimeter of skin contains about 100 sweat glands and 15 sebaceous glands that exist at the base of the hair and produce a substance called sebum. Sebum combined with sweat, form a liquid that acts as barrier against bacteria, parasites and fungus. However, under certain conditions the sebaceous glands produce more sebum than necessary. These conditions occur when there is a major hormonal change, such as an increase in androgens during puberty and an increase of progesterone during menopause. It seems that certain people have a strong sensitivity to these hormones and are therefore more likely to suffer from acne.
Genetic factors: If your parents used to suffer from this disorder you are more likely to have it yourself. What is more, oily skin (which can be inherited) predisposes to acne due to the fact that it produces excessive sebum that blocks the skin's pores.
Stress: Stress can increase the production of hormones, which cause acne outbreaks.
Dietary factors: The excessive intake of fats, sweets, carbohydrates, alcohol and dairy products seem to make the situation worse. Sugar, in particular, is very harmful. In fact, certain pharmacological experiments have revealed that taking small doses of anti-diabetic medicines (which lower sugar in the blood) can improve acne.
Constipation: surprisingly constipation can cause acne. Constipation leads to the failure to eliminate the toxins that accumulate in different parts of the body and particularly in the skin. Many times in fact, mild cases of acne have been cured due to the correction of this intestinal disorder.
How to cure this problem:
Drink plenty of water: it may sound too simple, but the most important thing to do is to drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Water is very beneficial for your skin's health.
Drink green tea: another great natural treatment is green tea. It also has many other health benefits: it can reduce high cholesterol, infections, viruses, high blood sugar, headaches, and joint discomfort.
Include fruits in your diet: There are many acids found in fruits that can help reduce sebum, which blocks the pores. Fruits can also eliminate excess toxins that build up in body and reduce the swelling and redness of spots. The best fruits to eat are apples, grapes and oranges. Also, including fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables in your diet can also help you get a better complexion.
Although, these tips can be helpful but the only way to correct this problem permanently is to balance your hormones.
Has anyone taken herbal oestrogens do they work?
I am getting symptoms of menopause like night sweats, aches fuzzy head dizzy spells etc, that point to a drop in oestrogen levels, I thought about trying the natural herbal oestrogen replacements, but there are so many. Has anyone taken them and did they actually work?
In the UK, a recent national guideline from Clinical Knowledge Summaries states that "CKS does not recommend the use of complementary therapies". The reasons include:
* They have not been shown convincingly to work very well.
* There is very little control over the quality of the products available, which may vary.
* Some of these treatments (ginseng, black cohosh, and red clover) have oestrogenic properties and should not be used in women who should not take oestrogen (for example, women with breast cancer).
* Long-term safety (for example, effects on the breast and lining of the uterus) have not been assessed.
* Some may have serious side-effects. For example, severe liver damage has been reported with black cohosh and Java. Kava has been withdrawn from the UK market because of concerns over safety.
* Dong quai and some species of red clover contain chemicals called coumarins, which make them unsuitable if you take anticoagulants (such as warfarin).
A consensus statement from the British Menopause Society also states ...
"This guidance regarding alternative and complementary therapies is in response to the increased use of these strategies by women who believe them to be safer and more 'natural'. The choice is confusing. Evidence from randomised trials that alternative and complementary therapies improve menopausal symptoms or have the same benefits as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is poor. A major concern is interaction with other treatments, with potentially fatal consequences. Some preparations may contain estrogenic compounds, and this is a concern for women with hormone-dependent diseases, such as breast cancer. Concern also exists about the quality control of production."
For night sweats you could try Clonidine. You need to have a chat with your GP really.
What natural remedy can I take for hot flushes?
I have reluctantly given in to the menopause and have started to get hot flushes (though I tell other women I don't get them). Can any of you ladies recommed a tried a tested natural remedy or do I have to go to my GP.
Hi Sue, regular physical exercise is necessary to protect against bone loss. Exercise has many other benefits as well.
A diet that is low in saturated fats and cholesterol and high in complex carbohydrates, such as grains, fruits and vegetables is important.2
Vitamin E supplementation may reduce symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, and breathing difficulties.,,
Calcium is important in maintaining bone mass.
Magnesium intake is often low in women with osteoporosis. Low magnesium intake is associated with low bone mineral content (BMC).
Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption.
Boron reduces urinary calcium loss and increases serum levels of 17 estradiol (estrogen).
Essential fatty acids can help prevent dryness of the hair, skin and vaginal tissues.
Soy supplementation has been suggested as a possible alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Soy isoflavones act as estrogen-like compounds. Forty-five grams of dietary soy, per day for 12 weeks was shown to decrease post-menopausal hot flashes.
Certain herbs such as black cohosh, chasteberry, licorice and dong quai have shown to have a beneficial effect in managing many of the menopause symptoms.
Jason Homan
Can anyone recommend any natural remedies for hot flashes?
I am 53 and am finally I believe in menopause. I am not feeling to bad except for a few headaches and exhaustion but mostly the hot flashes. Living here in Texas with the 100 degree heat sure didnt help (looking forward to winter), anyway I do not want to go on any drugs and prefer to do it naturally. Can anyone recommend any vitamins, teas, foods anything that will help my hot flashes. Thanks in advance.
my sister who had bad hot flashes and did not believe in alternative health at all as she is very medically oriented in that field tried this product I recommended to her and later told me her hot flashes completely left
purchase it here
also try the female plus formula found on the products page under female formulas on the left of page here
more help can be found here
How long should women take pill for?
I have been on the pill for past 14 years. First on Norinyl and then now on Brevinor due to heavy bleeding each month. I stopped for close to a year and was then put on Brevinor. Since reading about DVT and all the other side effects that come with it, I am now wondering if I should stop and seek alternative natural therapies for my heavy periods. Has anyone been affect by deep vein thrombosis related to pill?
Depending on the overall medical history it can be ok for some to stay on the pill it's just about time for menopause. I had wondered the same thing with in regards to a different way to take the pill.
I would recommend checking with your doctor as well to see what they say.
I've never experienced DVT before.
why can't women be given estrogen and progesteron to prevent menopause?
is it possible to give women suffering from menopause estrogen and progesteron in order to stop bad effects of menopause on them?
if so,then why there'r still women suffering from it?
There is nothing you can take to prevent menopause. Hormones are given to women to ease the symptoms they are having while they go through menopause. Many women choose HRT or alternative treatments to stop all of the side effects. You don't have to suffer because there is lots of things that you can do to ease the side effects.
FEMALES!!! Is there any good herbal remedies that can help terrible hot flushes during the menopause?? ?
Im 49 and the hot flushes have kicked in big time.how long do these generally last for?someone told me about 10 years ago to try alternative medicine because it really worked for her.please help.
Soy is the number one ingredient to help prevent menopausal symptoms. Japanese woman rarely suffer from hot flushes due to the high amount of soy in their diet. My mother used a product called phytolife by blackmores (containing soy phytoestrogens) and after a few months of mild symptoms, there was no more symptoms for the next three years until she no longer needed to take it. The vast majority of women will experience menopause from 2 to 10 years. Strongly recommend avoiding HRT replacement therapy due to significant health risks such as breast cancer and blood clots.
Phytolife >>>
Good news for menopausal women: You can avoid hot flashes by changing your diet>>>
When is it justifiable to have hysterectomy?
If a woman is 51 yrs old & experiencing heavy menstrual flow for a long period of time due to enlarged uterus,is hysterectomy the only options? I was told that uterus will shrink when woman menopause. Sometimes the cause of heavy bleeding is due to hormonal imbalance.
Its very difficult to advise through the internet. The best is to have several opinions from several gynecologists, who can examine the woman, see how enlarged the uterus is and how urgent is such a procedure. Its true that after menopause many fibroids shrink and there is no necessity to remove the uterus again. But, the question is, when will menopause start? And till it starts the woman loses a lot of blood is that too dangerous? Today the hysterectomy is done in several ways and is not such a serious operation (I know every surgery has its dangers) as it used to be 20 and more years ago.
I found some sites that discuss alternatives to hysterectomy but I seriously think one must get several opinions.
when does Premarin take effect in your system?
I just started HRT and taking Premarin 1.25mg daily for menopause 3 days ago. Since then I haven't had any effects from it yet. When will the medicine kicks in my system? Any suggestions?
Please don't use premarin, it is made from the urine of pregnant horses, it is obtained in a very cruel way, there is an alternative, please ask your Doctor.
What can I do if I hate pads AND tampons?
Pads are ok but I feel filthy wearing them and I ALWAYS leak. Tampons aren't for me either, I just don't feel comfortable in them. Is there some sort of alternative, or a way to make my period stop comletely? I have to arrange everything around that time of month.
Without taking a pill or visiting a doctor?
There are a lot of different options, even different types of pads (commercial, organic, cloth, homemade, period panties, period belts) or different types of tampons (commercial, organic, soft, sponge, cloth) can feel and work totally differently.
Otherwise the best options are menstrual cups, which are bell-shaped cups made from silicone, rubber or thermoplastic elastomer that you insert into your vagina to collect menstrual flow. Cups are folded, inserted and you twist to create a light seal, to remove simply squeeze the bottom and pull out. Women use them because they are far safer and more hygienic than tampons, because of this it means cups can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time safely and without any leaking, including from light to heavy flow, overnight, before menstruation and during sports like swimming. I use these as my period is too heavy for tampons or/and pads, plus I found when switching to cups that I never really liked tampons or pads anyway! Cups are definatly great, you can forget about having your period.
There are also softcups called Instead which are a similar but are diaphragm-shapes so sit higher up in the vagina, softcups can also be worn during sex to avoid mess during menstruation. Softcups have many of the same advantages to menstrual cups, only they are a little more difficult to use and can leak. Diaphragms can also be used as menstrual cups, they are easier to use and less messy than softcups but have all the same advantages as menstrual cups.
http://www.menstrualcups.org - Menstrual cup support
http://www.scarleteen.com/article/advice/what_are_menstrual_cups - Cup article on Scarleteen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_cup - Menstrual cups on Wikipedia
There is free-flow or free bleeding, where you use no menstrual products, it's perfectly sanitary (more so than commercial tampons and pads in actual fact) and no one needs to know about it. Women will either bleed freely, or layer their clothing so that their clothing acts like a pad as protection to stop blood leaking through their clothing. There is also something known as instinctive free-flow, this is where women learn to recognise when they are going to bleed so that they can bleed into the toilet like they would if they were going to pee, rather than bleeding onto their clothing or menstrual products. Free-bleeding on All About My Vagina - http://myvag.net/blood/free
You can stop your period completely by getting pregnant and staying pregnant or breastfeeding until menopause, otherwise the only other means is menstrual management - using hormonal birth control to suppress your periods. The normal issues exist such as side-effects from hormonal birth control, there is also an ongoing argument about whether or not it is safe long-term - plus it would mean visiting a doctor. More information here - http://www.noperiod.com (although this site is a little bias).
Anyone out there tired of these awful menopause symptoms?
Hate these (blankity-blank) Hot flashes. Feels like my head is on fire. Ugh!!!!
I hate getting old, but I guess considering the alternative, I guess it's ok.
Hi Roz. I'm answering from the male perspective (I've had night sweats), and from an empathetic perspective - I have 5 sisters in various stages of menopause and a partner (Sassy) who just came off hormone replacement therapy and into the pit called menopause after a cervical cancer scare. And before going any further - I'm not a doctor. I'm able to diagnose and fix machines. People? Not so much.
Sassy found a silver bullet for her hot flashes - venlafaxine (a generic substitute for Effexor) - although it did cause a dry mouth as a side effect. It was originally a prescription drug used to treat depression, but recently it was approved for use in treating menopause symptoms; many doctors aren't even aware of that use for the drug. If you're OK with drugs, and your doctor will write the prescription, the venlafaxine may work for you too. Keep in mind that your side effects may vary - or it may not work at all.
Regardless, Sassy and I put together a web page (below) with comments about diet, herbal remedies, and some other ways to get relief from night sweats, hot flashes, etc. Keep in mind that herbal treatments for night sweats and hot flashes can be broken down into two categories: phytoestrogen and non-estrogenic herbs, and each has their proponents. Hope this helps.
So what can I expect during menopause?
I just got my test results today to say I am in my menopause. I am 49. So far I've had no symptoms or discomfort. Is this a sign that I might skip all the uncomfortable side effects, or is it too soon to say? Also what kinds of supplements are best for calcium and what kinds of exercise can I motivate myself to do, as I really hate it?
During the perimenopausal transition, a woman's estrogen levels decrease, leading to the typical symptoms associated with menopause: hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, problems with concentration or mood, vaginal dryness...the list goes on. Some options for relief include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), an alternative medical therapy, or herbal remedies
alternative medication: What fruit, vegetables, and foods inhibit estrogen absorption?
I have found a list of fruit, vegetables, and foods that inhibit estrogen absorption such as broccoli, corn, grapes, white rice, white floor, and so on.
Does it have some implications to be used as an alternative medicine, for example can we call them foods that women should not eat or avoid consumption them in large amount during menopause or not?
Estrogen Inhibiting Foods
If you are suffering from breast cancer, PMS, fibroids, ovarian cysts, and other situations that estrogen might exacerbate, the following estrogen inhibiting foods might be of interest to you.
Citrus Foods
Fruits (except apples, cherries, dates, pomegranates)
Green beans
White rice
White flour
Can you get a rash from Menopause?
I am getting this rash that really itches all over my neck and chest. Can it be related to Menopause? Or maybe and allergic reaction to something?
Hi Stephanie
Here are a few ideas to heal the issue.
Although most rashes are not symptoms of a serious health problem, they can be signs of allergies, liver and gallbladder problems, lupus, bleeding disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and autoimmune diseases.
Rashes can also be due to the elimination of toxic wastes through the skin, or of an active immune reaction to an invading organism. Suppression of such a rash can lead to chronic disease states. Rather than try to suppress the rash, in such cases watchful waiting may be more advisable.
Caution: If your rash becomes chronic, forms a "butterfly" shape over your cheeks, or is accompanied by high fever and joint pains, seek immediate medical attention to rule out more serious illnesses.
Natural Cures
Diet: Screen for and eliminate any foods to which you are allergic or sensitive. Eat an organic, whole foods diet, with plenty of green leafy vegetables and yellow vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and winter squash. Also drink plenty of pure, filtered water, and avoid all processed foods and chemical food additives.
Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy Cream® applied topically to the affected areas.
Herbs: The following herbal remedies can speed healing: A tincture of equal parts burdock root and gentian root, the fresh juice of coriander, and/or aloe vera juice or gel.
Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic remedies include Belladonna, Sulfur, Graphites, and Calc carb.
Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment.
*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy treatment. Remedies for Treating Chlorinated Bath Water offers clear instructions and recommendations.
Juice Therapy: Drink fresh squeezed vegetable juices on a daily basis, especially carrot, beet, radish, and garlic juice.
Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients can be helpful to speed healing: vitamin A and vitamin E (both orally and applied topically over the affected areas), vitamin C, essential fatty acids (EFAs), flaxseed oil, and amma linolenic acid (GLA). In addition, add half a teaspoon of baking soda to water and drink every fifteen minutes. Do this three times, and then every two to three hours for two to three days or until the reaction subsides.
Alternative Professional Care
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional care therapies have all been shown to be useful for treating rashes: Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Detoxification Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine, Osteopathy, Oxygen Therapy (Hydrogen Peroxide), and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Best of health to you
Do any female animals experience menopause?
If so, at what age do they experience it and what are the signs of menopause in say for example a rabbit.
If not, how can you tell that an animal is to old to conceive a baby animal.
I am mostly wondering about rabbits but I also want to know about any animal.
Humans (female) are a species that experience menopause. Info follows:
Menopause is quite simply the final pause of menstruation. This phase of a woman's life is part of the natural aging process. It is not a disease or a disaster. Your ovaries slowly reduce the level of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) they produce and child bearing is no longer an option. For many women this is a big relief. Generally speaking, health professionals agree that 52 is the average age when full menopause takes affect. The full age range is between 42 to 56.
Menopause is preceded by perimenopause and followed by post menopause. All three stages come with their own telltale signs with considerable overlap from one to the other. So, unlike the beginning of your period, which seems to happen in a single moment of time, menopause is very wishy washy. Full menopause is considered to be in effect when you have not had your period for a full year.
Menopause is not experienced by all women in the same way. Much depends on the individual's diet, lifestyle, genetics and attitudes held by the woman, her family, culture and society about aging. If you come from a world that does not respect older people, and is narrowly focused on youth, your menopause transition period may be more difficult to navigate. However, you may also experience deep personal growth and a strong sense of liberation.
Be aware that our commercialized society will try to medicalize your symptoms. Be wise. Look for natural alternatives before getting on the pill band wagon. Weigh the risks and benefits carefully. Become your own authority.
There is a home-use test that you can take to determine if you are perimenopausal or fully menopausal. U.S Food and Drug Administration approved kits measure Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in your urine. FSH is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland. FSH levels increase temporarily each month to stimulate your ovaries to produce eggs. When you enter menopause and your ovaries stop working your FSH levels also increase. The test will provide a FSH level reading so that you can determine what stage of "the Pause" you are at.
As for rabbits, this study may interest you:
Lack of difference among progestins on the anti-atherogenic effect of ethinyl estradiol: a rabbit study
Peter Alexandersen1,3, Jens Haarbo1, Pieter Zandberg2, Jørgen Jespersen1, Sven O. Skouby1 and Claus Christiansen1
1 Center for Clinical & Basic Research, Ballerup Byvej 222, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark and 2 Department of Vascular Pharmacology, N.V.Organon, Molenstraat 110, 5340 BH Oss, The Netherlands
3 To whom correspondence should be addressed. e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Materials and methods
BACKGROUND: Progestins in combination with estrogen are believed to have different effects on the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different oral contraceptive formulations on the development of experimental atherosclerosis and vascular reactivity. METHODS: A total of 160 sexually mature rabbits were ovariectomized and randomly assigned to equally large groups: (i) a cholesterol-rich diet (320 mg/day), either given alone (placebo), or together with (ii) ethinyl estradiol (EE 70 µg/day, oral), (iii) desogestrel (DSG 525 µg/day, oral), (iv) gestodene (GSD 262.5 µg/day, oral), (v) levonorgestrel (LNG 525 µg/day, oral), (vi) EE + DSG, (vii) EE + LNG, or (viii) EE + GSD. After 31 weeks of treatment, aortic accumulation of cholesterol and vascular vasoreactivity (in vitro) were determined. RESULTS: Progestins alone did not reduce the accumulation of cholesterol. EE alone or in combination with a progestin reduced the accumulation of cholesterol relative to placebo (P < 0.0001). Isolated vessels from EE-treated animals relaxed significantly more to physiological concentrations of acetylcholine than did placebo (P < 0.001), whereas vessels treated with EE plus a progestin showed an intermediate response. CONCLUSION: The progestins investigated can be combined with EE without attenuating the anti-atherogenic effect of EE.
Key words: atherosclerosis/estrogen/progestins/rabbits/vascular reactivity
Materials and methods
The question of whether oral contraceptive (OC) formulations increase the risk of arterial events (such as myocardial infarction) in younger women remains unsolved. Several recent case–control studies have reported an increased risk of myocardial infarction in women using OC compared with non-users (Jick et al., 1996; Lewis et al., 1996; 1997; World Health Organization, 1997; Lewis, 1998; Dunn et al., 1999; 2001; Farley et al., 1999; Tanis et al., 2001; Rosendaal et al., 2002), although other recent data have not confirmed this observation (Sidney et al., 1998). Recent European studies have indicated that OC use is associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction, in contrast to US studies that found no increased risk among OC users (Lewis 1998; Sidney et al., 1998). Only a few studies have directly compared the effect on myocardial infarction of OC formulations containing a second-generation progestin (levonorgestrel) with those containing third-generation progestins (desogestrel or gestodene) (Jick et al., 1996; Lewis et al., 1996; 1997; World Health Organization, 1997; Dunn et al., 2001; Tanis et al., 2001), but they were all designed as case–control studies; the reported relative risk in these studies varies (between 0.3 and 1.8), and the numbers are small.
The relative preponderance in venous events (e.g. deep venous thrombosis) as compared with arterial events (e.g. myocardial infarction) in pre-menopausal women is gradually equalized as the menopause is reached, so that the relative frequency of these events is close to 1:1 in peri-menopausal women. Since OC are prescribed for millions of pre-menopausal (and peri-menopausal) women who use these formulations for many years, it would be of the utmost public health importance to establish even a small increase in the relative risk. Therefore, the issue of OC in relation to arterial disease is highly relevant. It should be borne in mind, however, that it is possible that for both OC and HRT users, there may be prothrombotic mechanisms in relation to arterial as well as venous complications that are not necessarily based on atherosclerosis, but that are reflected in the population-based studies. Primary (Rossouw et al., 2002) and secondary (Grady et al., 2002) prevention studies of HRT have failed to show cardioprotection in post-menopausal women.
We report here the results from an experimental study in rabbits of atherosclerosis designed to investigate the effect of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol, EE) in combination with levonorgestrel (LNG), desogestrel (DSG), or gestodene (GSD) on vascular reactivity, lipoprotein metabolism, and the aortic accumulation of cholesterol.
Materials and methods
Materials and methods
Study design
A total of 160 sexually mature female rabbits of the Danish Country strain (SSC:CPH) were obtained from Statens Serum Institute, Denmark. They were individually housed at room temperature (20 ± 2°C), a relative humidity of 55 ± 5%, and with a 12 h light cycle. The study was conducted in the animal facilities at the Center for Clinical & Basic Research (CCBR), Ledoeje, Denmark. After a 2 week period of acclimatization, the animals underwent bilateral ovariectomy to inhibit intrinsic production of sex hormones (Alexandersen et al., 1998). One week after surgery, the rabbits were then randomly assigned to one of the following eight treatment groups: (i) a cholesterol-rich diet (320 mg/day), either given alone (placebo), or together with (ii) EE (orally, 70 µg/day), (iii) DSG (orally, 525 µg/day), (iv) GSD (orally, 262.5 µg/day), (v) LNG (orally, 525 µg/day), (vi) EE continuously combined with DSG (doses as above) (EE + DSG), (vii) EE continuously combined with LNG (doses as above) (EE + LNG), or (viii) EE continuously combined with GSD (doses as above) (EE + GSD). We did not include a sham-operated group in this study as it was previously shown that sham operation per se in rabbits results in a mean accumulation of cholesterol that was not statistically significant from that of the non-treated control group (Haarbo et al., 1992). Hormone doses used in this study were chosen based on previous experience with these doses (the McPhail test in rabbits; EE, LNG and DSG) (van der Vies and de Visser, 1983; Sulistiyani et al., 1995; Zandberg et al., 2001) or from in-house studies (GSD). The EE dose used was kept constant in all EE groups throughout the study period (31 weeks). We used the rabbit to evaluate the effect of sex steroids on atherogenesis because it is known to be a useful model of experimental atherosclerosis (Haarbo et al., 1991; 1992; Sulistiyani et al., 1995).
Key effect variables of the study comprised aortic atherosclerosis (i.e. fatty streaks and plaque formation), and vascular reactivity (primary key variables); and body weight, serum lipids and lipoproteins, uterus wet weight, hepatic cholesterol content, uterine estrogen receptor content, liver enzyme concentration, haemoglobin, and white cell count (secondary key variables).
The study was approved and overviewed by the Experimental Animals Committee under the Danish Ministry of Justice. All procedures complied with the Danish guidelines for experimental animal studies.
Rabbit chow
Each rabbit was fed 100 g of chow per day throughout the entire study. The cholesterol-rich chow was prepared by first dissolving the hormone or the combination of hormones (all provided by N.V. Organon, The Netherlands) in ethanol (96%; 0.50 ml per animal per day), then mixing with maize oil (Unikem, Denmark). Another mixture was prepared by dissolving cholesterol (SIGC-8503; Bie & Berntsen A/S, Denmark) in maize oil by slow heating. The hormone solution and the cholesterol solution containing maize oil (total daily intake of maize oil was 8 ml per animal) were then mixed manually together with the pellets (Altromin 2123, Brogaarden, Denmark), as previously described (Alexandersen et al., 1998). Food consumption was monitored weekly by weighing remaining chow. All animals had free access to water.
Blood samples
Blood samples were taken at baseline (week 0) and in weeks 6, 14 and 30. Blood samples were collected from a lateral ear vein on fasting animals (24 h) and analysed at the CCBR laboratory (Ballerup, Denmark) immediately after collection, except for the progestin concentrations that were assessed at Organon.
Safety variables
Haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cell count, leukocyte count (Sysmex K-1000; Toa Medical Electronics, Inc., USA) and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) (Cobas Mira Plus; Roche Diagnostic Systems, Inc., F.Hoffmann–La Roche, Switzerland) were determined in weeks 0, 6, 14 and 30.
Serum lipids and lipoproteins
Total serum cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were measured enzymatically by kinetic colorimetric methods (Cobas Mira). Ultracentrifuged lipoproteins were determined regularly throughout the study as described in detail elsewhere (Haarbo et al., 1991; 1992; Alexandersen et al., 1998).
Serum progestin concentrations
A kinetic study was performed after 16 weeks of treatment to determine the serum concentrations of the respective progestins. Blood samples were taken before dosing, and then again 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h after dosing, but taking only two samples per animal in each group (providing 40 samples per group), to give an impression of the pharmacokinetic profile of these compounds. These hormone concentrations were determined at Organon's laboratories.
DSG study samples were determined according to a validated assay. The limit of quantification for this study was 1.0–200 ng DSG per ml plasma DSG and its internal standard (IS), an analogue of DSG, were isolated from 0.1 ml of rabbit plasma by solid-phase extraction (SPE) with C-18 cartridges. The plasma extracts were analysed using an API 365 LC-MS-MS system. The liquid chromatograph was equipped with an analytical Luna Phenyl Hexyl column. Ion spray was applied as ionization technique, monitoring m/z 325.4 (M + H) with fragment ion m/z 147.2 for DSG and m/z 339.20 (M + H) with fragment ion m/z 229.1 for its IS.
GSD study samples were determined according to a validated assay. The limit of quantification for this study was 1.0–200 ng of GSD per ml plasma. GSD and its IS, an analogue of GSD, were isolated from 0.1 ml of rabbit plasma by SPE with C-18 cartridges. The plasma extracts were analysed using an API 365 LC-MS-MS system. The liquid chromatograph was equipped with an analytical Hypersil BDS C18 column. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization was applied as ionization technique, monitoring m/z 311.0 (M + H) with fragment ion m/z 109.1 for GSD and m/z 339.10 (M + H) with fragment ion m/z 229.20 for its IS.
LNG study samples were determined according to a validated assay. The limit of quantification for this study was 1.0–200 ng of LNG per ml plasma. LNG and its IS, an analogue of LNG, were isolated from 0.1 ml of rabbit plasma by SPE with C-18 cartridges. The plasma extracts were analysed using an API 365 LC-MS-MS system. The liquid chromatograph was equipped with an analytical Luna Phenyl Hexyl column. Ion spray was applied as ionization technique, monitoring m/z 313.3 (M + H) with fragment ion m/z 109.2 for LNG and m/z 339.20 (M + H) with fragment ion m/z 229.10 for its IS.
Aortic accumulation of cholesterol
Necropsy (week 32) was done with an i.v. injection of 1–2 ml of mebumal (pentobarbital) 20% solution. The thoracic aorta (just above the aortic valves to the level of the diaphragm) was dissected free, and the connective tissue adhering to the adventitia was then carefully removed under running saline. The aorta was cut longitudinally and the luminal surface was rinsed with saline. The vessel was fixed at the corners with pins onto a piece of paper on a corkboard. The tissue was separated in two parts (a proximal and a distal part) at the level of the first intercostal arteries. The proximal part was utilized to strip the luminal layer containing the intima and part of the media from the underlying media/adventitia. The proximal part was weighed and stored at –20°C until analysed. For analysis, the luminal layer of the aortic tissue was minced and the lipids were extracted chemically with chloroform and methanol (2:1, vol/vol) over 24 h. The lipids were separated from the proteins (Haarbo et al., 1991). The total aortic cholesterol content in the tissue specimens was measured enzymatically after the fraction containing cholesterol had been taken to dryness by heating and then dissolved in 1.0 ml of 2-propanol. The amount of protein in the aorta was measured as described by Lowry (1951). The weight of the heart was recorded.
Morphometric analysis of aortic plaque area
The aorta (comprising the ascendant part, the arch, and the descendant part, from the aortic valves and to the first intercostal artery) was opened longitudinally and rinsed in 50% ethanol and dyed in Sudan Red for 1 min. Each aortic tissue dyed was projected onto a horizontal surface with a projecting videocamera (JAI 2040 Protec, Japan) and videotaped under microscope (Zeiss Stemi 2000/C, Germany). The images obtained were then digitized (ImagePro Plus, USA) to determine the surface involvement of atherosclerotic lesions (fatty streaks) and the total area occupied by the atheroma plaque (see below). Surface involvement by atherosclerosis in an animal was assessed by tracing the contours of the lumen expressed as percentage of the total aortic area. Summing the degree of surface involvement per animal and dividing by the number of animals in the group, the mean degree of surface involvement by atherosclerosis in a treatment group was calculated. Sudan Red was found not to significantly interfere with chemical determination of aortic accumulation of cholesterol (data not shown).
Preparation of aortic rings and tension monitoring
Isolated vascular segments (3–4 mm transverse sections) from the thoracic aorta were prepared from the newly killed rabbit (Furchgott and Zawadzki 1980). Five to ten rabbits randomly selected from each group were used. The rings were immediately placed in ice-cold Krebs' solution and cleaned under careful protection of the endothelium. The Krebs' solution consisted of (mmol/l): NaCl 118.0, KCl 4.7, CaCl2 2.6, MgSO4 1.2, KH2PO4 1.2, NaCHO3 24.9, and glucose 11.1. The isolated rings were mounted in the organ bath on two parallel and horizontal stainless steel wires (40 µm in diameter) inserted into the lumen of the vessel. The bath contained Krebs' solution at 37°C, carbonized with 95%/5% of O2/CO2. One hook was fixed, and the other connected to a force transducer measuring the isometric tension of the ring (Myograph 400; JP Trading A/S, Denmark). Initially, the rings were stretched to a basal tension of 2.0 g and allowed to equilibrate for 45 min. From other experiments, it was found that a basal tension of 2.0 g developed the maximal active tension in the rings (data not shown), and the basal tension was therefore increased to 2.0 g before each experiment and allowed to equilibrate for ≥30 min. The rings were then contracted twice with a 126 mmol/l K+ Krebs' solution, which is identical to Krebs solution, except that Na+ in the Krebs' was exchanged with K+ on a molar basis. The experiment began with repeated contraction with phenylephrine to 40% of their maximal contraction with high dose potassium (126 mmol/l). Cumulative dose–response curves to acetylcholine were then obtained in the concentration range of 10–8 to 10–5 mol/l. The rings were washed and allowed to relax. The vessels were then stimulated with phenyleprine again to 50% of the maximal contractile response to 126 mmol/l of K+ , and dose–response curves were subsequently obtained for sodium nitroprusside (4x10–8 to 1.3x10–5 mol/l).
Liver accumulation of cholesterol
The amount of cholesterol accumulated during the study was determined after homogenization of a liver biopsy taken at the time of necropsy. Hepatic cholesterol concentrations were assessed after homogenization and adjusted for hepatic protein similarly as described for aortic cholesterol determinations (Haarbo et al., 1991).
The uterus and endometrial tissue
The bicornuate uterus was cut at the level of the vagina and beginning of the salpinges, removed and the wet weight determined. A sample of endometrial tissue was excised and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at –85°C until analysis. For analysis, the endometrial tissue was homogenized and centrifuged at 800 g. The supernatant was then further centrifuged at 105 000 g, and the obtained supernatant (cytosol) was used for determination of cytosolic estrogen-binding capacity by steroid-binding assay with dextran-coated charcoal separation (Thorpe, 1987). The estrogen-binding capacity was adjusted for the protein concentration in the cytosol (Bradford, 1976). The 800 g pellet was washed, the nuclear receptors extracted by 0.6 mol/l KCl (Thorpe et al., 1986) and the nuclear estrogen receptor content determined by an enzyme immunoassay (Abott Laboratories). The inter-assay variation of the estrogen-binding capacity and the estrogen receptor (immunoassay) and protein determination were 7, 6 and 5% respectively. All analyses were done without knowledge of the treatment group.
The mean levels of serum lipids and lipoproteins during the treatment period were calculated as the area under the curve (AUC). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for the primary and secondary key variables. If ANOVA indicated statistical significance, Student's t-test was used to compare groups against the placebo group using Dunnett's correction for multiple comparisons. The relationship between aortic accumulation of cholesterol and the averaged serum total cholesterol (and lipoprotein) level was determined by correlation analysis. Dose–response curves for acetylcholine were performed for each treatment group (n = 5–10), and ANOVA was used to test for statistical differences among groups at each concentration of acetylcholine. Linear correlation was performed between accumulation of cholesterol and vascular response to acetylcholine. Analysis of co-variance (ANCOVA) was used to investigate the significance of serum lipids and lipoproteins and of other non-lipid-mediated effects of the hormone treatments (independent variables) on the accumulation of cholesterol (dependent variable), and to study the degree of endothelial dysfunction (dependent variable) after correction for aortic accumulation of cholesterol and treatment (independent variables). All statistical analyses were performed with 5% as the level of significance.
Materials and methods
Table I gives the baseline characteristics for the eight study groups in terms of body weight and serum lipids and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). There was no statistically significant difference among groups for any variable tested. During the study, all groups significantly increased the body weight by 20% (P < 0.05). Treatment with DSG, GSD, or LNG did not significantly affect the average TC concentration (Table II). However, treatment with EE or EE plus a progestin significantly lowered average TC concentrations. Changes in TC were paralleled by modifications in the atherogenic lipoproteins (LDL-C, IDL-C, and VLDL-C) (ANOVA: P < 0.001 for all), and all hormone treatments (progestins alone or in combination with EE) significantly increased average HDL-C concentrations (ANOVA: P < 0.001).
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Table I. Baseline characteristics
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Table II. Mean (SEM) serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations calculated from the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC)
Cholesterol feeding per se resulted in an extensive aortic accumulation of cholesterol (nmol/mg wet weight) and this was significantly attenuated by long-term treatment with EE (P < 0.0001) or EE plus a progestin (P 0.5}.
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Figure 1. Individual values for the aortic accumulation of cholesterol (µmol/mg wet weight) (upper part of the figure) or the morphometric data based on the area of the aortic arch covered by plaque (lower part of the figure) in the eight groups. EE = ethinyl estradiol; DGS = desogestrel; GTD = gestodene; LNG = levonorgestrel. Rabbits treated with EE alone or in combination with a progestin (DSG, GSD or LNG) had significantly lower accumulation of cholesterol and atherosclerotic plaque than placebo. There was no statistically significant difference between the progestin groups and the placebo group. ***P < 0.0001 (analysis of variance).
Morphometric analysis of the plaque covering the surface of the thoracic aorta revealed that there were significantly more atheromatous lesions in the placebo group than in the EE and the EE + progestin groups (P < 0.001 for all groups versus placebo) (Figure 1 and Figure 2). This still held true after adjustment for multiple comparisons (P < 0.0001).
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Figure 2. Representative samples of the aortic arches used for morhometric determination of the area covered by atherosclerotic plaques. Upper panel shows examples from the placebo group (cholesterol feeding alone; placebo), and the ethinyl estradiol (EE) group; whereas the lower panel shows examples from each of the EE + progestin groups. There was significantly less plaque accumulated in the EE group and the EE + progestin groups compared with placebo (P < 0.0001). Numbers indicate animal identifications.
Figure 3 shows the EC50 to acetylcholine for the various treatment groups (top). There was no significant difference between groups, but treatment with EE and EE plus a progestin tended to have lower EC50 values than controls. The response to two physiological doses of acetylcholine (1.0x10–7 and 3.2x10–7 mol/l) in precontracted vessels is shown (centre and bottom). Vessels treated with EE relaxed significantly more to acetylcholine than control vessels or vessels with a progestin alone (P < 0.05). Moreover, combining EE with a progestin relaxed the vessels significantly more than control vessels but to a lesser extent than with EE alone. Vasorelaxation to physiological concentrations of acetylcholine (1.0x10–7 and 3.2x10–7 mol/l) correlated significantly and inversely to aortic accumulation of cholesterol (r = –0.39 P = 0.002 and r = –0.37 P = 0.004 respectively). To study the influence of increasing accumulation of cholesterol on the endothelial dysfunction evaluated by vascular reactivity in vitro, ANCOVA was done. We found that treatment with EE significantly and independently of aortic accumulation of cholesterol restored vasorelaxation {for EE: estimate [mean (SEM)] was 49.3 (10.4)%, P = 0.0001}, whereas the other treatments with EE plus a progestin or a progestin alone [DSG, –7.7 (9.2)% (not significant); GSD, –8.5 (9.1)% (not significant); LNG, –3.2 (9.7)% (not significant); EE + DSG, 17.7 (9.4)% (P = 0.065); EE + GSD, 13.2 (10.2)% (not significant); and EE ± LNG, 17.0 (8.8)% (P = 0.058)], or accumulation of cholesterol per se [–0.1 (0.2)%] did not.
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Figure 3. The EC50 values for acetylcholine of isolated vessels for the treatment groups (top). There was no significant difference between groups, but treatment with ethinyl estradiol (EE) alone or combined with a progestin tended to have lower EC50 values than the placebo group. Long-term treatment with EE alone or combined with a progestin relaxed precontracted vessels to two physiological doses of acetylcholine [1.0x10–7 mol/l (centre) and 3.2x10–7 mol/l (bottom) significantly more than control vessels (black bar; P < 0.0001)]. Abbreviations as in Figure 1.
The uterine wet weight was significantly higher in EE-treated animals than in controls (P < 0.0001; Figure 4). Progestins had a neutral effect on uterine wet weight, while EE in combination with any of the progestins significantly increased the wet weight indicating that the progestins with the doses used were not able to completely abolish the stimulatory effect of EE on this target organ (Figure 4). The uterine cytosolic estrogen receptor (ER) concentrations were significantly lowered in the EE group (P < 0.0001) and also in each of the EE plus progestin groups (P < 0.001–0.0001) relative to the placebo group, but also the progestins alone resulted in reduced concentrations compared with controls (P < 0.001) (Table III). For the nuclear ER concentrations there was no significant differences for any of the treatment groups, but all were lower than the control group.
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Figure 4. Uterine wet weight for the rabbits according to treatment. The wet weight was significantly higher in ethinyl estradiol (EE)-treated animals than in the control group (P < 0.0001). Progestins themselves had a neutral effect on uterine wet weight, while EE in combination with a progestin all significantly increased the wet weight (P < 0.0001). Abbreviations as in Figure 1.
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Table III. Hepatic cholesterol content and uterine cytosolic and uterine nuclear estrogen receptor content (fmol/mg protein)
Safety aspects in relation to the study
Figure 5 shows that the rabbits receiving EE or EE plus a progestin had concentration peaks for the progestin between 1 and 8 h after administration, as based on the kinetic study. The differences in the area under the curve for LNG versus DSG, and EE + LNG versus EE + DSG respectively, indicate a difference in the serum concentrations of these two progestins and may, in part, reflect difference in protein binding. Nevertheless, the serum concentrations of LNG in rabbits are similar to those reported for women (Kook et al., 2002).
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Figure 5. Mean concentrations in serum (ng/ml) of the various progestins alone or when combined with ethinyl estradiol. Abbreviations as in Figure 1.
During the last 6–8 weeks, the animals and particularly those in the EE group ceased increasing in body weight probably as a result of general health deterioration, and in the EE group a significant number of rabbits (n = 8) did not complete the study. Autopsy of these animals suggested a toxic estrogenic effect of the liver (liver cirrhosis) and of the uterus (probably deciduocarcinoma) by macroscopic examination, as previously reported as a consequence of exogenous estrogens (Janne et al., 2001). Due to decay of the internal organs the precise cause of death could not be determined in most cases. Table IV summarizes the percentage change in ALAT, haemoglobin, and white cell count. In the EE group, eight rabbits died prematurely (mostly after week 20). The temporary increase in ALAT (week 6) in the LNG, EE + DSG, EE + GSD, and EE + LNG groups decreased after 6 weeks of treatment, but never fully returned to pretreatment values (Table IV). The general health of the animals in the EE group as determined by the haemoglobin, red blood cell count and haematocrit (not shown), and clinical appearance deteriorated in the last period of the study, probably as a result of a toxic effect of the EE dose used.
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Table IV. Mean (SEM) percentage changes from baseline in liver enzyme concentration, haemoglobin, and white cell count
Materials and methods
The principal results of this experimental study was that EE either alone or in continuous combination with one of the progestins used, i.e. LNG, DSG or GSD, significantly inhibited the aortic accumulation of cholesterol relative to placebo (cholesterol-feeding alone), whereas treatment with progestin monotherapy had a neutral effect on atherogenesis, irrespective of the progestin used. After adjustment for lipids and lipoproteins, there still was an apparently inhibitory effect of EE on aortic accumulation of cholesterol suggesting a lipid concentration-independent mechanism of action for EE on atherogenesis. A previous study in non-human monkeys also found that animals treated with EE in combination with LNG (as a triphasic OC formulation) had significantly less iliac artery atherosclerosis than control animals (Kaplan et al., 1995). Extrapolating experimental data to the human situation should be done with caution, but only two population-based studies have been specifically designed to investigate the role of second versus third generation OC formulations on the risk of myocardial infarction (Dunn et al., 1999; Tanis et al., 2001). In the study by Dunn et al., the relative risk was found to be increased with third generation compared with second generation OC formulations [OR, 1.8 (95% CI, 0.7–4.8)], whereas in the study by Tanis et al. the relative risk was found to be decreased with third generation compared with second generation formulations [OR, 0.5 (95% CI, 0.2–1.1]. In addition, presence of cardiovascular risk factors (smoking and arterial hypertension) seems to be crucial for development of myocardial infarction in women taking OC (World Health Organization, 1997; Farley et al., 1998; Lewis, 1998; Petitti et al., 2000; Tanis et al., 2001). In fact, the WHO study found no increased risk of myocardial infarction in non-smoking women with no other cardiovascular risk factors who also reported blood pressure check before starting use of combined OC. Controlled, randomized studies are therefore clearly needed, although these studies will be of a considerable size taking into account the expected low incidence of myocardial infarction in pre-menopausal women (Crook and Godsland, 1998), and consequently such trials are very expensive to perform. Therefore, until clinical data on vascular endpoints are available, experimental animal studies may provide important clues in terms of the effect of various OC formulations on atherogenesis.
Data on the direct effect of OC formulations on the human arterial system are lacking (Kuhl, 1996). We found evidence that the OC formulations used in this study had a direct effect on the arteries of cholesterol-fed rabbits. Acetylcholine-mediated relaxation of precontracted aortic rings was increased in the EE plus progestin groups, although less than in the EE group alone as compared with placebo. EE's significant effect on restoring vasorelaxation was found to be independent of the accumulation of cholesterol in the aortic wall. However, we also found that the addition of the progestins influenced the estrogen-induced vasorelaxation (Figure 3), although by an unknown mechanism of action. Recently, in a study of precontracted rabbit jugular veins, EE, LNG, DSG and GSD were reported to induce relaxations in vessels with intact endothelium (Herkert et al., 2000). However, this area warrants further investigation.
It is well known that cholesterol-fed rabbits show alterations in their lipoprotein metabolism that differ from the human situation (Haarbo et al., 1991; 1992). Combination of EE with a progestin in this study reflected the estrogenic effect. Furthermore, the three combined treatments lowered serum lipids and the atherogenic lipoprotein levels significantly and similarly to EE monotherapy. In contrast, treatment with a progestin alone did not affect these variables differently from the controls, in accordance with earlier findings (Haarbo et al., 1992). In women, OC frequently increases serum triglycerides (Gevers Leuven et al., 1990; Kuhl et al., 1990; Leuven et al., 1990; Lobo et al., 1996; Cheung et al., 1999).
The dose of EE was selected to reflect serum concentrations of EE in peri-menopausal women taking OC. However, the duration of the present study was longer than in many previous studies (20 weeks). Among the animals receiving EE alone, 40% died after only ≥21 weeks of treatment, whereas animals given combined treatment did not die prematurely. This suggests that the accumulated estrogen dose may have been too high and/or the study too long, as also indicated by the safety variables of the EE-treated animals at week 30 (Table IV), but also that adding a progestin was able to negate this toxic effect. Progestins were used in equipotent doses (i.e. in combination with EE they inhibit endometrial stimulation equally in humans) relative to each other. The selected dose of the progestins (µg per kg body weight) was chosen based on previous experience (van der Vies and de Visser, 1983; Sulistiyani et al., 1995; Zandberg et al., 2001) and in-house studies (in Organon), but may be considered as high doses. All three OC formulations significantly decreased the concentration of the cytosolic ER concentration relative to controls, suggesting that these formulations affect the endometrium through a down-regulation of the cytosolic ER. Addition of a progestin in this study also down-regulated the ER although less than found for EE, and when combining EE with a progestin, the estrogen component dominated the ER regulation. It should, however, be emphasized that the lack of modifying effect of the progestins relative to the EE dose on the endometrium should not be taken as a lack of progestogenic effect, since the primary intention was to investigate the effect of these hormone combinations on atherosclerosis and arterial responsiveness.
A type II statistical error is not likely to have occurred in our study. However, the accumulation of cholesterol (and amount of fatty streaks) in the EE group was significantly lower than that of the placebo animals. For a type II error to occur, the null hypothesis (that there was no difference in aortic accumulation of cholesterol between the EE and the placebo group) would not be true, and despite this, we would obtain a non-significant result, i.e. a 'false negative' result.
In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that in ovariectomized cholesterol-fed rabbits, the progestins investigated (LNG, DSG, or GSD) can be combined with EE without attenuating the anti-atherogenic effect of EE, partly by decreasing atherogenic lipoproteins, and partly by a direct effect on the endothelium, modulating the aortic vasomotor response in vitro.
Materials and methods
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Submitted on December 13, 2002; resubmitted on February 20, 2003; accepted on March 25, 2003.
This article has been cited by other articles:
T. Hayashi, T. Esaki, D. Sumi, T. Mukherjee, A. Iguchi, and G. Chaudhuri
Modulating role of estradiol on arginase II expression in hyperlipidemic rabbits as an atheroprotective mechanism
PNAS, July 5, 2006; 103(27): 10485 - 10490.
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I need advice on MENOPAUSE & alternative to HRT?
Complete hysterectomy, some hot flashes (mild at the moment) especially on my upper arms. Dr suggested a mild HRT. He thinks I am stupid for hesitating HRT. Are there any alternatives which do not thin your blood?
I just weathered my way through the menopause, as did my friend after her hysterectomy.
My neighbour swore by black cohosh!
Be guided by how you feel as far as accepting HRT or not.
I having severe night sweats. Are there any natural things to help?
I am going through menopause and having severe night sweats. Are there any natural things I can take to help with this? Also, what is a comfortable material to sleep in?
PLEASE! I cannot stress enough that you have a complete hormone panel test. Saliva is more accurate than blood, but unfortunately, most insurance companies do not recognize this fact (yet). You are experiencing a symptom of hormone inbalance so treating the night sweats is only treating the symptom. It is important to get to the cause of of this symptom.
Here is an excerpt from womentowomen.com
5 natural ways to reduce hot flashes and night sweats
Most of the women we meet in our clinic and Personal Programs prefer to use the most natural, least invasive methods available for health care. For them, addressing their menopausal symptoms by filling a prescription doesn't hold the appeal it might for others. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping pills, and synthetic hormones, the solutions conventional medicine continues to offer women for hot flash relief, are not the first line of therapy at Women to Women. For 25 years we've been offering women safe alternative solutions that effectively address the underlying causes of hot flashes and provide equivalent — if not superior — results.
Here are some options we find helpful:
1) Understand your triggers. The first step in pulling the plug on your hot flashes is to identify and understand your triggers. Are you more prone at certain times of the day or night? Do certain foods set you off on a heat wave? Track these observations and patterns in your journal or Women to Women's Wellness Diary.
2) Nourish your body's neuroendocrine pathways. Eat whole, fresh foods, and balance your meals and snacks with plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and protein. Add a top-grade multivitamin-mineral complex, essential fatty acids, and soy to augment your core nutrition and ensure an adequate supply of the micronutrients your body needs for neurotransmitter and hormonal balance. With a solid nutritional foundation, you will find the passage through menopause to be a lot less bumpy. (To learn more, read our dietary pointers for quelling hot flashes.)
3) Stay active. Recent research suggests exercise helps calm hot flashes by reducing anxiety. In a small study looking at the effect of exercise on overall menopause symptoms, women who exercised experienced reduced hot flashes, while those who did not experienced an increase. Whatever form of exercise you enjoy makes for better hormonal health, provided it does not make you feel more stressed-out or overheated. Forms of exercise that raise core body temperature can trigger hot flashes, so be sure to provide ample cool-down time, and avoid dashing off to undertake anything stressful after your work-outs.
4) Cultivate emotional health. Make a commitment to follow a path that brings you emotional wellness. Take incremental steps to reduce stress, whatever form it takes in your life. Whether that means setting better boundaries at work, home, or within your community, learn to value your own well-being enough to keep commitments and expectations reasonable. Use your inner guidance to seek out and cultivate practices that calm rather than stimulate your inner thermometer. In our experience women find meditation, prayer, yoga, biofeedback, Emotional Freedom Technique, and the Hoffman Quadrinity Process to be extremely helpful.
5) Add gentle hormonal support when needed. Given that phytohormones approximate the molecular configuration of the hormones produced in our own bodies, it stands to reason that we're better equipped to utilize them safely and effectively than pharmaceutical drugs or synthetic forms of hormone therapy. If you're considering herbal support, a product containing a range of plant constituents, like the one we offer in our Personal Program, can offer synergistic benefits that a single herb may not. For more information, read our article on phytotherapy. You may also want to explore acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM), or talk to your practitioner about bioidentical hormones
Are there any alternatives to spaying my female cat?
She is an indoor cat and soooo sweet. I am worried about her personality changing and any health side effects from having a full hysterectomy without hormone supplement, which is essentially what spaying does.
You can simply just not spay her and tolerate her when she goes into heat. She will cry a lot, may spray, and be desperate for a mate for a couple of months every year. She will be miserable, and make you miserable as well.
There are some hormonal shots and pills to prevent that, but the side effects are worse than simply spaying her. There is also evidence that ovaban (hormones) also increase chances of mammary cancer. Or you may forget a dose, and like clockwork your cat will go in heat and have all the dangers associated w it.
An unspayed cat is at risk of pyometra (more info here: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=917 ) They also become great escape artists and may wander far in search for a mate and get lost
A kitten recovers sooooo quickly and the risks are so minimal, even more minimal when you compare it w the risks of possible delivery if she gets pregnant, mammary cancer, spaying a pregnant cat or cat w pyometra. Hormones in dogs and cats is different than in women, they don't go into menopause like we do, and they are miserable when they go in heat. Their bodies are prepared to live without hormones since they only have all that hormonal rush once a year (twice in dogs), while our body is really not used to being without hormonal fluctuations since we deal w it all the time, every month... if we are not ovulating... we are having a period.... no break
Im sure she will be much happier spayed than not and forced to be celibate w her raging hormones
Should they ban PMU Farms and cut off the production of Premarin?
I am doing a paper on the menopause drug called Premarin and it is from a pregnant mares urine. The mare can't hardly move and she has to stand for a long time during the last six months of her pregnancy. She stays in the stall until she gives birth and the foal will be shipped off to auction and normally go to the slaughter house.
There are many alternatives to Premarin that are at least as good, possibly better. so it would be no loss if Premarin was banned--menopausal women will have plenty of alternatives that are equally as good. If there were NO alternatives, then that would be a different matter--human lives take precedence over animal lives. But there ARE alternatives, so animal cruelty is unnecessary. On the other hand, it would be hypocritical because other animals are treated equally as bad or worse that are raised for eating, so why single out horses for Premarin?
Is a migraine behind eyes and hot flush feeling on left side normal heading into menopause?
I'm just wondering because it feels like I only get hot on the left side but it radiates to the right...I can feel my left side of my face heat up, but I don't sweat and my face doesn't get red. Or does it sound like something neurological?
OOOh yes! migraine, stress, anxiety, and many others bad feelings..No hormone replacement please, but natural therapeuty..try this : http://menopauseandweight.com/ Don't let menopause ruin your quality of life! and Change to alternative and proven methods, natural treatments.
GOG bless
What's the best thing for menopause symptoms, that you can buy over the counter?
There are so many things on the shelf loaded with vitamins and herbs. What really works? Does anyone have any experience with these. I'm over 40 and had a total hysterectomy at 37. I'm on the patch, but my GYN doesn't want to raise it. I still get hot flashes, and I'd like to go natural. I also take a progesterone pill at night.
I would like to suggest Menozac which is one of the best menopause symptom relief product on the market. Why?
First, because it is made to meet pharmaceutical standards. Second, it uses only the finest, most bio-available natural nutrients. Third, every production batch is tested in a lab to ensure its purity and potency.
Even some herbal experts also highly recommend using this type of herbal, safe and natural menopause treatment. By taking this natural alternative you will avoid the side effects and health risks, and help treat your symptoms naturally.
whats a good thin comforter, that will keep me neither too hot or too cold?
i keep waking up sweaty, im only 27 so i dont think its menopause. but i do have hormonal imbalance. i have the AC on and everyones freezing. whats a nice thin comforter that is warm, but not hot and heavy?
Hi, There are a couple of light weight or year round down alternative duvet inserts here http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=down%20alternative%20duvet%20insert&tag=recommended0b-20&index=garden&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 Hope this helps.
Can acupuncture help with chronic pain and menopausal symptoms?
What are the best alternative methods to help cope with chronic pain and menopause. On HRT but is there a better one for me?
Chinese Medicine can help with chronic pain and menopausal symptoms. Acupuncture excels on its own for the treatment of pain. However, a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine is generally more effective for menopausal issues.
Chronic pain will often *start* responding to acupuncture within the first or second treatment.
Menopause treatment can take somewhat longer to start showing more lasting positive effects.
If you are in the United States you can find a board certified acupuncturist in your area at: http://www.nccaom.org
Had total hysterectomy. Looking for advice re menopause. Can anyone give me some advice?
I have just had a total hysterectomy and am beginning to have hot flushes. I am not sure about taking HRT and I would rather try alternative therapies. It has been 6 weeks since my surgery and I am still off work. Can anyone give me advice?
Were you not given advice at the time? Talk to your gynaecologist about this
How does one deal with the night sweats due to menopause?
I refuse to go on hormone therapy.
Hi Alice, until now they found no real alternative to HRT.
I read that Yoga decreases the frequency of hot flashes for many women and also that ispflavone (soy) is helping. But
to entirely get rid of hot flashes I am afraid its just the HRT (I am suing it for many years, couldn't stand the hot flashes night and day).
Has anyone ever tried Black Cohosh for menopause?
Sleepless nights, fatique, thinning hair, mood swings= Menopause for me. Any advice will be appreciated I thinking about using Black Cohosh, but I need to know if some had used it and what is their opinion. Other options will also be appreciated
If you are concerned about taking HRT then this article may be of some help to you.
Use a step ladder approach to your health. Diet: First eat a health diet, limit coffee and alcohol as it can increase hot flashes. Exercise 1/2 hour a day with a walk at min. This helps your well being and increases certain hormones levels. Use vitamins and herbs such as estrogenic like from plants, doug quai, black cohosh, licorice, red clover or wild yam extracts. Any one of them can help, but do not use all at once or combine them. It is a waste of resouces. You can try one and see if it helps and switch to another one if it doesn't. You can add chaste tree berry or vitex, which is the only documented herb that shows in your blood life to increase progesterone. You can blend vitamins and herb's together, but be sure not to use more than one phyto-estrogen. When symptoms change or this is not effective enough, begin using a natural progesterone cream (aka wise women essentials a bio indentical cream) which will help the whole body and systems. If you are like me then you will be thinking 'I don't have the time, ability, resources to round up all these wonderfull natural ingredients. Well you could find the answer in Menozac.
Menozac is Help from Mother Nature Menozac is a botanical formulation containing a blend of natural herbal extracts. These are plants from Mother Nature that specifically ease your transition. They provide effective menopause relief, from the onset, and through the duration of typical menopause.
Menozac has been developed as a natural alternative support, formulated with the best-known combination of well-researched phytoestrogen botanicals. These plants have a long history of helping to relieve menopausal symptoms and supporting the body's hormonal balance.
Your grandmothers and great grandmothers learned how to make this life transition smoothly, by studying the plants. Their long history is being shared with you in the Menozac formula.
For more information about Menozac then Click Here
What is it like to have experienced menopause?
I am trying to complete a survey for a women's health class in college and unfortunately, I do not have women I can ask. Please feel free to share any comments or details you might have.
It's a little different for each woman. My mom swears she had only 2 weeks of hot flashes and then was over it but anyone who had to be around her knew she went through at least 2 years (probably more) of terrorizing everyone, she seemed to get pleasure from embarrassing everyone, had mood swings so you never knew what kind of mad woman you were going to have to deal with at any given moment. She also got real forgetful--could never remember where she parked her car. My sister went through menopause when she was 45 because of the cancer therapy she had to go through and then had hot flashes for about 10 years. My supervisor at work would have severe hot flashes where she had to lock her office door because she had to periodically take off her blouse so it wouldn't get soaked; she also went through mood swings where she'd accuse you of trying to undermine her and that you were trying to steal her job from her. I've known women who would break into tears over basically nothing, they just couldn't control it. My friend's mom bleed so copiously that she had to go in for regular blood transfusions--and then even 2 years after her periods had stopped completely, she got pregnant. My menopause was a breeze and I knew it was coming because I know my body very well. My monthly periods had never been much of a problem, weren't normally painful or anything, my "PMS" was minor. During menopause, my back would get real hot during the night when I was sleeping but I got real good at pulling off the covers just over my back without hardly waking up, then when it was over, I'd toss the covers back over all of me again. I had a huge cramp just once--and since I'd never had menstrual cramps before, I thought I was dying until a friend said it was just a cramp (she knew, she had gotten them every month!). I went through a brief period where it felt like my head was in a fog, couldn't concentrate on anything, kept forgetting to take my keys when I stepped outside so had to devise alternatives (hiding keys doesn't work, and I have still left the house without my keys and it's been more than 10 years since I went through menopause). Otherwise, I really had a very lightweight menopause (and btw, I love not having a period except all the health coverage my hormones afforded me are not gone).
What exactly does "standardized herbs" mean?
I'm looking for an alternative method for menopause systems. A friend is pushing a website on me that sells herbal products but I do not see any mention of "standarized". How important is this?
Standardized herbs guarantee a certain amount of the "active ingredient" of an herb, or are the "active ingredient" isolated from herbs. The problem is that a single herb has hundreds of ingredients that help to make the herb medicine more effective and free of harmful side effects. Many of these chemical constituents are not even well understood by science, but still play a role in the plants healing attributes.
You would do better to look for high quality herbs that are artfully combined by a knowledgeable herbalist, otherwise, you are just one step away from pharmaceuticals. You may have a qualified health care professional trained in herbs that can give you advice in your community.
period after taking birth control for menopause?
I am in my 50's, went through menopause early. A huge plus to this was no period for at least 8 yrs. Dr. put me on birth control for hormone replacement, forgot them when camping, developed severe cramping and now having a heavy flow period. I don't want them again, if I stay off the pills will my periods stop again? I would rather have all the bad that comes with the change than to have periods again.
If you stay off the pills, then yes, you will stop bleeding. The hormone replacement has caused a uterine lining to grow, and the abrupt cessation of hormones from forgetting your pills has caused the lining to shed. Once it's shed, it won't regrow again unless you start taking hormones again. BUT: your alternatives are not just "be on pills and get periods" and "be off pills and have no periods but have menopause symptoms". Nowadays, it's common for women to take what is called "continuous HRT". This means they take the same dose of hormones every day, never having a break. The dosage they use, and the continuous consumption without any break, means that your uterine lining never gets thick enough to have a period. So you can take pills and thereby get rid of menopause side effects, yet also not have a period, safely.
Ladies I have a Q on menopause symptoms and how to dodge them?
what have you experienced besides the (in)famous hot flashes and what did you do about it? (Apart from SHT hormone therapy which I can't do) Txs!
I went through menopause without really knowing too much that I was,as I was still on the pill. I still had the hot flushes tho. Many of my friends go to health food stores there are many alternative treatments there, most work really well Good Luck
What difference does fermentation do to soya?
I've heard that fermentation of soya can reduce the negative health effects associated with soya. Is there anywhere I can check this claim?
Which products use fermented soya (vs unfermented?)
Tempeh is about the only product I know which is fermented soya. Rhizopus mould is introduced to cooked soya beans, a recipe which originated in Indonesia, if I remember correctly. It is a firm texture and has a nutty flavour. I buy it in frozen blocks from a health food shop (Goodness Direct) but I think it's available in some of the larger Chinese or Asian food shops. I slice it and fry it as a (passable) alternative to bacon for "non"BLT's & fry-ups. It can also be used in spreads, soups & stews as well as being used in salads and sandwiches. The fermentation process produces natural antibiotics and leaves all the goodness of the isoflavines found in soya. It is also a complete protein food that contains all the essential amino acids. Soy protein and isoflavones have many health benefits. Isoflavones strengthen bones, help to ease menopause symptoms, reduce risk of coronary hearth disease and possibly some cancers. The process of making Tempeh doesn't reduce any of the natural fibre of soya and the enzymes produced make it more easily digestable. It can be home made too, but you need to be able to get hold of the tempeh starter. In case you hadn't guessed I love the stuff LOL
Is it possible that mouthwash is making my breath worse?
I've noticed that everytime I remember to use mouthwash, I end up with bad breath a few hours later or the next day. Is this possible or am I imagining things? It is an anti-bacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash.
My theory is that the good-bacteria in my mouth are being killed and the bad-breath-bacteria are being left, making it worse. Is that a possibility?
De-Mystifying the Mouthwash Myth
As we mentioned earlier, all people have bad breath on occasion. When they do, most people immediately reach for the mouthwash. Not only is this ineffective but this action can also exacerbate the condition. Why is this so?
Mouthwash contains flavoring and dyes but most importantly the primary component is alcohol! They claim to kill bacteria, which is true in most cases. However, the bacteria is quick to return with an exponential affect because the alcoholic content causes dry mouth which is the leading cause of bad breath. It creates a very ineffectual cycle of repetition.
Commercial mouthwash products also contain other harsh chemicals. Studies have shown that excessive amounts of mouthwash irritate the gums, tongue, palate and mucous membranes in the mouth. If the user is a smoker AND consumes alcohol, heavy use of mouthwash can even cause certain cancers. It would be prudent to look at some of the other methods to deal with bad breath and stay away from the mouthwash.
If you would like to freshen your breath try preparing your own breath freshening mouthwash. A rinse consisting of a few drops of peppermint oil in a glass of water will do the trick nicely just don't count on it to kill bacteria. Also just use it as a rinse and do not swallow.
There are other essential oils that work as well. Try tea tree, myrrh, spearmint, and ginger are also effective.
Rinsing your mouth with salt water is a great home remedy for a sore throat. It is also good for eliminating bad breath. You might also try rinsing with lemon or lime water as well. Both are equally effective and may taste a bit more pleasant than salt water.
Try drinking a small amount of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water at least once a day.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Dry mouth
Sounds like such an innocuous little phrase, doesn't it? Thought to be a leading cause of bad breath, dry mouth occurs when saliva production is reduced and carries its own nasty little package of problems.
The medical term for dry mouth is "xerostomia" (pronounced ZEER-oh-STOH-mee-ah). Saliva performs vital work in your body. It aids in digestion by using the enzymes to help break up different foods and also makes it easier to talk.
You may not realize that it can also help to prevent tooth decay by rinsing away food particles from between the teeth as well as the gums. Saliva also helps you taste the food you eat and makes it easier for you to swallow that food. It is also known for neutralizing any damaging acids.
It is believed to be caused primarily by certain medications which we listed in the previous paragraph. The symptoms of dry mouth can include:
* Dry, rough tongue
* Poor sense of taste
* Burning sensation in your mouth
* Increased plaque
* Reduced saliva production
Alzheimer's disease, AIDS and stroke are also attributed to causing dry mouth as well as pregnancy and/or hormonal changes due to menopause.
Increasing fluid intake can help to re-hydrate the mouth. It's important to keep it moist so you don't lose all the benefits provided by saliva production.
Gum disease/Gingivitus
This is inflammation of soft tissue surrounding the teeth. This condition is much more serious than a single abscess. Gingivitis is the precursor to periodontitis which is the final step of gum disease that can ultimately lead to toot loss. This will be discussed in depth a bit further on.
Hepatic encephalopathy
This is a rare but possible cause as a result of liver disease.
Impacted tooth
An impacted tooth is one that rebelliously will not erupt into its proper position and most often results in infection, which we know is another cause of bad breath.
Banish the Breath Mints and Chewing Gum
Neither of these commercial products are particularly helpful as they only mask the problem and in fact could cause tooth decay. Try some of our alternative recommendations:
Remember the trick the Greeks used? Anise seed is readily available and chewing on a few of them work just as effectively today as they did several thousand years ago. Fennel, cinnamon and cloves also work well. Try popping a few into your mouth after meals to fight bad breath.
There are many other natural replacements for commercial mouthwash. Try adding a bit of baking soda to your toothpaste. After all, not only is it used in cooking and the laundry, we also use baking soda to absorb odor in the refrigerator. It will work well to help eliminate bad breath.
Did you ever wonder why parsley and mint are often used as a garnish when dining out? Just like the Greeks, remember the Romans. Chewing on parsley helps fight bad breath.
The reason is the high content of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll very quickly changes carbon dioxide into oxygen in the body. This prepares the digestive tract to prevent gases and toxins from backing up and by lubricating the tract and various valves.
Boil a mixture of myrrh resin, sage leaves and lavender flowers in a small amount of water. Gargle three times a day as a bad breath remedy.
Aloe vera will cleanse the colon and prevent toxins that could possibly back up in the digestive tract.
Bad Breath and Your Diet
We live in a world where food dominates. We are on sensory overload because everywhere we turn there is another delectable delight to tantalize the taste buds. Sadly, the majority of the foods that we are seduced by on a daily basis do serious damage to our teeth. In our discussion that also applies to bad breath.
It is important to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Unfortunately all day snacks and binging have replaced the concept of "three square meals a day."
When indiscriminate snacking takes place oral hygiene goes out the window. If doubt that, begin a diary and document every single instance throughout the day when you place food or beverages in your mouth. Weight loss programs teach their users to do this and it can be an eye-opening experience. Some of our habits are so ingrained that we don't even realize what we are doing.
Someone brings a home made coffee cake to the office and it's very easy to unconsciously grab "just a little sliver" back to your desk along with your. . .what?. . third or fourth cup of java of course.
You may be sitting in the grandstands at a little league ballgame when your partner waves the bag of popcorn under your nose. Well, it's just a few kernels of popcorn, right?
Now, do you immediately run to the ladies room at the office and brush your teeth? Do you leap off the bleachers and sprint to the "facilities" and floss? Of course not, that would be ridiculous, right? If we all did that, there wouldn't be a problem with dental disease or bad breath.
All the snacking that we do throughout the day not only contributes to bad breath but snack food is usually very high in carbohydrates and produces excessive amounts of sugar that cause tooth decay and promote bad breath. Harmful acids contained in soda pop attack the enamel on the teeth, yet we sip on sodas all day long.
And, if you thought that just sodas are the culprit, think again. A recent study claims that all those popular sports drinks we buy may not be such a good idea after all. They may re-hydrate the body, but they can cause irreversible damage to the dental enamel.
The study reports that fitness water, sports drinks, energy drinks and other non-cola beverages increase the risk of damage by anywhere from 3 to 11 times!
It should be mentioned that the findings are indicative of long term use. However, it appears that these drinks may not necessarily beneficial as a substitute for plain old-fashioned fresh water!
Foods like garlic, onions, peppers and more all have a role in creating bad breath. When the food you eat is released into the bloodstream, the lungs will expel the odor.
While garlic and onions seem to top the list of bad breath offenders, there are other foods that are just as likely to produce bad breath. A few of these are:
* Meats that are spicy like pepperoni, salami and pastrami
* Cheese, especially soft cheeses
* Fish
* Dairy foods
* Seafood
* Eggs
Practically every food that is high in protein is also a harbinger of bad breath. In fact practically one third of our diet is comprised of high protein foods.
This can be especially distressing if you are on a "high protein" diet. The obvious result is that when on a diet such as this bad breath will become significantly more annoying.
Short of totally eliminating protein from our diet (not recommended) what else can we do? At the risk of sounding redundant let's review some of our earlier discussion.
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration certainly won't help to improve the situation.
As difficult as it may be, clean your teeth and tongue thoroughly each time you eat anything that is high in protein.
Try and adjust your diet to contain less high protein foods and more high fiber foods. Foods high in fiber naturally produce some of those important enzymes we previously discussed.
Fiber will help fight constipation. Homeopathic healers report that regular bowel movements help to rid the body of toxins that contribute to bad breath.
Not only will changing to a higher fiber diet help your bad breath, it will also improve the overall health of your digestive system.
Instead of snacking on junk food, try chewing on fresh fruits and vegetables, especially the crunchy foods. Apples, pears, celery and carrots are good suggestions. They will aid in enzyme production and the natural chewing of the crunchy foods will stimulate the gums.
Consider adding that yogurt we mentioned as a permanent part of your daily food intake. Again, it will promote the production of the live bacteria you need.
Stimulate the flow of saliva to keep the mouth moist. Remember to avoid ineffectual commercial mouthwashes. Chewing on a clove or adding a drop of cinnamon or peppermint oil on your tongue will be much more productive.
If you are having post-nasal drip, use an over the counter medication to reduce the flow of the noxious drainage of the draining mucous.
There are numerous over the counter treatments for bad breath, the majority of which we have already reported to be ineffectual.
One type of product does appear to bear some scrutiny, however. Advertised as a "new innovation" in mouthwashes they are called Chlorine Dioxide Mouthwashes.
They claim to totally eliminate bad breath by attacking the sulfur compounds that cause bad breath rather than masking them as conventional mouthwashes do.
They make a provocative case however, when you understand that chlorine dioxide has been used in municipal water supplies for decades. Use your own judgment, but it might not hurt to give one a try.
Further research shows another fairly recent medical treatment for periodontal disease that may present some hope for remedying bad breath by treating the periodontal condition.
Can anyone give me advice on how to stop eating too much when I am stressed.?
I eat too much when srtressed or bored. I want to stick to a diet and loose weight. Help! I am age 50 and going through the menopause.
The best way is not to have tempting things (like biscuits and cakes and cheese) in the house. If you need to make a special trip to the shops you will find that you usually can't be bothered.
Stock up on alternative snacks that won't be so bad for you, so that if you don't win the battle with the urge to eat then at least you're not eating things that are going to knock you too far off.
Also - try finding a way of working through your stress. A walk, a bath, get on an exercise bike, get a punch bag...... anything that will help you get through the stress without resorting to eating.
Good luck!
How do I make peppermint essence?
I have this peppermint plant at home, I want to do something with it.
One new aspect of Alternative Medicine is to use the essential oils of plants to treat all sorts of human conditions from fevers to dandruff. I have used many of these treatments myself and my family and pets, and found that some work very well indeed. However, the plant essences used are VERY expensive. They are also so very concentrated they can not be used on the skin undiluted. Just to give you an idea of how strong they are the usual dilution is three drops to a tablespoon of oil or water before use.
Soooooooooo, rather than buy many expensive distilled essences, and then extensively dilute them, you can make "user friendly" body oils right from the start. What you need are your fresh or dried herb of choice, a jar with a lid, and some cooking oil. With these simple household items you can make your own oils!
Pint Jar with Lid (recycle!!)
Fresh Herbs to tightly fill the jar
Salad Oil
Sterilized knife blade
Wash and sterilize the jar and lid. Boiling them both, and letting them air dry will work fine.
Chop fresh herbs to fill the jar. The chopped edge will release more essence to the oil. Pack into the jar. Heat the oil to 160 degrees F. Carefully pour into jar over the herbs. Swish the sterilized knife blade around to release any air bubbles. Cap the jar. Store away from light for a month or more. The essence will infuse the oil to exactly the right dilution for therapeutic use or to just jazz up a salad!
Suggested Oils for Beginners:
Peppermint Infused Oil:
Pick peppermint and process according to directions. If you pick herbs in the wild please never
take more than a quarter of the patch. You may wipe out next year's bounty if you take more. Peppermint oil is good for sore muscles and for congestion due to colds and flu. Another use is to rub on one's abdomen to cure a stomach ache or cramps.
Sage Infused Oil:
Pick fresh sage and process according to the above instructions. Sage is an antiseptic and also useful for menopause symptoms.
Rosemary Infused Oil:
Pick fresh rosemary sprigs or use one of the containers of dry rosemary you can purchase at the grocery. Infuse according to directions. If you use the dry herbs you need much less only a quarter the amount of fresh. Rosemary is great for scalp problems like dandruff, and also is wonderful mixed half and half with Peppermint Infused oil for a muscle rub.
Rose Petal Infused Oil:
Pick fresh rose petals after the dew has dried. Process as above. Great for skin care, and a super mood improver in the winter months!
To gain more knowledge of Aromatherapy check out the book:
COMPLETE BOOK OF ESSENTIAL OILS and AROMATHERAPY
by Valarie Ann Wormwood (great name for a herbalist!!!)
This text is so helpful and comprehensive I think every house should have one! It focuses on uses of commercial distilled essences, but your infused oils will work fine adapted to her recipes.
Peppermint Creams are made nearly entirely of icing sugar and are easy to make. Their melt-in-the-mouth quality makes them a treat for anytime.
450g icing sugar (plus 50g extra just in case)
1 tablespoon milk
1/2-1 teaspoon peppermint essence
food colouring (optional)
Sift the 450g of icing sugar into a bowl.
Add in the milk and peppermint essence.
Mix with your hands as you would for dough.
If it has too much icing sugar, add some milk. If it is too runny, add icing sugar.
When it reaches a thick enough texture, take it out of the bowl, and knead it on the on top of a table sprinkled in icing sugar.
Dust the surface with icing sugar.
Roll out the mixture till it is about half a centimetre thick.
Cut out small shapes (circles are easiest), and put the on a tray which has also been dusted with icing sugar.
Leave for about 10-15 mins then turn over.
In 15 mins time -enjoy!
If you want solid colour-add the colouring after the peppermint essence. However, for a marbled effect-add in just before you knead the mixture.
Add in decorations as you put them on the tray-before they start to harden.
For people who dont quite like peppermint, you could use other flavourings.
Blue and green work best.
How did you feel after your hysterectomy?
I had really bad post partum depression after my kids were born. It started about 3 days after their birth. I think it probably had to do with hormonal changes after the birth.I am worried if they remove my ovaries and uterus, it will cause me to be depressed from hormone loss. Did you have anything like this and should I be worried?
You will be having your ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes removed in what is called a Total hysterectomy with salipingo-oophorectomy. Following removal of the ovaries, in particular, you will experience menopausal symptoms. Some women will opt for hormone therapy, whereas others will turn to alternative medicine. Deciding whether or not to follow hormone therapy may not be an easy choice. Some researchers recommend this therapy to relieve menopausal symptoms as well as prevent osteoporosis, whereas others issue warnings about the increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease related to its use. What are the short-term risks and complications of a hysterectomy?
All surgery is not without its risks. Therefore, a list of the main risks and complications that could occur following hysterectomy includes:
serious infections that may require a woman to return to the hospital and be treated with antibiotics;
urinary problems, from a kidney or bladder infection to urinary incontinence (this risk is greater for radical hysterectomies);
hemorrhaging that may require blood transfusions;
severe reactions to the anaesthesia; and
intestinal problems if the intestines were damaged during surgery–some women may have to undergo another operation to remove any adherence* obstructing (blocking) their intestines.
*Adherence: Scar tissue that attaches organs together or can end up in an organ, blocking it and disturbing its function.
Regardless of the type of surgery you will undergo, make sure that you are aware of all the possible risks and complications. You have the right to clear answers to your questions.
What are the long-term risks and complications of a hysterectomy?
The main risks and complications that may occur after hysterectomy are:
Prolapse, which means the descent of an organ downwards. When the uterus is removed, other organs, such as the intestines and bladder can descend towards the bottom and lead to problems of constipation and/or urinary incontinence (problems or inability to control one's bladder). These types of prolapse can also lead to pain during penetration with a penis, finger or object into the vagina.
Menopause. When the ovaries are removed during hysterectomy, the quantity of hormones circulating in the blood drops sharply. Following this type of surgery, women who are not menopausal will become so. It is what is known as "surgical" or "sudden" menopause. Menopausal symptoms are then felt. The main symptoms of menopause are:
heat flashes;
vaginal dryness (lubrication problems);
night sweats;
migraines, and
increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
Even if the ovaries are not removed, some women may be menopausal following the operation. In these cases, menopause is caused by a decrease in the amount of blood being fed to the ovaries. This prevents the ovaries from producing enough hormones. Sadness/mourning. To some women, losing their uterus is a sad and upsetting event. Their self-image as women may be affected following the operation. Some women may become depressed and experience a period of mourning, especially if they had wanted to become pregnant one day. The emotions experienced after a hysterectomy can also have a physiological cause. Removing the ovaries causes a drop in the hormone levels, which can provoke behavioural changes: irritability, crying fits, insomnia, etc. If this is your case, support from friends, family, a health professional or a support group can help you go through this period of change and adaptation. It is important to mention that, for some women hysterectomy will be a positive experience since the benefits far outweigh the complications from the operation.
Is it smart to use a BIRTH CONTROL PATCH prior to losing virginity?
Hi, I am a 22 year old virgin who's planning to lose it to my boyfriend soon. Do you think it's a smart move to start on the patch already before actually doing it?
Here are a few links if you'd like to learn more about the Big Announcement on Friday December 15th that, WITHOUT A DOUBT, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) causes breast cancer. Since the time when women were discouraged from taking HRT back in 2001-2002, breast cancer rates have sharply dropped by an unprecedented 7%! In the scientific community, this is a bombshell proof positive of the connection. Note that breast cancer rates originally started increasing rapidly when birth control pills and now other forms of hormonal birth control began to be widely used. Hormonal birth control methods contain the SAME hormones that are also the most widely used in HRT (estrogen and progestin). Hormonal birth control methods include; The Pill, The Mini-Pill, The Patch, some types of IUDs, Nuva Ring, Depo Shots, and Nor-Plant. Hormone levels in HRT are actually lower than levels found in hormonal birth control methods. Consider that on top of the fact that hormonal birth control methods are used by young healthy women with already normal levels of naturally occurring hormones. They're getting MASSIVE dosages, even with the more modern low-dose pills being used.
How long will we have to wait before the medical community admits to women that hormonal birth control methods are just as dangerous as HRT? I have a feeling that it will be much longer, as hormonal birth control is considered to be the "holy grail" of "women's reproductive freedom". Never mind that women are dying of breast cancer at alarmingly increasing rates since 1974, around the time when landmark cases were decided and BC pills began to be more widely used. Thirty years later, we are reaping the "benefits" of artificial hormones that are used to suppress and tinker with the natural processes of the female body.
The female bodily functions of ovulation, pregnancy and menopause ARE NOT ILLNESSES. Medications should only be taken when it's absolutely necessary to prevent or cure ILLNESS, and then ONLY if the benefit outweighs the risks. If you have a medical condition that your doctor wants to treat with hormones, make sure to do YOUR research and challenge his or her opinion. Get a second or even a third opinion. Explore alternative treatments. Doctors are not infallible and in the end, only YOU can determine the best course of action with regard to your health. Only after you've exhausted your other options, if it is apparent that hormones are the only treatment that makes sense, then by all means, DO IT.
If you must practice birth control and cannot try abstinence; condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps used correctly with plenty of spermicide gel or foam, are STATISTICALLY JUST AS EFFECTIVE as hormonal birth control. Condoms also decrease your chances of contracting an STD and they don't work by preventing implantation of a fertilized egg, like hormonal birth control does. If you are pro-life and believe that life begins at conception, this last point should be of particular interest to you. Abortifacient types of birth control also include non-hormonal types of IUDs, which work exclusively by preventing implantation of a fertilized egg…they don't even ATTEMPT to stop ovulation and subsequent fertilization…and they can cause uterine perforations and other complications. Even if you DON'T have any moral objection to the abortifacient birth control methods, at least stop using hormonal birth control and IUDs for the sake of your own health!
Which natural product is working for hot flashes?
I lost my left ovary to cancer couple of years ago. I wake up so often during the night and it's hard to go back to sleep again. I am against prescription drug which doctor would give me.
Thank you!
There is two ways to go in the treatment of hot flushes. Allopathic or Naturopathic.
As hot flashes are the main symptom of menopause, the favorite treatment by your treating doctor will be the Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). On the other hand, the use of herbs for hot flashes is more of alternative way. The basic are herbs such as the Licorice root, Panax ginseng, Black Cohosh and Wild yams. In lite cases, one can experiment with the combination of those.
If the case of your problem is more deeply seated, then the use of special mixes is the right way to go.
Out of those, the best ones (in my opinion) are: Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia), Kacip Fatimah (Labisia Pothoina) and Akar Serapat (Paramignya Polyne) mix.
Shu Di Huang, the steamed and dried form of Sheng Di Huang which does tonify the blood with hot flashes, night sweats, dizziness, pale complexion, palpitations, nocturnal emissions, insomnia, irregular menses, uterine bleeding and post partum bleeding. It also does foster Yin – kidney Yin deficiency with constant thirst, steaming bone disorder, tinnitus, premature graying.
Sheng Di Huang as one of herbs for hot flashes, Sheng Di Huang is mainly used to clear the heat, cool the blood and foster Yin for production of body fluid.
Sheng Di Huang is used for high fever, constant thirst, red tongue, bleeding due to excessive heat in the blood and promote body fluids. Sheng Di Huang is used for Yin deficiency with damage of body fluids by excessive heat, symptoms such as mouth dryness, low fever, constipation, throat pain.
Also is used for sores in mouth and tongue, irritability, insomnia and malar flush.
One supporting factor is also the Wu Wei Zi which is mainly used as an astringent preparation to decrease perspiration, benefit kidney to calm heart and benefit Qi to produce fluid.
Now you have the information but the footwork must be done by you.
As each of us is an individual, we do respond differently to even the best medication in the world.
The only way now is the trial and error. To be under the supervision of experienced Naturopath wouldn't hurt you either.
What does it mean if i wake up in the middle of the night feeling dizzy and feeling like i have to trow up?
What does it mean if i wake up in the middle of the night feeling dizzy and feeling like i have to trow up?
i woke up in the middle of the night last night feeling very dizzy like the room was spinning and like i had to throw up. i also ate alot of sugar that night also...could that be the problem?? i am still a bit dizzy this morning.
thanks so much!
i am not pregnant also
There are many things that can be the cause. The physiology is obviously out of balance in some area.
Some possibilities I can think of that can make you dizzy with upset stomach:
Hormone imbalance (menopause or birth control method can throw off hormones)
Insect bites and related illnesses to the bite
Low potassium
Alcohol overload
Colon malfunction and disease in that area
Blood flow supply impaired somewhere
Food poisoning
I thought I would address sugar since you brought up an idea of your upset being related to excess sugar. Sugar can be quite devastating to the blood vessels. Sugar, especially white*, is an irritant to them and the body will send out little band aids to cover the irritation resulting in excessive arterial plaque (that's the band aid). Health professionals don't always tell you that what you are putting into your body can kill you.
If you are a sugar junkie like I used to be, I would look to switch to other alternative sweeteners -
like honey (but don't cook with it because it can't be digested once it is super heated),
agave nectar (extracted from cactus and is also low glycemic which means it does not store in your fat cells like most sugars do) It has a very delicate flavor and is even good in tea and coffee.
sucanat - sugar cane natural. It does not shock your system and tastes like brown sugar or caramel and is brown. You can bake with it and it too is good in tea and coffee.
Fruit syrups are nice to use but be sure there is no added sugar or corn syrup. You can find these in natural food stores. The only ingredient should be fruit juice. Period.
Steer way clear of corn syrup and artificial sweeteners, including splenda.
White sugar is bleached sugar cane nectar, bleached in a process that makes it jettison into your blood stream very fast when you eat it. You've heard of sugar rushes I'm sure.
Be smart about what you put into your body if you want to live a healthy life without ailments caused by what you do put into your mouth and swallow. You will feel better, trust that.
I hope you get to the root of your problem. If it continues or worsens get yourself in to a doctor. You might try to find a naturopathic doctor in your area or a good acupuncturist. They can be a wealth of information and use non chemical methods to heal your body. They will treat the cause and not the symptom without unwanted side effects drugs can produce.
How come sometimes a man can have an erection and sometimes he can't?
I don't understand some of the male testerone and the functions, why is it sometimes he can get an erection and other times he cant?
It would help, Laura, if you had given the age of the person in reference as that too is central to understanding...
When males reach puberty it's as if someone popped a balloon and the explosion opened the door to sexual discovery...!
The normal male produces 17 times the hormonal fluids as does a female and does so mostly as the male sleeps. Plenty of activities of exercize during the day will burn away those hormones, but rarely all..
From puberty on, that abundance of hormone becomes the sexual urge of males even to the extent of having un-controlled, un-anticipated and even un-wanted erections even if physically active when not sleeping...
Sensual or explicit thoughts and images, whether visual or mentally developed, are the most common triggers for male erection while just driving over a bumpy washboard dirt road can do it also...
That covers the youth factor...
When males reach age forty or so, their body begins the reversal process much like female menopause. Most males don't recognize their changes for an average of ten years later...about age fifty...
Male menopause is degeneration or reversal of the male productive system and it is uusually noticed moreso about the age fifty. His sperm count has begun to dwindle and it is noticed with less ejaculation fluid. Un-expected erections are less often, ejaculation takes longer, recovery time for an additional ejaculation is longer as well...
Then the beast makes its appearance...his mind...!
The male notices change and usually shrugs it off and feels it isn't serious. However, the change has been instilled in his mind and will not go away...sub-conciously he worries and the more he worries the more unsuccessful ejaculations will follow... Thusly, developing SED...sexual erectile dysfunction...!
Meanwhile, his sex drive does not reverse at menopause but continues on for the rest of his life regardlless of his ability to perform...the male curse...!
Is there a cure...for most males, yes, and that would require extensive mental therepy to drive away the constant realization of failure from the sub-concious mind...a rather difficult undetaking, I assure you...
Naturally, the use of supplements as viagra and cialis are a quick solution but may also have residual side affects with continued usage...
My suggestion would be to change your sexual lifestyle. Return your acts to those beginning years when exploration and experimenting was aghast to heavens door. Introduce extended times of foreplay and experimentation into your private times...try different things and do different things...to and for each other... Do not feel an erection and penetration is the ultimate for pleasure and satisfaction as it isn't, it really isn't...
When an erection fails don't make a big deal of it...do your other thing and do so with all the intimate desire of a young bride in a slow and savouring manner and I am sure the results you are wanting will be there more often than not...
In the elder years, SED seems not to overlook any males and other major physical changes are taking their toll as well. Yet, that beastly desire still lurks and won't go away. Erection frequency becomes so few that frustration overcomes the male. His mind wants as a young groom does but his body absolutely refuses to respond. He goes thru the motions and may even have minimal penetration but he knows his life will never be the same...it won't, I assure you. If his health can handle alternatives in the event foreplay does not work then supplements are the last resort...
I do hope I have covered all the bases, Laura, and this answers your need...
any alternatives to getting rid of or managing migraines other than doctor prescribed drugs?
I am on Topamax. Doesn't seem to be working and I have been at theraputic level for more than 2 months now. Help. Something has to be better than all the drugs.
Okay Maybe I need to add that I know what a headache is....I have Multiple Sclerosis and part of MS is migraines...but the Topamax doesn't help and I don't want to take more meds..and I can't take more meds (once you start something you pretty much have to stay on it forever).
I already see a chiropractor.
I am ready to try almost anything.
Thanks in advance.
Homeopathic Remedies for Migraine due to different reasons and with different set of symptoms :-
From mental work; cold, uncovering head, pressure, sitting upright or sun-stroke Glonoinum 30, 3 hourly
For nervous, gastric, bilious individuals. Migraine due to mental over exertion in teachers and students. Right sided, specially Sunday migraine, blurred vision, hemiopia; blindness; often burning pain in entire gastro-intestinal tract with violent acid vomiting at the height of attack; worse hot weather; spring and fall; better after vomiting or sufficient night sleep Iris V.200 or above, 10 min (3 Doses)
For irritable hypochondriacs of bad temper; cholerics, neuropathics; from abuse of alcohol, coffee, spices, tobacco, vexation and worry, mental over exertion, business worries, sexual excesses, sedentary habits, cold dry air and winds Nux vomica 30 or 200, 4 hourly
For pronounced vasomotor individuals (irritable and full of fear) during pre-climacteric and menopausal stage.Tired expression, head congestion, circumscribed red cheeks; pain above right eye, throbbing, stitching, rhythmic pain, often in every 8 days, early morning, beginning in nape, extending upwards, locating in the region of eye, rising and falling with the sun; sensation of heavy congestion Sanguinaria Can 200, 10 min (3 Doses)
For weak, fat and irritable patient; often apathetic, changing moods, strange changes of character(egocenteric), memory weak, due to disturbance during climacteric period, results of tobacco abuse.Person with shallow complexion, yellow saddle across the nose; pain located on left temple; throbbing, stitching pains Sepia 200, 10 min (3 Doses)
For neuropathic persons, full of fear caused by noises, change of weather or worms; with face pale, located above left eye; specially left pupil (ciliary neuralgia); sharp, shooting, tearing, stitching, periodical pain from occiput to left eye; slowly rising in intensity with sun. Bile vomiting at the height of attack, slowly improving with setting sun.feeling as if head were open along sagittal suture Spigelia 200 or 1M, 10 min (3 Doses)
Left sided; worse during and after sleep; before menstruation; heat;during menopause Lachesis 200 or 1M, 10 min (3 Doses)
Intercurrent remedy Bacillinum 200 or 1M, fortnightly (3 Doses)
If you have different set of symptoms then the ones given here please post your details and symptoms exactly the way you feel them.
Take Care and God Bless you !
What health benefits can we get from drinking soya coffee instead of the usual coffee?
Soya coffee are the ones made from roasted soybeans.
I have been drinking it for a week because I like its taste. But I still don't know if it is better to drink this kind of coffee than the original coffee.
Soy is wonderful and great for women. The more soy a person has early in their life, the less symptoms of menopause you will have. Also, soy is a "heart healthy" product - it lowers cholesteral and other bad things for you. It is caffine free and has great nutrients in it as well. A wonderful alternative to regular coffee because of these benifits. It is generally cheaper as well. Promotes a healthy heart, supports weightloss, pms prevention and others. Check out my source on this if you want more info.
promote younger looking skin
reduce hot flashes
improve sleeping
lower cholesterol
promote healthy prostate function
promote healthy and strong bones and joints
increase lean muscle mass
reduce risks of heart disease
What are some health benefits to soy milk and almond milk?
Does soy milk help prevent cancer? What are benefits of almond milk?
No. Processed soy products of ANY kind actually can increase the risk of cancer due to the phytoestrogens in them--which one study found to increase birth defects by 500% (because of the hormone disruption it causes in the body). The flip side is that if you ALREADY HAVE cancer, there are applications of soy that might be beneficial in treating the disease; but that is not through soy milk. Soy also has high levels of phytic acid, which blocks the uptake of essential nutrients (this is the same problem as eating brown rice that has not been soaked before cooking it). Fermented soy products (natto, tempeh or miso) can increase estrogen levels in the body and may be mildly beneficial for women going through menopause, but by and large, soy is a tremendous problem.
Almond milk is a good alternative for people who can't tolerate cow's milk and need some kind of milk replacement for recipes (or if they're just accustomed to drinking milk--which is not a required component of the human diet and Harvard medical has actually chastised the American gov't for putting it in their eating plan recommendations/MyPlate). Nut milks have more fats in them than rice or soy milks--making them an especially good option for children, whose brains need fat and cholesterol for development.
You won't get this information from your doctors. They are not trained in nutrition and can barely keep up with the research on the problems they DO encounter daily. :/
What can you tell me about herbal sage?
I need to find all the information I can I Sage for a project. Please help!
it is organic
The use of herbal remedies, including the herb sage (also known as common sage), classified as Salvia officinalis, are popular as an alternative to standard Western allopathic medicine for a variety of problems, including memory enhancement, reducing hot flushes in menopause and boosting natural estrogen production, as well as reducing breast milk when weaning a baby.
Some naturopaths and herbalist prefer to use purple sage (Salvia Purpurascens), as some people consider it more potent.
Salvia officinalis is an effective remedy for various ailments, and this natural holistic approach to health is becoming more and more popular, but should NOT replace conventional medicine or prescription drugs.
Herbal remedies using Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Also known as salie and common sage
The use of herbal remedies, including the herb sage (also known as common sage), classified as Salvia officinalis, are popular as an alternative to standard Western allopathic medicine for a variety of problems, including memory enhancement, reducing hot flushes in menopause and boosting natural estrogen production, as well as reducing breast milk when weaning a baby.
Some naturopaths and herbalist prefer to use purple sage (Salvia Purpurascens), as some people consider it more potent.
Salvia officinalis is an effective remedy for various ailments, and this natural holistic approach to health is becoming more and more popular, but should NOT replace conventional medicine or prescription drugs.
On this page
Sage is used for
Which part of sage is used
Making herbal tea
Other infusions and herbal index
Salvia officinalis
Sage is also known as Salvia officinalis, and has certain therapeutic properties. The reported benefits of using it internally, in the form of a herbal tea
Salvia officinalis benefits:
enhances memory
hormone stimulant
natural antibiotic
reduce hot flushes in menopause and boost natural estrogen production
improves liver function and digestion
reduces breast milk when weaning babies
relieves muscles spasm
reduces excessive perspiration and salivation
female sterility
Which part to use for sage herbal tea
The leaves are used for making the brew.
Making herbal tea
The standard way to make an infusion, unless otherwise specified, is to pour a cup of boiling water over the material to be infused, let it stand for 5 minutes, strain it, and drink it.
Fresh plant material
When the recipe refers to fresh plant material to be used, a 1/4 cup fresh material is used, following the method above.
Dried material
When the recipe refers to using dried material, use 2 teaspoons of material when making it.
Bark or seeds
Should the recipe call for bark or seeds to be used, use 2 teaspoons of seeds or 1 tablespoon of bark.
Sweetening your infusion
You could sweeten your health drink with honey, should you so require, and a dash of fresh lemon juice may also enhance the taste.
General warning when using herbal infusions
Only use the herbal material if you are 100% sure that it really the herb in question.
If you are ill or have any health concerns, consult your health practitioner.
Do not continuously drink the same infusion. At maximum use for 10 days and then skip 5 days.
Only have one cup of herbal infusion per day, except during acute periods - such as when you have a cold or flu, you can then have it three times a day, but for a maximum of 4 days.
When you use herbal remedies, be aware that they can be extremely powerful, and should you have any side effects when taking these infusions, immediately stop using the herb and consult your health practitioner right away.
Can a child be breast-fed by someone other than the mother?
I read somewhere that in the middle-east the Arabs used to have separate nurses to breast-feed the children. Is this true? How is it possible if the nurse is not lactating herself?
Yes. Lactation continues as long as the milk is being removed from the breasts. So a woman can continue to lactate long after her own children are weaned if she goes on to nurse another child.
It used to be common world-wide (not just in the middle-east) for some women to be employed as wet-nurses. These would be women who had had children of their own previously, or who had been pregnant but lost the baby to miscarriage/stillbirth, and then began nursing someone else's child before they dried up. As long as she kept breastfeeding continuously with no break, she would continue producing milk. A few cases have been recorded of women lactating for decades, even well past menopause.
Before formula became readily available, either mom breastfed, or you found a wet-nurse for the baby. The only alternative would be giving the baby plain cow's milk or goat's milk, or home-made formulas, which typically led to MUCH high mortality rates. So if a mother died in childbirth or was otherwise unable to breastfeed, the dad (or whoever) would look for a friend or relative who was lactating and would be willing to feed the child. Rich women would hire a wet-nurse just so they didn't have to do it themselves.
This is still common today in some more primitive cultures around the world. Even in Western societies women occasionally nurse someone else's child, although it's much rarer since formula is so readily available.