Park Ridge
Cardiology
Park Ridge
Cardiology
| Estrogen Controversy |
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from "Rust Out" by Dr. Bailey page 124 The Biggest Snow Job in American History
-The Estrogen Controversy
-PREgnant MARes urINe (PREMARIN)
“Women were told for decades that hormone replacement therapy would protect their hearts and preserve their youth. Now the evidence is in, and an era is over.” Tbe End of the Age of Estrogen? Newsweek July 22, 2002:38-41.
We’ve Been Sold “Snake Oil”
I have written my share of estrogen prescriptions over the last 20 years, but on July 9, 2002 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) halted one arm of aneight year, 16,000 women study, after finding that the drug (Prempro~conjugated equine estrogen and medroxyprogesterone), frorn the urine of pregnanthorses, killed women instead of keeping them healthy and youthful. The costly physical effects of estrogen/progesterone were: a 100% increase inblood clots (including deadly pulmonary embolisms), a 41% increase in strokes, a 29% increase in heart attacks, a 33% increase in gallbladder disease, a 22% increase in overall heart disease and worst of all a 26% increase in invasive breast cancer; compared to those who didn’t take estrogen. Premarin can cause hair loss, weight gain, headaches and bleeding. Estrogen’s benefits still include a reduced risk of colorectal cancer by 24% and Alzheirmer’s disease if taken for more than 10 years and not included with progesterone. Estrogen reduced hip fractures by 33%, other fractures by 24%, only if the women were not overweight (BMI <30).
What Does Estrogen and Progesterone Do?
The female produces fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone during a women’s cycle. Symptoms during estrogen dominance include: water retention, breast swelling, fibrocystic breasts, premenstrual mood swings, depression, loss of sex drive, heavy or irregular periods, uterine fibroids, craving for sweets, and fat deposits in the hips and thighs. Progesterone balances those estrogen effects. Synthetic progesterone was supposed toprotect women from these wicked effects of estrogen. However, the synthetic, distorted form of progesterone, has failed to lower a women’s risks, has toxic effects which brings further damage to her body, lowers good High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and doesn’t reverse these miserable symptoms.
Three Kinds of Estrogens-Estradiol, The Most Dangerous
There are three estrogens produced by the body. Estroneisthe main estrogen produced aftermenopause and has been shown to cause cancer. Estriol is a weaker form of estrogen. It is a major hormone during pregnancy. Estriol has not been shown to cause cancer. Estradiol (12 times more potent than estrone and 80 times more potent than estriol) is used in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with progesterone. This is the estrogen correlated with the highest incidence of breast, ovary and uterine cancers.
What To Do? Eat Differently!
Millions of women are taking estrogen and are panicking, "Should I keep taking it? Are the risks worth it? Is there something I can use instead?" Is there no panacea for wornen? You can be sure, estrogen isn’t it! Why is it that women in other cultures (Japan, Mayan and Navajos have been studied) pay no attention to menopause? They have no word for "Hot Flash"? They have low rates of breast cancer and osteoporosis? In fact, they get virtually no menopausal symptoms at all! Their distinction is simply they eat differently. And it’s not only what these women eat, it’s what they don’t eat. What they don’t eat is animal protein with its fat and chemical additives and what they do eat are vegetables, grains and beans. These contain compounds know as phytoestrogens or plant estrogens. Estradiol is 171% higher in wornen who eat a Western diet than those in China who eat mostly soy products, rice and vegetables. The Japanese are famous for their high levels of phytoestrogens and low breast and prostate cancer rates. But Mexican women, whoeat virtually no soy products, have even lower breast cancer rates (Mexican: 7.1 cancers found in every 100,000 people vs. Japan: 11.3. The U.S. has 32.7 cancers per every 100,000people). Mexican women get their beneficial phytoestrogens from onions, lettuce, spinach, herbal tea and apples.
Phytoestrogens-Plant Estrogens
There are thousands of phytoestrogens in nature and they can be found in over 300 foods including cabbage, alfalfa and fennel. Two groups of plant estrogens have been well-studied: Soybeans containing isoflavonoids (diadzein and genistein) arid flaxseed containing phyto-lignans. Phytoestrogens change the way estrogen is metabolized by blocking conversion of estrone to dangerous 17B estradiol. They also decrease (down regulate) estrogen receptors (doorways on the cells), thus reducing the amount of estrogen that gets into the cells. Phytoestrogens also stop the production of estradiol, by inhibiting the enzyme "aromatase". They also occupy, thus neutralizing, the estrogen receptor sites to prevent harmful estrogens from turning on potentially destructive pathways. This is done by binding to estrogen synthetase, thus inhibiting production of harmful estrogen in the body. Genistein has gotten some bad press for possibly causing cancer but researchers continue to say mixed phytoestrogens are not estrogenic at dietary doses! Exposure to soy foods in female childhood and adolescence during breast development reduces breast cancer risk in adulthood.
A Warning For Men, Too
Synthetic Xeno Estrogens (one of many hormone disrupters) not only come from "Premarin" but are released from: plastic products like dental sealants, food and beverage containers, plastic wraps when heated; are in makeup, hair spray, shampoo, pesticides and meats. Europe has outlawed hormone treated meat, including estradiol, but it is routinely used in cows in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. North America has the highest rate of breast and prostate cancer in the world. How much estrogen from meat are Americans getting? The FDA says very little; the European researchers say a lot. Investigators today indicate that our environment is saturated with chemicals that act like estrogen in our bodies. Synthetic estrogens collect in our fat and are more biologically harmful/active than natural estrogens by negatively affecting our DNA.
Heart Attack Protection
Studies show that isoflavones from soy protein significantly lowered oxidized (bad) Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol without causing estrogenic activity, thus protecting the heart. Phytoestrogens can lower blood pressure and decrease arrhythrnias (an electrical short-circuit of the heart’s electrical system). They may protect heart tissue in case of a heart attack too.
Osteoporosis Protection
Some phytoestrogens have bone-building effects (increases bone mineral density). Soybean phytoestrogen, but not flaxseed maintain bones as well as estrogen drugs without the increased risk of endometrial cancer. Phytoestrogen, diadzem, maintained both cancellous (spongy bone inside the hard cortical bone) and cortical bone. Genistein only maintained cortical bone, like estradiol.
Cancer Protection
Most phytoestrogens: prevent proliferation of estrogen driven cancer cells; inhibit the growth of cancer cells (both estrogen receptor positive and negative); lower the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers, up to 40%; interferes with VEG-F, a factor that enables the spread of the blood vessels that feed the cancer. 12,395 Seventh-day Adventist men who drank soy milk or ate soy products more than once a day were 70% less likely to get prostate cancer.
What If I Am Having Symptoms After Stopping My Estrogen?
What am I recommending for estrogen withdrawal symptoms temporally after my patients have stopped their Premarin?
--Isoflavonoid, upto 100 mg a day of soy. It reduces the severity of hot flashes but may not change theirfrequency.
--Progesterone 10% cream, 1/4tsp. rubbed on thighs/breasts twice a day.
--Boron, 3-5 mg of trace mineral a day. Helps stop hot flashes, PMS (Pre-Menstrual Symptoms) and sweating.
--Omega-3, up to 2000 mg a day (freshly ground Flax Seed 2 Tbsp/day. Not roasted. Roasting destroys the oil). It is mildly estrogenic. A deficiency of Essential Fatty Acids are partly responsible for skin, hair and vaginal dryness.
--Eat a meatless diet. For best results, no eggs, cheese, meat or milk and 50% of your food should be eaten raw.
--Avoid salt. Salt increases water retention.
--Dress in layers, so they can be removed as needed.
--Wear natural fabrics, such as cotton or silk. They will keep your body cooler. Ask anyone living in a hot climate.
--Keep room temperatures cool and use a fan.
--Drink cold beverages, not hot.
--Avoid caffeine, alcohol and smoking.
What about my bones if I don’t take estrogen?
--Avoid sodas and high protein diets. Take Calcium 1200 mg/Magnesium 600mg with Vitamin D 400 IU each day and exercise at least three times a week.
Other Options You May Try Instead Of Premarin
-My top 10 recommendations, there are many others.
-Look for Standardized Extracts.
Try one or two at a time.
-Find out what works for you.
Note: These may not mix with your current prescription meds. so check with your Health Care Professional!
1) Alfalfa (dried leaf) increases natural estrogen. 500-1000 mg one to three times a day.
2) Astragalus root (Astragalus Membranaceus) relieves fatigue. It stimulates T-cell production. 1000 mg in the morning. Astragalus can he found combined with Panax Ginseng (Korean).
3) Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa, formerly Actaea Racemosa) 500 mg, three times a day (suggested to include both root and rhizome). It must contain at least 1 mg of 27-deoxyacteine and 1% triterpene glycosides per capsule. Hot flashes correspond closely with a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) release from the pituitary gland in response to estrogen deficiency. Black Cohosh suppresses increased LH secretion in menopausal women and was linked to a reduction in ’Hot Flashes.’ Black Cohosh is as effective in eight human trials as estrogen replacement and binds to the estrogen receptor in order to mimic the hormaonal effects of a weak estrogen-estriol. Its benefits may take up to four weeks to see. It is the only herb approved by the German Commission E for relief of menopausal symptoms and PMS. It has rejuvenating effects on the vaginal, rather than the uterine, lining. It is not the same as Blue, Red or White Cohosh. Side effects include: upset stomach, headache, dizziness and weight gain. One study presented at the "Endocrine Society in March 2003, reduced symptoms of hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats and insomina compare to controls by 70%.
4) Damiana(tincture) 10 to 30 drops a day. Boosts natural testosterone (increases libido).
5) DHEA (Dehydroepiandosterone) from Wild Yam Root (Dioscorea Villosa) is a sterol similar to progesterone and a good source of phytoestrogen. 25-50 mg a day. It helps relieve mood swings, depression, irritability, insomnia, headaches and cramps. Do not take if you have had receptor positive cancers.
6) Dong Quai (Angeilca Sinensis-root) 500-750 mg one to three times a day. To contain at least 1% ligustilide. It relieves hot flashes, PMS, vaginal dryness and depression and is considered the best uterine herbal tonic in Asia. It is always used in combination with other herbs and never by itself.
7) Gingko Biloba 40 mg three times a day. Boosts mental functioning and decreases breast tenderness and mood shifts of PMS.
8) Red Clover is a phytoestrogen and is rich in Bioflavonoids, Isoflavonoid, Folic acid, Biotin, Choline, Inositol, Pantothenic acid, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and minerals like: copper, magnesium, manganese, seleniumand zinc. red clover helps lower blood pressures too. Use one to two capsules, three times a day. As tincture use 1/2 to 1 tsp. three times a day. The way I use it for blood pressure, is to pick it in the field, dry it and use 1 oz of dried leaves as a tea twice a day.
9) Red Raspberry (Rubus Idaeus) is helpful in treating menopause, hemorrhage and is safe in pregnancy as a phytoestrogen. I have used it as a tea (dried leaves) to help stop my bleeding bowels from my Crohn’s disease.
10) Vitex (Chaste Tree, Vitex agnus-castus, fruit) helps alleviate hot flashes, used in the treatment fibroids of the uterus, PMS, fibrocystic breasts and endometriosis. 500-1000 mg one to three times a day. To contain at least 5% vitexicarpin. It produces a shift in the normal female cycle toward progesterone and it may reduce already low testosterone levels.
A Final Word
So, how can I help myself? If you don’t eat like the "Egyptians," you won’t get their diseases! Exodus 15:26
"The common use of the flesh of dead animals has had a deteriorating influence upon the morals, as well as the physical constitution.Ill health in a variety of forms, if effect could be traced to the cause, would reveal the sure result of flesh eating.” White, E., MS 22, 1887; Counsels on Diet and Food, 383.
References:
Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS), JAMA July 3, 2002.
Writing Group, "Risks and Benefits of Estrogen Plus Progestin in Healthy Postmenopausal Women:
Principal Results from the Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Trial.” JAMAJuly 17,
2002,288:321-333.
Yaffe,K.,"Editorial-HRT Now Linked To Alzheuimer’s, Dementia," JAMA; May 28, 2003.
Shumaker,S.A.,"Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS)," JAMA, May 28, 2003.
Null, G., "The Women’s Encyclopedia Of Natural Healing,” Seven Stories Press, NY, NY, 1996.
Adlercreutz, H., "Dietary Phytoestrogens and Cancer: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies,” J Steroid
Biochem Mol Biol, 1992; 41:331-337.
Adlercreutz, H. "Inhibition of Human Aromatase by Mammalian Lignans and Isoflavonoid
Phytoestrogens,” J Steroid Biochem, 1993; 44:147-153.
Andersson, A., "Exposure to Exogenous Estrogens in Food. Possible Impact on Human
Development and Health,” Eur J Endocrin, 1999;140:477-85.
Wu, A.H., "Adolescent and Adult Soy Intake and Risk of Breast Cancer in AsianAmericans,”Carcinogenesis, 2002; 23 (9):1491-1496.
Mitchell, T., "The New Hormone Replacement Therapy,” Life Extension (www.lef.org) Dec 2002; 23-38.
Yildirir, A, "Soy Protein Diet Significantly Improves Endothelial Function and Lipid Parameters,”
Clin Cardiol, 2001;24:71 1-716.
“Dual-Deflciency Menopause Types,” (www.YourMenopauseType.corn)
April 2001:41.
Tyler, V.E., "Five Herbs That Ease Menopause,” Prevention, Mar 1999; 94-97.
Teitelbaum, I., "Natural Healing Remedies,” Healthwatch, Spring 1999:8.
"The Bad News on HRT,” Nutri-Notes from Nutri-West, Douglas, Wyo., Dec. 2002;8, #4-02:1-8
Fugh-Berman, A, "Is HRT Safe To Prevent Osteoporosis?” www.Naturalhealthmag.com, Dec 2002:33-34.
Aesoph, L.M., “Cool Off From Hot Flashes,” www.LetsLiveOnline.com, May 2001:102-106.
Zoler, M.L.”HRT Proven Effective for Reducing Fracture Risk,” Internal Medicine News, Vol.35, No.21,Nov 1,2002:14.
"Black Cohosh (Remifemin) Relief," J Women’s Health and Gender-Based Medicine, March 2003.
Lucas, E.A., "Flaxseed Improves Lipid Profile Without Altering Biomarkers of Bone Metabolism in
Postmenopausal Women.” J. Clin. Endocrino.l Metab., April 2002;87:1527-1532.
Lemay, A., "Flaxseed Dietary Supplement Versus Hormone Replacement Therapy in
Hypercholesterolemic Menopausal Women,” Obstet. Gynecol., Sept 2002; 100:495-504.
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