 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Balancing the Female Hormones for Menopause
by Dr. Jane Smolnik, Naturopath, Iridologist, Certified Intuitive Healer, Master Herbalist
Note: This information is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or diagnose any disease or ailment. The
FDA has not evaluated or approved these statements. Please seek proper diagnosis and treatment
whenever necessary.
Menopause is a normal, natural event. There is a reduction of ovarian estrogen and a cessation of
ovary function. The average age is 50-51, although between 40-50 is normal. Both fat and the adrenal
glands play an important role, they help your body maintain a little estrogen. You may have a 10 lb.
weight gain to help protect against Heart disease and osteoporosis.
There are three type of estrogen: E1 - Estrone, E2- Estradiol, E3 - Estriol (which is the weakest and
the safest estrogen) Animal meats contain natural hormones (estrodiol) which are not usable by
women.
Women who have a diet rich in animal products (meats and dairy), tend to have higher incidence of
menopausal problems, as well as higher rate of breast cancer! Asian women, whose diets are rich in
soy and seafood, have virtually no menopause symptoms, hot flashes, or breast cancer! Tofu and soy
products have estriol which is a safer, more usable form of estrogen for women, and a high source of
protein!
Keeping the hormones in balance throughout a woman's earlier years will greatly ease the transition
through Menopause. Pre-menstrual problems usually indicate imbalances. Pay attention and
Rebalance!
Menopausal Changes and Possible Problems:
Over an average of 2 years you may experience any of these conditions: Hot Flashes, Mood changes
(even rage), Sleep disturbances, Palpitations, Nausea, Memory loss, decrease in glucose tolerance
(Hypoglycemia), Vaginal dryness (thinning), Urinary tract infections, decreased sex drive, high
cholesterol, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, osteoporosis, skin dryness, decrease in
circulation, abnormal hair growth or loss, sore breasts or joints, insomnia. If you stay active and
healthy, keeping your hormones balanced with proper diet and herbs, you may have little or no
symptoms when going through menopause!
Increased Risk Factors for Osteoporosis:
Starting your periods late, had amenorrhea (no periods), excessively thin for more than a year. More
often pregnant decreases risk, and no pregnancy increases risk. Pill use reduces risk of osteoporosis
and ovarian cancer, (taking 1200 mg. calcium during pregnancy and lactation also help). If ovaries were
removed before 40, or even 50, it increases the risk of osteoporosis, especially if no estrogen was
taken. Lots of cavities is a sign of calcium loss. Lots of stress fractures, Scoliosis, medications used,
tetracycline use, antacid use, habits such as smoking, coffee, alcohol, sugar, lack of exercise. Having
ovaries, thyroid, or stomach removed, long hospitalizations, or a family history. Half of women over age
45 are at risk! (20 million in the USA) 10% over 50 have bone fractures of hips and spine. Other risks
include being caucasian, slender, small frame, and fair skinned. Also, constipation and poor
absorption of nutrients.
A complete history, physical exam, and lab work can be done. Lab work may include FSH (follicle
stimulating hormones), Estradiol, Cholesterol, HDL (Good chol.), LDL (bad chol.), Triglycerides.
Papsmears, Maturation index, x-rays, and Bone density can also be checked.
Through Iridology (iris analysis) I can easily see how well you body is absorbing and utilizing calcium
and check the health of your parathyroid to see if you are at risk. (economical and painless!)
Prevention of Osteoporosis:
Regular exercise! Weight bearing exercise makes the bones denser, stronger and less likely to leach
calcium! Walk, jog, swim, weight train, play tennis, do aerobics, or dance for at least 30 minutes, 3-4x a
week!
Diet - Lowfat (10-15% fats), low to moderate proteins, whole grains, fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds and
beans. Eat Vitamin and Calcium-rich foods and herbs: Comfrey, Raspberry and Dandelion leaves,
Nettles, Oatstraw, Horsetail, Chickweed, Amaranth, Watercress, Mustard greens, all Seaweeds, dried
fruits (esp. apricots), nuts and seeds (esp. sesame seeds, tahini, almonds). High Iron Foods: Yellow
Dock, Nettles, Dandelion, Alfalfa, Horsetail, Parsley, Blackstrap Molasses, Apricots, wheat germ.
Avoid red-meats and high-fat dairy products! Instead use lots of soy (very high in Estriol - the safest
and most preventive estrogen!) Soy should be the main source of protein in diet, and fish that swim (not
shellfish).
Avoid smoking (lowers estrogen levels as much as half), Use Kelp, not salt (causes you to excrete
calcium), Sugar interferes with mineral absorption. Coffee alters ovulation cycle, causes you to excrete
calcium (even decaf). No alcohol, even low to moderate consumption will increase risk of Breast
Cancer and interferes with ovulation cycle. Avoid high fat diet, all white flour and processed foods. Use
Proper Stress management!
Calcium and Vit. D intake recommended as follows:
Age Calcium Vitamin D
20-35 800 mg. 200 units
35-50 1000mg 200 units
50-65 1500mg. 400 units
65 + 1200mg (if on ERT)
1500mg.(if no ERT) 400-800 units
Sunlight for 10-15 minutes twice per week provides adequate Vit. D for a 40 year old woman!
(Update: New research has proven that they had greatly underestimated the need for Vitamin D.
Studies have shown that 5000, 10,000, even 20,000 i.u. per day can greatly increase the absorption
of calcium, while decreasing the risk of the 17 major cancers by 90%!)
Ratios of Calcium / Magnesium: RDA = 2.5 to 1. Use Calcium Citrate, NOT Carbonate! Include
Manganese. Or enjoy natural sea vegetables such as Dulse or Kelp!
For Vaginal dryness - Use Vit. E suppositories (or oil) in vagina, or estrogenic herbs in cream base.
Psychological changes - B-Complex, Vitamin C, Hops, Valerian, Chamomile, Skullcap, Passion
Flower (all are nervine tonics to ease tension, anxiety, stress, insomnia). Join a good support group,
get counseling, and use stress management and relaxation techniques. Do Yoga, Tai Chi, Breathing
exercises, Meditation.
For decreased glucose tolerance - Vitamin B, Vitamin C, B-Complex, Cholin, Biotin. Use bitter and
digestive herbs like Burdock, Goldenseal, Yellow Dock, Oregon Grape Root, Sage, Ginger, Cloves.
Hot Flashes - Vitamin E - 800 I.U. day. Natural Progesterone Cream. Sage tea. Also Motherwort,
Rosemary, False Unicorn, Black Cohosh, Raspberry Leaf, Peppermint, Thyme, Ginseng, Vitex, Wild
Yam, Burdock.
Cardiovascular - Use Garlic, Onions, Hawthorne Berries, Gingko, Motherwort. Check diet, exercise.
Hydrotherapy (using cold water rinse after shower or bath) helps improve digestion and circulation
which relieves the heart. 1 Tablespoon of Flax Seed Oil daily is excellent for the heart, also Co-enzyme
Q10. (Try crystal gardens “Heart Healthy” formula)
High Blood Pressure - Check diet! Use Hawthorne Berries, eat lots of Garlic. Yarrow extract lowers BP.
Nausea - Drink Ginger Tea with honey, use Wild Yam, and/or herbal Menopause formula.
Memory - Use Gingko, Gota Kola, Rosemary (or Mental Magic tea), and Menopause formula.
Stress Management - Do relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, support groups, massage,
Bath soaks, Exercise, walking, counseling. Herbs -use Valerian, Skullcap, or Motherwort for anxiety and
tension.
Estrogenic Herbs (Help the body produce estrogen)- Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Vitex, Angelica,
Burdock.
Progesterone Herbs - Wild Yam, Natural Progesterone Cream, Licorice, Sarsparilla.
Phytoestrogens (Plant estrogens) - Red Clover, Soybeans, alfalfa, garlic, oats, carrots, fennel, licorice
root, hops, barley, corn, apple, rice, dates, parsley, cherry, pomegranate, yeast, sage, potato, wheat
germ.
Good Menopause Herbs: Dong Quai, Vitex, Black Cohosh, Wild Yam, Burdock, Motherwort, Valerian,
False Unicorn root, Damiana. ( Crystal Gardens “Woman of Wisdom” formula is excellent!)
The BEST Alternatives to Estrogen Replacement Therapy -
1. Improve Diet, Use Stress Management, and Get Plenty of Exercise! (Very important!)
2. Use good Nutritional Supplements daily (good quality, plant-source, not synthetic, vitamins and
minerals) and organic soy products.
3. Use Botanical Medicine, or bio-Identical hormones (Use Herbal Extracts, Teas, Natural
Progesterone Cream) such as:
‘Natural Woman’ Progesterone Cream, or the "Woman of Wisdom" tonic from Crystal Garden Herbs,
Natural "Tri-Estrogen & Progesterone" preparations such as: Dr. Christophers Change-Ease formula,
"Ostaderm" -Balanced Estrogen & Progesterone, "Spectra 305", Opti-PMS, Fem-H, PMS Herbal, Osta
B3.
4. If all of these treatments don't work, seek out a skilled Holistic Health Practitioner or Naturopathic
Doctor.
Recommended Reading:
Wise Woman Ways - The Menopausal Years- by Susun S. Weed, Ash Tree Publishing.
Herbal Healing for Women - by Rosemary Gladstar, Fireside Publishing.
Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom -by Dr. Christine Northrup
The Estrogen Alternative, Raquel Martin and Judi Gerstung, MD
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause, by Dr. John R. Lee, MD
Contact Jane Smolnik, ND at (828) 777-JANE if you'd like a phone consult for more specific info
regarding your needs.
Visit: www.drjanesvitamins.com for more great supplements!
by Dr. Jane Smolnik, Naturopath, Iridologist, Certified Intuitive Healer, Master Herbalist
Note: This information is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or diagnose any disease or ailment. The
FDA has not evaluated or approved these statements. Please seek proper diagnosis and treatment
whenever necessary.
Menopause is a normal, natural event. There is a reduction of ovarian estrogen and a cessation of
ovary function. The average age is 50-51, although between 40-50 is normal. Both fat and the adrenal
glands play an important role, they help your body maintain a little estrogen. You may have a 10 lb.
weight gain to help protect against Heart disease and osteoporosis.
There are three type of estrogen: E1 - Estrone, E2- Estradiol, E3 - Estriol (which is the weakest and
the safest estrogen) Animal meats contain natural hormones (estrodiol) which are not usable by
women.
Women who have a diet rich in animal products (meats and dairy), tend to have higher incidence of
menopausal problems, as well as higher rate of breast cancer! Asian women, whose diets are rich in
soy and seafood, have virtually no menopause symptoms, hot flashes, or breast cancer! Tofu and soy
products have estriol which is a safer, more usable form of estrogen for women, and a high source of
protein!
Keeping the hormones in balance throughout a woman's earlier years will greatly ease the transition
through Menopause. Pre-menstrual problems usually indicate imbalances. Pay attention and
Rebalance!
Menopausal Changes and Possible Problems:
Over an average of 2 years you may experience any of these conditions: Hot Flashes, Mood changes
(even rage), Sleep disturbances, Palpitations, Nausea, Memory loss, decrease in glucose tolerance
(Hypoglycemia), Vaginal dryness (thinning), Urinary tract infections, decreased sex drive, high
cholesterol, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, osteoporosis, skin dryness, decrease in
circulation, abnormal hair growth or loss, sore breasts or joints, insomnia. If you stay active and
healthy, keeping your hormones balanced with proper diet and herbs, you may have little or no
symptoms when going through menopause!
Increased Risk Factors for Osteoporosis:
Starting your periods late, had amenorrhea (no periods), excessively thin for more than a year. More
often pregnant decreases risk, and no pregnancy increases risk. Pill use reduces risk of osteoporosis
and ovarian cancer, (taking 1200 mg. calcium during pregnancy and lactation also help). If ovaries were
removed before 40, or even 50, it increases the risk of osteoporosis, especially if no estrogen was
taken. Lots of cavities is a sign of calcium loss. Lots of stress fractures, Scoliosis, medications used,
tetracycline use, antacid use, habits such as smoking, coffee, alcohol, sugar, lack of exercise. Having
ovaries, thyroid, or stomach removed, long hospitalizations, or a family history. Half of women over age
45 are at risk! (20 million in the USA) 10% over 50 have bone fractures of hips and spine. Other risks
include being caucasian, slender, small frame, and fair skinned. Also, constipation and poor
absorption of nutrients.
A complete history, physical exam, and lab work can be done. Lab work may include FSH (follicle
stimulating hormones), Estradiol, Cholesterol, HDL (Good chol.), LDL (bad chol.), Triglycerides.
Papsmears, Maturation index, x-rays, and Bone density can also be checked.
Through Iridology (iris analysis) I can easily see how well you body is absorbing and utilizing calcium
and check the health of your parathyroid to see if you are at risk. (economical and painless!)
Prevention of Osteoporosis:
Regular exercise! Weight bearing exercise makes the bones denser, stronger and less likely to leach
calcium! Walk, jog, swim, weight train, play tennis, do aerobics, or dance for at least 30 minutes, 3-4x a
week!
Diet - Lowfat (10-15% fats), low to moderate proteins, whole grains, fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds and
beans. Eat Vitamin and Calcium-rich foods and herbs: Comfrey, Raspberry and Dandelion leaves,
Nettles, Oatstraw, Horsetail, Chickweed, Amaranth, Watercress, Mustard greens, all Seaweeds, dried
fruits (esp. apricots), nuts and seeds (esp. sesame seeds, tahini, almonds). High Iron Foods: Yellow
Dock, Nettles, Dandelion, Alfalfa, Horsetail, Parsley, Blackstrap Molasses, Apricots, wheat germ.
Avoid red-meats and high-fat dairy products! Instead use lots of soy (very high in Estriol - the safest
and most preventive estrogen!) Soy should be the main source of protein in diet, and fish that swim (not
shellfish).
Avoid smoking (lowers estrogen levels as much as half), Use Kelp, not salt (causes you to excrete
calcium), Sugar interferes with mineral absorption. Coffee alters ovulation cycle, causes you to excrete
calcium (even decaf). No alcohol, even low to moderate consumption will increase risk of Breast
Cancer and interferes with ovulation cycle. Avoid high fat diet, all white flour and processed foods. Use
Proper Stress management!
Calcium and Vit. D intake recommended as follows:
Age Calcium Vitamin D
20-35 800 mg. 200 units
35-50 1000mg 200 units
50-65 1500mg. 400 units
65 + 1200mg (if on ERT)
1500mg.(if no ERT) 400-800 units
Sunlight for 10-15 minutes twice per week provides adequate Vit. D for a 40 year old woman!
(Update: New research has proven that they had greatly underestimated the need for Vitamin D.
Studies have shown that 5000, 10,000, even 20,000 i.u. per day can greatly increase the absorption
of calcium, while decreasing the risk of the 17 major cancers by 90%!)
Ratios of Calcium / Magnesium: RDA = 2.5 to 1. Use Calcium Citrate, NOT Carbonate! Include
Manganese. Or enjoy natural sea vegetables such as Dulse or Kelp!
For Vaginal dryness - Use Vit. E suppositories (or oil) in vagina, or estrogenic herbs in cream base.
Psychological changes - B-Complex, Vitamin C, Hops, Valerian, Chamomile, Skullcap, Passion
Flower (all are nervine tonics to ease tension, anxiety, stress, insomnia). Join a good support group,
get counseling, and use stress management and relaxation techniques. Do Yoga, Tai Chi, Breathing
exercises, Meditation.
For decreased glucose tolerance - Vitamin B, Vitamin C, B-Complex, Cholin, Biotin. Use bitter and
digestive herbs like Burdock, Goldenseal, Yellow Dock, Oregon Grape Root, Sage, Ginger, Cloves.
Hot Flashes - Vitamin E - 800 I.U. day. Natural Progesterone Cream. Sage tea. Also Motherwort,
Rosemary, False Unicorn, Black Cohosh, Raspberry Leaf, Peppermint, Thyme, Ginseng, Vitex, Wild
Yam, Burdock.
Cardiovascular - Use Garlic, Onions, Hawthorne Berries, Gingko, Motherwort. Check diet, exercise.
Hydrotherapy (using cold water rinse after shower or bath) helps improve digestion and circulation
which relieves the heart. 1 Tablespoon of Flax Seed Oil daily is excellent for the heart, also Co-enzyme
Q10. (Try crystal gardens “Heart Healthy” formula)
High Blood Pressure - Check diet! Use Hawthorne Berries, eat lots of Garlic. Yarrow extract lowers BP.
Nausea - Drink Ginger Tea with honey, use Wild Yam, and/or herbal Menopause formula.
Memory - Use Gingko, Gota Kola, Rosemary (or Mental Magic tea), and Menopause formula.
Stress Management - Do relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, support groups, massage,
Bath soaks, Exercise, walking, counseling. Herbs -use Valerian, Skullcap, or Motherwort for anxiety and
tension.
Estrogenic Herbs (Help the body produce estrogen)- Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Vitex, Angelica,
Burdock.
Progesterone Herbs - Wild Yam, Natural Progesterone Cream, Licorice, Sarsparilla.
Phytoestrogens (Plant estrogens) - Red Clover, Soybeans, alfalfa, garlic, oats, carrots, fennel, licorice
root, hops, barley, corn, apple, rice, dates, parsley, cherry, pomegranate, yeast, sage, potato, wheat
germ.
Good Menopause Herbs: Dong Quai, Vitex, Black Cohosh, Wild Yam, Burdock, Motherwort, Valerian,
False Unicorn root, Damiana. ( Crystal Gardens “Woman of Wisdom” formula is excellent!)
The BEST Alternatives to Estrogen Replacement Therapy -
1. Improve Diet, Use Stress Management, and Get Plenty of Exercise! (Very important!)
2. Use good Nutritional Supplements daily (good quality, plant-source, not synthetic, vitamins and
minerals) and organic soy products.
3. Use Botanical Medicine, or bio-Identical hormones (Use Herbal Extracts, Teas, Natural
Progesterone Cream) such as:
‘Natural Woman’ Progesterone Cream, or the "Woman of Wisdom" tonic from Crystal Garden Herbs,
Natural "Tri-Estrogen & Progesterone" preparations such as: Dr. Christophers Change-Ease formula,
"Ostaderm" -Balanced Estrogen & Progesterone, "Spectra 305", Opti-PMS, Fem-H, PMS Herbal, Osta
B3.
4. If all of these treatments don't work, seek out a skilled Holistic Health Practitioner or Naturopathic
Doctor.
Recommended Reading:
Wise Woman Ways - The Menopausal Years- by Susun S. Weed, Ash Tree Publishing.
Herbal Healing for Women - by Rosemary Gladstar, Fireside Publishing.
Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom -by Dr. Christine Northrup
The Estrogen Alternative, Raquel Martin and Judi Gerstung, MD
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause, by Dr. John R. Lee, MD
Contact Jane Smolnik, ND at (828) 777-JANE if you'd like a phone consult for more specific info
regarding your needs.
Visit: www.drjanesvitamins.com for more great supplements!
| Ultimate Healing |
| Natural Preventive Healthcare |