What Is Organifi Harmony
Organifi Harmony is a delicious cacao and chocolate-flavored superfood blend designed by some of the worlds top herbalists , for women.
Its not just for your time of the month! Harmony contains a daily dose of balancing herbs that supports you pre AND post menopause.
- After 15 days of consuming this: Increased energy!
- After 30 days of consuming this: Cycle regulation, aids in reduction of PMS symptoms, such as bloat, moodiness, breast tenderness.
Prioritize Sleep And Relaxation
In addition to a hormone balancing diet you can help balance hormones naturally with simple lifestyle changes, starting with a sleep routine and schedule that spans over the weekend. Theres a significant relationship between cortisol and sleep, the infamous stress hormone can leave your adrenal glands depleted when its overactive.
Our Tip: Leave the phone one hour before bed, avoid caffeine after 2:00 PM, and make relaxation time part of your schedule.
Discussion Point : Estriol Is A Weak Estrogen But Not Necessarily A Benign Estrogen
It is common for BCHT to include E3, although no FDA-approved products contain estriol.,, In 2008, the FDA issued a warning that E3 may not be compounded without an FDA investigational new drug application.
As a part of BCHT, E3 may be combined with E2 and/or estrone in varying proportions. Such preparations are called Bi-est or Tri-est . Bi-est 2.5 mg refers to a preparation containing 2 mg of E3 and 0.5 mg of E2.
Estimates of E3’s potency vary greatly, ranging from one-tenth to one-one hundredth of E2, and is likely to vary by tissue. If E3 is credited with the highest possible potency, ie, one-tenth of E2, Bi-est 2.5 mg, containing 2 mg E3 and 0.5 mg E2, may actually have 2 mg E3 equipotent to only 0.2 mg E2. This is contrary to what might be suspected based on apparent product composition, wherein E3 seems to be the main component.
E3 it is considered a safer estrogen, based on some earlier rodent studies, but this has not been confirmed in clinical trials. Proponents have claimed that E3 might decrease the risk of breast cancer by blocking estrogen receptors, but E3 binds only weakly and transiently to these receptors. Once it dissociates, the receptors remain available for E2 binding. If E3 is administered with increased frequency to achieve adequate amounts in circulation, E3 binding to the estrogen receptor has been shown to result in the stimulation of the breast and uterine tissues, similar to the effect of E2, and any potential protective effect may be lost.,
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Does Having Or Not Having A Uterus Make A Difference In Deciding What Type Of Hormone Therapy I Should Take
Yes, it does.
If you still have your uterus:
Progesterone is used along with estrogen. Taking estrogen without progesterone increases your risk for cancer of the endometrium . During your reproductive years, cells from your endometrium are shed during menstruation. When the endometrium is no longer shed, estrogen can cause an overgrowth of cells in your uterus, a condition that can lead to cancer.
Progesterone reduces the risk of endometrial cancer by making the endometrium thin. If you take progesterone, you may have monthly bleeding, or no bleeding at all, depending on how the hormone therapy is taken. Monthly bleeding can be lessened and, in some cases, eliminated by taking progesterone and estrogen together continuously.
If you no longer have your uterus :
You typically won’t need to take progesterone. This is an important point because estrogen taken alone has fewer long-term risks than HT that uses a combination of estrogen and progesterone.
Changes Brought About By Menopause
With age, a womans ovaries begin to lose their ability to make estrogen in the outside layer of the ovary . As menopause progresses, the estrogen made in a womens cortex begins to gradually decrease until the estrogen produced falls to almost nothing.
During menopause, the hypothalamus senses the drop in estradiol and begins to increase follicle stimulating hormone to try to replace what the ovary cortex is no longer producing, but since the ovary cortex can no longer produce estrogen, the estrogen levels fall and androgens, hormones produced in the central part of the ovaries, increase. The increase in androgens from the central part of the ovaries leads to the growth of hair on the faces of post-menopausal women.
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Symptoms Of Low Progesterone After Menopause
The main symptoms of progesterone after menopause deficiency are:
- unreasonable fever and sweating
- nausea, vomiting
- lowering of blood pressure .
Important! Progesterone hormone deficiency in postmenopausal women can trigger the development of serious gynecological diseases such as uterine myoma and endometriosis . In a neglected form, these pathologies can degenerate into malignant formations.
It is urgent to be attentive to yourself, do not neglect by the systematic visits to the doctor and keep the track of progesterone after menopause.
One Of The Most Confusing Questions A Woman Faces Is Whether Or Not To Take Hormones I Encourage You To Educate Yourself About All The Options So You Can Work In Partnership With Your Doctor To Make The Decision Thats Right For You Gone Are The Days When A Woman Would Go To Her Physician And Then Docilely Fill The Prescription She Is Given Without Trying To Understand How The Medication Will Affect Her Body And Thats Great Especially When It Comes To Supporting Your Fluctuating Hormone Levels
One of the most confusing questions a woman faces is whether or not to take hormones. I encourage you to educate yourself about all the options, so you can work in partnership with your doctor to make the decision thats right for you. Gone are the days when a woman would go to her physician and then docilely fill the prescription she is given without trying to understand how the medication will affect her body. And thats great, especially when it comes to supporting your fluctuating hormone levels!
A one-size-fits-all approach to medicine is never good medicine every woman is different. This is true of hormone therapy , too. While there are norms, and low levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone will cause similar symptoms in all women, the solution that works for you can be as unique as you are. Some women need hormone therapy, while others will get tremendous relief with herbs, changes in diet , supplementation, and/or adding exercise.
Even if you are someone who needs hormone therapy, rest assured hormone therapy isnt a life sentence. Menopause is not a medical condition that requires medication, especially not for life. Starting hormone therapy doesnt mean youre stuck with it forever. And what you start with may or may not be the right thing for you in the future. Its fine to adjust your dosage along the way. Many women reevaluate their HT annually, and taper off if they no longer need it.
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How To Get Started On Hrt
Speak to a GP if you’re interested in starting HRT.
You can usually begin HRT as soon as you start experiencing menopausal symptoms and will not usually need to have any tests first.
A GP can explain the different types of HRT available and help you choose one that’s suitable for you.
You’ll usually start with a low dose, which may be increased at a later stage. It may take a few weeks to feel the effects of treatment and there may be some side effects at first.
A GP will usually recommend trying treatment for 3 months to see if it helps. If it does not, they may suggest changing your dose, or changing the type of HRT you’re taking.
Why Do Early And Premature Menopause Happen
So, what actually causes early and premature menopause? At the very basic level, any time your eggs dont mature or dont get released, this can cause early or premature menopause. Your ovaries are responsible for this process as well as making estrogen and progesterone. When your ovaries arent functioning at the level they did during pre-menopause, then menopause can set in, regardless of your age.
There are many different things that could cause premature or early menopause. Some women have a very distinct situation that directly points to the cause. In other women, the reasons may not be entirely clear.
For example, women who undergo chemo or radiation treatments may be at an increased risk for early or premature menopause, as these treatments can damage the ovaries. Certain autoimmune disorders and infections can also affect ovarian function and lead to early or premature menopause.
Surgery to remove the ovaries or the ovaries and uterus is another common cause of early and premature menopause.
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What You Can Do To Protect Your Health Freedom
Frankly, I trust Mother Natures millions of years of wisdom much more than I trust 50 years of biochemical wizardry from Big Pharma. If you feel the same way and want to be able to preserve your freedom of choice when it comes to your body and your health and stop the FDA from banning bioidentical hormones and other safe, natural therapies , one of the best things you can do is write to your senator, representative, and the FDA. Here is a letter created by the Alliance for Natural Health USA that you can use. Another thing you can do is join Millions Against Medical Mandates, an organization fighting for your rights to medical freedom and bodily autonomy. The Childrens Health Defense is another wonderful organization founded and run by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Have you tried bioidentical hormones? What was your experience? Do you think the FDA is wrong in banning bioidentical hormones? Leave your comments below.
Whats The Difference Between Natural And Bioidentical Hormones
All hormones are natural. But what most women mean when they say they want natural hormones is that they are interested in using bioidentical hormones. The distinction is that bioidentical hormones are identical in their molecular shape, makeup, and structure to hormones made in the human body. This is what makes bioidentical hormones the perfect keys to unlock the bodys receptor sites. In other words, its the shape of the molecule not the source.
Today, most women know that, while natural, the hormone Premarin, which is marketed as Prempro when combined with the synthetic progestin Provera, is not bioidentical. My colleague, the late Dr. Joel Hargrove, used to say, Premarin is a natural hormone if your native food is hay! Thats because its made from conjugated mare urine. Provera does not occur naturally in nature. It is used as a substitute for bioidentical progesterone. Pharmaceutical companies do this because they cannot patent a naturally occurring hormone!
If you are in doubt as to whether a particular product offered to you by prescription is bioidentical, check the label. If it lists esterified estrogens, progestins, or progestogens, the product is not bioidentical. You can also research the products you may be considering, as many have their own websites.
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Taking Estrogen With A Progestin Vs Estrogen Alone
Treating menopausal symptoms with estrogen and progestin together is known as estrogen-progestin therapy or combined hormone therapy. Although estrogen alone improves the symptoms of menopause, it increases the risk of cancer of the uterus . Adding a progestin to the estrogen lowers the risk of endometrial cancer back to normal. Because of this, EPT is given to women who still have a uterus . EPT can be given 2 ways:
- Continuous EPT means the same dose of estrogen and progestin is taken each day. Women often prefer continuous EPT because it rarely leads to menstrual-like bleeding.
- Sequential EPT means different amounts of each hormone are taken on specific days. There are different ways to do this. For example, estrogen can be taken by itself for 14 days, then estrogen plus progestin for 11 days, then neither hormone for 3 to 5 days. Other schedules involve taking progestin only every few months. This lowers the amount of progestin that you are exposed to. Monthly regimens are also thought to result in hormone levels that are more like the natural menstrual cycle. Cyclical EPT can produce bleeding like a menstrual period, but it can occur less often than monthly.
What Is Relaxation Breathing
Deep breathing, relaxation breathing, and paced respiration all refer to a method used to reduce stress. It involves breathing in deeply and breathing out at an even pace. Do this for several minutes while in a comfortable position. You should slowly breathe in through your nose. With a hand on your stomach right below your ribs, you should first feel your stomach push your hand out, and then your chest should fill. Slowly exhale through your mouth, first letting your lungs empty and then feeling your stomach sink back. You can do this almost anywhere and several times during the day, whenever you feel stressed. You can also try this if you feel a hot flash beginning or if you need to relax before falling asleep.
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Genitourinary Syndrome Of Menopause
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause refers to bothersome genital symptoms from changes in the vulva, vagina, and lower genital tract that are caused by diminished estrogen. This condition affects up to one-half of women during menopause.28 In 2014, a consensus conference endorsed the new term genitourinary syndrome of menopause to replace the terms vulvovaginal atrophy and atrophic vaginitis, partly because the older terminology does not encompass the extent of genital tract symptoms many women experience.29 Decreased estrogen can cause several changes to genital anatomy that lead to patient discomfort. Thinning of the vulvar mucosa may cause vulvar burning, irritation, or constriction of the introitus, resulting in entry dyspareunia. Narrowing of the vagina and decreased lubrication can cause painful intercourse or coital bleeding.30 Diminished estrogen may also lead to recurrent urinary tract infections and urinary urgency.29 Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is often progressive without treatment.28
Treatment Options for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Estrace vaginal cream 0.01%
Treatment Options for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Estrace vaginal cream 0.01%
This review updates previous articles on this topic by Hill and Hill,35 by Carroll,36 by Morelli and Naquin,37 and by Cutson and Meuleman.38
Read the full article.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy And Cancer Risk
For decades, women have used hormone therapy to ease symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and sweating. This is called menopausal hormone therapy, and you may see it abbreviated as HT or MHT. You may also hear it described as hormone replacement therapy , postmenopausal hormone therapy , or postmenopausal hormones .
In the past, many doctors and their patients believed that MHT didnt just help with hot flashes and other symptoms it had important health benefits. But well-conducted studies have led many doctors to conclude that the risks of MHT often outweigh the benefits.
This information covers only how MHT can affect a womans risk of getting certain cancers. It does not cover other possible risks of MHT such as heart disease or stroke.
You can use this information when you talk to your doctor about whether MHT is right for you.
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Treatment Options For Excessive Estrogen
As with low estrogen, youve got a trio of options if levels of your female hormone are too high.
- Medication: If you start experiencing high estrogen when youre on HRT, your doctor might well adjust your plan. This simple change can help restore balance.
- Surgery: If youre unfortunate enough to have a cancer sensitive to estrogen, your doctor might recommend removing your ovaries in a procedure called oophorectomy.
- Dietary Changes: Eating a diet rich in fiber and low in fat can help to naturally reduce elevated estrogen levels.
Vergo is an interactive program that gives women the tools to understand their Menopause.
- The Vergo iOS symptom tracker
- The Vergo QuikTrak symptom tracker
- Vergos Interactive Education Program, Journey Without a Roadmap: Understanding Menopause
- Curated guides to the biggest questions and hottest topics around menopause symptoms and treatment options
- Must-have information on male menopause: Theres an Andropause?
- Terminology Cheat Sheets
Where Does Evidence About The Health Effects Of Mht Come From
The most comprehensive evidence about the health effects of MHT comes from two randomized clinical trials that were sponsored by the National Institutes of Health as part of the Womens Health Initiative :
- The WHIEstrogen-plus-Progestin Study, in which women with a uterus were randomly assigned to receive either a hormone pill containing both estrogen and progestin or a placebo. The median duration of treatment was 5.6 years.
- The WHI Estrogen-Alone Study, in which women without a uterus were randomly assigned to receive either a hormone pill containing estrogen alone or a placebo. The median duration of treatment was 7.2 years.
More than 27,000 healthy women who were 50 to 79 years of age at the time of enrollment took part in the WHI hormone therapy trials. The goals of these trials were to see if MHT prevents heart disease and bone fractures in postmenopausal women and to determine if MHT affects risks of breast cancer and, for women with a uterus, endometrial cancer. Both trials were stopped early , when it was determined that both types of therapy were associated with specific health risks, but long-term follow up of the participants continues to provide new information about the health effects of MHT.
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Stroke And Heart Attacks
The latest analysis from Womenâs Health Concern regarding the risk of heart disease and stroke for women taking HRT states that:
- the risk of stroke is increased in women who smoke and are overweight
- women starting HRT and aged below 60 are not at an increased risk of stroke
- HRT is not recommended for women with a history of stroke or deep vein thrombosis
Speak to your GP if you are taking HRT and are worried about the risk of stroke or heart disease.
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