While classic baldness has always been associated with men, what has become increasingly more common today is the “female pattern” hair loss.  Women rarely lose hair to the extreme that men do, however, many experience a significant reduction in the diameter of the hair shaft leading to an overall hair thinning.  This pattern most often develops around the onset of menopause.  Before menopause 13% of women experience hair thinning compared to 37% that experience this after menopause.

The Three Critical Sex Hormones:

Women have a critical balance of 3 major sex hormones: progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone (androgens).  When women stop ovulating at the onset of menopause, there are fluxuations of the various hormones.  For many women this process can become extreme.  Research has shown that lifestyle plays a significant role in the regulation of these hormones and the effects of middle-age hormonal fluctuations.

The major hormone involved in hair loss is called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is the result of testosterone being in contact with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase which is found in the skin and scalp.  When DHT is present it interacts with the hair follicles cell membrane receptor and disrupts the process of hair growth.  This process is called androgen alopecia and is caused by excessive androgenic hormones coupled with high levels of oxidative stress.

Excess Sebum and Thinning Hair:

Several researchers have reported a correlation between excessive sebum in the scalp and hair loss.  Excessive sebum often accompanying thinning hair is attributed to systemic inflammatory conditions in the body and an enlargement of the sebaceous gland. The researchers believed excessive inflammation into the sebum causes a high level of 5-alpha reductase which clogs pores and further increases inflammatory processes.

Several factors are critical for reducing inflammatory conditions in the hair follicle.  The first step is to inhibit the excessive androgenic hormone formation.   Saw Palmetto is a very effective anti-androgen that blocks the cell membranes from absorbing high levels of DHT.   This helps balance hormones in the body.  Other DHT inhibiting nutrients include green tea extract and systemic enzymes.

The second step is to enhance intracellular anti-oxidant stores with glutathione boosting sources.  Boosting glutathione within the cell protects the scalp and follicle mitochondria from oxidative stress.   Low glutathione increases a molecule called Protein Kinase C which accelerates the loss of hair follicles.   Major anti-oxidant sources that boost glutathione include N-Acetyle Cysteine, Inositol, Lutein, Quercetin, Resveratrol, Grape Seed Extract, and Zeaxanthin.

Cytokines serve as molecular messengers that regulate different inflammatory processes.   One particular pro-inflammatory cytokine is TNF-a.  When TNF-a is over-secreted in the sebaceous gland and hair follicles it causes rapid inflammation and hair loss.  Low vitamin-D and improper Omega 6:3 ratios within the cell can lead to increased TNF-a and elevated inflammatory pathways.  Certain nutrients act specifically on the TNF-a pathway including Curcumin, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Stinging Nettle Extract, Green Tea Extract, Fish Oil, Borage Oil/Evening Primrose Oil, and systemic enzymes.

Immediate Action Steps:

What you can do first is to address the  factors that influence hair loss such as inadequate nutriton, sudden weight loss through crash dieting or illness, and stress which plays a major role in affecting all areas of our body, including our hair.

A good diet for healthy hair is anti-oxidant rich and with plenty of protein, iron and Vitamin D — which is thought to be important for hair growth –  plus a good anti-oxidant supplement. Anti-inflammatory based herbs such as turmeric, ginger, and dandelion will help too and oddly enough so will regular exercise .

Why Hormone Balance Matters:

You can’t change the fact that you may be entering perimenopause, or have PCOS, but you can ensure you get your hormone balance right and that your progesterone and oestrogen levels are in the right ratio to redress the problem.  Hair renewal is a slow process: the average scalp has 100,000 hairs. Each follicle produces a single hair that grows at a rate of 1.25 cm (half an inch) per month. After growing for two to six years, the hair rests before falling out. It is soon replaced with a new hair, and the cycle begins again. At any given time, 90% of the hair is growing, and the remainder is resting, and women have reported that supplementing with bioidentical natural progesterone has improved hair quality so it is thicker and glossier.

What can happen is that when  progesterone levels fall as a result of lack of ovulation the body responds by increasing its production of the adrenal cortical steroid, androstenedione, an alternative precursor for the production of other adrenal cortical hormones. Androstenedione conveys some androgenic (male-like_ properties – in this case male pattern hair loss.  When progesterone levels are raised by supplementation the androstenedione level will gradual fall, and normal hair growth will eventually resume.   Since hair growth is slow, it may take 4-6 months for the effects to become apparent.

Hair loss in women can be triggered by about 30 different medical conditions, as well as several lifestyle factors and as a starting point, hair loss experts recommend testing for thyroid problems and hormone imbalance. A little known side effect of hormonal contraception is the potential for hair loss. The hormones that suppress ovulation can cause the hair to thin in some women, particularly those with a family history of hair loss. Sometimes hair loss begins when you stop taking the pill. Other drugs linked to hair loss include blood thinners and medicines that treat high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis and depression.

Further reading:

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2011/12/12/reversing-female-hair-loss/

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2012/08/20/help-for-menopausal-hair-loss/

Dr. David Jockers is a chiropractor, exercise physiologist and natural health specialist. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition and exercise, and structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to www.exodushc.com

Strangely it is around 40 when some women see signs of perimenopause that actually may be PMS once again responding to your changing hormones.  The signs may an increased heavy menstrual bleeding, greater irritability, headaches and often food cravings as well.  Sadly it seems that if you are suffering it can be a sign that your actual menopause may be difficult too.

Why the change?

This is certainly a distressing and painful condition and related to hormone imbalance because once a women reaches 35 her hormonal pattern starts to shift and hormones can plunge and rise dramatically, with all the accompanying symptoms. This can go on throughout menopause and during this time, the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen is usually very much lower than when you were younger and this can result in severe PMS symptoms.

However casual you may have been about nutrition and diet when you were in your twenties, these deficiencies really begin to hit home once you reach 40.  Having significantly inadequate levels of calcium, magnesium and B vitamins long-term can make symptoms like poor sleep, irritability, fatigue, muscle cramps, achiness, and food cravings even worse.

Key PMS symptoms and solutions after 35

Hormone balance is key at this age as it around now that the hormonal rollercoaster gets into gear so check for any signs of oestrogen dominance and low progesterone levels.  These are the symptoms you want to look out for: W

1. If you are becoming much more anxious and irritable then that can mean low progesterone.This is the hormone that keeps ou calm and helps lift our mood so you stay more cetnred and less pulled by each annoying incident, or person!

You can naturally boost your progesterone levels by supplementing with bioidentical natural progesterone and there are also herbs like black cohosh, lemon balm and maca that boost progesterone-like effects in your body to support  you.

2. Food cravings are also likely to increase, particularly for sugar and chocolate – two staple food groups for hormonally challenged women.  Try to keep your  blood sugar levels stable by including some form of protein at every meal and snack, and limiting sugar. It is no substitute, but sometimes chocolate cravings are connected to magnesium deficiency. Ward them off with a good multivitamin that has magnesium plus snack on almonds and pumpkin seeds as they are naturally high in magnesium.

3. Bloating and stomach cramps are classic PMS symptoms and again relate to  having low levels of progesterone to oestrogen. Regular, gentle exercise is the answer and the herbs  can cause increased cramping, among other things. Exercise and some herbs can help so try burdock and chasteberry and fennel, peppermint, and ginger all help with digestive upset and nausea.

4. PMS symptoms naturally lower your libido, who feels sexy when bloated and in pain? However progesterone is associated with increased sex drive in women so that could be another bonus for ensuring you have good levels throughout the month.

5   There can also be an emotional component to PMS so dealign with that alongside good hormonal and nutritional support could be the last key to finally overcoming your symptoms.

Further reading:

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2010/03/15/what-is-oestrogen-dominance/

Dr Tony Coope has written a series of articles on PMS of which this is the first

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2010/06/22/premenstrual-syndrome-pms/

Risk Factors

It is a cliche that women who are fair, fat and over forty are more prone to gallstone disease, but certainly it has become common in developed countries. The greatest risk factors are:

• women over 50
• obesity
• diabetes
• high cholesterol
• poor diet
• had two or more children.

It is more common in France to have skin application of hormones whereas the USA and UK doctors prefer to more often prescribe HRT orally in pill form.

Results:

It was clear from this 16 year study the women on oral HRT had an increased risk of gallbladder surgery for complications of gallstones. They particularly noted that the risk was higher when the oestrogen was not balanced by progestogens (synthetic progesterone) but no comparison was made with bioidentical natural progesterone.

This is a pity as the key role of progesterone is to balance excess oestrogen, and this is something the synthetic  progestogens cannot do.  Dr. Antoine Racine, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM) and Université Paris Sud, also stated that “Complicated gallstone disease should be added to the list of potential adverse events to be considered when balancing the benefits and risks associated with menopausal hormone therapy,”

It seems clear that the findings of this study support current recommendations for minimizing doses and duration of hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms. However, if hormone therapy is considered necessary, transdermal formulations (such as creams, patches or gels) may have fewer adverse effects than oral formulations.

Further reading:

If you are at risk from gallstones it makes sense to minimise the effects of oestrogen and to ensure hormone balance with bioidentical natural hormones which replicate a woman’s own natural cycles.  Tackling oestrogen dominance would be the first place to start by eliminating as much as possible from medications, xenoestrogens and environmental sources.

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2010/03/15/what-is-oestrogen-dominance/

What are hormones?

The Ovaries act as endocrine glands when they produce the oestrogens and progesterone that control a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility.  They make some very important hormones and amongst these are three oestrogens, as well as progesterone.  These hormones then pass into the blood stream where they are transported to wherever they are needed in the body.

The Oestrogens

The ovaries produce the three oestrogens: Oestradiol, Oestrone and Oestriol.  These are secreted in different amounts and ratios to each other at different stages in a woman’s life.

Oestradiol is the strongest and is produced in large amounts by the ovaries during a woman’s reproductive years.

Oestriol is a gentle oestrogen produced in large quantities by the placenta during pregnancy and also in larger quantities after the menopause.

Oestrone is also produced in greater amounts after the menopause and it too is also a gentler oestrogen than oestradiol.

Sometimes the total amount of oestrogens produced after the menopause can be as high as before the menopause. This can then produce a situation of oestrogen dominance because ovulation has ceased and the amount of progesterone being produced has dropped considerably. This may need to be corrected with progesterone supplementation.

Progesterone.

Progesterone is produced throughout the monthly cycle, but the amount increases at ovulation as one of its important roles is to prepare the body for pregnancy. Progesterone is also very important in that it protects the body against the unwanted effects of the oestrogens. These include:

increase in stimulation of the lining of the uterus

stimulation of breast tissue

weight increase

fluid retention

mood swings

Hormone Treatment

There are times when the body’s hormones are out of balance and additional amounts may be given.  There are two types that are available:

1. Natural, or bio-identical, hormones which are molecularly identical to those made by the body.

2. Synthetic, or chemical, hormones and, although these have similar actions to our own body’s natural hormones, they also have additional and often unwanted and potential dangerous actions.  This is because their molecular structure is different from the body’s natural hormones;  that is to say that they are not identical to those made by the body.

Standard HRT

This is usually prescribed to contain oestradiol combined with a chemical progestogen (not progesterone as made by the ovary) in a standard dose.

The progestogen is put into the mixture for one reason only: to protect the uterus from over stimulation by the oestradiol. This over stimulation if not controlled can lead to cancer of the uterus.  The reason a chemical progestogen is used rather than the bio-identical progesterone is because natural progesterone cannot be patented, but the chemical form can.

Sadly, the artificial progestogen does not protect the body from any of the other unwanted effects of oestrogens either.  In addition it is now realised that these progestogens can in fact increase the risk of over stimulation of the breasts by oestrogen.

In recent surveys it has been found that women who take oestradiol combined with progestogens (normal HRT) have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer than women who only take oestradiol.

Oestradiol on its own is usually only prescribed to women who have had a hysterectomy.

Bio-Identical HRT

When bio-identical HRT is prescribed it is usual for a combination of the three naturally occurring oestrogens combined with progesterone to be used. This means that the body is receiving as near as possible the combination of hormones that the ovaries themselves produced. Also the progesterone protects the body against all the unwanted effects of oestrogens, not just the uterus. This means that the increased risk of breast cancer that exists when taking additional oestrogens should be considerably less than when taking traditional HRT.

The dosage of these oestrogens and progesterone is individually adjusted to the individual woman and based upon her response to them, not given as a standard dose.

The dosage can be adjusted by reference to a blood or saliva test but this is not as reliable a way as simply adjusting the dosage to the woman’s response to the hormones.

The reason for this is that the results of both blood tests and saliva testing of hormones will vary from day to day and the actual hormone blood level required by one woman will not be the same as another.

Sometimes instead of prescribing all three oestrogens the doctor may just prescribe the weak oestriol, or oestriol and oestrone combined with progesterone.

How Is It Given?

The three bio-identical oestrogens are given as a tablet (Hormonin) and Oestradiol can be prescribed as a vaginal cream or pessary or as a tablet (Ovestin).

The Progesterone can be prescribed as a transdermal cream (such as Wellsprings Serenity), a tablet (Uterogestan) or as suppositories (Cyclogest).

Further reading:

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2010/03/15/what-is-oestrogen-dominance/

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2012/08/10/progesterone-or-progestogen-why-they-are-not-the-same/

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2012/06/08/how-to-most-effectively-use-hormone-creams

Cindy, a 34 year old flight attendant had been taking birth control pills for 17 years because of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).  The chief complaint was acne and hirsutism from high testosterone levels, for which the birth control pills had been prescribed.   Cindy had married a year ago, and was now ready to start a family, so she had discontinued the birth control pills on her own a few months before arriving to my office.  Cindy had one normal menstrual period in the last four months since stopping the BCP’s.  Cindy came for an office visit because she wanted a treatment that would restore normal menstrual cycles, fertility, as well eliminate the excess facial hair, acne and other androgenic effects of elevated testosterone levels.

Laboratory workup showed absent progesterone production on Day 19 of her cycle indicating anovulation.  Her DHEA and testosterone levels were mildly elevated.  Baseline 17 hydroxyprogesterone was normal.  Treatment was started and three months later Cindy called to report that she was pregnant.

Treatment program for PCOS to induce ovulation:

1) Treatment was started with progesterone twice a day for days 12-26 of the cycle.

2) Metformin 500 mg tabs twice a day with meals.

3) Clomid 50 mg tabs for 5 days on days 3-7 of the cycle.

4) If the above is ineffective at inducing ovulation, Dexamethazone 2 mg per day for days 3-12 of the cycle.

The defining hallmark of PCOS is lack of ovulation, which in turn causes progesterone deficiency.   Progesterone for PCOS was pioneered by John R Lee MD who wrote extensively about his experience treating PCOS with cyclic progesterone.  This is covered in Part One of this article.  Cyclic progesterone is thought to reset the hypothalamic-pituitary axis which controls ovulation, thus helping restart normal ovulation in the PCOS patient when taken over a 3-6 months of use.

Progesterone  inhibits the enzyme that converts testosterone to its stronger metabolite, DHT), and thus may reduce hirsutism and serve as an anti-androgen.  Spironolactone, (Aldactone 50 mg BID) another commonly used drug used as a blood pressure pill, diuretic pill, and also has anti-androgen effects, it inhibits 5 alpha reductase conversion of testosterone to DHT, and is commonly used to treat hirsutism in PCOS patients.

Metformin is an extremely helpful drug for PCOS patients, and should be considered as  the first line of treatment.  In obese women with the polycystic ovary syndrome, decreasing serum insulin concentrations with metformin reduces ovarian cytochrome P450c17 alpha activity and ameliorates hyperandrogenism. Metformin may decrease B12 levels, so make sure you take extra B12 supplements with your Metformin.

Some cases of anovulation are the result of a genetic enzyme deficiency in the adrenal gland with inadequate conversion of 17 hydroxyprogesterone into cortisol.  This leads to overproduction of androgenic hormones such as DHEA and Testosterone.  This genetic abnormality may  be associated with anovulation and hirsutism in a clinical presentation which may mimic PCOS.  In this scenario, Dexamethasone may be added to the Clomid. (Dexamethasone 2 mg per day for days 3-12 of the cycle.)

The Dexamethasone inhibits ACTH production by the pituitary and prevents the adrenal from making excess testosterone, and is in fact curative of the hirsutism and acne symptoms, and in many cases restores ovulation and fertility.

Clomiphene is the first drug of choice to induce ovulation in the PCOS patient. Clomid blocks the estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, causing an LH, FSH surge, which induces ovulation.  Clomid is usually given over 5 days  during the luteal phase of the cycle, for days 3-7 or 4-8 at a dose starting at 50 mg per day.  This may be increased by 100 mg if the lower dosage is unsuccessful and fails to induce ovulation.

OCP’s, Birth Control Pills and other Synthetic Hormones

OCPs are commonly prescribed to the PCOS patient to mask the androgenic symptoms of acne and hirsutism.  This form of therapy is ill advised and misplaced, since it does not address the underlying problem of lack of ovulation with disordered hormone production.  In other words, OCPs are symptomatic treatment which does not address the root cause of the problem, which is anovulation with imbalance in ovarian and adrenal hormone regulation.  OCP’s further suppress and prevent ovulation, rather than restore this normal physiological function in the female.

Disclaimer

The reader is advised to discuss the comments on these pages with his/her personal physicians and to only act upon the advice of his/her personal physician. Also note that concerning an answer which appears as an electronically posted question, I am NOT creating a physician — patient relationship. Although identities will remain confidential as much as possible, as I can not control the media, I can not take responsibility for any breaches of confidentiality that may occur.

This is Part Two of a Series, For Part One, Click Here and to read this article with full references please visit http://jeffreydach.com/2012/06/20/pcos-part-two-clomid-and-metformin-by-jeffrey-dach-md.aspx

Further information:

There is a  newly formed support group http://pcoscysterhooduk.org/Home_Page.php looking into the effects of PCOS. They aim to provide information about the condition and its effects and treatments while hopefully raising funds to do in-depth research into the condition and help women get the treatments they need, this support network is run by PCOS sufferers.

Women do report that they experience painful, sore muscles that strain easily, or simply find they are holding tension in the muscles throughout the day.  This is not something to be ignored because with today’s more sedentary lifestyle we put ourselves at risk of injury and even weight gain and that is something that most women want to avoid.

Identifying What’s Wrong

You know there is a problem when your muscles feel weak, tight, or go tense and into spasm and you have no obvious physical activity to relate it to.  Ongoing muscle tension is uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, and this can cause strain and soreness in the muscles throughout the body.

Most commonly seen are twinges of muscle pain and irritation which can start and stop without notice. Twinges of pain, lack of muscle control or sharp tingling sensations can occur anywhere and although they may seem typical muscle or joint strain, menopause muscle reactions often have no trigger.

Why Is It Happening?

The reason for this occurring is often due to falling oestrogen and progesterone levels.  In response to this the levels of stress hormones – particularly cortisol – rise.  As a result, muscles tighten throughout the body, leading to chronic muscle tension, fatigue, weakness and spasming. Imbalances in testosterone can also contribute to muscle problems during menopause, as women find it more difficult to build and maintain muscle strength and tone.

This imbalance can affect the nervous system’s muscle connections, causing false sensations of pain, tingling, numbness and for some women even severe and debilitating temporary pain.  Other factors that may worsen menopause muscle problems include ongoing emotional stress and anxiety that may also occur due to hormone imbalances.  Some women may experience greater muscle strain due to midlife weight gain that occurs during menopause as the body lays down extra layer of fat on the belly in order to produce oestrogen.

What Can you Do?

Because menopause muscle problems occur due to hormonal fluctuations and imbalances, establishing hormonal balance is the key to successfully alleviating muscular issues in midlife. Women need to be aware of their hormonal status, and for the majority this may mean supplementing with progesterone or with oestrogen and progesterone,depending on their menopausal symptoms.

Ensuring a sensible weight and keeping the body flexible and at a healthy level of fitness through some form of regular exercise will all help. Temporary relief from muscle pain and discomfort can be found from painkillers, herbal remedies or alternative medicine techniques such as chiropractic, acupuncture yoga or qi gong. However, unless the underlying hormonal imbalances that cause menopause muscular issues are addressed, chronic muscle stress and tension may continue.

Further reading:

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2012/07/01/what-is-preperimenopause-all-about/

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2010/10/20/the-menopause-golden-opportunity-or-last-chance-saloon/

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2010/10/01/secrets-for-a-trouble-free-menopause/

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2012/10/08/losing-weight-after-menopause/

Better breakfasts

Starting with a healthy breakfast is not only the best way to boost energy levels for the day ahead, but is an easy, positive and delicious daily start to a new you. Refined sugars, found in most breakfast cereals, are the first thing I give up if I’m embarking on a spring-clean and cutting them out gives me far more sustained energy throughout the day. On cold mornings, I switch to a bowl of porridge made with water and sweetened with honey, complete with a sprinkling of sunflower seeds. Or if I’m craving for something fresh, I opt for chopped fruit and berries with a dollop of natural yoghurt. You also can’t beat a protein-packed organic boiled egg that also contains useful vitamins A, B-complex and E, as well as minerals such as zinc, served up with toasted wholemeal soldiers and a glass of orange juice (vitamin C will help increase your uptake of iron from the egg yolk).

Midday meals

Not only is eating soup (of any kind) a good way to get various vitamins and vegetable fibre in a simple, healthy way, it’s also been proven to help shed a few pounds. This is because when food and water are finely mixed to make soup, they enter the stomach together and stay held in a homogenised state as they pass through our intestines. The increased volume of water and semi-solid food then stays in our system for longer than if we were eating food and drinking liquid separately, so we feel fuller for longer.

According to researchers at Nottingham University, this means we are much less likely to over-eat. This is especially true of whizzed-up blended soups which reduce hunger-pangs the most due to this homogenisation effect. Never more useful than at this time of year, I’m swapping lunchtime sandwiches for a simple home-made soup and even pop mine into a thermos if I’m out and about, so I don’t miss out on the health and beauty benefits.

Winding down

If  you are feeling a little ‘liverish’ from just too much indulgence, you might like to try a ‘liver wrap’  – a simple but highly effective way to stimulate the detoxification process in the liver. You will need: A hot water bottle, a flannel and a small fluffy towel. Wearing just a dressing gown, gather everything together and lie down somewhere comfortable.

Start by applying the cold damp flannel to the right-hand side of your body just beneath the ribcage to cover the liver area. The coldness felt by the skin briefly lowers the temperature of the tissues beneath and your body’s reflexes respond by increasing circulation in that area. Next, place a really warm hot water bottle on top of the damp flannel to retain moisture and stimulate the autonomic nervous system. This in turn boosts blood flow to the liver and supports its detoxification activity.

Cover the hot water bottle with a soft towel and rest on a sofa or go to bed. This is a useful therapeutic treatment to carry out at bedtime and you can even fall asleep with the hot water bottle in place. Otherwise, simply put your feet up and rest for 30 minutes (the longer the better).  Three things to love about the liver wrap – it’s inexpensive, simple and it works.

Further information:

For more information on Liz Earle and her range of natural beauty products please visit her website at www.uk.lizearle.com

Related articles on weight loss are:

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2012/10/08/losing-weight-after-menopause/

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2012/11/01/menopause-rearranges-womens-fat/

The research, headed by Professor Reto Krapf of the University of Basel, involved a randomized double blind, placebo controlled study of 201 men and women, all over the age of 65. The research subjects received either a supplement of potassium citrate or a placebo in addition to calcium and vitamin D supplements. The results showed that those who received potassium citrate in addition to calcium and vitamin D had significantly stronger bones with better mineral density and strength in many areas of the skeleton, including the lumbar spine.

The focus for the research was the belief that our Western diet, which is naturally high in acid rather than alkaline foods, may adversely impact the skeleton by disrupting calcium metabolism.  Another recent study – this one published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research by researchers at Johns Hopkins University- also concluded that potassium citrate “has the potential to improve skeletal health.”

The role of progesterone

Osteoporosis means that the bone is not as strong as it should be and there is therefore an increased risk of fractures.

Bone is a living tissue and, like all living tissues in the body, it is constantly being built up and broken down. As bone cells age, other cells called osteoclasts break them down which leaves minute holes in the bone. These holes are then filled up with new bone by cells called osteoblasts. For these cells to be able to build up new healthy bone it is essential that there is a normal hormone balance in the body, adequate amounts of progesterone and that your diet or supplements are supplying the correct nutrients.

Slowing down bone loss is only one side of the story: bone also needs to be built up and this process goes on throughout our lives, provided we have adequate levels of natural progesterone to help the body do so.

As bone cells age, other cells called osteoclasts break them down which leaves minute holes in the bone. These holes are then filled up with new bone by cells called osteoblasts. For these cells to be able to build up new healthy bone it is essential that there is a normal hormone balance in the body, and that your diet or supplements are supplying the correct nutrients. own again, provided that the hormonal and nutritional balance is correct.

Bone retains its ability to build up as well as break down throughout life which means that even if you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, or shown to be at risk of developing osteoporosis, you can build up new bone and reverse the condition.

What you can do to help yourself

Hormone balance means having an adequate amount of progesterone to help build new bone, but there are also other things you can do. It is important to have regular load bearing exercise, and a diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables that naturally have high mineral citrate content (including potassium citrate). Raw rather than cooked is best so include bananas, oranges and other citrus fruits, apricots, melons, and tomatoes.

Adequate amounts of vitamins D and K are essential and  most diets are lacking in them. We get vitamin D from sunlight, so winter is not the best time to stock up, so increase the amount of vitamin rich foods such as oily fish like salmon and sardines. eggs  and some fortified  breakfast cereals. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables so increasing your intake of spinach and broccoli will boost your levels.

Calcium is also needed, and it is best from  your diet as there can be side effects from high supplement doses. Good sources include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, tofu and nuts.

Further information:

Please note that if you are on any of the biphosphonate drugs like Fosamax type then you cannot use bioidentical natural progesterone alongside them.

You might find the following articles helpful:

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2011/10/20/don’t-ignore-the-4-main-myths-about-osteoporosis/

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2012/01/16/what-your-doctor-may-not-tell-you-about-osteoporosis-and-bioidentical-natural-progesterone/

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2012/11/23/how-much-progesterone-do-i-need-for-osteoporosis/

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2011/01/24/fda-issues-new-warning-on-long-term-use-of-osteoporosis-drugs/

Today women are the product of several generations of artificial hormone use from the first days of the contraceptive Pill to the newer implants and coils and finally HRT.   These all contain synthetic hormones and to be in good hormone health women need progesterone, the natural hormone, as that is the only thing that will balance excess oestrogen.

Oestrogen is essential, but when found in excess in the body from artificial hormones, its presence in our food and water as residues from pesticides and plastics, we get out of balance. This has come to be known as oestrogen dominance and was a term first used by the late Dr John Lee to refer to a state where oestrogen is not being balanced by progesterone in a woman’s body.

In fact there is not one oestrogen, but three: oestradiol, oestrone and oestriol. The relative amounts of these three oestrogens to each other vary at different times in a woman’s life and all three are secreted in the ovaries, adrenal glands, placenta and fatty tissue.   Whatever your age may be, these oestrogens need to be balanced by progesterone to prevent the benefits of oestrogen being outweighed by its potential problems.   Excess oestrogen is linked to breast and uterine cancer, breast tenderness, heavy menstrual bleeding, PMS and PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) as well as the many symptoms of menopuase including hot flashes, mood swings and fatigue.

What are the symptoms?

It is fairly simple to see if you have oestrogen dominance by looking at the list of the effects of progesterone and oestrogen listed here. If you have a lot on the oestrogen side then you may want to look at redressing the balance.

Effects of Oestrogen

Increases breast and endometrial cancer risk

Stimulates breast tissue – tenderness

Creates proliferation of the womb lining

Increases body fat

Fluid retention

Depression

Suppresses action of thyroid

Increases blood clotting

Decreases libido

Interferes with blood sugar levels

Reduces zinc and retention of copper

Reduces cell oxygen

Slows bone breakdown

Effects of Progesterone

Protects the breast

Stabilises the womb lining

Protects the breast

Helps break down fat

Natural diuretic

Anti-depressant

Facilitates thyroid function

Normalises clotting mechanism

Increases libido

Stabilises blood sugar

Normalises zinc and copper

Restores cell oxygen

Builds up bone

What you can do

Oestrogen dominance can occur at any age and a first step is to look at your lifestyle.  The basic building blocks of optimal hormone balance start with a good wholefood diet, regular exercise and stress reduction as that can play a major part in most hormonal symptoms.

Supplementing with bioidentical natural progesterone will also be necessary to get your hormones back into balance if you have a number of oestrogen dominance symptoms. Because of the confusion between natural progesterone and synthetic progestins do make sure you get the real deal and not a chemical substitute.  You need a safe, guaranteed source and that is normally listed as USP progesterone so always check the ingredients list to make sure.

Stress puts our body into fighting mode so it goes to deal with the most urgent symptoms, and to the body irrational moodiness or hot flushes are just not urgent  – however much you might think so.  Hot flushes in particular are very vulnerable to stress which is why it is a good idea to increase your dosage of bioidentical progesterone cream when stressed.  This is because stress leads to adrenal fatigue and some hormone disruption the stress hormone cortisol is made from progesterone.  That’s why it helps to give your progesterone levels a boost to help you cope better when stressed.

3 Simple Tips To Help You Cope:

A few years ago I wrote a book to help people cope with stress and these are my top tips on how to reduce your stress load:

1          REDUCE YOUR STRESS LOAD:

I know – easier said than done  – but really you need to take a good look at what is stressing you and find a way to handle it.  You may need to postpone changes in your living situation, reduce the pace of change in your life or cut down on your social, work or school obligations.

Key tip: learn to say “No” more often – if this is hard for you then think of it not saying no to someone else, but saying yes to yourself.

2          TAKE POSITIVE ACTION

There are several ways you can do this but a good start is with your diet. When stressed we turn to things that comfort us, but they are not always the things that will keep you at maximum health to help your body cope with the additional strains that stress puts upon it.

Make sure your diet supports, and doesn’t drain you and that means stabilizing your blood sugar with more complex carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, rice and increase your intake of fruit and vegetables.  Don’t get dehydrated; drink plenty of water but reduce your intake of stimulants such as coffee, tea and alcohol.

Help yourself by taking vitamin B complex and C as these will help you deal with stress better, and Rescue Remedy in water is a good way to take down your feelings of anxiety.

Increase your progesterone levels to give your mood a boost and don’t keep your feelings to yourself: talk to a close friend, family member or therapist.

Key tip: make sure to prioritise your own wellbeing, no one else will!

3          FIND RELAXATION TIME:

No matter how busy you are there is going to a window where you can find time for yourself in each day  – even if it is only 15 minutes – think of it as a relaxation break rather than a tea break!

What you do matters less than the ‘appointment’ you make with yourself to make time for your time. It may be a hobby you already enjoy, or you might decide explore something new that will absorb you or simply listen to relaxation tapes or music that takes you out of your everyday world. For many, meditation works well, or if you need something more physical then yoga, Tai Chi or Chi Kung can have the same effect

Key tip: accept that you have a right to take time just for you. Don’t put off relaxing until ‘later’ as later never comes.

Further reading:

AnnA Rushton’s book, ‘Too Stressed To Cope?’  is available for download from her website at http://www.creativecatalyst.co.uk/stress-book/

David Jockers has written an excellent article on the herb Ashwaganda and its use for relieving fatigue, nervous exhaustion, and memory loss associated with stress:

http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2012/08/17/herbal-help-for-stress-anti-aging-and-hot-flushes/