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 Women's lives are deeply affected by the ebb and flow of our hormones. Like dwellers on the seashore, our lives are patterned by the cycles of nature, whether it is the monthly rhythm of our menstrual cycle, or the greater divides of puberty and menopause. Our female hormones make possible our greatest gifts for only we can bring forth life.

But hormonal lack or imbalance can also be our most consistent enemy, causing the all too common miseries of PMS and menopause. Most women are still unaware of the fact that there is help for many, if not most, of these problems.

The answer, according to an increasing number of researchers and medical professionals, lies in supplementation with natural progesterone. Their studies indicate that this neglected substance is beneficial for a wide range of symptoms related to PMS and menopause, and that progesterone may be the key factor in understanding, preventing, and even reversing osteoporosis.

Derived from the Mexican wild yam, natural progesterone comes in several forms, but is best absorbed into the body in the form of a cream which is rubbed into the skin.

Difference Between Natural or Synthetic Hormones

First, let's clarify the difference between natural and synthetic progesterone a distinction of which many doctors are not fully aware. Natural progesterone is a plant extract, so close to what the body produces that it is easily converted into the identical molecule.

It is considered extremely safe, without harmful side effects of any kind. Synthetic progesterones, such as Provera, are called progestins or progestogcns, and are known to have a wide range of side effects.

David Steinman, author of Diet for a Poisoned Planet, writes that "In addition to unpleasant side effects such as fluid retention and salt buildup, synthetic progesterone is known to cause some serious illnesses blood clots and uterine and breast cancers."

Synthetic progesterone causes side effects, says Dr. John R. Lee of Sebastopol, CA because "It's not progesterone. The pharmaceutical companies alter the molecular structure so it no longer fits into the biochemical machinery of the body."

Hormone Replacement Therapy Help Or Hindrance?

As the mass of baby boomers increasing enters mid-life, increasing attention has been focused upon hormone replacement therapy. So far, the emphasis has largely been upon estrogen, and estrogen supplementation undoubtedly has benefits for menopausal women. It helps with hot flashes, it may confer protection from heart disease, and it can slow the progress of osteoporosis.

However, the risks may outweigh the benefits, for, as Dr. Lee says, estrogen supplementation "increases one's risk of fibrocystic breasts, edema, uterine fibroids, endometrial cancer, and, most probably, breast cancer." Most women are very surprised to learn that the benefits they are seeking from hormone replacement therapy comes mostly from progesterone, not estrogen! Estrogen, according to Dr. Lee, decreases libido, causes depression, headaches, and fluid retention, increases blood clotting and body fat, and impairs thyroid functioning and blood sugar control. Progesterone, he says, protects against fibrocysts in breast tissue, restores libido, and helps prevent endometrial and breast cancer.

It is also a natural diuretic and antidepressant, helps use fat for energy and assists thyroid function, normalizes blood clotting and blood sugar levels, and restores cellular oxygen levels. Most important, however, is its effect upon osteoporosis.

In the International Clinical Nutrition Review, Dr. Lee reported on his treatment of 100 postmenopausal women with natural progesterone. Many of the women had lost height or suffered one or more fractures; both indications of osteoporosis. Bone density tests were used to monitor the effects of the therapy.

Although some women were treated with estrogen as well, Dr. Lee concluded that "the bone building benefits of the progesterone therapy were independent of the presence or absence of supplemental estrogen.' This is not surprising when we realize that the function of estrogen pertains to the osteoclast cells which dissolve old or imperfect bone, while progesterone mediates the osteoblast cells which build bone.

Osteoporosis occurs when osteoclast activity exceeds osteoblast activity. Thus, estrogen can slow the loss of bone, but only progesterone can help to build it. Dr. Lee insured adequate mineral intake for his patients; however, nutritional support cannot account for the impressive results he achieved. "It was common to see a 10% increase (in bone density) in the first 6 to 12 months and an annual increase of 3% to 5% until stabilizing at the levels of healthy 35 year olds,' Lee says. "Neither age nor time from menopause was an apparent factor. The faster increases occurred in those with the lowest initial bone densities... The occurrence of osteoporotic fractures dropped to zero." Dr. Lee's conclusion shakes the premises of current opinion, yet offers hope to countless menopausal women: "Osteoporosis would appear to he reversible.

Natural Hormone Help For PMS

Less dangerous than osteoporosis, yet of monthly concern to millions of women is the problem of PMS. The cause of this condition has long been a mystery, but it is now believed that a high proportion of PMS sufferers have too much estrogen in their bodies in relation to progesterone. Neils Lauersen,M.D., coauthor of Premenstrual Syndrome and You and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at New York Medical College, claims that more than 90% of patients in his practice who have tried natural progesterone have found relief. "men nothing else works, it is the treatment of choice in my practice. Hundreds of women who were severely handicapped by PMS have been completely symptom free with (natural) progesterone," says Dr. Lauersen.

He adds that synthetic progestogens actually worsen the symptoms of PMS. Many women have also found that progesterone both relieves and prevents menstrual cramps.

And it can be of value during the premenopausal period when estrogen production often continues unabated and the body is lacking in progesterone, causing various emotional and physical symptoms including the rapid growth of uterine fibroids.

Balancing Female Hormones Conclusion

Reading the papers of the progesterone researchers, one almost gets the feeling that progesterone is all-beneficent, while estrogen causes nothing but trouble. This cannot be entirely the case, since estrogen is essential for a women's fertility. Although the perspective may appear slanted, several important points are being made here.

One is that the medical/pharmaceutical cartel is profiting handsomely from the sale of synthetic hormones, and is not really interested in a low cost, nontoxic alternative.

Another is that the great benefits of natural progesterone are almost entirely unknown, due to the almost universal confusion between progesterone and progestins and the emphasis upon estrogen.

Once again, it is the uninformed public, in this case women, who suffer the consequences of ignorance and greed.

Another article on the use of estrogen & progesterone.

Recommended book:

Hormone Heresy
by Sherrill Sellman.

Info/order this book

More books on natural hormones

About The Author

Elora Gabriel is a bio-analysis practitioner who lives in Asheville, NC. For further information contact Precision Bio-Analysis at: 15 Courtland Ave., Asheville, NC

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