Balancing Female Hormones Naturally

by Elora Gabriel

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 cream which is rubbed into the skin, thus bypassing the GI tract and absorbing directly into the blood stream. Natural progesterone cream is a non-prescription item, available from holistic practitioners and health food stores. Buyers should make sure that the products contains at least 3% wild yam extract.

First, let's clarify the difference between natural and synthetic progesterone-- a distinction that even many doctors are not fully aware of. 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. Dr. Joel T. Hargrove, director of the PMS and Menopause Clinics at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, says, "I have been prescribing (natural) progesterone for 12 years and I haven't seen any long-term side effects. It doesn't affect cholesterol levels, it doesn't affect Mother Nature--basically, it is a wonderful thing."

Synthetic progesterones, such as Provera, are called progestins or progestogens, 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 build-up, synthetic progesterone is known to cause some serious illnesses--blood clots and uterine and breast cancers." The list of side effects, risks, and warning for Provera is a full page long. 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 bio-chemical machinery of the body."

As the mass of baby boomers 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, confers 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 cancers." Most women are very surprised to learn that the benefits they are seeking form hormone replacement therapy can be obtained much more safely from progesterone than estrogen! Also, while the power of estrogen is undeniable, its danger lies in its ability to promote growth, including cancerous growth, in body cells. Progesterone is more of an intermediate building block in the body; the body can, at need, convert a certain amount of it into estrogen. Dr. Lee, who has done the most extensive research on the effects of estrogen and progesterone upon menopause, has summarized the effects of these two hormones in his paper ' Slowing the Aging Process With Natural Progesterone".

The following list of premenstrual symptoms has been researched and reported by R.F. Peat, Ph.D. (biology) in his books, "Nutrition for Women" and "Progesterone in Orthomolecular Medicine." Also, they have been confirmed by many physicians who have had their women patients so inform them, and by self-help organizations that are being formed by concerned women.

SYMPTOMS OF PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS) THAT RESPOND TO PROGESTERONE THERAPY

A great many women are now experiencing what is called the pre-menopausal or pen-menopausal period. This is a period of five to eight years preceding actual menopause when female hormones begin to fluctuate. Symptoms of PMS may worsen, or seem to last all month long. Some women suffer from insomnia and depression; others experience fluid retention, painful breasts and/or the rapid growth of uterine fibroids. These symptoms are often caused by what is termed "unopposed estrogen" . During these years, estrogen production may continue unabated, while progesterone production begins to taper off; thus, supplementing with natural progesterone can alleviate the imbalance and resulting symptoms. It's interesting to note that, even if both estrogen and progesterone are low, estrogen will dominate. Thus, it is crucially important to keep progesterone levels up. Dr. Lee writes, "Supplementation with natural progesterone during the pen-menopausal stage when estrogen dominance often prevails will prevent uterine fibroids. If a women can prevent or reverse osteoporosis without estrogen (such as with progesterone) she need not risk estrogen-induced fibroids. This is not good news to surgeons."

The story doesn't end here. Researchers continue to find new properties of this amazingly beneficial hormone. Progesterone can reduce or eliminate hot flashes; some women may need additional estrogen for this condition. While estrogen may help to prevent heart disease, it also worsens the danger of strokes as it increases blood clotting. Raymond F. Peat, Ph.D., who has studied natural progesterone extensively, states that progesterone protects against blood clotting caused by excess estrogen, and also prevents stress-induced coronary blood vessel spasms in aged hearts" which is probably the reason why women have few heart attacks as long as their ovaries are functioning.

Dr. Peat continues: "Other studies suggest that progesterone has a role in regeneration of damaged brain cells and prolonged growth of the brain. Delayed aging and longer life span have been very clearly related to extra progesterone. Many types of tumors have been prevented and helped with progesterone... The hormone has been used successfully in suicidal depression". Dr. Peat considers both progesterone and thyroid to be primary regulatory hormones which regulate metabolism directly and have a normalizing effect on the pituitary, the body's master gland. Progesterone can also protect against hypoglycemia as it increases the oxygenation and metabolic efficiency of the cells. And many studies have shown that supplemental natural progesterone during pregnancy produces children with higher IQ's (by about 35 points) and better adjusted personalities.

Progesterone is not a cure-all which can solve all problems of hormonal lack or imbalance. Women's health requires attention to diet, exercise, and emotional and spiritual needs. We would all do however, to educate ourselves about natural progesterone, thus escaping the universal confusion between progesterone and progestins, and the emphasis upon estrogen. The medical/pharmaceutical cartel is profiting handsomely from the sale of synthetic hormones, and is not really interested in a low-cost, nontoxic alternative. Once again, it is the uninformed public, in this case women, who suffer the consequences of ignorance and greed. And as always, empowerment means informing ourselves. Several excellent books on this subject are: Natural Progesterone by John R. Lee; Hormone Replacement Therapy, Yes or No by Betty Kamen; and What's Wrong With My Hormones? by Gillian Ford.

In the international Clinical Nutrition Review, Dr. Lee reported on his treatment of 100 post menopausal 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 osteoblast 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 describes the case of a 72 year old woman who was especially conscientious in following his therapeutic program. She suffered from back pains and kyphosis and had lost height; x-rays revealed an advanced case of osteoporosis. Dual-photon densitometry tests over a period of 2 1/2 years on Dr. Lee's program revealed an average increase of over 29% in the bone density of the lumbar vertebrae. "The vertebrae of lowest mineral density increased over 39% in mineral density," states Dr. Lee. His conclusion shakes the premises of current opinion, yet offers hope to countless menopausal women; "Osteoporosis would appear to be reversible."

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, MD, cc- author of PMS: Pre-menstrual 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. "When 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; because these drugs inhibit the concentration of natural progesterone in the blood, they exacerbate the imbalance of female hormones, thereby increasing pre-menstrual distress. David Steinman discusses the case of a 40-year old woman whose doctor prescribed Provera for her unpredictable menstrual cycle, which included irritability and wild mood swings. Provera caused nervousness and heart palpitations; when the patient switched to natural progesterone, her cycle became regular and PMS symptoms completely disappeared. Many women have also found that progesterone both relieves and prevents menstrual cramps, from mild to severe.

This information is not intended to prescribe or diagnose in any way. Please consult a health care professional before using any of the herbs mentioned above.