> I realize soy is not paleo but is it ok to take isoflavones derived  
> from
> soy? It was recommended to me to get my hormones regulated.

>Kristina

>Sounds like a risky path to tread down...

>What problems with hormones do you have?  And who recommended soy  
>isoflavones?

>There might be a better long-term solution than taking extracts from  
>a known poisonous and highly allergenic plant.

>Ashley

Yes, after I sent the email I realized that I just don't want to take soy in
any form.

I am 40 years old and 3 years ago had my uterus and left ovary removed -
because I didn't know better. Before the surgery I had 25 to 45 day cycles
with 14 days of horrid PMS and awful cramps. After the surgery the cramps
went away but I still had 25 to 45 day cycles with 14 days of PMS. I found a
doctor who put me on bio-identical progesterone and things got better. My
"cycle" went to 28 days, the PMS symptoms were barely noticeable and down to
4 or 5 days. I was also taking DHEA and Pregenenlone. Since September last
year my cycles have been getting shorter and shorter, the PMS more severe
and longer. I am now down to 18 day cycles with 11 of those days being PMS.
The actual symptoms are dry skin, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and at least 3
or 4 of those 11 days I struggle with bad anxiety and self-confidence
issues. Although I know it's hormone related I can't stop the anxiety. The
entire 11 days I also have pretty bad water retention in my lower body and
my stomach goes from flat to looking like I am pregnant 24/7. Eleven bad
days and only 7 good days is just not good enough. The anxiety interferes
with my job performance.

I should add that after my surgery in 2003 I got more strict with paleo. I
am not 100% still, but I would say 95%.

I stopped taking DHEA in December because a blood and saliva test indicated
high levels. I stopped the progesterone in January because one, it obviously
wasn't working anymore, and two, another saliva test indicated that it was
too high.

Kristina