-- [ From: Kathryn P. Rosenthal * EMC.Ver #2.5.3 ] --
Rainah wrote:> >
> >No I don't think that's it, as i eat very few oranges and grapefruit.
.Hot flashes is a hormonal problem..my question is "Why the imbalance?"
Cheyenne answered:
>
> It sounds like you benefitted from the phytoestrogens found in soy.
Have you tried herbal medicine? There are a fair number of herbs that
help regulate hormones. Some phytoestrogenic herbs that I know of
include dong quai and black cohosh root. Apparently peony root enhances
the estrogenic effect of dong quai.
>
A couple of thoughts on what you're going through, Rainah. If you
haven't already done so, you may want to make an appointment with a dr.
or PA in an OB/GYN's office who specialized in hormonal related therapy.
We have only two in W. Mich that I know of, they're hard to find. The
service they offer is that they test your blood for all three hormonal
levels: testosterone, estrogen and progesterone; then recommend a plant
derived hormonal prescription tailored just for you!
This type of individual prescription is a far cry from dr.s who put
every woman in your situation on Premarin - made from the urine of
pregnant mares. Last time I checked, the mares spent their lives
standing in a stall hooked up to tubes; the foals from the pregnant
mares were crowded into a truck and sent to slaughter. Phyto estrogens
are a far better fit to our bodies than mare urine anyway.
A good book on the subject is, "Screaming to be Heard" by Dr. Elizabeth
Lee Vliet.
Lastly, Don Quai is not an herb to be taken lightly, according to Dr.
Varro Tyler - the leading herb guru in the U.S. He bases his comments
on research, when available, from the German E Commission. Dong Quai
does appear to act as a vasodilator and antispasmodic as well as a
stimulator of the central nervous system. It also causes
photosensitization and may result in a type of dermatitis. In 1981,
investigators concluded that it presented sufficient risk to humans. *
I'm sure there is more recent info re. Dong Quai.
Black Cohosh does appear to possess some degree of estrogenic activity,
but Dr. Tyler cautions that, "Safety is certainly a concern because
information on toxicity is essentially lacking. Further studies ...are
warranted." ** That said, black cohosh has been used by native
Americans for a very long time...just not scientifically studied.
If you want to use herbs, you might try to get copies of the newly
released "PDR for Herbals" and the German E Commission latest printing.
The cost for both books runs close to $200, but maybe your library would
carry them. My friend has purchased both books and I plan to borrow
them when I get back from New Mexico the beginning of May. I'd be happy
to look up whatever you want at that time.
Please be careful if you try to self medicate. If I were you, I'd get
my hormonal levels measured 1st, then work toward a phyto prescription.
But, hey, I'm not a dr. and my advice may be off the mark.
Take care,
Kath
* G. W. Ivie, D. L. Holt, and M. C. Ivey: Science 213: 909-910, 1981
** Varro E. Tyler, PhD: "The Honest Herbal"
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