Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Estrogen Side Effects

Estrogen side effects definitely exist, and one should understand the difference between natural estrogen and synthetic estrogen. The most commonly prescribed synthetic estrogen is Premarin, currently manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. According to the manufacturer, the most frequent estrogen side effects for Premarin are -- vaginitis due to yeast or other causes, vaginal bleeding, painful menstruation and leg cramps. Wyeth also makes a Premarin vaginal cream -- its most commonly reported side effects include vaginal discomfort or pain, breast pain, vaginitis and itching.
The synthetic estrogen prescription drugs are not the same as natural estrogens occurring in the body. Since substances occurring naturally cannot be patented, drug companies alter the molecular structure and create a new substance that is patentable. However, the body treats synthetic drugs differently than natural substances, usually in the form of unwanted estrogen side effects.
The three main estrogens occurring in the body are estradiol, estrone and estriol. Natural estrogens are identical to those occurring in the human body and are easily available in the form of estriol creams and tablets.
According to Harvard-trained family physician Dr. John R. Lee in his book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause, the estrogens tend to increase cell division in tissue that is hormone-sensitive such as breast and uterine tissue. Estradiol is about a thousand times stronger in its effect on breast tissue than is estriol. He references studies from the 1970's that showed that overexposure to estradiol increases the risk of breast cancer.
Besides estrogen side effects from synthetic estrogens, unhealthy excess estrogen is regularly obtained from other sources. Birth control pills, household chemicals and pesticides, certain foods that have been sprayed or given chemicals and many construction materials used in homes are all sources of estrogen which leads to estrogen side effects in the female body. Doctors call this hormone imbalance condition of excess estrogen in the body "estrogen dominance". What are these estrogen side effects or symptoms of estrogen dominance? The symptoms include low sex drive, bloating and weight gain, headaches before the menstrual period, mood swings, irregular periods and excessive menstrual bleeding.
In the normal menstrual cycle and a healthy woman, estrogen is the dominant hormone that is produced for the first 10-12 days following the previous menstrual flow. At ovulation the female body begins producing progesterone, which happens for the next 12 days or so. If there is no pregnancy, progesterone and estrogen levels will drop at around day 28, allowing menstruation to begin. However, if there is no ovulation, progesterone will not be produced by the body that month. This event is called an annovulatory cycle, and it is a typical occurance today for women in their 30's and 40's - no ovulation, no progesterone. This leaves the woman with a deficiency of progesterone, an excess of estrogen and resulting estrogen side effects. And if a hysterectomy has happened, surgical menopause means the woman no longer produces progesterone, resulting in hormone imbalance.
If estrogen side effects from synthetic estrogen are a problem, consider using the safer natural estrogen form which is estriol. Read more about estrogen side effects, natural estrogen supplementation and physician-recommended natural treatments for dealing with hormone imbalance.

Estrogen Therapy and Estrogen Patches

One of the earliest treatments that may be considered for a prostate cancer patient is hormonal therapy, and it is also one of the most effective. It does have a limitation of not actually being able to cure the carcinoma, but hormonal therapy (or hormone treatment) is extremely helpful in slowing the progression or the disease or even stopping its growth. In several intervening instances, hormonal treatment is in point of fact employed to cause the cancer tumors to shrink so that the patient can be operated upon or radiation therapy can be applied.
Hormone treatment is a helpful technique for managing certain cancers because several of them, especially the cancers of the male and female reproductive systems, depend heavily on gender specific sex hormones to breed and propagate. By denying the tumors the critical hormones that are required to fuel their growth, physicians are able to starve the melanomas such that they lose momentum and are curtailed. Then other therapies may be employed to do away with them.
There are two ways in which hormonal therapy can be used manage prostate cancer. One way is by actually carrying out a surgery to extract the gland in the body that produces the implicated hormone, which would be the adrenal gland in the male system that secretes testosterone and dihydorepiandrosterone. The second approach is to find an alternative means to stop or counter the production of these hormones. The use of estrogen patches for prostate cancer treatment is one such alternative approach.
Estrogen therapy for prostate cancer treatment usually uses any of the group of female sex hormones that stimulate secondary female sex characteristics and control growth of the lining of the uterus during the first part of the menstrual cycle (estrone, ethinyl estradiol, and estriol, all produced primarily in the ovaries) in the male body to counter the effect or production of adrenal endocrines to arrest the growth of prostate tumors either in oral form or in form of the contraceptive patch. Synthetic forms of these estrogens also exist, namely Stilbestrol and ethinyl estradiol, five and ten times as potent as estrone, and used to treat advanced and disseminated cancer of the prostate gland in men.
Estradiol is a specific estrogen that has found great use in this regard. Beyond merely relieving the discomforts of menopause, it also helps in treating breast and prostate cancer. The estradiol contraceptive patch is a small, plastic skin patch that women usually use to release low doses of female sex hormones into their system to prevent pregnancy. But more than that, it also helps to prevent the secretion of the adrenal hormones in the male reproductive system, so that the cancers of the prostate can be starved as required.
The application of this medication should however never be attempted without the guide of a certified doctor because they can advice best what doses of the patch is required to limit the side effects. You should be advised that hormonal treatment doesn't exactly cure prostate cancer; it merely makes it easier to be treated by other therapies like surgery and radiation.

Monday, February 14, 2011

The Dangers of Bad Estrogen

Estrogens cause men as much problems as estrogen dominance causes in women.
There are nearly 50 types of chemicals that we are exposed to that exert an evil estrogen like effect on the body. For example, plastics (bottled water micro-waved or frozen is worse), pesticides, and cosmetics mimic dangerous forms of estrogens increasing the 16-alpha-Hydroxyestrone and 4-Hydroxyestrone.
Problems such as weight gain, hair loss, and prostate enlargement are magnified, unless you know how to leach out or detoxify these 'bad' estrogens and restore the 'good' estrogens (2-Hydroxyestrone) along with the balance of testosterone. We use supplements with derivatives of cruciferous vegetables or flax. Japanese soy is processed differently with more beneficial effects than soy in the USA. Look for creams containing Chrysin, and Dim-Diindolylmethane to clear bad estrogens.
>Some drugs reduce estrogen production and some drugs reduce the conversion of testosterone to estrogen analogs.
Many of the drugs developed to decrease estrogen in women, are being used by some bodybuilders, to cut estrogen levels and therefore, fat. The most popular today is Arimidex. Arimidex is expensive and powerful, but can be divided into smaller dosages there by making it more affordable and reducing, somewhat, any possible side effects, when used long term. Most men who use this drug will suddenly notice the normal hair in the middle of their upper backs stops growing. That is because this is an estrogen sensitive area.
This is genetically coded and modulated by hormones. Some anti-aging, doctors including Paul Savage MD of Chicago, believe that hair growth on the head can be improved by reducing the bad type of estrogens, while restoring testosterone and growth hormone. Suppression of testosterone or DHT to reduce hair loss and control prostate enlargement has not been nearly as effective as the proper control and balance of estrogens and testosterone. Many knowledgeable doctors are using a shampoo to control scalp DHT, without suppressing total body DHT, realizing that man needs some DHT to be healthy, function sexually and virile.
Thierry Hertoghe MD of Belgium, also found that testosterone, along with ACTH hormone, could restore hair growth, along with proper administration of thyroid, cortisol and DHEA. Synthetic steroids are a powerful drug category, with many important medical uses, however, even the "cleanest" of the synthetically- derived testosterone androgens, such as nandrolone (also know in trade as "Deca"), can leave unnatural metabolites in the blood, some that have estrogen or progestin-like effects. With these particular metabolites, Arimidex may not do the job. They are actually better metabolized with DIM-(Diindolylmethane), found in our Lean N Fit and our Estroblock. A dosage of 300 to 600 mg a day (4 to 6 capsules combined) can be quite effective after two to four weeks, in fighting the estrogen-like rebound effects of synthetic steroids.
The number one reason why women can benefit from the addition of natural testosterone, is to enhance sexual function and energy. Dr. Eugene Shippen believes that if a woman is to receive proper bioidentical hormone replacement, the regime must include androgen replacement (in most cases). We have had literally thousands of women around the world use our Strength Energy cream with excellent results, because it restores androgens like testosterone, DHEA and pregnenolone.
In several studies, women with fatigue, low libido, feelings of low esteem or poor body image, bone loss, and PMS, can use low-dose testosterone gel or Strength Energy cream with excellent results. In general, low doses over a 1-2-year period, has helped many postmenopausal women recover or increase sexual drive, increase their frequency of sexual thoughts, satisfaction, energy and reports of
"general pleasure and zest" with life. Of course, too much testosterone can cause more overt side effects
for women. Women with low testosterone will really respond better to transdermal creams, or our Strength Energy cream that
contains beneficial androgens. Some women will need estrogen and progesterone therapy, especially if they have been on synthetic birth
control pills which elevate estrone without giving them the healthy benefits of natural estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. Estroblock will help those who have been on birth control pills to regain better body shape and health.

Estrogen Scandals on Menopause Treatment

 C86M5ADFQCJ7 At first, I list all menopause scandals.
In 2002, the medical myth that hormone replacement therapy is good for every menopause woman failed.
In 2008, FDA warned that bio-identical estrogen for menopause treatment is not safer than synthetic estrogen.
Here comes the new scandal. In July, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning that exposure to a estrogen spray used to control hot flashes during menopause, may be associated with early puberty and early breast development in young children around you.
The estrogen spray was approved in July 2007 to help decrease hot flashes after menopause which is a spray that is applied to the patient's inner arm.
Since June 2010, the FDA has received reports of eight cases of children aged 3 to 5 who were accidentally exposed to the drug. Girls experienced nipple swelling and breast development, and boys experienced breast enlargement. According to an FDA spokesperson, "unintended exposure" likely means casual contact, such as hugging can cause the adverse events.
The spray is an estrogen product. Estrogen doll for menopause treatment has changed 3 dresses: Synthetic estrogen (scientific dress), bio-identical (green dress) and Evamist (Divine dress).
Estrogen stimulates young breasts. If children's breasts are so sensitive to estrogen, your breasts are sensitive to it too! How can your breasts be safe in long term? No wonder breast cancer is epidemic today!
Menopause symptoms are not caused by estrogen deficiency. Many doctors are wrong. Estrogen levels are supposed to be low after your childbearing years are over. Your body does not need high estrogen levels for reproduction. High estrogen levels are actually cause breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Women who have high body-made estrogen levels are more prone to get cancers. How can estrogen drugs be safe?
Enough is enough! Estrogen drugs are witches. Do not play witchcraft on estrogen drugs for menopause any more.

Monday, February 7, 2011

3 Ways to Boost Male Fertility

Infertility in men is a rising trend. More and more couples are finding it difficult to conceive and the chances of men being infertile are 50/50.
Low sperm count and unhealthy sperm are some of the main reasons behind infertility in men.
However, there are some natural ways that can help boost fertility in men.
3 Ways to Boost Male Fertility
1. Stop Smoking
Smoking and infertility in men go hand in hand.
  • Smoking results in a low sperm count- Men who smoke can have a sperm count which as much as 15% lower as compared to non smokers. Basically, smoking affects the absorption of vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin B12 etc., that are important for a healthy sperm count. Not only this, it also affects the production of testosterone and low testosterone levels can lead to a drop in your sperm count.
  • Smoking affects Sperm Mobility- What it means is that it affects the ability of the sperm to travel through the vagina to reach the egg so as to fertilize it. Smoking affects the ability of the sperm to make this journey. This reduces the chances of conception.
2. Quit Drinking Alcohol
Just like smoking, alcohol can also affect your fertility.
  • Increases Estrogen- Alcohol tends to increase estrogen levels in your body. This tends to lower testosterone levels leading to a drop in your sperm count. There can other effects as well such as atrophy in testicles, development of male breasts and even low libido.
  • Reduces Sperm Count
  • Affects the shape and health of the sperm etc.,
3. Natural Semen Supplements
Natural or herbal semen supplements are packed with time tested herbs and other essential nutrients that not only increase semen production but also ensure the production of healthy sperm. They also helps boost sperm count and give a boost to your fertility.
Some of the best semen enhancers contain zinc, l-arginine, l-carnitine, fucus vesiculosus, ling zhi, ka gua etc.,
Zinc is extremely important as far as increasing fertility is concerned. There are studies which reveal that when sub fertile men are give zinc and folic acid supplements, they experienced an increase in their sperm count.
Such supplements not only helps boost the production of semen and fertility but also give a boost to your libido or sex drive. Another benefit of such supplements is that they can help ensure harder and powerful erections.
High grade Hormonal supplements do not have any side effects. Not only this, they come with a complete money back guarantee as well.

Natural and Bio-Identical Estrogen

Theoretically, if we have a dose of a bioidentical estrogen that is equivalent in strength to the dose of the conventional estrogen, the cardiovascular benefit or risk should be the same.Nonetheless, any hormone therapy that is considered to be an alternative to the leading form of therapy (conjugated equine estrogens, i.e., Premarin) must at some point be compared in order to prove its worthiness and acceptability among patients and health-care practitioners. A few studies have looked at oral micronized estradiol alone or in combination with bio-identical progesterone and compared it to conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) to evaluate possible effects on CAD. Ten menopausal women, administered the natural estrogen/progesterone combination, experienced a decrease in total cholesterol.
In contrast, this parameter did not change significantly at 12 months over the initial cholesterol readings in the five women who were given CEE and MPA. Both groups experienced an increase in HDL cholesterol.Another study reported the results of a combination pill containing 2 mg of oral micronized estradiol, 1 mg of estriol, and 1 mg of a synthetic progestin in 265 women, who were followed for over four years;serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased significantly, but HDL levels were not measured.
Estriol is the other natural estrogen that can be used either alone or in combination with estradiol (called bi-est) or with estradiol and estrone (called tri-est). Little is known about what estriol may or may not do with regard to CVD. However,two studies indicate positive effects of estriol administration on lipid profiles and cardiac function. Japanese researchers found that 2 mg per day of estriol was effective in decreasing total cholesterol and triglycerides and increasing HDL levels in elderly women (age 70 to 84), but not in middle-aged postmenopausal women (age 50 to 65).The other study followed postmenopausal women using estriol and found an increase in their cardiac function and improved blood flow in the extremities.387 Even so, I would not currently consider estriol a viable approach for treating or preventing heart disease. When it comes to cardiovascular disease, I contend that ethically, practitioners using bio-identical hormone therapy must have the same benefit-risk conversation with patients as a conventional practitioner who prescribes the typical Premarin/Provera would have. That said, in my opinion,there is enough evidence at this point that oral micronized progesterone is more cardiac friendly on lipids and coronary arteries than are the synthetic progestogens or progestin (such as Provera).Other than this point, I would advocate for following the current guidelines from the North American Menopause Society and their Position Statement on HRT in Menopausal Women:
Data from studies such as the WHI and the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS) should be extrapolated only with caution to women younger than 50 years of age who initiate HT. The data should not be extrapolated to women experiencing premature menopause (under 40 years of age) and initiating HT at that time.
Premature menopause and premature ovarian failure are conditions associated with earlier onset of CHD [coronary heart disease],but there are no clear data as to whether ET [estrogen therapy] or Estrogen /progestogen therapy] will reduce morbidity or mortality from these conditions. The benefit-risk ratio may be more favorable for younger women.Nonoral routes of administration of ET/EPT may offer advantages and disadvantages,but the long-term benefit-risk ratio has not been demonstrated. Differences would be related to the role of the first-pass hepatic effect, the hormone concentrations in the blood achieved by a given route, and the biologic activity of component ingredients. There is some evidence that transdermal 17 beta-estradiol does not increase the level of C-reactive protein, and also that it may be associated with lower risk of deep venous thrombosis than oral estrogen. The effect of ET on CHD and stroke is not yet clear. ET does not have a significant effect on stroke risk in post menopausal women with known ischemic cerebrovascular disease,but for healthy older women, effects of ET on stroke risk are not clear. However, unless confirming data become available, ET should not be used for primary or secondary prevention of these conditions.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Estrogen Symptoms - An Environmental Cause

Let's delve into the world of a chemist (me) for a moment and see what we can find that will help you get rid of some fat. Today the topic is plastics, or more specifically, plasticizers. This topic started for me in 1974, while I was still a graduate student. At that time our lab had been buying solvents in plastic bottles because they were so much cheaper than in glass bottles. However, some of the chemical analyses that I was doing at that time were giving me odd results. After a lot of thought about what the problem might be, I got lucky when I noticed that the plastic solvent bottles smelled like well, plastic! In hopes of finding out the nature of the odor, I distilled a gallon of methanol from one of the bottles, then noticed a syrupy sludge that was left over. It smelled strongly of plastic. After a quick chemical analysis, I identified the main substance as a compound called dimethyl phthalate. I then learned that this is one of the plasticizing agents that go into making plastic bottles. At the time I thought nothing of it, except from then on I distilled all of my solvents to rid them of this contaminant.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and plasticizers are now big news. Phthalates, along with a compound called bisphenol A (BPA), have attracted a lot of attention because they leach into plastic containers and cause toxicity in the foods and drinks that contain them.
We are talking about thousands of products. Water bottles are only the most obvious of the plastic containers. Plastic is also found in plastic food containers, in canned foods and drinks that are lined with plastic, in boxes of processed foods, in plastic dishes, and in plastic baby bottles and sippy cups, to name a few. Plastic seems to be almost everywhere.
Plasticizers, Estrogen Symptoms, and Fat
The reason that these kinds of molecules are toxic is that they have an estrogenic effect. This just means that they add to the estrogen load even though they are not natural estrogens. So bear with me while a make this point. Natural estrogens are steroids. Steroids are not at all similar to BPA and phthalates. Nevertheless, somehow the human body accepts plasticizers as if they were estrogens, although not perfectly.
If you wonder about the effects of non-natural estrogens (called "xenoestrogens"), you are not alone. They are now being blamed for causing estrogen dominance in women, men, children, and even in infants, and all of the consequences that come with it. The FDA is doing its usual non-blaming dance, since plastics are part of a big industry. in 2008 a scientific panel, appointed by the FDA itself (!), evaluated several research studies on plasticizers and concluded that they do, indeed, pose a significant health risk. At  first the FDA ignored the recommendations of its own panel to remove plasticizers from contact with foods and drinks, and even claimed that, "more studies are needed," to confirm the danger. The danger was so clear already, though, that the FDA finally relented, at least partially. BPA is supposed to be removed at least from containers for baby foods and drinks. Canada and other countries have already seen the light and banned BPA from food and drink containers, so the U.S. is a little slow to respond.
As you may know by now, estrogen dominance leads to fat gain, and fat gain accelerates estrogen dominance. This is really a dangerous spiral, and it is made worse by plasticizers in your diet. One of the two absolutely best things that you can do to negate the fat-building effects of xenoestrogenic plasticizers is to avoid them. Never cook with plastic,  never cook or reheat food in plastic containers in the microwave oven, never drink water out of plastic bottles. You get the picture. Although this doesn't sound easy, it can be done if you have enough incentive to get rid of excess fat.
The second, and probably more important, thing to do is make sure you are getting enough progesterone into your system to counterbalance estrogen dominance. This is not necessarily a simple thing to do, although it is crucial for overall hormone balance. Even if you have no exposure to xeno estrogens, which is unlikely anywhere in the U.S. today, you are most likely deficient in progesterone anyway.