If you are in the business of selling hormones then it’s in your interests to have an article endorsed by experts that supports your position.  Such is the lead segment in the October 2009 edition of ‘Life Extension’ magazine found at www.lef.org.  The article asks whether aging women should replace natural hormones and goes on to ponder why bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is still controversial despite all the benefits listed in the article, benefits which include protection against heart disease, prevention of osteoporosis, rejuvenation of the genital tract, enhancing the preservation of youthful looking skin and treating the symptoms of menopause without any of the downside risks of breast or uterine cancer. 

Naturally the authors of this position have numerous research articles to back up their point of view not to mention a list of seven well-known luminaries listed at the end of the article indicating that a diverse group of experts have been happy to provide a peer-review stamp of approval.

Incredibly none of the research, and there is a lot of this if you look for it, clearly showing how natural hormones including oestrogen and progesterone are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, gets a mention.  There is scientific evidence that natural oestrogen can turn cells taken from fibrocystic breast tissue into cancer cells.  Progesterone has also been connected as a causative force to breast cancer and once cancer cells are present can stimulate their growth. 

Here I’m referring to natural hormones, the very hormones that this apology for intellectual honesty has the gumption to claim are safe.  Neither the authors of the article nor the motley crew of respected peers who provided their nous and intellectual heft appear to have any awareness of this science.  Or if they do know about it they certainly aren’t bringing it to our attention because it might put a crimp in their bottom line.

There is still a huge question mark around the notion that women need long-term hormone replacement therapy with natural hormones, in my view.  Whether they can prevent heart disease and dementia, the two biggest threats to female longevity and wellbeing, if taken for an extended period, is still up for debate.  Then there is the risk of cancer, which is not eliminated with natural hormone replacement, despite the protestations to the contrary in the above-mentioned article.  This risk can be reduced by maintaining optimal weight, regular exercise, limiting consumption of alcohol, cutting down on the consumption of red meat and sweet foods, optimising the presence of vitamin D(1,25 vitamin D and not 25 OH vitamin D which can be measured by your physician) and with nutrients like iodine, selenium and resveratrol.  The latest edition of my book ‘You have the power’ which is now found on Amazon has a section listing these in detail and explaining how they work.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

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Question & Answer Segment ------ your queries answered

Answer: Vitamin D is a hormone, which boosts the immune system helping to defend the body against recurrent infections.  However there is a possibility that the vitamin D you are producing is not working for you with yeast overgrowth getting in the way.  Getting your physician to order a candida antibody test will provide you with some confirmation that this hypothesis is correct.  Zinc is another substance that enhances the immune system and if you are not adequately fortified with this vital nutrient then you might find it difficult to deal with recurrent infections.  An under-active thyroid can also weaken the immune system.  Finding a physician who understands how to evaluate zinc deficiency and an under-active might help you to uncover the underlying reason for your problem.

Question: I have been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease but I also seem to have other vestibular problems. I have suffered hearing loss, tinnitus and am light headed 24/7. I am currently taking Serc 16mg twice a day, valium 0.5mg three times a day and medications for nausea.  These problems are overwhelming.  Is there anything I can do to manage this naturally?

Answer: Anecdotal evidence suggests that a specific lemon bioflavonoid called eriodictyol glycoside might improve hearing and decrease vertigo and nausea and vomiting in some who suffer from Meniere's disease.  A bioflavonoid is a vitamin-like substance.  Equally Memozeal is a natural remedy which contains herbs that might help to manage tinnitus.  Having low levels of the hormone cortisol can also lead to light headedness and this can be evaluated by doing a 24-hour urine collection which measures your cortisol levels.

Answer: It is possible you are suffering from a condition known as insulin resistance which can raise hormone levels including DHEA and testosterone.  Having too much testosterone can lead to unsightly hair growth and might not be good for the female heart.  A blood test ordered by your physician can identify insulin resistance.

Question: I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in 2006 and took warfarin for a year and am now taking 100mg aspirin daily and medications to lower blood pressure called ACE inhibitors.  Is there any way this can be treated with diet and natural remedies?

Answer: Scientific evidence indicates that the mineral magnesium can help to manage irregular heart rhythms.  Fish oil and coenzyme Q10 might also be useful.  However these natural substances should be used in conjunction with conventional medications as the evidence is not convincing that they can replace routine medical treatments.