Recently, while discussing menopause, we also talked a
little bit about soy and whether or not it puts some kind of
estrogen into our bodies. While reading a Third Age
article, I came across the following information and I
wanted to share it with you (as always, before trying any
supplements--especially if you're still taking
chemo--please discuss it with your oncologist and pharmacist
oncologist first):
10 Myths Men Believe About Menopause
How Do We Fix Her Hormones?
HE SAYS
The only effective treatment option for menopausal symptoms
is prescription hormone replacement therapy.
SHE SAYS
I hate to suggest that you're rather clueless (again!) but
you are. Listen, as any ob/gyn in the know will tell you,
there's a massive constellation of plant-based and other
natural menopausal treatments for hot flashes, vaginal
dryness, irritation and thinning, and osteoporosis. These
include:
a.. Fifty grams of soy protein a day, or one-fifth of an
average block of tofu, has been proven to decrease the
intensity of hot flashes. Soy foods are rich in
phytoestrogens and isoflavones, which decrease menopausal
symptoms and balance estrogen levels.
Phytoestrogens are also highly concentrated in cashews,
peanuts, oats, corn, wheat, apples, and almonds.
Phytoestrogens appear to block the effects of excess
estrogen stimulation of the breasts and uterus; many
researchers believe that they have a protective action. Many
researchers believe that Japanese women have a lower
incidence of hot flashes and other symptoms because of their
soy-based diets.
Another reason to eat soy: eating soy foods for protein
rather than animal foods can help bone health. (An excess of
animal protein can hinder calcium absorption.)
b.. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been used for more
than 3,000 years to treat menopausal symptoms. While
acupuncture can help ameliorate symptoms such as insomnia,
night sweats, and mood swings, Chinese herbs are used by
Chinese medical doctors and Western physicians to rectify
various menopausal symptoms. There are many mail order
sources for Chinese herbal menopausal formulae. While
large-scale trials have yet to be done on these, Western
medical doctors and Chinese doctors nevertheless prescribe
these for their patients.
Some experts recommend Joyful Change, a Chinese herbal
formula that helps alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, low
back pain, hot palms and soles of feet, constipation, and
breakthrough bleeding." To order, contact Quality Life
Herbs at (207) 842-4929. Transitions for Women, a division
of Transitions for Health, offers a menopausal health
formula consisting of dong quai, licorice root, burdock,
motherwort, and wild yam. This formula has been clinically
tested. To order, call (800) 888-6814.
I have not yet tried anything like this as I just read the
article today, but I do intend to discuss it with my doctor.
(One of the other 10 mythbusters said that menopause is
supposed to last 6 to 13 years, and I've had hot flashes
now for 22 years and I am SICK and TIRED of them!) The
article also said that 15% of all women worldwide NEVER have
any menopausal symptoms...oh, to be so lucky! Anyway, if
any of you would like to read the entire article, please
e-mail me privately and I'll send the whole Third Age
Special to you without going through the whole group.
Jean, 57, No. Calif.
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