Recent Medical reports have profoundly shaken popular beliefs about the safety of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women in menopause. You may be one of the six million women who are searching for alternatives.
Source Naturals HOT FLASH is the leading natural menopause formula to contain clinically substantiated potencies of soy isoflavones and standerized black cohosh extract. These key ingredients are combined with time-tested traditional women's herbs. The result: a safe, natural HRT alternative for addressing normal menopausal discomforts such as hot flashes, night sweats and irritability.
Now more than ever, women have the right to make informed choices and to care for their own health needs. Source Naturals is committed to joining with your health food retailer to help insure that right.
Women are looking for natural alternatives to risky HRT - and HOT FLASH can help. HOT FLASH relieves normal menopausal discomforts by addressing the hormonal fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, which begin in pre-menopause (as early as age 40) can have a profound influence on the body's internal balancing act.
During a hot flash, the pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone (LH), in a futile attemt to restore estrogen levels. Surges of LH trigger sudden expansion of blood vessels in the face, neck, and upper body. Skin temperture rises and sweat glands are activated.
A recent comprehensive scientific review of natural menopause products (Annals of Internal Medicine 11/19/02) singled out soy isoflavones and black cohosh for their benefits in addressing hot flashes. Unlike most products on the market, Source Naturals HOT FLASH contains clinical potencies of both soy isoflavones and standardized black cohosh extracts.
In addition, HOT FLASH contains additional herbs, renowned for use in menopause: vitex, licorice root and dong quai. These three botanicals have a long history of traditional use. Dong Quai is the premier herb used in Traditional Chinese herbalism to optimize female reproductive health. It is usually used in combination with supportive herbs such as licorice. Vitex (chasteberry) is a European traditional herb. Modern research suggest vitex affects the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, thus influencing hormonal balance.
HOT FLASH contains a high-potency soy concentrate, rich in the isoflavone genistein. Soy isoflavones are phytoestrogens, plant compounds with a weak estrogenic effect, which can help balance estrogen levels.
When the body is low in estrogen, as during menopause, phytoestrogens such as genistein may substitute for the lack of human estrogen, mitigating the effects of its absence. Soy isoflavones may help reduce hot flashes by minimizing the compensatory increase in luteinizing hormone. Each serving provides 63 mg of soy isoflavones.
Each serving of HOT FLASH also contains 40 mg of black cohosh extract standardized to 2.5% triterpene glycosides, expressed as 27-deoxyactein. This family of beneficial compounds may help reduce the occurrence of hot flashes.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown black cohosh to be beneficial for treating menopausal complaints, including hot flashes, sweating outbreaks and anxiety, when taken in the dosage and forms used in clinical research. However, more research is needed to clarify the mechanisms. Some studies suggest an estrogenic effect, while other researchers propose that black cohosh may affect the hypothalamus or neurotransmitters.
Eat Well: In certain cultures, hot flashes are pratically unknown. It is generally true that women in these cultures eat foods rich in beneficial phytoestrogens. For example, epidemiological studies suggest an association between a positive, trouble-free menopause and the consumption of large amounts of soy. This is the case in Southeast Asia - where soy proteins comprise from 20% to 60% of daily protein intake. Lignans, phytoestrogens that are found in flaxseed oil and unprocessed olive oil, may also have a protective effect. You should also eat fresh, organic vegetables, fruits, cereals, beans, whole grains and small portions of fish or hormone-free chicken. Increase fluids and eat low-fat dairy foods. Avoid fatty meats, sugar processed foods, fried foods, and chemicals. Adequate calcium intake - 1,500 mg per day - is crucial.
Use Supplements: Source Naturals PROGESTERONE CREAM is an excellent complement to HOT FLASH. Progesterone levels decline sharply during menopause. This cream helps restore hormone balance, to releive fatigue, irritability, and mood swings. Each ounce contains 500 mg of progesterone. To be sure you are covering all your nutritional bases, you should take a good daily multiple like Source Naturals MENOPAUSE MULTIPLE, especially designed for women 40+ years old.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Women who are overweight have an increased risk of heart disease, while those who are thin or underweight are more susceptible to osteoporosis and hot flashes.
Rest and Relax: It is important to get adequate sleep, take naps if you feel tired, and avoid stress. Meditation and yoga can be helpful in reaching a state of calm.
Take Care of Your Skin: A 1997 study of 3,875 postmenopausal women documented the relationship between low estrogen levels and skin dryness and loss of elasticity. For beautiful skin during menopause, a healthy diet (see above) is crucial. Research has associated wrinkling with the consumption of full-fat dairy products, butter, margarine, fatty meats and sugar. Drink lots of water - at least 1.5 liters daily. Water flushes out wastes, and acts as an internal moisturizer, keeping skin hydrated and supple. Spring water is benificial since it contains trace minerals vital to healthy skin. For radiant skin, you should also try Souce Naturals SKIN ETERNAL CREAM. This advanced skin care cosmetic recharges and revitalizes delicate skin.
Keep Cool. Avoid triggers such as spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, overheated rooms, hot beverages and stress. Wear layered clothing, and choose natural fabrics, such as cotton or wool.
Stay Active: Exercise benefits the heart and bones, helps regulate weight and contributes to overall well-being. Weight-bearing exercises are especially important for increasing bone mass. Kegel exercises (tightening and relaxing of the pelvic muscles) can improve bladder control, and may enhance sexual pleasure.
Try Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM): Alternative therapies - herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, naturopathic medicine and much more - can help you cope with the physical and emotional changes of menopause.
References:
Bradley, P.R. (ed.). 1992. British Herbal Compendium, 1:34-36.
Cassidy, A. et al. 1994. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 60:333-340.
Faure, Evelyne Drapier et al. 2002. Journal of the North American Menpause Society. 9(5):329-334.
Knight, D.C. & J.A. Eden. 1996. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 87:897-904.
Kronenberg F, and A. Fugh-Berman. 2002. Annals of internal Medicine. 19;137(10):805-13
Morazzoni, P. et al. 1998. Fitoterapia, LXIX (Suppl. al No. 5):47-8.
Writing Group for the Women's Health Initiative. 2002. Journal of the American Medical Association, 298(3):321-329.