Natural Hormone Replacement

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Natural Hormone Replacement

 

By Geoff D'Arcy, L.Ac., D.O.M.

 

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http://www.wellbeingjournal.com/natural-hormone.htm

 

 

 

The side effects and dangers associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

have led millions of peri-menopausal and menopausal women to search for herbal

alternatives. Patients often question their medical doctors about these issues.

Two thousand years ago, physicians of Traditional (TCM) began

looking for botanical answers and documenting their findings.

 

The “hot flash” (HF), or vasomotor instability, is experienced by 75% of

peri-menopausal and menopausal women in the United States. The experience for

some women is minor, yet for others, the HF is an extremely unpleasant sensation

that is disruptive to their sleep patterns and daily living. The HF is believed

to be triggered by a number of external and internal stimuli including anxiety,

stress, high temperatures, caffeine and alcohol. Thinner women tend to

experience more severe and frequent HFs than do women with more adipose tissue,

probably due to the ability of adipose tissue to transform androstenedione to

estrone and estradiol. Smoking history also tends to be associated with the

experience of HFs at an earlier age. The etiology of HFs in the pattern of

decreasing estrogen levels is related to the downward resetting of the

hypothalamic thermo-regulating mechanism, probably by the action of

norepinephrine, which is usually modulated by estrogen. The body attempts to

dissipate

unwanted body heat via vasodilation, thereby causing the sensation of the HF.

 

The risks and potential side effects of HRT can include: vaginal bleeding

(starting or returning), breast tenderness (which often goes away after three

months), nausea (which may resolve spontaneously), fluid retention, changes in

the shape of the eye (sometimes leading to contact lens intolerance), headache,

dizziness, depression, an increased risk for reduced tolerance to sugar and

other carbohydrates and an increased risk for gallbladder disease. Studies have

not confirmed that estrogen causes weight gain, yet, in some women, HRT causes

water retention, and thus temporary weight increase. Some scientists have

pointed out that there is an increased risk of breast or uterine cancer with

HRT, especially when used without progesterone.

 

These side effects and risks associated with HRT have led millions of

peri-menopausal and menopausal women to seek out herbal alternatives. Robert

Rister, in his book Japanese Herbal Medicine, reports that in Japan, the

usefulness of herbal medicine is growing rapidly among conventionally trained

medical doctors. In 1976 only 42 herbal formulas had been approved by the

Japanese FDA, with only 19.2% of Japanese medical doctors utilizing herbal

medicine. In 1996 148 formulas had been approved by the Japanese FDA, and it is

estimated today that almost 77% of Japanese medical doctors, who have every

method of modern medicine available to them, prescribe herbal formulas. This

increased use of herbal medicine has been driven by hundreds of scientific

studies validating the effectiveness of herbal formulas. Sixty percent of these

Japanese doctors consider herbal formulas to be the first choice for some

diseases. Rister reports, “In cases where standard medications deliver

predictable

results without side effects, Japanese doctors prefer synthetic drugs to Kampo

(herbal medicine). These doctors, however, note seven situations for which Kampo

(herbal formulas) are especially suitable, and menopause is most definitely one

of them.”

 

Rehmannia Six Formula

 

Chinese name: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan; Japanese name: Rokumi-jio-gan; Ingredients:

Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa), Alisama (Alisma orientale), Cornus (Cornus

officinalis), Dioscorea (Dioscorea opposita), Poria (Poria cocos), Moutan

(Paeonia suffruticosa).

 

This is a classic women's formula, dating back to the 12th century in China; it

is a combination of six herbs commonly used in both Traditional

and Japanese herbal medicine (Kampo). This formula is classified as enriching

the yin and nourishing the kidneys. The traditional concept of the kidneys in

TCM is that they nourish marrow and the strength of bones. When the kidney yin

fails to nourish and contain the liver energies, fire spreads upward, resulting

in hot flashes, night sweats, heat in the palms and chest, spontaneous sweating,

headache and sore, hot, dry throat. This condition can go on to create whole

body dryness, vaginal dryness, etc. Modern science is starting to verify some of

the ancient anecdotal results of using the Rehmannia Six formula. It has been

studied recently in China and Japan for its use in treating menopausal problems,

and there is some evidence from animal studies that this formula, plus a

derivative formula, Rehmannia Eight, may have a

positive, preventive effect for osteoporosis as well as the hot flashes of

menopause. The preventive effects produced by the traditional Chinese/Kampo

medicine Hachimi-jio-gan (Rehmannia Eight), which has two more ingredients than

Rokumi-jio-gan (Rehmannia Six), on the progress of bone loss induced by

ovariectomy in rats were investigated by studying the bone mineral density of

tibia in ovariectomized rats. The results of this study strongly suggest that

the gynecological Kampo medicines are as effective as 17 beta-estradiol in

preventing the development of bone loss induced by ovariectomy in rats.

 

In another study, after a relatively long-term injection of hydrocortisone into

rats, the strength of bone (anti-stress capacity) reduced evidently, while the

rigidity (anti-deformity capacity) increased markedly (i.e., bone fragility

elevated). At the same time, the content of serum 25(OH) D3 decreased

remarkably. After oral administration of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Rehmannia Six),

the anti-stress capability of bone increased evidently and its anti-deformity

capability returned to normal; however, there was no elevation of serum 25(OH)

D3 content. The experiments suggests that Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is beneficial to

preventing and curing osteoporosis, but no correlation between its mechanism and

the metabolism of 25(OH) D3 was demonstrated.

 

In another study, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan not only increased plasma estradiol

levels but also increased the leucocytic estrogen receptors (ER) levels. The

numbers of ER in human peripheral leucocytes in 22 women with climacteric

syndrome were measured by radioligand method. The results were compared with

those of 12 normal child-bearing aged women and showed that the contents of

leucocytic ER in climacteric syndrome patients were significantly lower than

those of normal child-bearing aged women. The authors used a Chinese

prescription, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, to treat the patients for 2 months. The

numbers of leucocytic ER were significantly increased after treatment. The data

indicate that decrease of ER levels in cells may be involved in the pathogenesis

of climacteric syndrome. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan not only increases plasma

estradiol levels but also increases the leucocytic ER levels. This may be the

basis of the therapeutic effect on the disease.

 

Dong Quai Root, Angelica Chinensis

 

This well-known herb increases circulation, protects the heart, and is often

used to increase the effectiveness of other women's formulas. It has been used

for thousands of years by Traditional and has long been

considered the women's ginseng. It is rarely used alone and is often used in

prescriptions for menstrual and menopausal problems. It may be effective for PMS

through its antispasmodic action, especially on smooth muscle. Traditionally

used in formulas for hot flashes with peri-menopause, it also has a record in

the treatment of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and

circulation for men and women.

 

Black Cohosh Root, Cimicifuga Racemosa

 

Considered 80% effective in relieving the symptoms of menopause when taken for

four weeks or longer, it increases vaginal lubrication as effectively as

estrogen replacement therapy. It also relieves headaches and muscle pain and

stops irregular bleeding.

 

Traditional Chinese and Japanese herbal medicines classify this herb as cold, as

it relieves the symptoms of heat during menopause. Black Cohosh is considered a

leading phytoestrogen for menopausal problems by some authors. Clinical studies

from Germany demonstrate that Black Cohosh decreases Luteinizing Hormone (LH),

which can be responsible for hot flashes and other menopausal and perimenopausal

problems. A review of eight human studies on the effectiveness of Cimicifuga

racemosa (Black Cohosh) for the symptoms of menopause concludes it is a safe and

effective alternative to estrogen. Menopausal women taking Cimicifuga ethanol

extract for 8 weeks had lower LH and unchanged FSH. Fractions tested showed both

competitive binding at estrogen receptors and reduction of LH secretion. In

another study, sixty post-hysterectomy menopausal women randomized to Cimicifuga

or 3 types of estrogen all had a lower Kupperman Index but no significant

differences in serum FSH and LH. Black Cohosh may

be debunked as a phytoestrogen, at least in animal studies (as has been Dong

Quai). Its actions may lie in two mechanisms: 1) Compounds bind to receptor

sites in the reproductive tract, brain and other organs that otherwise would

receive estrogen, therefore reducing overall estrogen activity when estrogen

levels are high. 2) These compounds block the formation of LH, which stimulates

a surge of estrogen production during the first fourteen days of the menstrual

cycle. This stimulates estrogen production when levels are low, thus giving a

dual stabilizing action of the body's estrogen fluctuations and the problems

they cause. Black Cohosh has demonstrated its ability to provide balance and

prevent nervousness, hot flashes, depressed moods and vaginal dryness associated

with menopause. A recent study suggests that Black Cohosh actually protects

animals from osteoporosis. Human studies have not yet confirmed this action.

 

Chaste Tree Berry,Vitex Agnus-Castus

 

The whole fruit contains several different components thought to be medicinally

active. Vitex, as it is commonly known, does not contain hormones. Its benefits

come from its action on the pituitary gland and the production of estrogen and

progesterone. Vitex increases the hormone levels to help balance and regulate

the menstrual cycle.

 

SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

 

When taken according to recommended dosages and schedules, and for individuals

with no other predisposing medical conditions or sensitivities to any of these

herbal medicines, the potential for serious side effects is minimal or none.

Contraindications, however, include:

 

Rehmannia Six Formula: These herbs may exacerbate patients already suffering

with indigestion and diarrhea.

 

Dong Quai, Angelica Chinensis: Only a few mild side effects have been reported,

such as sensitivity to sunlight for a small percentage of fair-skinned people.

 

Black Cohosh Root, Cimicifuga Racemosa: Headache, dizziness, abdominal pain and

nausea have been reported, usually with high dosages.

 

Chaste Tree Berry, Vitex Agnus-Castus: Side effects of Vitex are extremely rare

and usually consist of minor gastrointestinal upset and a minor skin rash,

reported in less than 2% of women.

 

Contraindications: As with the use of conventional medications, known

hypersensitivity or allergy to any one of these herbal medicines is an absolute

contraindication. Case reports are suggestive of interaction between warfarin

and dong quai at high dosages when used as a single herb.

 

Pregnancy and nursing: Due to the known effects of some constituents and unknown

effects of many other constituents on fetal and neonatal growth and development,

this product [Cool Flare, see next page] should be avoided during pregnancy and

breast-feeding.

 

 

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References are available by request. This article (including references) and

much more information is available at www.darcynat.com.

 

Geoff D'Arcy is an herbalist and licensed acupuncturist.

 

Cool Flare is an herbal formula containing all of the herbs mentioned in this

article, with a TCM base of (5:1) extracts with organic western 1:1 herbs and is

formulated to treat the hot flashes of peri-menopause and menopausal crises.

This formula is often used in conjunction with another formula, Meno Peace for

treatment of severe menopausal crises. Cool Flare may be used by patients

concerned with maintaining healthy hormone levels during peri-menopause and

menopause. This is especially pertinent for those individuals with a family

history or a significant risk profile for HRT. For more information or product:

1-800-793-2729.

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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