Menopause and Pre-Menopause

Though declining estrogen levels are the primary source of menopause symptoms, there are other, less obvious sources that may contribute to or worsen those symptoms. You don't have to suffer through this time of life or resort to synthetic hormones (which can have side-effects), or drastic surgery.

Scientific research is beginning to shed light on the importance of maintaining a balance between progesterone and estrogen for overall health and well being. It is also beginning to show the significant differences between natural (bioidentical) and synthetic progesterone.

If you're in a rut and can't figure out why over the past few months or years you've started feeling increasingly lousy, are gaining weight and losing interest in sex, then it’s possible that you're dealing with some estrogen dominance.

Hot flashes are marked by sudden feelings of warmth, which may cause you to feel flushed, hot, sweaty, and then often chilled. Thankfully, there are natural methods to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.

Extra hormones may directly contribute to weight gain. These substances, which are actually able to mimic hormones in the body, are now being called “obesogens”.

Although no precise answers exist for the development of uterine fibroid tumors, there is a link between fibroids and estrogen production. During the reproductive years, hormonal imbalance can cause fibroids to form and grow.

Foreign Estrogens, or Estrogen Mimickers come in the form of chemicals (xenoestrogens) and plant based foods (phytoestrogens). They can mimic the action of estrogen produced in cells and can alter hormonal activity in women and men.

Many women in their twenties, mid thirties through forties, and even women who are menopausal can be overloaded with estrogen. Men can also suffer from estrogen dominance. Environmental estrogens and synthetic hormones are often the cause.

Uterine fibroids are generally benign (non-cancerous) tumors that are made from nodules of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue, hence the name “fibroid tumor”.