Still Taking Synthetic HRT?

A major health topic in the news, over the past few years concerning women, has been the abrupt halting of a large federally-funded study on combination HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) for treatment of menopausal symptoms. The study, known as the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), involved over 16,000 healthy women between the ages of 50 and 79. Half the women were given the synthetic estrogen/progestin combination, Prempro, while the other half were given a placebo. Prempro was developed and donated for the study by the pharmaceutical firm, WyethAyerst. The objective of the study was to explore Prempro's effects on the long-term health of menopausal women.

The eight year study was stopped abruptly after the five year results showed that for every 10,000 women using Prempro, there would be seven more coronary heart disease events, eight more breast cancers, and eight more strokes than in women using the placebo. Federal officials determined that the risks of using Prempro far outweighed any health benefits.

Unlike natural hormones, Prempro contains a synthetic combination of hormones, 0.625 mg of conjugated estrogens made from the urine of pregnant horses (Premarin) and 2.5 mg of synthetic progestin, medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera). The women in the study received only Prempro. The other part of the study involving just the use of Premarin has not been canceled.

According to an article by Marla Ahlgrimm (womenshealth 8/26/03), the synthetic hormones used in these studies are made in laboratories and have a chemical structure similar but not identical to the hormones produced in a woman's body. Because they are not identical, synthetic hormones cannot be counted on to act in the same way human hormones do. They may or may not produce the PMS and menopause symptom control women desire. As these studies show, they may also produce potentially dangerous side effects such as an increased risk of heart attack, blood clots, stroke and breast cancer. Furthermore, synthetic hormones like Prempro, Premarin, Provera, and Premphase are prescribed in a one-size-fits-all standard dose with no consideration for how much of the hormone an individual woman may actually need. This increases the chance that the prescribed drug will produce unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects.

During menopause, estrogen levels decrease. The reduction of this important female hormone in your body diminishes bone density and effects memory and mood. It also causes hot flashes, an increased risk of eye, heart, and colon disease and causes vaginal dryness.

EstroPause Ingredients:

Calcium (from citrate and carbonate) 378 mg - Helps prevent bone thinning.
Magnesium (from citrate and oxide) 150 mg- Studies show magnesium helps prevent bone fractures and increases bone density after menopause.
St.John's Wort Extract (flower,0.3% hypercin) 225 mg- Improves psychological well-being in post-menopausal women.
Asian Ginseng Extract (root,25% ginsenosides) 75 mg- Enhances the sense of well-being.
Soy Isoflavonoids (5% total isoflavones) 75 mg- Enhances cardiovascular and bone and joint health.
Black Cohosh Extract (rhizmome,2.5% triterpenoid saponins) 60 mg- Supports healthy hormone balance.
Red Clover Extract (aerial,2.5% Isoflavones) 30 mg- Supports healthy homonal balance.
Chaste Berry Extract (fruit,10:1) 15 mg- Contains compounds that have estrogen-like activity.
Bioperine Complex (bioperine piperine extract, piper longum extract, ginger root extract)- enhances the absorption and bioavailability of the entire EstroPause Formula.

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Tanning & Natural Health News is a publication of Tan Plus /Essentials Of Life, Barclay Square, 350 Route 108, Somersworth, NH. This publication is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be presented as medical advice. Product statements made have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration.