Advanced Nutritional Solutions

Long before modern medicine began its current infatuation with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) as the treatment of choice for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Menopausal Symptoms (hot flashes, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, depression and mood swings) and Osteoporosis, cultures throughout the world had significant success with the use of herbal remedies.

In 1936, researchers were stunned by the discovery that PMS, breast cancer and many other "western" illnesses, were virtually unknown in the Trobriand Islands-a remote chain in the South Pacific. Their health "secret" was found to be a high concentration of wild yam which made up 70-80% of the local diet. This particular food family (Dioscoraea)-of which the Wild Mexican Yam is a potent example-contains significant concentrations of diosgenin, one of nature's finest sources of natural Progesterone.

Progesterone has often been called "the forgotten hormone" because its major function is to help the body produce and regulate certain other steroid hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen and testosterone. This simply means that Progesterone is a precursor hormone which can be converted by the body, as required, into the other essential steroid hormones. If the body is deprived of its required amount of Progesterone, the production of the other related hormones can be severely imbalanced. However, taking Progesterone will not create an excess of these other hormones. Rather, it acts as a normalizer by helping to decrease any excess or correct any deficiency.

Health practitioners are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of using natural Progesterone compared to its synthetic, bioengineered counterparts. These laboratory made substances such as Progesterone, Progestins and Gestogens are all chemically based on Progesterone, but molecularly altered so that they might be patentable and marketed as a brand name drug. Unfortunately, this process has altered the natural Progesterone chemical configuration and has, in some cases, resulted in dramatic negative side effects.

Progesterone in pill or tablet form has not proven effective as it is almost completely broken down by the digestive process before it has been able to enter the blood stream. However, researchers have shown that when properly formulated with certain specific, natural carriers, Progesterone can effectively be administered through a mild skin cream. This provides a safe, pleasant and efficient way to help the body help itself-gently and in total harmony with the way nature was designed to work.

Many women have found natural Progesterone to be one of the most important products they have ever used. It has already become an essential part of the practice of a great many heath professionals who are daily learning more about this remarkable gift of nature.

The functions of Progesterone include:

• maintains secretory endometrium
• normalizes zinc and copper levels
• protects against breast librocysts
• restores proper cell oxygen levels
• is a natural diuretic
• protects against endometrial cancer
• helps use fat as energy
• helps protect against breast cancer
• is a natural antidepressant
• stimulates osteoblast-mediated bone building
• normalizes blood dotting necessary for survival of embryo and fetus throughout gestation
• restores libido
• helps normalize blood sugar levels

Progesterone is made up of small, fat-soluble molecules and is well absorbed through the skin. It is absorbed at first by the fat layers just under the skin and is then diffused throughout the body via blood circulation. Initially, in Progesterone deficient individuals, much of the Progesterone will be absorbed by the body fat. In time, fat levels reach saturation and continued doses result in increased blood levels of Progesterone and a stronger physiological effect. Thus, some women notice results right away, while for others it may take up to three months.

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
Progesterone and estrogen levels rise and fall during the normal menstrual cycle. However, if Progesterone is deficient or estrogen is dominant, symptoms of PMS may occur. Some common symptoms are:

• cramping
• breast tenderness
• water retention
• mood swings and headaches

Natural Progesterone can help bring the Progesterone/estrogen ratios back into balance, thus helping to reduce these symptoms.

Since every woman's body is different, the correct amount of natural Progesterone cream will vary. Some women will require more than others. Start with the following schedule and adjust as needed.

Using the calendar schedule, Day 1 is the first day of menstrual flow. Generally, the time from ovulation to menstruation is 12-14 days. (For example, in the 28 day cycle, ovulation occurs on day 14. In a 35 day cycle, ovulation occurs on Day 21.) Natural Progesterone should be used from ovulation until the onset of your period. The actual time of ovulation can be determined by a dramatic change in the basal temperature (a sudden fall and then rise) and by a change in vaginal secretion (from a thin discharge to a thick mucous).

Some women also experience lower abdominal pains during ovulation.

It is not necessary to use natural Progesterone cream while menstruation occurs, unless symptoms are severe.

For severe symptoms
Use natural Progesterone cream until symptoms dissipate. If you experience severe cramping, try rubbing natural Progesterone cream on your abdomen. If you have migraines during your cycle, rub the cream on the back of your neck or around your temples.

It is best to begin using natural Progesterone cream at the time of ovulation. However, if symptoms occur, you may begin using the natural Progesterone on the 7th day of menstruation.

As time goes by and symptoms begin to decrease, try gradually using less of the natural Progesterone cream each month. Ultimately you want to be symptom free. If symptoms return use the cream as before, again trying to use less until the cream is no longer needed. If symptoms then appear periodically, the natural Progesterone cream can be used on an as needed basis.

top