Osteoporosis - The Challenge Women Face

Osteoporosis is a danger every woman over 40 faces. For many of us there is a family history and we wonder if our bones will hold up as we get older.  Yes, there are many drugs on the market that are reported to reverse bone loss, but the question is are these drugs safe?

There have been some scary side effects reported from drugs like Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva.  It's alleged that they cause a rare condition in which part of the jaw bone dies.

This  leaves women facing a difficult dilemma. Balancing the risks and benefits is different for every woman, and depends on factors such as genetic history, diet and lifestyle. Figuring out how to proceed also requires having a very careful discussion with a qualified physician.

Are you at risk?  

The more "yes" answers, the greater your risk for developing osteoporosis:

• Do you have a small, thin frame and/or are you Caucasian or Asian?
• Have you or a member of your immediate family broken a bone as an adult?
• Are you a postmenopausal woman?
• Have you had an early or surgically-induced menopause?
• Have you taken high doses of thyroid medication or used glucocorticoids 5 mg a day (for example, prednisone) for three or more months?
• Have you taken, or are you taking, immunosuppressive medications or chemotherapy to treat cancer?
• Is your diet low in dairy products and other sources of calcium?
• Are you physically inactive?
• Do you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol in excess?

Melinda Beck's article in today's Wall Street Journal has lots more information you need to be aware of.  Remember all of us Real Cougars need to be our own best health advocate.  

Cougar On The Fast Track

Cathy Velte is one of the fantastic females I am proud to have as a member of my Real Cougar Woman Club.  She is a real inspiration for all of us.

 

Cathy has a passion for driving fast cars and her love for racing led her to SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) where she and her Porsche participate in solo competitions. She has a license for competitive motorsport racing and trained in open wheel formula cars at Road Atlanta.  And if that isn't enough to keep her busy, she is also managing two of the most recognized clinical laboratories in the world.

She is a great example of a woman over 40 who has time for all the things she is passionate about.  She knows what she wants and how to get it. 

Keep an eye out for this Real Cougar, she is definetely on the fast track with lots of miles ahead of her.

Breast Cancer and Our Hormones

A new study has gone a long way in explaining why women get breast cancer and how they can prevent the disease and its recurrence. Scientists have found evidence that hormonal balance is key in determining whether or not a malignant growth will occur in a woman's breast. Critical to the outcome is whether receptors in the body for estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are fully functioning.

Thank goodness this research is finally coming to our attention,  With this new information we can do what's necessary to stay healthy as we age.  

One question arising from this study is why women have low levels of androgen receptors. The answer has yet to be documented, but evidence points to the hormones that activate these receptors. When levels of the sex hormones begin to decline, there is not enough to keep a high level of receptors activated, leading to atrophy of the receptors and rising risk of breast cancer.

This is a groundbreaking for women looking for answers. It points to the conclusion that a full complement of the sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) and their receptors is what keeps away breast cancer. It provides a reason why breast cancer is not seen in teenage girls, a time when all of the hormones are at optimal levels, and it is a powerful vindication of nature's human design. It also serves as a strong warning to pharmaceutical companies telling women they are headed in exactly the wrong direction with their cancer prevention and treatment protocols.

It has been long known that there is a connection between estrogen and breast cancer. Estrogen is what fuels the growth of breast tissue in the developing young woman. But in older women estrogen has been thought to fuel the development of growth gone awry, in the form of breast cancer. The answer of drug companies has been to declare that nature made a big mistake in giving women estrogen. According to them, estrogen is really the enemy of women and must be suppressed with drugs to avoid breast cancer.

This study shows that there is a very good reason why breast cancer does not show up until women reach the age of hormonal imbalance and decline. According to the American Cancer Society, 97 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 40, with 64 being the average age at the time of diagnosis. Age 40 is the time when hormonal decline gets going to the point where it needs a special name, peri-menopause.

By the time a woman reaches age 64, she has completed menopause and is likely to be in a state of severe hormone insufficiency. Since breast tumors can take as long as 20 years to develop to a size detectable on a mammogram, this means tumors are initiated during a woman's mid 40's, showing that tumor growth begins just at the time hormonal decline swings into high gear.

You can read more about this important study by clicking here.

Suzanne Somers On Oprah

Oprah did her second show on bioidentical hormones yesterday and there was Suzanne Somers front and center.  How could you even think about doing a show about bioidenticals without having this staunch advocate there to cheer us on?  Suzanne has been beating the drums on this controversial topic for the last ten years and that's exactly what we needed to shake us up.  She admits to being a fanatic about all of this but nevertheless she does get us thinking and that's a very good thing.

It's amazing to me that there are still millions of women out there who still are in the dark about menopause and combating the diseases of aging.  Oprah's show yesterday proved that.  So many women from all over the country are suffering when they don't have to.

The program highlighted a 46 year old  woman from Burlington, Ontario who has been suffering terribly from a severe drop in her hormone levels.  Of course she was unaware of what was making her feel so lousy.  Her quality of life just turned from good to terrible and it happened very quickly.  I was wondering as I watched how it gets that bad without talking to your doctor or at least getting online and doing some research to find out what's going on.

Anyway, this woman was flown from Canada to California about ten days ago and Robin, Dr. Phil's wife, escorted her to the doctor.  She was given a full hormone panel.  That's how she found out she was so deficient.  She was then given her prescription for custom blended bioidenticals.  Just the amounts her  body needs to get her deficient levels back in the normal range.  On yesterday's show just ten days later she was beaming. She had cut her hair, put on some makeup and was wearing bright red.  She said she hasn't felt so good for a very long time.

I have been on bioidentical hormone therapy for the past 12 years and I agree with Suzanne that it is the way to go.  Before I took that big step I spent a year doing my research so I understood my options.  When I started there were only a handful of physicians even talking about bioidenticals and I live in New York City.  I can't even imagine what women were going through in other parts of the country where their choices of doctors was limited.

It's important that you make a choice that is right for you.  Finding the right doctor, a doctor who will explain all your choices is key.  After you make that decision then both of you work together as a team finding the right blend that works best for your body. Don't get discouraged this takes a little time.  But  one day you will wake up feeling like the strong, vibrant, sexy woman that you are and will be for years to come.  

Oprah Finally Talking About BioIdentical Hormones

On Thursday, January 15, Oprah devoted her show to bioidentical hormone therapy, uncovering the "Who", "What", "When", "Where" and "Why" of bioidenticals and the roles estrogen, progesterone and testosterone play in the way we look and feel.

 

My question to Oprah is - what took you so long?

 

Oprah, like so many women, have made the rounds of doctors before finally learning that depleted hormone levels are the source of their symptoms.  I was one of those woman.  The quest to feel better led me on a thirteen year journey.  I was determined to find out everything I could about hormones and women's health..  At first it was impossible to find the answers I was looking for from my doctors, but I pursued.

 

It takes time and patience to make the pieces of your hormonal puzzle fit together but you can do it.  To help women I wrote a small, informative guide "The Real Cougar's Guide To The Purr-Fect Menopause".   It's your first step in learning how hormonal hotties are staying cool. 

 

As you have probably heard by now, Oprah has had problems with her thyroid, the butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of the throat.  It plays a crucial role not only in secreting hormones to control one's heart rate and to maintain healthy skin, but also to regulate the metabolism. An overworked thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can result in a racing heart, sleeplessness and weight loss. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to symptoms, such as fatigue, joint and muscle pain, weight gain and even the onset of depression. The good news is that thyroid imbalances can be successfully stabilized through proper testing and treatment using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

 

Oprah plans to do more shows on hormone replacement therapy.  I suggest all women tune in, it could be the wake-up call you need to start feeling bettter.  Remember, you are never too young to begin protecting your body against the diseases of aging.

FDA May Have To Reverse Their Policy on Estriol

The International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP) joined hundreds of thousands of women and doctors in applauding the introduction of a resolution stating that "the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) new policy restricting women's access to medications containing estriol does not serve the public interest" and calling on the FDA to "reverse its policy."

The resolution follows the introduction of a similar measure in the U.S. House of Representatives in early May.  IACP's Executive Director L.D. King says, "women with menopause suffer enough. Fortunately, this resolution aims to provide them with some relief."

The response from patients, doctors and pharmacists has been overwhelming. Since Oct. 2005, more than 70,000 patients, doctors and pharmacists have written to FDA opposing Wyeth's petition. Since Jan. 2008, more than 10,000 have written to FDA opposing the agency's new estriol policy. And since the first resolution was introduced in the House last month, more than 4,000 have written to Congress in strong support of the measure.  

Compounded hormones containing estriol are lawfully prescribed, prepared and dispensed in all 50 states. The FDA has acknowledged that it is unaware of any adverse events associated with the use of these drugs. 

Stay tuned .

Estrogen Helps Memory Loss in Women

Menopause related memory loss is a common occurrence for many women.  We joke about those "senior moments" but at the same time find them scary and frustrating.  With all the news about baby boomers contracting Alzheimer's Disease we can't help but wonder if this is the beginning of something a lot worse.

But, there is some good news to report.  My doctor has been telling me this for years, but unfortunately women aren't hearing enough about it. Estrogen helps the brain. Not the conjugated equine estrogen found in Premarin, but 17-beta estradiol the more natural alternative.

Once again I have to congratulate Melinda Beck over at the Wall Street Journal.  She is reporting on research that shows the positive effects for women using bioidentical hormones.  She is giving us both sides of a very controversial issue.

Yesterday she wrote a column on memory loss that I think you should read.  In the article there are resources where you can find more documented information on the subject. 

To read Melinda's Beck's column click here.

Wall Street Journal - Sorting Through Menopause Hormones

In today's Wall Street Journal Melinda Beck wrote a fair and well-balanced article on a woman's choice when it comes to Hormone Replacement Therapy.  The articles on this subject are usually so one-sided with nary a mention of bioidentical choices.  This one is different.  To read it click here.

I sent Ms. Beck an email suggesting she interview women who are taking bioidentical hormones just to hear what they have to say.  I have been using them for over 10 years and really do believe they protect our brains, bones, heart, skin and even work to fight depression. 

If you are using them I would love to hear your opinion.  You can leave your comments below or email me at linda@highyieldliving.com. 

Dr. C.W. Randolph Speaks Out On Synthetic Hormones

  Last week The Journal of American Medical Association released a study that indicates women who took synthetic hormone drugs for more than five years continue to have an elevated risk of developing cancer years after they stopped taking the drugs.  What follows is a release put out by Dr. C.W. Randolph responding to results of that study.

C.W. Randolph, Jr., M.D., an expert in the field bio-identical hormone replacement therapies, said "The publication of this study's finding is so important. I have been so concerned that even after the 2002 results of the Women's Health Initiative Study (WHI) linking synthetic hormone usage to an increased risk of invasive breast cancer, heart attack, stroke and Alzheimer's disease - the pharmaceutical industry continued to aggressively market these same drugs to both physicians and women as safe and effective options. Now, with this data, it will be harder for those manufacturing synthetic hormones for a profit to submerge the truth and harm the health of innocent women."

Dr. Erika Schwartz Speak Out Against Wyeth

Here is an article I thought you should read.  It comes from Dr. Erika Schwartz's blog.  This is the link to her website for lots of other interesting information.

Here's some news that will make us all depressed - Wyeth has won FDA approval for its new antidepressant Pristiq. Yes, the same FDA who has just told us "bioidentical hormones" don't exist, the same FDA who has told compounding pharmacists to stop using Estriol, the mildest of estrogens when it helped hundreds of thousands of women with menopausal symptoms. Yes, the FDA whose mandate is to protect the public has spoken again. This time, it didn't take one of its hundreds of FDA approved dangerous flops off the market, this time it has added yet another antidepressant to an already endless list of drugs that don't' work to the market.

Unfortunately this is proof yet again that the FDA is more anxious to protect Wyeth's profits than the wellbeing of the American public.