For more than 15 years, I have been researching, writing, lecturing and consulting with women about hormones.  To be more specific, unveiling the truth regarding our amazing female physiology and hormonal nature.  As a naturopathic doctor specializing in women's holistic health, I have also assisted thousands of women to regain hormonal balance naturally and safely at any age. 

 

      Since I have personally been through a long list of hormonal challenges, I speak from my personal experience.  I have also successful resolved these health issues naturally.  My greatest desire and mission in life, is to share the solutions and wisdom from my journey with you.  

 

       In this report, I reveal some of the myths about women and hormones that have been masquerading as truths for a long, long time.  Most of all, this report is help enlighten you to the truths.... that will indeed not only set you free but will also get you back to hormonal balance and health! 

 

During the menopausal years, it seems that women are as confused as ever about what is happening to their hormones. Unfortunately, much of what women have been taught about their bodies and especially hormonal changes at menopause is, in fact, incorrect. Unraveling the many myths, misinformation and, in some cases, lies about menopause is crucial for ensuring safe passage through this time of life.

 
The Big Myth:
A Woman's Body is Innately Flawed

 

Without a firm foundation of truthful information regarding the physiological changes that occur during menopause, it is difficult to make truly effective and safe choices. The belief that a woman's physiology is innately flawed dates back 2600 years to the time of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, who asked, "What is Woman?" His answer, "Disease!"

 

This idea has persisted into modern times. In 1966, New York gynecologist Robert Wilson published the best-selling book, Feminine Forever. He reinforced the cultural myth that a menopausal woman "becomes the equivalent of a eunuch" because her ovaries shrivel up and die at this time.1

 

He also proclaimed that menopause was an estrogen-deficiency disease and that estrogen was the long sought after youth pill. He wrote, "Many physicians simply refuse to recognize menopause for what it is-a serious, painful and often crippling disease."

 

He won women over with scientific-sounding promises of beauty and good sex, even though the FDA banned Wilson from certain research for making unsubstantiated claims.

 

Dr. Wilson successfully convinced doctors and women that estrogen was the salvation for the "horrors of this living decay." He wrote, "The myth that estrogen is a causative factor in cancer has been proven entirely false. On the contrary, indications are that estrogen acts as a cancer preventive."2

 

      Dr. Wilson is credited with enshrining the belief that estrogen efficiency was the hormonal profile of all menopausal women. He also convinced the medical fraternity that estrogen replacement was the obvious solution. This paved the way for making menopause a medical condition that required treatment with estrogen and synthetic progestins (Hormone Replacement Therapy).

 

Fortunately, Dr. Robert Wilson and his unfounded theories were proven to be entirely wrong. He was also very wrong about the non-carcinogenic effects of estrogen. This was a tragic medical mistake that had drastic consequences for millions of women who not only embraced estrogen replacement therapy but also the later version of hormone treatment, Hormone Replacement Therapy. 

 

In 1975, the New England Journal of Medicine published two studies documenting a strong association between cancer of the lining of the uterus and estrogen therapy.3-4.  The publication of these studies coincided with the increasing incidence of uterine cancer in women who were prescribed estrogen therapy.  In fact, the increase was a shocking 800 percent!  To this day, the only known cause of uterine cancer is from estrogen excess. Tens of thousands of women who were diagnosed with   uterine cancer either had to undergo a hysterectomy as the only acceptable form of treatment or lost their lives to this cancer. 

 

Estrogen replacement therapy as a treatment for menopause was a Big Lie. 

 

      By 2002, The Women's Health Study showed that women who took the combination of estrogen and progestin had increased their risk for breast cancer, stroke, heart attack, and blood clots.4 The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences listed all steroidal estrogens and progestins as known human carcinogens.5

 

As a footnote to history, Wilson's original research, which was the basis of his book, was eventually declared flawed by the FDA and Dr. Wilson, himself, was discredited as a researcher. It was also discovered that Dr. Wilson's book and lecture tour were financed by a pharmaceutical company that manufactured estrogen.

 

Thanks, Dr. Wilson, for being such an obedient shill for the estrogen industry.  Too bad for all the women who trusted you.  

 

The Failing Ovary Myth: 

Why Perimenopause ISN'T What You Think It Is

So you think that perimenopause is the beginning of the end for the functioning of your ovaries? 

     The doctors have told women for decades that perimenopause is a time when the ovaries begin to wind down...and then finally poop out completely at menopause.  No ovarian function - no estrogen production. 

 

     So, when women in their 40's and early 50's start complaining of hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, insomnia, migraines, and moods swings, they are lead to believe that these perimenopausal symptoms are all about a declining estrogen level from a failing ovary. 

    

 Here's the good news!

     

     Research has discovered that the perimenopausal ovary (the period 5-10 years before cessation of menstrual cycles) is more active than it has been since adolescence. 

 

One leading researcher, endocrinologist Dr. Jerilynn Prior, has found that "the perimenopause ovary produces erratic and excess levels of estrogen, with unpredictable moods, heavy flow, hot flashes and mucous symptoms that appear suddenly and unexpectedly."6 The many symptoms that women experience during the perimenopause years, such as weight gain, irrational hunger, increased migraines, heavy periods, worsening endometriosis, breast swelling (with pain or lumps), new or growing fibroids, new or increasing PMS, pelvic pain and uterine cramps are caused by high levels of estrogen...NOT low levels.

 

Dr. Prior has found that the average estrogen levels in perimenopausal women are higher than in younger women. The older women not only had higher levels of estrogen but also had lower levels of progesterone.7

 

So, contrary to popular belief, the ovaries are, in fact, working overtime during perimenopause.  In a sense, trying to do the last Hurrah!   There is usually plenty of estrogen being produced.  However, it's the progesterone that tends to be the deficient hormone during perimenopause.   

 

The truth is that during Perimenopause estrogen levels are higher than normal while progesterone levels fall significantly due to erratic ovulations. 

Progesterone deficiency is really the problem during perimenopause. 

 

And what's more amazing is the latest understanding that not only do the perimenopausal ovaries that remain active BUT ALSO THE MENOPAUSAL OVARIES! 

 

According to the research of Dr. Celso Ramon Garcia, M.D, noted physician, educator, and internationally renowned pioneer in the field of reproductive endocrinology, after menopause the ovaries continue to function.   

 

Our awesome menopausal ovaries work in conjunction with other body sites such as the adrenal glands, skin, muscle, brain, pineal gland, hair follicles and body fat to produce hormones.

 

It is now known that postmenopausal ovaries maintain a steroid capability for several decades after menses has ceased. As Prior once wrote, "Older ovaries, replete with stroma material, are now understood to actively produce androstenedeione - the hormone that, in the menopausal woman, is converted to estrone, in the fat deposits of the body. This pathway can be significant in preventing osteoporosis."8

 

Far from shriveling, the ovaries of menopausal women continue to secrete androgens, often late into the menopause, which support a woman's well being.9

 

The Estrogen Deficiency Myth 

 

     Although it has been an accepted belief that menopause is a time of declining estrogen levels, the facts that are becoming known reveal that many women actually have an excess of estrogen. According to Dr. John R. Lee in his book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause: the Breakthrough Book on Natural Progesterone (Warner Books, 1996), estrogen dominance is a major factor contributing to women's hormonal imbalances.

 

The truth is that it's not an estrogen deficiency, which is behind most of women's hormonal issues BUT AN EXCESS OF ESTROGEN. 

 

"Estrogen dominance syndrome" is a term that describes a condition of an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone," Dr. Lee wrote. The delicate balance between these two hormones is skewed in estrogen's favor. Stress, nutritional deficiencies, processed foods, environmental estrogen mimics, i.e. substances found in pesticides, herbicides and plastics, are the likely contributing factors to the creation of estrogen excess."

 

Estrogen Dominance describes a condition where a woman can have deficient, normal or excessive estrogen, but has little or no progesterone to balance its effects in the body. Even a woman with low estrogen levels can have estrogen dominance symptoms if she does not have any progesterone.10

 

It's all about keeping the proper hormonal balance. 

 

     Of all women experiencing symptoms of estrogen dominance, some with low levels of progesterone may require progesterone supplementation with natural progesterone cream, which is available in health food stores or from holistic health practitioners. 

 

     Those with normal progesterone levels need to make changes that can reduce their estrogen levels. This is where a healthy diet, exercise, a nutritional program, and stress reduction all play a part in creating hormonal balance. 

 

The Blood Test Myth for Assessing Hormone Levels

     Contrary to popular belief, the most ACCURATE way to assess hormone levels is NOT with a blood test but with a SALIVA TEST, which is a home test. 

 

Why is testing saliva better that a blood tests?  

     

      Saliva hormone values reflect the tissue concentration of your hormones. Blood and serum contains the total hormone, but your tissues are only bathed with the active or effective fraction as found in your salvia. Active fraction measurements are superior to blood and urine measurements both in diagnosis and treatment.

 

     Saliva reflects the bioavailable level of hormones present in the bloodstream, and saliva testing is a far more accurate and relevant test than blood tests in measuring bioavailable steroid hormones.

 

     The best way to assess an individual's unique hormonal profile is with a saliva test.

     It is best to consult with a holistic health practitioner to arrange for a saliva testing and a follow-up consultation. 

      Why it so important to get the most accurate testing of your hormones?

 

      Without an accurate way to assess your hormonal levels, you may be at risk of a false result, which can then lead to a misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. 

 

The Myth that It Hormone Havoc is INEVITABLE 

 

     Hormones are intimately connected to every other part of our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual experience.   From how we think and feel, to how we eat, exercise and live life! 

 

     In fact, hormones are our most sensitive barometers of how we're really doing. 

 

     The choices we make when it comes to our diet as well as environmental exposures, directly impact hormones.

 

Regaining hormonal balance is not really such a mystery.

 

     One of my seminar participants complained of severe, in fact debilitating PMS and menstrual pain.  She was also overweight, depressed, fatigued and fuzzy in her thinking.  She was tired of taking pain medication,  caffeine for energy.....being a woman. 

 

     I gave her a one month challenge - no more diet sodas, bread, sugar or sugar substitutes, French fries and pizzas. In stead she was to add fresh fruits and vegetables, gluten-free foods, plenty of pure water. She was to go to bed by 10 pm...and do some sort of stress reduction.

 

     I also recommend some basic nutritional supplements, which included a good multi vitamin and mineral, fish oil, digestive enzymes, probiotics and B-Complex. 

 

     In one month, to her utter amazement and joy, she reported back that for the first time in a long time she had no menstrual pain, lost weight, increased energy and over all felt great!

 

     Her hormone hell was no mystery - she was toxic, nutritionally starved, and stressed ....in short, she was WAY OUT OF BALANCE!

 

Stay Away from Hormone Wreckers

     A key to staying healthy is making sure we maintain hormonal balance.  The most notorious hormone wreckers include: sugar and sugar substitutes, refined carbohydrates, trans fats, caffeine, pesticide laden foods, alcohol, dehydration, lack sleep, stress, emotional upsets, chemicals in commercial personal care products, and lack of exercise.  These hormone wreckers are guaranteed to compromise your health, imbalance your hormones and accelerate the aging process. 

 

A hormone harmonizing program includes organically grown, whole foods, plenty of fresh vegetable, fruits, seeds and nuts, healthy fats, (virgin olive oil, fish oils, flax seed oils, coconut oil and butter), filtered water, eating regular meals, getting 7- 8 hours of sleep, relaxation, staying hydrated and regular exercise.

 

EMFs, Cell Phones and the Wireless World  - 

Invisible Hormone Wreckers

     A growing body of scientific research acknowledges that presently the greatest threat to our health and wellbeing (and to all life forms) is an insidious, all-pervasive, and invisible form of pollution called Electropollution.

 

     Many health issues have been linked to EMR exposure including various cancers, (brain, eye, ear and leukemia,) miscarriages, birth defects, chronic fatigue, headaches, chronic stress, nausea and heart problems8, autism, learning disabilities, insomnia and Alzheimer's Disease.

 

     Perhaps, one of the most serious consequences of EMR exposure is its effect on our hormonal systems.

 

     Studies have shown that exposure to electrical appliances, cell phones, cordless phones, wireless routers, wireless environments and cell phone towers, impacts directly on our delicate hormonal systems.  

 

     The consequences of this form of exposure includes reduced melatonin levels affecting not only our sleep but also antioxidant

 

     In addition, EMFs can comprise thyroid function, increase estrogen levels and stress hormones, reduce testosterone levels in men and increase insulin resistance. 

 

     Unfortunately, we are in the Wireless Age whether we like it or not.  Even if you were to throw your cell phone overboard, exposure is still everywhere. (However, I do recommend removing all electrical appliances such as phones and digital clocks next to your head while sleeping). 

 

     This is not a hopeless a situation as it might appear since I have researched the best scientifically proven technology that will provide the necessary EMF protection, 

 

     Personally, I use it on my cell phone, computers, wireless routers, and cordless phones. etc.  There is even a pendant that you wear.  In fact, I wouldn't be without it.... I actually wear it  24/7!

 

    The company that makes this technology is BioPro Technology.  I recommend that everyone use these protective chips on all of these very dangerous devices. 

 

EMF protection is vital to regain and maintain hormonal balance. 

 

     Restoring truthful knowledge of our female physiology allows women of all ages to journey through all of life's cycles, in health and in balance.  

 

Hormonal balance is a key to our health, power and wisdom!

Healthily yours, 

Sherrill Sellman, ND. 

P.S.  Please feel free to encourage other women to subscribe to this report.   In the very near future, some major changes will be happening on my website that will finally offer women cutting-edge information, newsletter, blog, reports, teleconferences, podcasts and health resources to get their hormones back on track  - naturally!   I invite you to become HormoneWise!

PP.S  I have many of my published articles freely available at http://www.whatwomenmustknow.com/articles.htm ...including a really important article on Cell Phone Dangers- Electropollution, Hormones and Cancer.  

Also, you can isten to  my weekly radio show "What Women MUST Know" either live at 2 pm EST on Mondays or archived and available to anyone around the world at  http://www.prncomm.net!

 

References: 

1. Bull Hist Med. 2003 Spring;77(1):103-32. 

2. Robert A. Wilson, Feminine Forever (New York: M. Evans, 1966), 19. 3. Smith DC, Prentice R, Thompson DJ, Herrmann WL. Association of Exogenous Estrogen and Endometrial Carcinoma. New England Journal of Medicine. December 1975; 293(23):1164-67. 

4. Ziel HK, Finkle WD. Increased Risk of Endometrial Carcinoma among Users of Conjugated Estrogens. New England Journal of Medicine. December 1975; 293(23):1167-70. Mack TM, Pike MC, Henderson BE, Pfeffer RI, Gerkins VR, Arthur M, Brown SE. Estrogens and Endometrial Cancer in a Retirement Community. New England Journal of Medicine. 1976 June;294(23):1262-67.

5. Ockene JK, Barad DH, Cochrane BB, Larson JC, Gass M, Wassertheil-Smoller S, Manson JE, Barnabei VM, Lane DS, Bryski RG, Rosal MC, Wylie-Rosett J, and Hays J. Symptom Experience after Discontinuing Use of Estrogen + Progetin. JAMA. July 2005;294(2):183-93. 

6. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/eleventh/profiles/s084ster.pdf. 

7. Prior JC. Perimenopause--the ovary's frustrating grand finale. A Friend Indeed. 1998;15(7):1-4. 

8. Prior JC. Ovulatory changes with perimenopause. Endocrine Ageing in Women. In: Endocrine Facets of Ageing in the Human and Experimental Animal. Veldhuis JD, Laron Z, eds. London: Wiley Publishers (in press), 2001. 

9. Garcia CR, Cutler WB. Preservation of the ovary: a reevaluation. Fertil Steril. 1984;42:510. 

10. http://www.johnleemd.com/store/estrogen_dom.html 
ovary. Longcope C, Hunter R, Franz C. Steroid secretion by the postmenopausal ovary. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1980 Nov 1;138(5):564-8. 

 

Dr. Sherrill Sellman is a naturopathic doctor, psychotherapist, best-selling author, and international lecture.