Osteoporosis

OSTEOPOROSIS is a multi-factoral skeletal disorder involving progressive bone mass loss and demineralisation. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is the acceleration of this disorder. The more common osteoporotic fractures are seen in the: vertebra; distal forearm; hip (proximal femur); shoulder (proximal humerus); and, ribs. Osteoporosis is more common among cigarette smokers, those who under-exercise, those whose diet is more meat based than vegetable based, heavy alcohol drinkers, and users of diuretics and antibiotics who do not replenish intestinal acidophilus and bifido flora.

Bone mass in women is at its highest during their early 30s; after that there is a gradual decline until menopause.
The post menopausal decline was first brought to public attention in 1941. From then on, oestrogen's role in lessening bone mass was supported by research.

However, in 1988, it was found that the benefits of oestrogen replacement therapy post-menopause waned after three to five years, given that it could be associated with a high rate of unacceptable side effects and complications.

Later, in 1990, new evidence came to light that progesterone, not oestrogen, is more likely to affect new bone formation.
Additionally, there were reports of osteoporosis reversal amongst women who did not use oestrogen supplements, with natural progesterone playing a role.

More typical, however, have been reports on the reversal of postmenopausal vertebral bone loss through the use of both oestrogen and progestagon.

Now comes the debate of natural progesterone versus the synthetics (ie progestagon, progestin,etc). The many side effects of the latter, which are in common use today, have been well documented. Meanwhile, natural progesterone is easily available; the most abundant natural source of it is the well-known Mexican wild yam.

For more information on the subject, Natural Progesterone by John R Lee, published by BLL Publishing, PO Box 2068, Sabastapol CA95473, USA, spells it all out very clearly

In Lee's view, natural progesterone is the hormone of choice in the battle against osteoporosis, PMT, breast cancer, endometrial cancer and a host of other disorders.
He refers to the problem of "oestrogen dominance" in society today and its unbalancing of hormonal problems and numerous side effects. He maintains we need an alternative perspective.

Mexican wild yam contains two important chemicals in nature, sarsasapogenin and doisgenin. Both convert easily to natural progesterone.

A host of other natural chemicals protect against any side effects of these conversions, which, Lee explains, is the major difference between synthetic products and whole natural sources. Vitamin E 12.5mcg; Vitamin B Complex (with Niacin) 25-50mg, Vitamin C l000mg; Folic acid 250mg.