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From the desk of Richard
Penfounde, your Naturally Healthy Lifestyle specialist. 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. |
