The Reiki Cafe 

I want to try to control my menopause symptoms with natural remedies. I have done alot of research and tried this once before unsucessfully. That was ten years ago when I could not find any support in this area and almost killed myself by following the dosage instructions on the bottles. I'm wondering if anyone has heard of "Beauty Pearl" made by SunRider? Have read amazing claims but not aware of anyone who has sucessfully used it. I am also looking into a herbal phyto-estrogen combination which includes soy protein, kudzu root, red clover extract, chastetree extract and black cohosh (made by New Phase). Unfortunately half of these ingredients aren't in any of my herbal books. Hummmm...??

Help please,
Vicki

Namaste Vicki,

Since I myself have no experience with this, yet, I will tell of my friend's. She too was considering the same route you discuss. Here in Vancouver, Canada, there are many many stores that offer a variety. She did use a couple, one I shall have to get the name of it for you, and it was relatively (and surprisingly) inexpensive. As you know, these therapies can often be. The other, I do remember, was wild yam cream. Her response to the cream was very good. She also spoke well of the other. If you are interested, I can ask for the name and pass it on. But, as far as I know (which is not much), the wild yam is also another natural estrogen.

If you like any of this, I can also ask if there is a supplier/distributer in your area of the local stores here, and pass that info on for you.

Blessings to you, and yours,
Dina

PS. I cannot relate my mother's, or other family members as they seem to just have moved along with this change...I hope mine will be just as harmonious.

Hi Vicki,

namaste,

Well, all I can say is "been there, done that". I have been on hormone replacement for several years. Not totally happy with it, but without it I am a wreck.

Last summer I decided to try to convert over to natural..and went thru several products that people would recommend. The best thing is on the shelves, I found, is Estroven. Not that expensive, but certainly not perfect. I am allergic to yams, or what they produce, so that is not in my shelves. I have been using soy products for years, so that didn't help.

While I was trying to convert over, I actually thought I was doing quite well, and the chickens I bit the heads off of, couldn't complain. :)

It actually took about 6 weeks for my body to tell me that it had had enough, hot flashes and not enough sleep, and for me to get back on the HRT. I will skip all the stories about people who thought I would soon go "postal....", for the time being, I am through experimenting.

So much for my experience. :)

Just remember that sometimes herbs work for a person, sometimes not. You will have to go with what your own body tells you, and don't feel guilty if you do HRT.

Blessings to you and yours,

Priestess

Dina, I hope your change is just as uneventful as the rest of your families has been. I feel it will be since this does seem to run in families one way or the other.

I am interested in what your friend used if she doesn't mind sharing the info. I am in the middle of ongoing research at this time and any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Vicki

Oh Priestess, I had to laugh reading your post. It reminded me of the time I tried the patch as opposed to the pills. The pharmacy was out of my pill and my boyfriend at the time said he would drive to another state to get the pills for me - that's when I realized that route wasn't working. Possibly since I'm changing jobs - this might not be the time to do this. I might have to re-think this whole thing. Thanks for reminding me. Love and Light to you, Vicki

Dear Vicki,

I noticed that ingestion of soy products helped but I would tire of trying to eat all that soy!! Found an excellent soy shake mix that I purchase on line ( Revival) that provides the equivalent of 6 servings of soy which is remarkable. No hot flashes since Ive been taking it but who knows, maybe Im past that stage now. Anyway, you can go to their site & get info about it, testimonials as well as research studies re soy & menopause. What is so great about this stuff is that you get the equivalent soy level of the Asian diet which studies SUGGEST is related to smooth sailing thru menopause...and a good source of protein to help maintan an even blood sugar level thru the day, another source of mood swings for women...50% of your calcium needs, etc etc. It is expensive but if you sit down & calculate what you would pay for 6 servings of soy product a day, this is cheaper. I was ready to call my gyn for HRT when I tried this......:)
Like Priestess says: different strokes for different folks....
Namaste,
holobon

Namaste Vicki,

I just happen to come across this article that speaks about this subject. It is called Menopausal Years - A Natural Approach. It is bit long, and if you wish to have a copy of it, please let me know of you e-mail address.

This article reminded me of the name...it was Dong Quai. I am certain you have heard of it, since you have done the research. I will include here a portion of the article for your benefit/info.

"...It is very important during all stages of the menopausal years for a woman to have adequate rest, to engage in creative activities and to practice stress-reduction, for example meditation. The use of Flower Essence Therapy offers help in alleviating emotional and pyschological stress, and may be combined with herbal remedies and other supplements. The above measures all have the added benefit of protecting the adrenal glands by reducing teh stress load...

Many of the following herbs work well together by enhancing the activity of the other herbs and are often found in herbal combinations providing a synergistic effect that is greater than the effect of the individual herb.

For the relief of menopausal symptoms the synergistic herbal combination of black cohosh, vitex (chasteberry) and dong quai can help to balance and strenghten the entire female system. This combination is useful for acute symptoms, i.e. hot flashes, and may be taken long term by women whom wish to support tehir body through the menopausal years. Black cohosh's estrogen-like activity makes it ideal for supporting the estrogen-deficient menopausal stage. Vitex's primary action appears to be to increase progesterone level, which bind with estrogen receptor sites in the body at a time when etrogen levels are low. The herb vervain was known as one of the sacred Druid matriarchal herbs used to relieve insomnia and calm mental stress. Siberian Ginseng helps to support the adrenals and to increase mental awareness...

Women take these and other menopausal remedies primarily for the relief of symptoms, such as hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, etc. The prevention of osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease reqauires more extensive programs and lifestyle changes..."

Written by: Dr. RoseMarie Pierce, holistic pharmacist, Educational director for Prairie Naturals Health Products.

Hope this was helpful and/or of interest.

Blessings to you,
Dina