What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

As a woman’s body ages, the cyclical supply of her body’s primary sex hormones begins to decline, ultimately diminishing to the point that even life itself can be jeopardized. Until the late 1940s, many women who went through menopause, died shortly thereafter.

Advances in medical knowledge beginning the 1960′s, showed supplemental estrogen given to women as they entered the menopause phase of life seemed to prolong quality and length of life. The most common form of supplemental estrogen prescribed over the past several decades has been an estrogen product called Premarin; manufactured from PREgnant MARe uRINe.

The whole regimen of supplemental, drug-based hormones is called Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Supplemental estrogen HRT programs cause a woman’s body to react as if it is preparing to carry a fetus, which never happens. In some women after prolonged use of supplemental estrogen HRT, the swollen uterus would finally develop uterine cancer in response to this constant stimulation by estrogen.

Doctors found that if a woman’s body also received supplemental progesterone for a short period of time each month, the combination of the two supplemental hormones given on a cyclical regimen would mimic the naturally cyclical hormones of the pre-menopausal woman. The combination HRT create a menses to cleanse the uterus, virtually eliminating the potential for uterine cancer caused by HRT.

Research has not identified any form of supplemental progesterone hormone which can survive the digestive system, or which could be given transdermally (via a patch) or by injection. A synthetic version of progesterone was developed which could survive the digestive system, called medroxy-progesterone (brand name “Provera”).

These synthetic forms of progesterone are in a class of hormone-like drugs called Progestins. Progestins are preparations — drugs — that have effects allegedly similar to those of the natural hormone progesterone.

Many women have found that using Progestins — usually the prescription drug Provera a.k.a. medroxy-progesterone — causes substantial additional medical and psychological problems. However this drug continues to be highly prescribed.

There are additional problems which may occur during menopause, as well.

Some women find with the significant decline in their body’s estrogen or progesterone or both, there are significant emotional problems. For some women this manifests as depression, in other women this manifests as aggression and anger. For a few unlucky women, there are mood swings between depression and anger…

So the generally accepted Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for menopausal women until the late 1990′s, has been a constant supply of supplemental estrogen (most often Premarin), with a 10-14 day cycle of progestin (most usually Provera) added during the month to force menstruation, in order to reduce the potential for uterine cancer.

The maker of Premarin then brought to market a combination drug consisting of Premarin combined with Provera, called “PremPro”, which has become THE dominant  prescription drug for PMS and/or menopause over the past decade. This combination of estrogen plus progestins has been heavily in the news since July 2002, as having caused increased health risks during a major study conducted by the Women’s Health Initiative.

Unfortunately, most of those news reports seemed to implicate all HRT regimens as bad, and as problematic for women.

So is Hormone Replacement Therapy a good thing or a bad thing for women?

Overall results over the past four to five decades seem to strongly indicate that HRT — properly administered and managed — is a very good thing for women; with the caveat that some women will have problems, anyway, during menopause, and that a very few women will fair less well on HRT, than without any supplementation at all.

The quest then is to find the safest form of HRT for those women who need to supplement their body’s declining hormone production as these women age.

Your PMS history is generally a good predictor of how much of a problem your menopause can become.

Send questions or comments
to Dianna

Hormone Primer — How Hormones Work

Hormones in general are the triggers — the catalysts — which cause the cells the body to function.

Estrogen molecules – hormones – are carried throughout the body by the blood stream, looking for cells with estrogen receptors. An estrogen receptor is like a door lock on a human body cell — it will only accept the proper “key”; the proper estrogen hormone molecule.

Many human body cells have cellular receptors which are “master keyed”, i.e., receptors which are designed to accept any hormone molecule. An estrogen molecules can also attach to that cellular receptor, like a key going into a lock.

Once the “key” – the estrogen molecule – is attached into the cell’s “lock”, that cell is “opened” so that it can perform whatever function that particular cell is supposed to perform. When that cell has completed its function/cycle, the “key” is ejected, and that particular used up estrogen molecule is washed out of the body via the blood, liver and kidney systems.

With drug hormones, the body is forced to carry huge amounts of estrogen molecules which may likely never find estrogen receptors… and the good unused estrogen molecules must then be flushed out of the body. This is in addition to the liver having to extract the estrogen from the drug/pills in the first place.

Forcing the liver to double-process huge amounts of estrogen over an extended period of time, can damage the liver irreparably, and the kidneys. This is why usage of drug hormones is supposed to be monitored by a doctor - and why drugs are prescription items - to prevent an individual from overdosing and damaging vital organs.

The human body will normally try to create all the various hormones it can use, all that it needs, all of the time from the foods we eat. This is how our bodies are supposed to function, in general.

Herbs – flowers, berries and leaves – are food items.

From certain types/classifications of herbs, called phyto-estrogens, estrogens will be created to the extent that the individual body can utilize them. Phyto-estrogens are not to be confused with Xeno-estrogens (which used to be called psuedo-estrogens), which are estrogen-like mimics that invade our bodies from various chemicals and pollutants in our environment.

With herbal-source estrogens, phyto-estrogens, the body will only create whatever levels of estrogen it can use at any given time, so that it is not possible to overdose in a harmful way.

But a woman has to ingest enough phyto-estrogenic material to create enough hormones to make a difference.

Traditional store-bought phyto-estrogenic herbs are often not powerful enough, – not potent enough — to do the job of managing menopause symptoms.

It is also important to understand that there are no standards for measuring or comparing herbal-based products in any meaningful way, between brands.

Based on the use of Standardized herbal extracts, especially, one company’s 25mg herbal product will therefore actually have FAR more of the active ingredients - the “good stuff” – than another company’s 500mg herbal product.

Why do these Herbal-Source Hormones work?

Improvements in herbal processing technology over the past twenty years have enabled formulators to extract the active ingredients from various herbs - the “good stuff” – so that the benefits of the various herbs can be obtained without having to consume massive quantities of each herb.

German research has shown that the active ingredients of various phyto-estrogenic herbs, when mixed in proper ratios, became synergystic; i.e., the total mixture worked better than any of the herbs could have worked on their own.

Evanesce has been formulated based upon all of this research.

The Standardized Extracts of the best available herbs, mixed in appropriate ratios, brings results which are far superior to anything available from store herbs.

The Evanesce Classic formulation is a clear step above traditional herbal usage. This very unique formulations cannot be duplicated using store herbs
- the herbal herbal measurement ratios in Evanesce are based on using Standardized extracts and concentrated extracts of the various herbs.

B-Vitamins

B-vitamins are not stored in the body — they are used as available, and then gone.

Is it possible to overdose on B-vitamins?

There are only two you can overdose on:
Niacin — if a person overdoses on Niacin, the result is called a Niacin Flush.
This is a 45-minute event, roughly, which ramps up and ramps down over that time.
The symptom is that the body feels like ears, nose, and fingers have been sunburned. This is not dangerous, it does not cause any lasting problems, but it can be uncomfortable. If you do not experience it, you are not overdosing.

The other is B6 — very short term upper limit usage is less than 400-500mg. Do not exceed this dosage, and use this dosage only for very short periods of time. Generally 100mg daily is sufficient.

Bear in mind, that stress is especially hard on B6 and B12. What this means is that although there are established upper limits on daily intake, these limits assume that the body is not losing any during the day, and since stress burns B6 and B12 quickly, the upper “limits” are still very safe limits.

Analogy: your fireplace may only hold six pounds of wood, but it can burn through 20 pounds of wood per day, on cold days.

Herbal Estrogens FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are “Herbal Source Estrogens”?

Herbs are a common item in our diet. We know that the Oregano and Basil in our Spaghetti sauce are herbs; we know that various herbs and spices have been highly valued for centuries as a means to make our foods taste better, and we also know that many herbs have centuries-old traditions as healing agents.

Many common medications in our modern society have various herbs as their base ingrediants. Spinach is an herb, which is known to increase energy in most people, by adding iron and other important energy-building nutrients to our bodies. The old wives tale about carrots being good for eye-sight is true; the beta carotene in carrots and other yellow vegetables and herbs is very beneficial to eye-sight!  We use herb-based teas to pick us up, or to settle us down; most of us consume huge amounts of an herbal beverage called coffee, or get our caffeine stimulation from herbs used in many soda pop mixtures.

And there is a whole class of herbs known to be high in estrogenic compounds, called phyto-estrogens or phytosterols.

But I have heard that phyto-estrogens are dangerous…

It is important to understand that there are two very different substances today which have received the label “phyto-estrogen”.
One of these substances is are in a class called “xeno-estrogens“.

These estrogen mimics are found in chemical and environmental pollution, and have been linked to various birth defects because of their semi-ability to mimic the estrogen hormone, and to thereby interfere with cellular functioning.
Xeno-estrogens — are the molecules that do the “weak-bonding, estrogen receptor interference” thing.
Phyto-estrogens — phytosterols — on the other hand, are a wonderous medical discovery for all of us…

What is Evanesce Classic?

Through the centuries it has been found that some herbs synergistically increase the effectiveness of other herbs.

Evanesce is formulated from extracts of phytosterols — bio-molecular extracts of the most potent parts of the most potent phyto-estrogenic plants and berries — which are then concentrated and mixed in ratios which research has determined to bring the greatest synergistic boost to each of the substances used.

The formulation which is Evanesce Classic, is designed to enhance the effectiveness of each of the most potent phytosterols.

The herbs which are chosen and used for the basis of Evanesce have been used by people in cultures around the world, in many cases for thousands of years, for maintaining physical and emotional health.

How do these herbs work?

According to Susun Weed in her book Menopausal Years, “Using plants rich in phytosterols is remarkably different from taking hormones, even natural ones … Phytosterols provide hormonal building blocks, rather than hormones themselves, thus allowing [your body] to create the precise amounts (and combinations) of hormones needed on your unique … journey. When using phytosterol-rich herbs, your body does not have to eliminate excess hormones or know exactly what dose to take. With a smorgasbord of choices, the body … can create the hormones [it] needs from the building blocks supplied by the plant.
“This process removes the ‘stress of eliminating excess estrogen’ from the kidneys and liver”, says Weed.

Can’t I just buy these herbs off the shelf, from local health food stores, etc.?

On an individual basis, sure!

HOWEVER,  there are  significant variations in the potency and purity of any/all herbs grown for ingestion.
State-of-the-art herbal processing facilities now have the ability to separate the “good stuff” — the active ingredients — in herbs and berries from the basic plant material, which allows large amounts of the active ingredients to be concentrated into small capsules.

These processes also keep the potency and purity consistant from batch to batch throughout the year.
What this means to you is that with a well-manufactured formulation such as these, you do not have to consume mega-doses of herbs trying to get their benefits.

How does Evanesce compare with other similar herbal products?

There are no standards for measuring or comparing herbal things. There are no restrictions on a company using powdered twigs, bark, stems, etc., in their herbal products. One company’s 500mg herbal product may actually have far less of the active ingredients, than another company’s 25mg herbal product. Therefore, comparing milligrams of herbs on bottle labels is a meaningless exercise; you need the active ingredients — the bio-molecules of the active ingredients of the best estrogenic plants — and not just the plant material, to get the desired results.

How do these compare to Premarin and other prescription drugs?

They do not compare.

Premarin is a drug manufactured from PREgnant MARe uRINe, which was developed to force a specified amount of estrogen into the human body, whether that human body can use, or even cope with that much estrogen or not.
Other prescription estrogen drugs also do the same job; the various forms are designed to try to avoid problems with metabolism, etc.

Once in the blood-stream, estrogen is estrogen is estrogen, regardless of its initial form (herb or drug) into your body.

How quickly will my symptoms be reduced or eliminated?

In most cases, relief will happen within the first couple of days, if not overnight.

In a few rare cases, it may take 7-10 days to achieve the full reduction of symptoms.

For some women, relief may also require minimum changes in diet factors; food, and beverage intake.

Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, refined sugars, and in some people even salt, will each and all combine to block the formation and utilization of estrogen. This is one reason why many women seem to crave chocolate during their “high estrogen” time of each month; their bodies know that the ingredients in chocolate will help hold the estrogen levels down.

Also, extreme lifestyle stress can reduce estrogen levels; although research is showing that supplemental estrogen plus certain natural vitamins can help to reduce the body’s bad reactions to stress….

What about personal — health — safety?

According to many herbal books, the specific herbs used in Evanesce have no history of creating health problems in the human body. It is important to note, however, that some humans have allergies to specific foods. While we have no feedback indicating problems, you should be aware, and check with your doctor if you experience any problems with any supplemental hormone programs.

What is the recommended dosage for Evanesce Classic? And, how many capsules per bottle?

Evanesce is packaged in 90 capsule bottles. The formulator recommends initial Evanesce usage at 1-3 capsules daily.  Your body will dictate usage requirements, after an initial period
Each human body will respond differently, and you will need to find the daily amount which works best for your own unique body.

How does Evanesce compare to Premarin, for results?

The bio-molecules in Evanesce will become the hormones the body needs to function properly. The drug hormones in Premarin can overpower the body, and potentially overpower and hurt the kidneys and liver. Some applications of Premarin require  the patient to have frequent kidney and liver function testing; although most women are never given this safety testing.

Are there any other known beneficial side effects?

There are no promises, of course — and certainly there are no claims. Many people report that Evanesce Classic calms the obsessive-compulsive/ depressive emotions quickly–in many cases overnight!

Are there any negative effects of Evanesce which would appear on a Drug Test that I need to be aware of?

There are no drugs in Evanesce, so there are no drug residuals for a drug test to identify. Many thousands of people using Evanesce since 1990, have passed multiple drug tests without problem.

What is the average shipping time until I receive my order? What shipper do you use?

We use the US Postal Service, because many people have post office box shipping addresses. Neither FedEx nor UPS, nor any other private carrier can deliver to a post office box. Orders of 1-3 bottles are shipped First Class, with average delivery times of 3-4 days. Orders of 4 or more bottles are shipped Priority First Class, with average shipping times of 2-3 days.

Tell me about ordering on the Internet – what about my credit card security?

In a restaurant, most people think nothing of giving their card to a waiter or waitress who disappears around a corner with it; this is potentially far more “insecure” than any electronic transfer over the Internet.

Phytoestrogens

It is important to understand that there are two very different substances today which are sometimes called “phyto-estrogen”.

One of these substances is more accurately called xeno-estrogen, or psuedo-estrogen. Xeno-estrogens are chemical compounds, usually caused by toxic environmental pollution. Xeno-estrogens have been linked to various birth defects and other physical ailments, because of their ability to mimic many of the functions of the human estrogen hormone, and thereby interfere with cellular functioning.

Xeno-Estrogens are the molecules that do the ”weak-bonding, estrogen receptor interference” thing.

For many hundreds and even thousands of years, humans have known of the healing properties of various plants, flowers, and fruits, for various ailments.

Over the past century, science and technology have enabled herbal processing companies to extract the specific bio-molecules of these plants, flowers, and fruits which are beneficial to human health and well-being.

Phyto-estrogens are the bio-molecules which are the active ingredients of  estrogenic plant, flower, or fruit in the herbal world.

The human body makes its primary hormones from the foods we eat,  starting from cholesterol. Cholesterol is a precursor for pregnenolone, which becomes DHEA, which further morphs into the hundreds of various hormones the human body requires in order to function properly.

All of the food we eat is supposed to be used by the human body to maintain life and bodily function. For example, our bodies extract beta carotene from the yellow and orange vegatables we eat; the beta carotene then works to support our immune system and maintain our eyesight…. Lettuce/salad, fruits, etc., also contribute to bodily function.

For thousands of years, healers knew that various plants could be used to heal – or at least control — various disorders.

This knowledge was the beginning of modern medicine, as mankind worked to improve nature. Aspirin is one of the best examples of this; another example is coumidin, an oral anticoagulant used to control blood clotting, also called warfarin.
The original discovery in 1939 that spoiled sweet clover possessed anticoagulant properties is a classic story in pharmacology.
Warfarin is also the active ingredient in the poison which various rodenticides and insecticides use. So as you can see, things herbal can be beneficial, and some can be poisonous, depending on what they are and how they are used.

There is a classification of herbs that have been used for centuries to help women manage their hormone balance; these are the phyto-estrogenic herbs.

As with any plants and/or berries, from lettuce and cherries, on, there are limits to what your body can extract and utilize
from the grown and harvested plant material.

In addition, there are issues of potency and purity.
There are no regulations or standards in the herbal industry which govern potency or purity,
or even for measuring herbs. There are no regulations governing the use of powdered stem, twigs, and/or bark in herbal formulations. Therefore, It is quite possible that one manufacturer’s “500mg” herbal product has far less of the “good stuff” — far less active ingredients — than another manufacturer’s “25mg product”. So you can easily see that comparing numbers across labels from various manufacturers is an exercise in futility; comparisons based on millligrams have no meaning,.

Over the past several decades, male wisdom and knowledge said that ”to get any significant benefit from herbs,
an individual would have to consume massive quantities of them”.

But today, techniques for extracting the “good stuff” – the active ingredients/bio-molecules — from various herbs,
and concentrating that material into a formulation, have overcome this limitation.

This is the philopsophy behind the Evanesce Classic and other formulations. These products are state-of-the-art formulations,
and have easily overcome the traditional limitations on using herbs managing hormone levels.

Phyto-estrogens do NOT, in general, contain actual human hormones or chemicals. Neither do drug hormones such as Premarin. There are some exceptions, some plants which do contain bio-molecules virtually identical to human estrogen.  And when this plant material is combined with other phyto-estrogens, the resulting formulation has incredible potency; i.e., an incredible ability to modify the human hormone systems.

The bio-molecules from the herbs used in the formulation of Evanesce Classic and our other formulations, are ones that the human body can use to create estrogen and progesterone, as the body requires.

Drug hormones, such as Premarin manufactured from horse urine (PREgnant MARe uRINe), must go through the liver to get their estrogenic substances to release. And, the excess estrogen released (estrogen beyond what the body can use at the time)
must be processed through the liver again, and the kidneys, in order to be eliminated from the body. These organs were not “designed” to process that much estrogen, which is why frequent kidney and liver function testing is required for some women using those prescription drug  hormones. Injectable prescription hormones must also be processed out, if their levels are in excess of what the body can use.

Using herbal ingredients to create additional estrogen, on the other hand, allows the body create what it can use, utilizing normal bodily biological conversions.

Nicotine plus estrogen combine to create a strong potential for blood clots — this is NOT a safe combination, no matter what the source of estrogen is. Most doctors will not prescribe estrogen to a person who smokes. And in this example, once again we see how an herb (tobacco) affects the body’s endrocrin system…….

Herbs and berries containing phytoestrogens also have other compounds, such as flavonoids, which control the effects of other hormones; phyto-estrogens can even ease menstrual cramps. ”Unlike drugs, the herbs naturally nourish and tone the female system, making them useful in a broad range of female conditions”, according to Dr. Michael Murray, ”…with no reported side effects.”

Evanesce Classic was one of the very first commercially available phyto-chemical products, naturally formulated from plants and berries to emphasize phyto-estrogens.

Understanding Hormone Changes

Under Construction