Linda Cherry offers you healthy recipes, prayer, and additional health related information.
God’s Pathway to Healing for us involves living a long, satisfied life – this does not include the hot flashes, broken hips, mood swings, stooped backs and sleeping problems associated with menopause and a woman’s decreasing hormone levels. There are ways to cope with the symptoms and health risks, naturally.
Menopause is defined as the loss of ovarian function which is characterized by the end of menstrual periods. Estrogen and progesterone levels decline dramatically, and the FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) levels in the blood increase.
Because of these hormonal changes, women often experience the traditional symptoms of menopause, which include:
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Increased irritability and mood swings
• Difficulty sleeping
• Decreased mental alertness
• Cravings for sweets and binge eating
• Increased anxiety, depression, and nervousness
• Dry skin and hair, loss of skin tone and hair loss
• Low back and hip pain
The menopausal era of a woman’s life not only produces these symptoms, but can also dramatically increase the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. While traditional hormone replacement therapy may alleviate the hot flashes and even help prevent osteoporosis, it also increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and breast, endometrial and uterine cancer, along with other side effects.
But God has given us an abundance of natural tools to meet the challenges of menopause. In addition to foods that contain plant estrogens, Read more, God provided a number of herbs that also contain these amazing phytoestrogens, which naturally modulate estrogen levels. Other herbs can also help with some of the specific symptoms of menopause, and certain nutrients have been shown to decrease the risk of diseases such osteoporosis.
Nutrients, Extracts and Herbs for Menopause 
Soy Isoflavones- Natural compounds that help regulate hormone balance and also have been clinically shown to promote cardiovascular and bone health.
Black Cohosh - Studies have verified black cohosh's effectiveness in reducing the secretion of LH, which has been implicated in causing hot flashes. It has also been used for symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and feelings of depression.
Licorice Root Extract- Licorice root has natural compounds that complement the effect of soy isoflavones in helping relieve menopause symptoms
Dong Quai - One of the best-selling Chinese herbal products in North America, dong quai is viewed as the “female ginseng'' for its ability to revitalize the female body by correcting hormonal imbalances.
Sage Leaf- A member of the mint family, sage leaf has been shown to help relieve menopausal sweats, and has been used to improve brain function and memory.
Vinpocetine- Vinpocetine is thought to increase blood circulation in the brain, enhance the brain's use of oxygen and protect brain cells against damage.
Chamomile Flower Extract - Chamomile has long been used to help promote calmness and well-being.
Hops Flower/Cone Extract - In traditional medicine, this herb has been used to promote restful sleep
Boron - An essential mineral that strengthens bones and is needed for the proper metabolism of calcium and estrogen.
Calcium- After menopause, a woman needs additional calcium to counteract the thinning of the bones.
Vitamin D- In addition to its role in preventing osteoporosis, vitamin D has been linked to the prevention of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and weight gain
Vitamins E and C- In a recent study, women receiving a combination of vitamins C and E, and exercise did not experience any bone loss during a six-month period, while women receiving placebo did experience detrimental bone loss.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to ease menopausal women’s psychological distress and depressive symptoms, and helps reduce decrease the risk of heart disease.
Probiotics- Beneficial microbes metabolize and recycle hormones, including estrogen, thyroid hormones, and phytoestrogens, which facilitates proper hormonal balance.
Taken all together, these natural compounds can promote healthy hormonal balance, preserve bone tissue, stabilize physical and mental energy, and address many of the problematic symptoms of menopause.
Our Menopause Support supplement provides the first nine specialized herbs, extracts and boron, and Basic Nutrient Support supplies the vitamins C, D and E calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids mentioned as well as a full range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants.
Another very important component of a healthy menopausal lifestyle is exercise. Exercise is invaluable in:
• Keeping bones strong and warding off osteoporosis (through weight-bearing exercise, such as walking)
• Reducing hot flashes
• Promoting better sleep
• Boosting mood
• Enhancing memory and concentration
• Lowering cholesterol
• Maintaining a healthy weight, which lowers the risk of diabetes and heart disease
You do not have to suffer through menopause and the post-menopausal years. A diet that contains God’s natural plant estrogens, a daily nutritional supplement program and regular exercise can allow you to continue to be a light in the world as God intended.
You have a unique way that will bring about healing to your body - ordained and divinely appointed by God. And if you are already blessed with good health, there is a way to help you protect it. God knows exactly what you need as an individual. He will reveal it to you. He promises that.
Dr. Cherry:
Is this a procedure that you would recommend, along with the recommended vitamins/minerals, if needed? Three years ago, I was diagnosed with fibroids (3 were located) -- the bleeding is still flowing heavy, and large clots are being passed. A new challenge that is occurring is: cycle is staying on 2 weeks at a time, going off for maybe 4 or 5 days, and returning heavy again. Currently, I take multi-vitamins/minerals and try to exercise rigidly at least 4 days a weeks; however, the exercise has been put on hold with the heavy bleeding and lower back pains.
Have been considering Uterine Fibroid Embolizatin, but would like to know your thoughts regarding this type of alternative procedure.
I haven't had too many problems with menopause, mostly just hot flushes later in the evening (we won't mention the mood swings - I just blame my husband for those!!), but I do have a concern with taking anything with soy in it because my mother had numerous breast cysts (non-malignant), and because of that history I am reluctant to take or eat any kind of soy, although I have read that different kinds of soy may or may not affect this. Also, I have high blood pressure - would the licorice affest that adversely?
Thank you for your help.
While there had been some confusing reports about soy isoflavones and breast cancer in the past, a recent analysis of 92 studies concluded that soy and red clover-derived isoflavones do not increase the risk of breast cancer.
There has been research linking licorice intake to elevated blood pressure in some sensitive individuals, depending on the amount consumed. Studies have found that levels of about 40-50 mg/day would have no blood pressure effects, with 100 mg/day having minimal effects that may barely be measurable. The amount of licorice root extract in the daily recommended dose of Menopause Support is 88mg.
Given your family and medial history, you should discuss your supplement plan with your healthcare provider.
I'm in menopause. I'm presently using a natural progesterone creme and it has kept my estrogen levels down to where I don't have ovary cysts or fibroids anymore. My doctor is not up on natural supplements and wants me to use
Estrace, an estrogen creme for the vaginal dryness. But it will increase my estrogen levels again. Is there a natural supplement that will help without increasing my estrogen levels. I have been taking 1000 mg. of soy for several years. Reply with answer to e-mail: minipony95@hotmail.com
ijust found out my HbgAlc is 6.6 and i am wondering if i can reverse that to where i won't be a diabetic.what diet should i get started on?i have been feeling so bad that i knew something was wrong and this is it.
I am getting my ovarys removed and tubes beacause of breast cancer and estrogen positive I know I am going to be manopause after this what can I take that dont have estrogen? does your pills have that?
Menopause Support contains plant estrogens, or phytoestrogens. They do act differently from the steroidal estrogens that are produced by your ovaries, however, it is not completely understood how soy and plant estrogens affect women who already have cancer. You need to discuss your options with your doctors before taking any new supplement or making dietary changes. Also pray for healing and pray with understanding.
God bless and our prayers are with you.
have been working on healing for 9 months and different problems have come up and am not sure they are even related to the prolapse. right now i am battling insufficient urine output and my bowels have not been working properly. a couple of days ago my feet started swelling. i do not know of any christian doctor and do not want to go to the doctor again, unless it is someone who has the same beliefs as dr. cherry as put forth in his bood the bible cure. I truly believed and still believe my pathway to healing is just to stand on the word of god, but it has been a long nine months. some encouragement, or advice would be very much appreciated.
Many of Dr. Cherry’s patients take natural supplements with their prescription medications. However, supplements may sometimes interfere with the efficacy of medications. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before starting any nutritional supplement program if you are currently taking prescription medications or if you have a serious health condition. The Pathway to Healing is pleased to be able to answer your questions based upon the information we have available. However, our representatives are not medically trained and therefore cannot provide medical advice. Our answers to your email inquires are not substitutes for any physician's advice nor are they reviewed by a physician. If you are under a physician's care, please share with your doctor any suggestions you have received from The Pathway To Healing.
Is soy okay to take if you have thyroid problems (low) and in menopause? I have read soy will worsen a thyroid condition.
There has been quite a bit of debate and controversy on this subject. In a short summary, soy does seem to have an effect on thyroid hormone status in animal studies, but there just haven’t been human studies that appropriately address the issue of thyroid replacement therapy and soy consumption.
If you are on thyroid replacement, eating soy foods may increase the amount of medication needed (many other foods, herbs, drugs and fiber supplements also affect thyroid medication absorption as well). One strategy is to time the medication between meals, so that the chemical components in food do not interfere with the actions of the medicine. Be sure to discuss your diet and supplements with your physician so he/she can monitor levels of thyroid hormone in the blood to ensure that an appropriate level of medication is prescribed.
Also if you have hypothyroidism, it is important to make sure your iodine intake is adequate.
I have had 2 strokes. Is it still safe for me to take these natural hormones? Will it help with vaginal dryness as well as hot flashes?
Soy has actually been found to reduce the risk of stroke, and a 2008 study on isoflavones (found in soy)indicated that they make stroke patients' arteries work better, so soy/isoflavones may have a dual benefit for you.
Natural plant estrogens address a full range of menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Of course, with your health history, be sure to consult with your doctor before starting a new nutritional supplement program.
I had surgery 5 years ago for a Hystorectomy and I went into Menopause instantly. They took out my ovories and uturas. What can I take naturaly since I have nothing? I use a gel called Divegel and rub on my thigh and now my insurance is telling me that this type of Drug will not be covered on my insurance program.
Divigel contains estradiol, a form of estrogen. The natural compounds listed in the article above, including Menopause Support, would certainly be something you could try as alternatives to traditional estrogen therapy and medication. However, because you already are or have been on estrogen, be sure to discuss any possible changes with your doctor.
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