I've received quite a few e-mails responding to last week's e-Alert about the sudden halt of the Women's Health Initiative HRT study ("All the News That's Fit to Print - Plus the Truth!" 7/9/02). HSI member Sherri F. wrote with this question: "Is there a difference between progestin and progesterone? I think we need some clarification." Good suggestion, Sherri. This e-mail from Dr. Joanne V. has some very specific information about progestin, progesterone and the WHI study. "It is a well known fact in the professional world that the HRT derivatives being used were synthetics. Unfortunately the average individual does not understand the details and, in my opinion, the media is as responsible for confusion as anyone by leaving the educational component out of the report. Progestin is a patented drug form of the real deal namely progesterone. The estrogen being used was also along the same line as Premarin, phony and unhealthy. As a practitioner, I often recommend women discuss a bi-est or tri-est from Woman's International Pharmacy in Wisconsin, with their family physician. For some women herbal combinations do not seem to do the trick. I also highly recommend natural progesterone cream with the combination (again for women who have not had hysterectomies). "I wanted to add one more piece of information. To all women please do not forget those wonderful essential fatty acids for hormonal health on both sides of the scale. I can not tell you the degree of satisfaction I achieve just adding essential fatty acids, equivalent of 2-3 tbsp. daily, and digestive enzymes, preferably broad spectrum and above average potency, along with watching your starch or complex carb intake. Don't forget the importance also of eating fermented foods such as organic yogurt, no fat free stuff, sauerkraut, and apple cider vinegar. The health of your intestinal flora will also keep healthy estrogens recirculating thereby helping to control pre-ms and post-ms symptoms. We should always choose natural over synthetic hormones." Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to share this information with your fellow members.
To Your Good Health,
Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute
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