In a nutshell-  Phytoestrogens...

• Occur naturally in nature and have the ability to bind to an estrogen site within the body, without having any estrogen effect.
  
• Have been shown clinically to reduce many of the menopausal symptoms while at the same time being very safe.
  
• Some of the most common and best-studied phytoestrogens are: Soy isoflavones; Black Cohosh; Licorice Root; Dong Quai.

Digging a little deeper –

With all the research pointing to the negative side effects of prescription Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) attention has been turned to more natural ways to help a woman through the discomforts of menopause.

Menopause is a difficult time in a woman’s life. Medical professionals state that the 3-4 years before a woman stops menstruating are often the most difficult of all. This time period is referred to as ‘Perimenopause.’ Hormonal output of the ovaries doesn’t just stop one day, there is an erratic decrease over time that can cause emotional instability, mental fogginess, hot flashes, night sweats, and even vaginal dryness. Many women only require hormonal support during this time period and for a short time after menopause.

According to Dr. Ray Strand, a leading authority on cellular nutrition, “Phytoestrogens occur naturally in nature and have the ability to bind to an estrogen site within the body, without having any estrogen effect. They have been shown clinically to reduce many of the menopausal symptoms while at the same time being very safe.” He further lists some of the most common and best-studied phytoestrogens: Soy isoflavones; Black Cohosh; Licorice Root; Dong Quai.

When looking for alternative and natural treatment please do your homework first. Find out if the products you are considering are:

• ‘Guaranteed’ which means that what’s on the label is EXACTLY what is in the product, nothing more and nothing less. Most companies, unfortunately, do not guarantee their product.
• Are the ingredients Pharmaceutical grade? Poor quality ingredients can cause more harm than good when they contain dangerous levels of toxins.
• Does the company follow GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) ensuring quality and satisfaction.
• Lastly, is the company certified by NSF, an independent, not-for-profit organization that helps protect consumers by certifying products and writing standards for food, water, air and consumer goods? (More information on NSF can be found at http://www.nsf.org.)

Always consult with your physician before making any changes in current medications. If your doctor is not interested in learning about the many benefits of cellular nutrition and the benefits of supplementation, I suggest you find a new physician who is open to the many benefits pharmaceutical grade supplementation and alternative treatments can offer.*

For the highest rated products that meet ALL these criteria shop USANA. www.fitnessbygemma.usana.com

To order USANA PhytoEstrin supplement products please go to my website www.fitnessbygemma.usana.com.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
* Never make changes to prescription medication without the consent of your physician as terrible side effects can occur.

References:
Strand, R., MD. Healthy for Life, Real Life Press, 2005.
Strand, R., MD. "Menopause". raystrand.com