Natural way to combat ovarian cysts

From the NewStraitTimes.com----good overview of polycystic ovary syndrome. Interesting reading---click here!

Volunteers wanted for hot flash study

This might interest you if you are living in the Midwest: from the Springfield, MO Leader newspaper----a chance to participate in a study on hot flashes. Click here to read more.....

Female Sexual Dysfunction: Myth or Malady?

You will never convince me that female dysfunction is not real----I know from personal experience, and that of the many women I have talked to that loss of libido around the time of peri/menopause is one of the most common complaints among women. Bioidentical hormone balance makes a big difference, and a little testosterone cream works wonders. Time Magazine looks at the issue in this article.

Good quote on this weekend of Thanksgiving......

"There are moments on most days when I feel a deep and sincere gratitude, when I sit at the open window, and there is a blue sky or moving clouds."

- Kathe Kollwitz

In Search of Their Own Elixir of Love

I'm a firm believer that bioidentical hormone replacement can restore libido, in fact, with the ladies I correspond with, it is often mentioned as one of the significant benefits of balanced hormones. This article in the NY Times caught my eye, it gives me hope that more doctors/practitioners are at least recognizing that a woman's sex life isn't over at menopause. It makes me so mad that most insurances will cover Viagra for men, but often will not cover female sexual dysfunction in women.

This is a hoot!

If you are not already subscribing to Mary Shomon's About.com Thyroid newsletter----you are missing out on important, educational material about the spectrum of thyroid dysfunction. Her books are on my list of recommended reading, and I am very grateful for her, as I am hypothyroid myself and she has taught me a great deal. When I opened her newsletter this morning, this article popped up, a lighthearted look at thyroid and Thanksgiving (bet you didn't know they went together---see, I am here to educate you!) There's a link at the bottom of the article to write to the author---I did to tell her how much I enjoyed her take on the holiday. Have a great day, everyone, I am off to the gym, then home to watch a Law and Order Marathon (one of my guilty pleasures) while I catch up on stuff around the house-----no shopping for me today (or until the holidays are over!)

Getting more bang for your buck

You are likely asking why I am including an exercise article on the blog----but exercise is an important part of getting healthy (just ask me, I'm not dragging my butt to the gym five-six days a week because I like sniffing the locker rooms!) This article from TheProvince.com has an interesting piece of information about how exercise can affect the cortisol levels (I have a particular interest in this because I have adrenal fatigue). Have a great day everyone, get out there and burn off those Thanksgiving calories---either by exercising or shopping (not this girl, I don't celebrate/observe Christmas so I stay FAR away from the stores until the first of the year!)

Vitamin D Deficiencies Rise as Winter Arrives

I think of this almost every day now when I see the sun go down so early----winter increases the risk of Vitamin D deficiency, not only because the days are shorter, but also because the sun when it is out is not as strong, and we tend to spend more time indoors in the colder weather. Check out this article from the Examiner.com.

Middle Aged Women with a Wider Waist Could Be at Higher Risk for Dementia

This is enough to scare me into not snacking on junk food-----check out this article from betterhealthresearch.com (one of my friend's husband was diagnosed with dementia this spring at the age of 61, so it's always a least a little on my mind.)

Would you change your diet for good sex?

(Yep, I was right, that got your attention!) From the TucsonCitizen.com----click here to read about 10 foods that may help your body balance your sex hormones. Good balance means better sex.

Flaxseed and bone health

I take flaxseed oil every day----in capsule form. For those of you who like nuts, try grinding up some flax seed and add it to a protein shake/smoothie (I just don't happen to like nuts!) Flaxssed contains Omega 3 oils, important to bone health ---- click here to read more from DrCutler.com.

Drugmakers Get Double Dose of Bad News Over Hormone-Replacement Therapy Products

Ouch. Click here to read the article.....

Hormone Therapy: Synthetic Progestins Are Not The Same As Progesterone

Important reading for all interested in bioidentical hormone therapy----I can't tell you how many doctors I have heard on TV or in the print media flatly say that progesterone and progestin are the same thing---NO THEY AREN'T! Check out this article by Dr. Northrup from The Huffington Post.

Menopause - No More A Taboo

Heads up, this article is from the Malaysian National News Agency.....but I thought it provided an interesting perspective on how we are seeing menopause and aging issues as a planet, not just how we see them in the US. I think it's kind of neat to know that women in other countries are starting to become more aware of an interested in their health (and that their husbands are willing to join them at menopause seminars!). I enjoyed reading it, it made me feel good, and I hope it has the same effect on you.

Do Statin Drugs Cause Vitamin D Deficiency?

I went to a terrific bioidentical hormone seminar a couple weeks ago, and one of the issues discussed was how the statin drugs for lowering cholesterol should be taken with a CoQ10 supplement---many doctors still don't know this. Now this article from stopagingnow.com (they sell supplements--I'm not endorsing them as I do not know anything about them) asks if the statin drugs are causing a Vitamin D (which is really a prohormone) deficiency, which in turn is causing the muscle aches so commonly associated with the statin drugs. Interesting reading!

Testosterone, Menopause, and Heart Disease

This morning's article is from EmPowHer.com ----- discusses the role of testosterone, menopause and heart disease. An important issue, check it out by clicking here, and be sure to discuss this with your physician.

Peace of Mind or Power of Me

Dr. Oz weighs in on the mammogram controversy----click here to check it out!

Check this out on Facebook!

Good morning, everyone! I know some of you are active on Facebook (including me---as Holy Hormones, of course) and I wanted to let you know----Dr. Ronald L. Brown has a Facebook page that you will want to check out. Dr. Brown is a physician here in Charlotte, and he wrote what I consider to be one of the best books on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy --- The Youth Effect (it's available on Amazon.com). Dr. Brown is considered the "go to" practice here in Charlotte for BHRT. Dr. Brown's page twice weekly posts excerpts from his book---some good, solid information included. If you aren't already on Facebook----click here and get started!

Oh, goodness, I just got FIVE new hormone/health books yesterday in my Amazon.com order---it will keep me busy for the next couple months reading, studying and reviewing for the blog (I don't celebrate the holiday season, so I will have extra time to read and study in December). I will post reviews of the books as I finish them. Hope everyone has a great Saturday planned, I am off to meet a friend at another friend's church bazzar---maintaining friendships and having fun is as important to my overall health as is my hormone and vitamin protocol!

For your enjoyment!

Mammogram guidelines are flawed

Another interesting article (my email box is filling as we speak) -- this one from the BaltimoreSun.com. Have a great weekend everyone!

MinnPost - Outrage over new mammogram advice is misplaced

MinnPost - Outrage over new mammogram advice is misplaced

New study questions effectiveness of popular cholesterol drugs

This has gotten a lot of press this week----an article from the WashingtonPost.com. I know it's not exactly hormone related (but as an aside, the bioidentical hormones also got my cholesterol way down) but my guess is at least a few of my blog readers either are taking one of these meds themselves, or know someone who is.

A screening change based on evidence

I know, the news of the last two days has been alarming, confusing, contradictory-----oh, you haven't been listening to the news? Well, new recommendations are out regarding mammograms (the only better timing would have been if they had released this last month durng breast cancer awareness month!). There will likely be a flood of articles out (I'm 51, due for my next mammogram in January 2010----and I'm not even going to pester Dr. Carr with the quesiton until the first of the year---I bet his email is flooded right now with inquiries)--but this one from the NewsandObserver.com caught my eye---it's an opinion piece written by a female Duke University oncologist.

Women and Depression, Part I

It's well known that depression affects more women than men, and it is also well known that hormones play a significant role in depression. Sadly, I am finding out how many women, when they try to talk to their doctors about peri/menopause issues, especially hormone balance, are handed a prescription for an antidepressant as a way to get them out of an office quickly. I saw this article in this morning's Baltimore Sun that I thought was important to share (especially around the holiday time when depression often increases)----click here to read. Have a good day, everyone!

Heart and bone risk from low vitamin D

Another reason to take Vitamin D----check out this article from UPI.com. It's funny how so many of these articles show up on my newsfeed on days that I need to be extra vigilant about taking my Vitamin D ---- no sunshine here in NC, and it's pouring down rain.

Yoga for Hot Flashes

I've heard about this before-----check out this article from EmPowher.com. I have done yoga off and on throughout my life, and I really need to get back to it (with some modifications---bad back). It really helps to center me, if only for the time that I am doing it (I have attention deficit disorder, and although the progesterone creams helps tremendously----enough to get off the Concerta I took for years). This would be the perfect time for me to get back to yoga as I need all the centering I can get-----I don't celebrate or observe the holidays, so the Christmas music in the stores (since Halloween!) drives me straight. up. the. wall. If you use yoga (either for hot flashes, or just your form of exercise, etc.) leave me a comment!

Town Center Pharmacy, Palm Desert, CA

As most of you know, my hormone physician is in Southern CA, and I generally have my hormones compounded at Town Center Pharmacy in Palm Desert, CA. I have generally recommended them to those who have asked-------but I will no longer do so, as they have, for a second time, screwed up my order. I was very specific and clear when I placed a phone order to them last week, the order arrived today and they messed it up-----sent me progesterone cream that I do not need (and this really is a problem since progesterone has a limited shelf life and then starts losing potency). Anyone can make a mistake once, but twice, on something so important-----now I will not recommend them anymore. As I stated in an email to my doctor, I'm glad Suzanne Somer's approves of Town Center Pharmacy (they are now listed in the back of her latest book) because I sure as hell don't!

Meditation Halves Risk of Heart Attack

Good grief-----this article is eye opening! It's from Sciencemag.org, and details a study that shows that for those who have existing coranary disease can cut the risk of another cardiac event in half by incorporating meditation and relaxation techniques into their routine. I do not have any heart problems, but this article is enough to get me back on track meditating consistently. By the way, did you know that you can download a lot of meditation podcasts free on ITunes (I love my IPod and IPhone). Just thought I would share that with you. Have a great, meditative day, everyone!

The other side of the story on bioidenticals

If you do not already subscribe to the Women in Balance newsletter-----I urge you to do so, as you will get some great information presented in a logical, easy to read manner. Check out this article ---- it's a terrific rebuttal to some of the negative press that BHRT has been getting lately in the "mainstream media".

5 things you need to know to put the brakes on aging!

Some pretty good tips in this article from ABC15.com (Arizona ABC affiliate), click here to check it out!

What You Don't Know About Osteoporosis

From the Huffiington Post----good article with lots of information about how bioidentical hormones affect the risk of osteporosis. I was diagnosed with osteopenia three years ago, but my most recent DEXA (bone density scan) showed that not only do I no longer have osteopenia, but that my bone density is comfortably in the normal range now. I was a very happy girl, and my doctors were thrilled too!

Hormone replacement not option for woman experiencing hot flashes

It's a good thing I take progesterone (keeps me calm) because reading this article from the Hattiesburgamerican.com website has got to be one of the most factually incorrect, ignorant statements by a doctor regarding bioidentical hormone therapy. It's so stupid it would be funny---except a lot of women may read it and believe it. As soon as I finish this post, I plan to write a comment to the paper. Deep breath, calm down.

Is Drinking Tea or Coffee the Smarter Choice?

I'm not a coffee drinker (my bad habit is still drinking too much diet soda----I'm working on it but I swear the stuff is as addictive as crack) but I thought this article from foodconsumer.org would interest you----and if you are wondering what this has to do with hormones---read the article, especially the part about adrenal fatigue, progesterone and estrogen dominance.

Menopause and the life cycle of your bones

I've been looking for a while for an article that explains (in terms laypeople can understand) the process of osteoporosis (and its precursor osteopenia) in menopausal women. This article from Canada.com does just that----check it out, and have a great Sunday!

Two worthy supplements

From the Westlibertyindex.com----an article detailing the benefits of fish oil and Vitamin D3. I take both---ask your doctor about what supplements are right for you!

Desire Drug May Prove Sex Really Is All in Her Head

(sigh) Here's a case where a drug company has spent who knows how many millions of dollars to create a drug for a problem that can be corrected by the correct (bioidentical) hormone therapy replacement. Check out this article from Bloomberg News.

Black men at higher risk of false positives in prostate testing

This is a quick little article from WKOW that may affect someone you love----a University of Wisconson study shows that black men have a higher incidence of false positive PSA blood test levels (an indicator of prostate cancer). Just something to be aware of.....hae a great weekend, everyone!

This has nothing to do with hormones, but I loved it and wanted to share it with everyone!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Jane Goodall
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

Vitamin D may help in the battle with diabetes

This article from the HeraldReview.com comes with the usual caveats-----check with your doctor, as any Vitamin/prohormone (which is what Vitamin D really is -- a prohormone, not a vitamin) can intereact with medications, other supplements, etc.

BioIdentical Hormone Disinformation From AP Medical Writer, Marilynn Marchione

IMPORTANT READING!!!!! Dr. Jeffrey Dach is one of the nation's most outspoken advocates for bioidentical hormone therapy, and in this article from OpEdNews.com, he rips apart an article written recently by an AP medical writer, Marilyn Marchione (you more than likely have read it, it has appeared in newspapers all over the country). If you are looking for some good talking points to fend off your friends, family, colleages and sadly, even a lot of healthcare professionals who disapprove of your decision to take BHRT---take notes while you are reading this article.

How a bar of dark chocolate a day could cut your stress levels

Honestly, this is nothing really new---but since it's Friday, I wanted to start your weekend off right. I am more a fan of milk chocolate (oh, boy, am I a fan of milk chocolate), but I have been making a concerted effort that when I do need a piece of chocolate to eat the dark stuff. I have found Trader Joe's dark chocolate bars to be a very deep, rich chocolate, so a small piece is satisfying. Click here to read the article from the Mailonline.com (based in the UK).

Vitamin D and you

If you were experiencing first hand how rainy and dreary the weather in Charlotte has been this week, you would know why I am so into Vitamin D3 articles this week! This one if from the blog Crazy Sexy Life and is written by Dr. Frank Lipman. Great information about Vitamin D levels, how much to take, how often to test, symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency (I get asked this question a lot!). Click here to check it out-----I'm off to the gym for a workout!

Risk of hip fracture in postmenopausal women rises steeply with age

I'm not sharing this article from e!sciencenews.com to scare you----just as a gentle reminder to take care of your bone health so that you minimize your risk of hip fractures as you age (you did take your Vitamin D3 today, right?) Have a great day, everyone!

Suzanne Somer's Book Knockout

I got a copy of Suzanne Somer's latest book Knockout from the library, and read most of it. I will tell you that some of it is quite honestly, over my head, and I read a lot of health books/articles/websites, mostly as they relate to bioidentical hormone therapy. I watched Ms. Somer's interview on Larry King Live, and thought she got nailed big time by the two "conventional" doctors on the show. I was especially struck by the doctor who asked her what a "43" meant in terms of her immune system, she stumbled over the answer and finally just said "it's means my immune system is strong".

I am also somewhat troubled by the opening chapters in her book where she details her "full body cancer" scare, and her misdiagnosis by six doctors. I guarantee you that if 6 doctors in one hospital misdiagnosed me and I had as high a public profile as Ms. Somer's does----I would be on every talk show in America listing the hospital, the doctors, you name it. Full page ads in a bunch of newspapers-----I would be out for blood. I am all too well aware of what screw ups there are in the medical profession, sadly, I've been to a few (which is why I am so adamant about women checking out any new doctor). I think the public would be educated by Ms. Somers and these six doctors coming together to talk about how her case was handled. I'm not holding my breath that it's going to happen.

If I were to be diagnosed with cancer, I know that I simply could not, on a limited, fixed income, afford the alternative treatments that Ms. Somer's is detailing in this new book. Most people of modest means are struggling to maintain the health care they have, and sadly, too many have no coverage at all ----- I have gotten no less than 50 emails in the last several months from women who are feeling terrible effects of peri/menopause, and yet they feel stuck because they can't afford some of the very high professional fees charged by some of the doctors who are (or claim to be) experts in bioidentical hormones. I have detailed before that most of the doctors who work with bioidentical hormones (including my personal physician) do not take insurance of any kind----because the insurance companies generally will flatly refuse to pay for hormonal balance (unless it's a five minute office appointment to get a prescription for pregnant mare's urine---synthetic hormones). I am furious at how close minded, obstinate, and ignorant the US medical community is about the issue of bioidentical hormone replacement. and I bless my hormone doctor every day for being progressive enough to "think out of the box" and want his patients to feel well without the toxicity of the myriad of prescription drugs that are all too often routinely prescribed. I hope that in time this attitude by the mainstream medical community will change, and I hope I live long enough to see it --- another reason to down that handful of vitamins every day.

I have both praised Ms. Somer's for her tireless advocacy in bringing the subject of biodentical hormones to the forefront, and cricitized her sometimes "over the top" attitude that a) makes a lot of women who might want to take BHRT give up before they start because they think this is a therapy only available to women of means, b) antagonizes a lot of doctors into digging in their heels on the issue of bioidentical hormones, and c) sometimes makes her look like she feels superior to those who are not proponents of BHRT. I have said more than once on this blog that I have read Ms. Somer's books on hormone therapy, but that my preference for women who ask me to recommend books is to provide them with book titles that have been written by physicians and other healthcare professionals.

I'm providing you with two links to articles today, both from The Daily Beast. The first link is to an article written by Suzanne Somers, and the second is, shall we say, an opposing viewpoint written by Gerald Posner. Have a great, hormonally balanced day, everyone!

If you are following me on Twitter---

I believe my account has been corrupted, I have gotten four messages from people saying I sent them a direct message (DM) and they don't understand it-----I have not sent anyone a direct message in over 4 months. Sorry for the confusion, apparently it's a Twitterwide problem.

Viagra, Cialis, Levitra Recommended Over Hormones for Impotence

Well, if this physician's group thinks more research needs to be done on hormonal treatments for impotence, why don't they convince their friends at Pfizer, Eli Lily, and Bayer to pony up the funds for the research---then they could PROVE their expensive drugs are more beneficial than bioidentical hormone therapy. Yeah, right, I have a better chance of seeing God on a pony ride down Interstate 77 than that happening (I am so sick of big Pharma and their crap). Click here to read the article on Bloomberg that has me dripping sarcasm.

Durango Herald News, Finding a cause of sleep problems

Durango Herald News, Finding a cause of sleep problems

Low sex drive? Testosterone gel could help -- or not

From the Twin Cities.com website----$45,000,000 will be spent over the next few years to study whether testosterone gel will help men with low energy or low sex drive. Doctors who are experts in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy already know how important adequate testosterone levels are for men AND women---------and compounded testosterone cream is way less expensive than the pharmaceutical products you see in the commercials. You want to start controling health care costs----oh, don't get me started.

Doctors start to include vitamin D in fight against cancer

There is much debate about using Vitamin D as a tool in cancer prevention---this article from the Globe and Mail is just one of many that have crossed my desk the last couple weeks. The usual caution to check with your doctor about the amount of Vitamin D you need to be taking---the recommendations vary wildly (although I must say that the 1000 IU's listed in this article seem low, especially since the study was done in Canada, which is far enough north of the equator that it is widely thought that Vitamin D levels are almost always insufficient because of the lack of sunshine in the winter months). Be sure to check with your doctor before adding any vitamin to your regime (I personally just downed 5000 IU's of Vitamin D3 about five minutes ago with my protein shake).

Age, not menopause, to blame for broken bones

I've had several women who went through early menopause ask if it will lead to increased risk of osteoporosis---I think all of us worry about hip fractures as we age. Click here to check out an article on ABC News on the subject.

5 Ways To Lower Your Medical Bills

With or without insurance---health care bills (particularly for complementary treatments like bioidentical hormones) are a stress on most of us. My policy went up $70 per month in September and it is making me nuts---and worried how much more it's going to go up each year. This article from Healthgrades.com details five ways to lower your medical bills---good reading. Have a great Monday!

Watch for depression during and after menopause

I'm sure none of you will be surprised by the study findings detailed in this article from Reuters---I'm here to tell you that my depression was greatly alleviated by bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. I had been on a succession of antidepressants since the mid 1990's, and after I started the progresterone cream in 2006---within four months I was able to get off (and stay off ) any antidepressant medication. I'm not saying antidepressants are never warranted---but most women in peri/menopause have a hormone deficiency, not a Lexapro/Prozac/Effexor deficiency.

Sunshine vitamin stirs new debate

From the Washington Times----a lengthy, but comprehensive article on Vitamin D (which, by the way, is a prohormone, not a vitamin) and its effects on the body. I for one plan on getting out today and enjoying the sunshine of NC---it's a beautiful day here!

Doctors, Patients Disagree Over Safety of Bioidentical Hormones

This is one of those articles that makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time. It's from the Fox News affiliate in Springfield, MA. Per usual, it talks about the controversy over BHRT, and of course, quotes a doctor against it, this time Baystate Medical Center's Chief of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Dr. Cynthia Sites. "I don't think there's any reason to think that any of them are safer. A hormone is a hormone, whether it comes from a plant or it's synthesized in a lab." says Dr. Sites. Despite all of the studies that clearly show bioidentical hormones to be safer and work more effectively (with less risk) than synthetic hormones ---- this doctor still recommends traditional hormone replacement therapy. I wish there was an emoticon that could effectively convey me rolling my eyes.

PS--I swear to you, some day I am just going to snap and bite the next arrogant doctor that tells me a hormone is a hormone. Just thought I would share.

Associated Press declares war on alternative medicine (opinion) by Mike Adams the Health Ranger

Associated Press declares war on alternative medicine (opinion) by Mike Adams the Health Ranger

A dose of vitamin D a day keeps the doctor away

This article from Tulsaworld.com is important reading for everyone---diabetic or not! Remember to get Vitamin D3 (as stated in the article) as it is the most useable form of Vitamin D (how ironic, I just heard that at a BHRT seminar this morning!)

Anothere milestone!

The Holy Hormones blog is now over 15,000 hits ----- as always, you ladies rock, and I have much to be thankful, especially your support. Have a great, healthy weekend!

Scientific evidence found linking second-hand smoke exposure to pre-menopausal breast cancer

Another reason to avoid people who smoke....check out this article from News-Medical.net.

Battling the Winter Blues: dealing with S.A.D

I have a lot of experience with Seasonal Affective Disorder----I used to live in Upstate NY, where seeing the sun between late October and about mid-April is a rare occurence (no, seriously---it's really gloomy up there!) I even used to use a special light every morning to help with it. I'm much better now that I live in NC, and of course, the bioidentical hormones and the handful of supplements (including Vitamin D) I take every day are very helpful. This article is important reading ----- especially for those of you who live in harsher climates in the Northern half of the country.

Obesity linked to specific cancers

From USA Today.com-----it's pretty self explanatory. I've lost a lot of weight, but still have a ways to go----time to go read one of my mindful eating books again! Have a great weekend, everyone!

NIH Looking for a Few Good Old Men with Low Testosterone to Join Clinical Trial

From SeniorJournal.com----this may be of interest to your spouse, parent or other loved one. At the bottom of the article are a list of 12 sites where the study is taking place, along with phone numbers for more information.

Get the best menopause advice from your GP

This article orginated in the United Kingdom (England)---but there's some good, sound advice no matter where you live. I have long advocated and encouraged women to do their research on menopause, bioidentical hormones, etc. and write down their questions to take into the doctor. I further encourage women that if their doctor blows them off-----time for a new doctor. I wish I hadn't wasted so much time with a couple of doctors who blew me off, but I am very grateful to now have two doctors who think I am important enough to be taken care of with dignity and respect.

Does Vitamin D Improve Brain Function?

God, I hope it does (being menopausal and ADD in the same lifetime is uh----a challenge!) Scientific American's article on the subject is fascinating reading ------but here's the problem: if you are cognitively impaired, are you going to be able to remember to take the Vitamin D that will improve your cognitive function (I'm playing devil's advocate here---sometimes my sarcastic sense of humour doesn't fully come across in postings----and my stress level is off the charts today----I will post about it after I settle down a little). As always, check with your doctor (and by the way, Medicare will pay for a Vitamin D test for those over you of that age). I take 5000 IU's daily of Vitamin D3, but your optimal dose needs to be decided by you and your health care provider.

Interesting quote!

"It's surprising how many persons go through life without ever recognizing that their feelings toward other people are largely determined by their feelings toward themselves, and if you're not comfortable within yourself, you can't be comfortable with others."
- Sydney Harris

Vitamin D for back pain relief?

This article from Dr. Cutler.com caught my eye-----I go to a pain management specialist here in Charlotte (he's terrific, Dr. Mark Hines if anyone in this area ever needs that type of doctor) and I was going over my list of vitamins with Dr. Hines one day (I do not put any supplement in my mouth that at least one of my two doctors---Dr. Hines or Dr. Carr in CA approve). We got into a discussion about Vitamin D, and he said that an article he had just read in a physician journal stated that over 70% of chronic pain patients are Vitamin D deficient. I'm not one of them, as I take 5000 IU's daily, and I have been taking that dose for about 3 1/2 years. I do think it has helped with muscle pain, I am not stiff in the morning like I used to be. As always, check with your own health care practitioner.

Coffee may lower endometrial cancer risk

From China Daily ----- an article discussing the effect of drinking coffee on the incidence of endometrial cancer. I'm not a coffe drinker (but I know from emails that many of you are!) and I haven't had a uterus since mid-2002, but thought this was an interesting article to share. Are you on your way to Starbucks now for a venti coffee? If you are, have a pumpkin scone for me---they are to die for!

Hormone Replacement Therapy Decreases Mortality In Younger Postmenopausal Woman According To Study

From Medical News Today-----findings that HRT (since the article does not indicate whether the HRT involved is synthetic or bioidentical, I will assume it's synthetic) decreases overall mortality in younger postmenopausal women. Add to that the fact that balanced bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has been shown in numerous studies in Europe and elsewhere to be safer than synthetic HRT for the risk of breast cancer ----- those of us on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy have increased their chances of living a long, healthy life!

Fight the flu with vitamin D supplements

From the Chicago Daily Herald Online-----further evidence that Vitamin D boosts your immune system! Again, be sure to check with your doctor before starting/increasing a supplement (just because something is over the counter doesn't mean there is no risk---vitamins and supplements can interact with medications). I take 5000 IU's daily (per my doctor) and in the last three years, I have had two very light colds (about 24 hours in duration) and no flu illnesses.

Woman's Doc: Endometrial Cancer & Obesity

There have been a whole slew of articles in the last week or so on the connection between endometrial cancer and obesity----this report from WBAL in Baltimore is short and to the point. One concern, however, is that the author of the article is suggesting progestin as a way to thin the uterine lining, progestin is a synthetic hormone----not the same as progesterone. As always, if this is a concern to you, talk to your doctor.

Seasonal Vitamin D supplement launched by USANA Health Sciences

Oh, for God's sake-----here's a great example of marketing! We need a "seasonal" supplement?!?! Good grief, go to your local pharmacy/doctor's office/online and get Vitamin D3 in 2000 IU dosing (mine is a little gel pill----it's round and looks like a fish oil's little brother) and take that. As always, check with your doctor/health care practitioner before starting any new supplement, but most doctors will enthusiastically endorse patients getting a Vitamin D boost. A great, sunny day here in Charlotte, get out and enjoy your day!

Posting will be late today----

I'm on my way to a fun adventure---a tour of the cooking school at Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte (and if you knew how dismal my cooking skills are--you would know what an adventure this is!). I will post later on in the day.....happy Monday (I know a contradiction in terms)!

Good sound health advice to start the month

"A sense of humor is a major defense against minor troubles."

- Mignon McLaughlin