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boynicholas -> RE: menopause and bdsm (7/10/2005 8:51:01 AM)
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Most of the herbal preparations that purport to 'safely and naturally' treat menopause rely on one of two things for effect: placebo or phytoestrogens. However, despite what their proponents would have you believe, the estrogen effect that happens from phytoestrogens is just as able to cause side effects as is premarin. If a chemical compound sits on the estrogen receptor and turns it on, it doesn't matter whether it is from a weed or a factory, you get the same effects – namely: relief of some menopausal symptoms, but also increased risk of breast cancer and vascular disease.
That said, in some women menopausal symptoms can be a big problem and cause a lot of morbidity, so it is not unreasonable treat these symptoms when the small absolute increases in risk are outweighed by the benefits of treatment. So while taking certain of these herbal preps is sometimes OK, you need to make an informed decision understanding the risks involved as well. Don't make the mistake of assuming that 'natural' = 'safe.'
On the flip side, most of the supplements that are marketed as libido aids generally have some sort of chemical effective at the androgen receptor. And again, if it actually sits on the receptor and activates it, you will get the effects and the side effects of androgens. And the side effects in women can sometimes be unpleasant. There is a good Consumer's Report article about this: “Dangerous supplements: still at large.” Consumer Reports. May 2004. In that article, one of these androgenic substances was actually listed among the 12 dangerous products you should avoid.
However, the biggest reason that I can see to avoid herbal preps and to use prescribed medications is simply that you are much more likely to get what you expect. In that same consumer's report article, they cite that in their analysis, the amount of the active ingredient in certain supplement preps varied from none to 150% of the stated amount on the bottle. Moreover, unlisted compounds are not infrequently included in certain supplements... as I recall recently there was a problem with one of the imported TCM preps containing an oral diabetes medicine.
So you certainly can take supplements if you like, however, you should choose to do so in an informed manner. I think that consumer's reports article should be required reading for anyone who wants to take a dietary supplement.
Nick
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