Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Dynamic World of Natural Medicine…

What are hormones and how do they work?
What are the most common symptoms of hormonal imbalance?
What are Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs?
What is Estrogen?
What is progesterone?
What is testosterone?
What are synthetic Hormones?
What are phytoestrogens and how do they work?
What are isoflavones?
Can I eat soy to get more estrogen?
What isoflavone supplements do you recommend?
What is Tri-est and Bi-est?
Why are my adrenal glands so important?
Why is weight gain so common during the menopausal transition?
How do my hormones get unbalanced?
How do I know if my hormones are out of balance?
What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
What is Peri-menopause?
What is Menopause?
What about the Post-menopausal years?
Do you recommend bio-identical Estrogen?
What can women who have a history of cancer and can’t take soy or isoflavones use to control their symtpoms?
What form of Progesterone do you recommend?
Can I eat wild yams to get more progesterone?
Why use a transdermal cream?
Where do I get my natural hormones and supplements?
How do I take my supplements?
What is Fibromyalgia?
What is Andropause?
Can Men use Progesterone Cream?
What is DHEA?
What are Natural or Bio-identical Hormones?
Why are Freedom from Menopause® hormones the preferred method for replacing your hormones?
What is a compounding pharmacy?
Is Blood Work or Saliva Testing Really Necessary to Evaluate my Hormone Levels?
How do I apply the progesterone cream?
What should I do if I develop new symptoms after starting my progesterone cream therapy?
How long should I continue using the progesterone cream?
Is there an age limit for use of the progesterone Cream?

What are hormones and how do they work?Hormones are our bodies' chemical messengers. They travel through the bloodstream to trigger certain activities or changes in the body. Hormones work by binding to specialized areas of cells known as receptor sites. There they initiate a chain of events in specific cells, organs and systems. The body produces many hormones, but the most significant hormones related to the female cycle are estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

What is Estrogen?Estrogen is a female sex hormone. Women produce greatest amounts in the ovaries, adrenal glands and fat tissue. It is the dominant hormone during the first part of the cycle causing the uterine lining to thicken and at mid cycle causes ovulation. Estrogen contributes to bone and cardiac health, vaginal lubrication and many other physical and emotional aspects of health. At one time low estrogen was blamed for all of the discomfort associated with menopause, but current medical research has lead to the discovery that it is a lack of progesterone that is not only responsible for many symptoms of menopause but PMS as well. Three forms of Estrogen are produced in the human body; Estrone (E1) - This form of estrogen is found in the woman's body mostly after menopause. Estradiol (E2) - This is the strongest form and is thought to produce the greatest side effects. Estriol (E3) - This is the weakest form and produces the lease amount of side effects.Back to Top

What is progesterone?Like estrogen, progesterone is a female sex hormone. It is also produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands, and during pregnancy in the placenta. During the reproductive years, progesterone prepares the uterine lining for pregnancy. Each month, progesterone levels rise following ovulation and then gradually fall to trigger a monthly menstrual period. Progesterone balances the effects of estrogen and when not enough progesterone is present can lead to Premenstrual Syndrome and/or menopausal symptoms.Back to Top

What are Vitamins, minerals, and herbs?

Vitamins - Today it’s harder for us to receive the nutrients we need from our food than it was for our grandparents. Whether it’s attributable to our busy lifestyles, environmental hazards like smog and pollution, or to foods grown in nutrient poor soil, getting all the needed vitamins and minerals directly from our diets is rarely a simple matter. The addition of a good multivitamin is more important than ever to supplement our diets.

It is important for women of childbearing age to meet daily nutritional requirements, especially for vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and folic acid. It is during these years that women prepare for future health, building stores of calcium supporting the prevention of osteoporosis as well as maintaining an intake of folic acid to prevent birth defects in future pregnancies.

Women past the childbearing years face the beginning effects of aging and menopause. As we successfully advance into maturity, we begin to notice differences in our health and appearance. Nutrients play different yet very important roles during these stages in a woman’s life.

Health is a proactive choice, and a choice that should reflect the specific needs of your body. There are vitamins to give women options designed specifically to meet these various needs. Whether your needs are for prenatal support, support to make the transition through menopause, post-menopause, or just overall female health, we offer products that let you address your health requirements.

Minerals - Five percent of our body’s weight is comprised of minerals. These minerals are involved in numerous bodily functions including regulating enzyme metabolism, transferring nutrients to cells, maintaining nerves, contracting muscles, and balancing body fluids. As important as they are, obtaining minerals through diet alone can be difficult, especially the minerals referred to as trace minerals such as vanadium, silicon, and boron. The added stresses of trauma, surgery or multiple drug therapies cause our bodies to require even higher amounts of minerals for proper functioning.

Herbs - Herbal formulations have a long history of healing power. Our herbals are carefully selected to reflect a combination of science, traditional use, and results. Medicinal herbs provide a natural adjunct to alternative and traditional health care.

What is testosterone?Testosterone is a hormone predominantly produced in males but is also a very important female sex hormone. Produced by women in the ovaries and adrenal glands, it plays an important role in health and well-being. Examples include; enhanced libido, energy, immune function and protection against osteoporosis (through conversion to estradiol). Progesterone is a precursor to testosterone and often progesterone supplementation alone will correct the symptoms and imbalance of low testosterone.

What are synthetic Hormones?These hormones are manufactured in a laboratory and only available from a pharmacy with your prescription. These preparations can be composed of either estrogen or progestin or a combination of the two. For example: synthetic estrogen (ex: Premarin) is made from the urine of pregnant horses and then modified so it can be patented. However, the chemical composition of the modified horse urine is unlike the hormones produced by the human body. Similarly, synthetic progestin (ex: Provera) was created to attempt to mimic the effects of the progesterone our bodies produce. Progestin, however, is not the same as progesterone and the difference is very significant. For example, progestins are used by women to prevent pregnancy, whereas progesterone is used to assist fertility. Since synthetic hormones are foreign to a woman's body, using them can create many adverse effects on a woman's brain, blood vessels, skin, heart, estrogen sensitive tissues and overall health.

What are phytoestrogens and how do they work?Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant compounds that are remarkably similar in molecular structure to the female hormone estrogen. They act physiologically like natural estrogens produced in the body but without the side effects because plant estrogens are 100-500 times less potent. Phytoestrogens are thought to insure that a woman’s estrogen levels never get too high or too low. They have the remarkable ability to act as anti-estrogens when our natural levels are too high and act as estrogens when our natural levels are too low. Phytoestrogens are further classified into groups called isoflavones and lignins (constituents of the plant cell wall found most readily in flaxseed)..

What are isoflavones?Isoflavones are a subcategory of phytoestrogens found in soybeans, garbanzo beans and other legumes. Isoflavones provide protection from cancer, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol levels, osteoporosis, and menopausal symptoms. Isoflavones are thought to have antioxidant properties thus providing support for healthy aging.Back to Top

Can I eat soy to get more estrogen? Asian diets are typically high in soy foods and contain an average of 40-80 mg of active forms of isoflavones per day, while American diets average less than 3 mg per day. Besides the general health benefits of soy, high isoflavone intake may depress luteinizing hormone levels and secondarily depress estrogen production, thus reducing the incidence of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and menopausal symptoms as seen in studies of the Asian population. Soy isoflavones have weak estrogenic, antioxidant activity through the action of intestinal flora. This is why a healthy intestinal flora and the use of probiotics is so important. *Because the mechanisms of action of soy and isoflavones are not fully understood, they are not recommended for women who currently have a high risk for, or history of, cancer.

What isoflavone supplements do you recommend? We recommend the following products made by Freedom from Menopause: Soy-Spirulina Protein Powder, Greens N’ Things and Menopause Formula. We also recommend Probiotic Quattro to help with digestion.Back to Top

What is Tri-est and Bi-est?The body produces three forms of estrogen: Estriol, Estrone and Estradiol. The latter two are known to cause cancer. Tri-est and Bi-est are extracted from soy and yams but converted into bio-identical estrogen in the laboratory. Tri-Est is 80% Estriol, 10% Estrone, and 10% Estradiol where as Bi-est is 80% Estriol and 20% Estradiol. These estrogen molecules exert the same effect as those estrogens produced by the body including the increased risk for female specific diseases and health risks.

Why are my adrenal glands so important? The adrenal glands get very little attention in Western medicine, yet they have the important role of secreting female sex hormones and stress hormones that control the body's reaction to stress. Adrenal exhaustion occurs when the glands wear out from the continual production of the stress hormone, cortisol. This can lead to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and greater hormonal imbalance because the thyroid slows down, thus losing its ability to assist in hormone processing. The result can be bone loss, decreased immune function, fat accumulation, infertility, memory loss and deteriorating hormonal balance. To make matters worse, during menopause, the workload of the adrenals also increases as these glands are a primary source of sex hormones, including estrogen - further leading to adrenal exhaustion.

Why is weight gain so common during the menopausal transition?1) The natural aging process which slows down the metabolic rate. 2) Adrenal exhaustion which as stated previously, occurs due to stress (both physical and emotional) where cortisol levels remain elevated leading to thyroid hormone dysfunction, altered insulin production (decreased efficiency of carbohydrate metabolism) and weight gain. 3) Menopause where the adrenal glands must take over production of the female hormones leading to further adrenal exhaustion, thyroid dysfunction and weight gain.

How do my hormones get unbalanced?As women age and approach menopause, progesterone is the first hormone to decrease, followed by fluctuating estrogen levels. The ovaries begin gently signaling that they do not want to continue the task of producing an egg every cycle and women begin to have cycles when no egg is produced. In those months, the ovaries do not produce progesterone and the relationship between estrogen and progesterone levels in our bodies begins to change. Years of stress and the Birth Control Pill can also be important factors in the development of unbalanced hormone levels. Probably the greatest problem women face today is the influence of environmental estrogens (xenoestrogens). Both men and women are subjected to these carcinogenic estrogens on a daily basis and are affected by hormonal changes as a result.

How do I know if my hormones are out of balance?During the transition between the reproductive years and the post-menopausal years when the body is adjusting to less estrogen and progesterone production, hormonal imbalance can create symptoms such as; weight gain, hot flashes and night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, anxiety, depression, changes in menstruation, headaches, vaginal dryness, libido changes, fatigue, PMS-type symptoms, foggy thinking, memory changes and much more.

What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?PMS is linked to poor diet, lack of exercise and hormonal imbalances involving estrogen excess, an excess or deficiency in progesterone, thyroid imbalances, and high levels of adrenal hormones. Some research suggests that increased estrogen is associated with decreased serotonin, the "feel good" hormone. Serotonin helps to regulate mood and a deficiency is linked to depression. Deficiencies or excess prostaglandins can also lead to PMS symptoms. Deficiencies in nutrients such as magnesium, vitamins A and E and B-complex, particularly B6, can also be a factor in PMS. Those with PMS often eat more refined sugars, carbohydrates, salt and dairy products. Vegetarian women tend to experience less PMS, suggesting a link with meat and dairy consumption (they contain high levels of xenoestrogens). Women who suffer from PMS also tend to have low levels of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and other essential fats.

What is Peri-menopause?This phase of hormonal imbalance is the beginning of the natural transition between the reproductive years and menopause. (You may not initially notice the transition if you have previously suffered with PMS, since the symptoms are similar and both are the result of estrogen/progesterone imbalance.) It may start as early as your late thirties or early forties and last as many as ten years. Your periods may become more irregular. You may not ovulate some months, and thus not produce any progesterone. This may disrupt the estrogen/progesterone balance, causing symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, night sweats, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, irritability and much more.

What is Menopause? This phase of hormonal imbalance typically begins around the age of 50 and may continue for many years. It is defined as cessation of menses for one year. Depending on many hereditary, environmental and lifestyle factors, some women have an easy transition with very few symptoms while others can suffer from intense symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, vaginal dryness, irritability, altered thyroid activity, decreased sex drive and much more.

What about the Post-menopausal years? Many women ignore this phase of hormonal imbalance because there are often no symptoms during this phase. That is an unfortunate mistake since conditions such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis are associated with the post-menopausal years and may be prevented or reversed with the use of natural hormones and dietary supplements.

Do you recommend bio-identical Estrogen?We do not recommend any form of estrogen because when used with or without progesterone, risks/adverse reactions have been clearly documented in the latest medical literature. Instead, we will recommend natural products such as isoflavone supplements and a soy enriched diet for those women who are not at risk for cancer.

What can women who have a history of cancer and can't take soy or isoflavones use to control their menopause symtpoms? According to the latest research, women who are at risk for cancer can safely use Progesterone cream and Black Cohosh.

What form of Progesterone do you recommend?We recommend this hormone in the form of a 2% USP transdermal cream. Freedom from Menopause produces one of the only Certified to United States Pharmacopeia (USP) grade progesterone creams. Your usage will depend upon your own experimentation until you find a dose that is specifically right for you.

Can I eat wild yams to get more progesterone?Our bodies do not have the ability to convert substances in the wild yam to progesterone. It must be synthesized in a laboratory.

Why use a transdermal cream?The absorption rate of certain medications can be increased when delivered through the skin instead of the stomach. Natural progesterone is made up of tiny, fat-soluble molecules that easily cross the skin barrier and can quickly be absorbed. This allows for up to 90% absorption and utilization by the body and is thought to be the delivery system of the future.

Where do I get my natural hormones and supplements? We sell Freedom from MenopauseT bio-identical hormones and dietary supplements; however you are under no obligation to purchase these products through us. You can also purchase these products on-line at our website, from distributors, or have them auto-shipped to your door step every month with free shipping.

How do I take my supplements?Always take your supplements with food. Digestive enzymes and stomach acid are released when we eat food, facilitating the breakdown and assimilation of nutrients.

What is Fibromyalgia?Fibromyalgia makes you feel tired and causes muscle pain and "tender points." Tender points are places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms or legs that hurt when touched. People with fibromyalgia may have other symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, and problems with thinking and memory, sometimes called "fibro fog." No one knows what causes fibromyalgia. Anyone can get it, but it is most common in middle-aged women. People with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases are particularly likely to develop fibromyalgia. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but many different therapies can help you manage your symptoms. It is a good idea to try one therapy at a time to see what works best for you.

What is Andropause?In men, this hormone change is similar to the menopause experienced by women. Androgens are the male sex hormones which begin to decline around the age of 40 and continue declining for over 20 years. Symptoms may include: Sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, memory decline, depression, decrease in strength and endurance, weight gain, joint stiffness, lack of energy, bone loss, irritability, mood swings, cholesterol and high blood pressure concerns, and more.

Can Men use Progesterone Cream?Many physicians recommend natural progesterone cream for their male patients who suffer with prostate problems, sexual dysfunction and many more symptoms of hormone imbalance. There are several studies suggestion the benefits of male supplementation with progesterone cream. As with all medical knowledge, more studies are needed on the subject of male hormone replacement therapy. For more information see; The Estrogen Alternative by Raquel Martin and Judi Gerstung, D.C. (fourth edition, pages 149-153)

What is DHEA?This hormone is better known as the mother of all hormones. It is used by the body as a precursor hormone meaning that it can be converted into Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone. Having this special quality means that it can be useful in situations where one or all three major female sex hormones are found to be unbalanced.Back to Top

What are Natural or Bio-identical Hormones?Bio-identical literally means "body, same or identical to the body" and that they are the exact same biochemical and molecular structure as the hormones your body produces. When describing replacement hormones, the word "natural" is used to refer to the structure of the hormone molecule, not its source. These hormones are produced from the wild yam plant (Diascorea composite) which is easily converted by biochemists into other molecules that are identical in every way to "Natural" estrogens, progesterone, testosterone and other hormones. These bio-identical and natural substances cannot be patented by a pharmaceutical company and therefore not widely known in the U.S. until recently. Natural hormones have been used in Europe for decades and can be obtained from soy or wild yam.Back to Top

Why are Freedom from Menopause® hormones the preferred method for replacing your hormones?These natural hormones are sold over-the-counter meaning that they require no prescription and are more easily obtained. They are naturally occurring plant phytoestrogens (isoflavones) that exert an estrogen-like action on the body by binding to estrogen receptors without the harmful effects of the true estrogens produced by your body or converted from plant and manufactured in a lab. Over-the-counter products are less potent and gentle on a woman's body.Back to Top

What is a compounding pharmacy?This a is pharmacy that will fill your prescription with the recommended amount of each hormone as dictated by your doctor. They may use bio-identical or natural products or synthetic drugs depending or your doctor's orders.

Is Blood Work or Saliva Testing Really Necessary to Evaluate my Hormone Levels?Many women have been misled into believing that these tests are absolutely necessary when in fact they are not. Blood analysis is often inaccurate when determining true hormone levels because most of your hormones are bound to proteins and unavailable for use by the body. Therefore, your test may indicate that your levels are normal when in fact your "available" hormones are way below normal. You should learn to recognize and rely on what your body is telling you through your symptoms for proper and most successful long-term balancing of your hormones.Back to Top

How do I apply the progesterone cream?Begin your therapy by applying the instructed amount listed on the label. Apply to the following areas of the body while alternating locations frequently: inside of upper arms and thighs, face, neck, chest, breast, wrists, behind the knees. You may apply to one area or as many areas as you wish during each application.Back to Top

What should I do if I develop new symptoms after starting my progesterone cream therapy?You may feel more energy, nervousness, or anxiousness at first when using the progesterone cream. If you develop these symptoms, reduce the amount to half the dosage recommended on the product label for a few days until symptoms subside and then gradually increase the dosage to the recommended amount.Back to Top

How long should I continue using the progesterone cream?Using progesterone cream for symptom relief: Use the cream according to the directions on the label until all symptoms have improved. Using progesterone cream to help prevent "Estrogen Dominance" and diseases related to unopposed estrogen (such as breast cancer): Use the cream according to the directions on the label for an unlimited amount of time according to the length of time you wish to benefit from the added protection in our estrogen burdened environment.Back to Top

Is there an age limit for use of the progesterone Cream?There is no age limit. In fact, progesterone cream provides fast relief from the symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) in young ladies soon after they begin to menstruate. The cream may also be used well into the post menopausal years for added protection against "Estrogen Dominance".Back to Top

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Dynamic World of Natural Medicine…

Natural Product, Menopause Relief