Category: Health/Natural

Testosterone is the major hormone responsible for our sex drives. Women produce small amounts of testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands and experience a drop in both estrogen and testosterone levels with the onset of menopause or from menopause caused from chemotherapy or the removal of the ovaries. For many women, a loss of libido is connected to this dramatic loss of hormones.

Many women also report that lower testosterone levels lesson the intensity and frequency of sexual fantasies. They just don't have the urge anymore, which affects their intimate relationships with their mates, which can cause much distress as the sexual bond diminishes. Between the ages of 20-40 our testosterone levels drop by 50%. When we hit menopause we lose another 30-50%. Many of us who rely on medications such as certain antidepressants, birth control pills, and some drugs that lower blood pressure are under double jeopardy, as these can lower testosterone levels also.

When I was 6 months pregnant with my second baby, I met some wonderful women at a birthing support group. I was having a difficult time making ends meet and was not working due to complications in my first pregnancy. My man and I had decided that it was best for me to stay home and take care of myself and our baby that was growing inside of me.

At the meetings, I met a wonderful woman who turned out to be a midwife and whose heart went out to every single woman in the group. I mentioned how wonderful it would be to have her as a care provider as I was not entirely happy with my OB/GYN. I felt like I was being run through on an assembly line. It was hurry up with the urine sample, hurry up with the feet in the stirrups, a few general questions, and my check-up was over. I left dizzy, with some rather general instructions in a pamphlet. My nutritional guidance came from a bottle of little red, prenatal vitamins.

Candida Albicans is a yeast that commonly lives in the intestinal tract. The problems arise when the overgrowth of this fungus takes over and invades other body systems. Left untreated it is extremely persistent and invasive and can severely weaken the body and make one an easy victim for serious deadly diseases. The medical mainstream is just now starting to recognize this disease, but many orthodox physicians are poorly informed and are therefore unable to diagnose and treat it. Here are the common areas where the yeast overgrowth manifests itself: gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, the reproductive organs, allergic reactions and emotional and mental difficulties.

Q. I have had polycystic ovaries now for over 10 years, and as I get older (I am 30) the symptoms seem to be getting worse. I have been on Metformin for 5 months, without success. I am now turning to the more natural approaches to see if they can help me. I have bought some DIM and vitex, as I have read they are good for balancing hormone levels. Can you take both of these tablets together, and how many mg's per day should I start on? I also take a multi B tablet, and until a few weeks ago evening primrose oil, but read that EPO can exacerbate acne. Many thanks, J Wheeler.

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I was wondering if it is possible to use progesterone cream and vitex agnus castus at the same time for PMS, tender breasts, etc? I am 35, have no kids and have been struggling with this problem for some years. My gynecologist did blood tests and found nothing significantly wrong. I do drink a lot of coffee, which I know is a contributing factor.

I tried to search for answers on the internet, but found no conclusive answers. I also saw the two (vitex & progesterone) combined in capsule form on a website, although I would use the vitex drops and progesterone in cream form.

I would appreciate your advice.

Usually in this space we speak positively of alternative approaches to health and healing. In the past we’ve told you about using techniques like herbalism, homeopathic medicine, therapeutic massage and meditation to heal diseases and to maintain good health. All of these procedures work if used properly, with appropriate guidance. Sometimes, however, alternative medical procedures must be used in conjunction with modern medicine, especially in the case of life threatening illness.

Here in the south, where I live, we used to know how to cope with the heat and humidity that are always a part of our summer weather. Until relatively recently, our homemakers knew what foods to prepare to help keep family members cool under blistering temperatures. Those were the days before central air, when every afternoon the adults would sit outside on the porch where it was cool, reading the afternoon paper or making small talk, while the children ran around half-naked in the yard, spraying each other with the garden hose. Those were our ways of coping with summer. These days we spend most of the summer inside, making friends with our air conditioners while eating hamburgers and french fries.

Q. I have been having recurring colds and viruses. My doctor gives me antibiotics and meds for my symptoms, but I am not comfortable taking antibiotics all the time. What is your opinion of using echinacea or astragalus, and at what dosage? Thank you - Renee

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Everyone in my family has been suffering with colds and flu over the past four weeks. In order to keep myself healthy, I have added additional zinc and echinacea to my daily supplements . I have noticed that after three weeks, my mouth feels "raw," especially around my gums. Could this be a side effect of taking these supplements for this long a period of time? My family is still in the flu cycle and I don't want to catch it from my children, but I feel like I have to stop taking the only two things standing between me and the germs. Any suggestions? Signed - Healthy but at what cost?

Q. Thank you for taking the time to read my question. For the past three months my tongue burns everytime I eat and/or drink, but only when I eat and/or drink. I have looked almost everywhere on the internet and the only thing I can find is something called BMS or "burning mouth syndrome." I am only 31 years old, younger then what is the norm. If there is anything you know that can shed light on this, please help. Thank You, Melissa

My throat is constantly swolen but doesn't hurt. This doesn't bother me that much except that it causes my ears to pop and feel plugged for no reason. I have seasonal allergies and I live in a town with extremely bad air quality. Could my swolen throat be caused by these things? I'm thinking of moving but what can I do in the meantime? Thanks for your help. -Ruby

I have stopped consumption of dairy foods, but this has not eliminated the tendency I have toward congestion and stuffy sinus. Are there other foods that may be contributing? -Yvonne

I have been having post nasal drip for the last nine years. The only thing I found that worked was when I was on antibiotics for something else. Would kali bichromium work? I want something that will dry it up.

Q. I have fibroids on my uterus and looking at the MRI they are covering my uterus. What do you recommend for treatment? I'm 38 and still would like to have children.

For as long as I can remember I've suffered from back pain. Although I have experienced some relief using heat, cold, massage, chiropractic and acupuncture, invariably the pain has always returned. Until one day I visited a friend in California who had similar back problems. She told me she had some body work done called Bowen. Her back and hip pain were gone after just one session!