122 replies to this topic

[Aviano]

All:
I've read up on this and it seems to be a plausible treatment..for increasing estradiol. Does anyone out there have any information that it regulates other hormones (e.g., testosterone, progesterone) as well? Any info on the "adrenomimetic" response? Dearest, would it be possible to invite the doc introducing this med to the U.S. to P-S for an online chat?
Thanks,
Avi

[gg18]

All:
I've read up on this and it seems to be a plausible treatment..for increasing estradiol. Does anyone out there have any information that it regulates other hormones (e.g., testosterone, progesterone) as well? Any info on the "adrenomimetic" response? Dearest, would it be possible to invite the doc introducing this med to the U.S. to P-S for an online chat?
Thanks,
Avi

[gg18]

I too am very interested in Amberen. Any one out their tried this?

[Aviano]

GG:
Jay Goldstein PM'd me about this..you can google Amberen for press release and one translated study (Amberen developed in Russia).
Good Luck.
Avi

[Floater]

Is there anyone here, other than me and Tidal Waves, that has been reading about Amberen?? It sounds like a promising treatment, but I am always cautious trying something new. This product was introduced in the US in Sept 2007. It was developed in Russia.

Rather than treating symptoms, it restores hormonal balance. In animal and human trials it caused reversal of aging, with no toxic side effects. Apparently you can avoid hormone replacement as well as vitamin and herbal supplementation.

Has anyone here tried it? Read about it? If it does what it promises I would sure like to try it, but don't want to shell out $100 and find out it is all hype with no substance.

And comments or thoughts??

Kathie

[Curiousity]

Is there anyone here, other than me and Tidal Waves, that has been reading about Amberen?? It sounds like a promising treatment, but I am always cautious trying something new. This product was introduced in the US in Sept 2007. It was developed in Russia.

Rather than treating symptoms, it restores hormonal balance. In animal and human trials it caused reversal of aging, with no toxic side effects. Apparently you can avoid hormone replacement as well as vitamin and herbal supplementation.

Has anyone here tried it? Read about it? If it does what it promises I would sure like to try it, but don't want to shell out $100 and find out it is all hype with no substance.

And comments or thoughts??

Kathie

[Curiousity]

I LOVE IT!!!

I started taking it about a month ago because I can't use HRT and I have to say it really does exactly what it says it does but I did have to wait about 3 weeks before seeing the full effects. (They say 1 week but that has to be for perimenopausal as I have been menopausal know for 5 years).

I haven't had a hot flash in over a week, no night sweats and I can actually sleep the whole night! I noticed my energy levels are much better through out the day and I can actually concentrate. My husband is even impressed. He said I'm apparently not as snappy. I stopped taking any other supplements (valerian, soy, black cohosh, evening primrose) altogether. I'll update you later in the month and let you know.

Talk to you soon

[LadyViktoria]

I believe this is the document some of you are looking for..................
____________________________

WWW.MEDLINE.RU VOL. 8, GERONTOLOGY, ENDOCRINOLOGY
SEPTEMBER 2007
A succinate-based composition ”rejuvenates” aging mice and alleviates menopausal symptoms in women without sex hormone replacement therapy
Eugene I. Maevsky,1,3 Andrey B. Peskov,2 Mikhail L. Uchitel,1 Alexander G. Pogorelov,1 Natalia Yu. Saharova,1 Elene F. Vihlyantseva,1 L.A.Bogdanova,1 Marie N. Kondrashova 1
1 Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics RAS, ul.,Institutskaya, 3, Pushchino , Moscow region, 142290, Russia
2Institute of Medicine, Ecology and Sport, Ulyanovsk State University, ul. Karla Libkhnehta, 1, Ulyanovsk, 432970, Russia, abp_sim@mail.ru
3Corresponding author to whom reprints should be requested: maiel7@inbox.ru
Running title: Succinate-based therapy for menopause
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Abstract
Objective
Menopausal transition is often accompanied by a variety of adverse pathological symptoms, currently treated with hormone replacement therapy, which is associated with a number of health risks. This report investigated the role of a food supplement—a composition of energy-exchange metabolites, with succinate as the main component—for treating menopausal syndrome.
Design
We studied the impact of a 4-week succinate-based food composition Amberen treatment on the estral cycle, and bone mass and calcium content of aging mice. The impact of Amberen on hormone levels and on the progression of several neurovegetative and psycho-emotional symptoms was further investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of early menopausal women. Data were collected from questionnaires, Kupperman index scores, Spielberger-Hanin tests, and blood analysis of hormone levels taken at baseline and throughout the 5-week study.
Results
A “rejuvenating” effect of Amberen on aging animals was observed, expressed as restoration of the estral cycle and an increase in the weight and calcium content of bone tissue. Furthermore, in the randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study in menopausal women, Amberen-based monotherapy significantly lowered most subjectively evaluated characteristics of menopausal syndrome and increased blood serum levels of estradiol fourfold. This monotherapy also alleviated symptoms of some neurovegetative and psycho-emotional disorders, such as hot flushes, headache, and anxiety.
Conclusion
Succinate-based therapy alleviated many biochemical symptoms of menopause in both aging mice and early menopausal women, as well as neurovegetative and psycho-emotional disorders in women. Succinate-based therapy appeared to be free of adverse side effects.
Key words: menopause, aging, food supplement, succinate, estradiol 498
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Introduction
Age-related menopause is characterized by cessation of the menstrual cycle accompanied by hormonal changes, as well as neurovegetative, psychological and atrophic symptoms.18 The neurovegetative symptoms of the menopausal transition include hot flashes and sleep disturbances; psychological symptoms range from depression, anxiety, and irritability to memory loss.7
As a stage of reproductive senescence, menopause is triggered by a complex interplay of hormone levels and changes in the neuro-endocrine system, with changes in the ovaries and the hypothalamus being the crucial factors.3,4,6,24 The early stage of menopausal transition, perimenopause, is also accompanied by vasomotor and psychological symptoms, as well as erratic behavior of the menstrual cycle and estrogen levels. The dramatic swings of estrogen production in the ovaries greatly affect the response of the aging hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis, including induction of an increase in the level of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). With final cessation of the menstrual cycle, estrogen production in the ovaries ceases, releasing the HPO axis from negative feedback by the ovaries and alleviating most climacteric symptoms.3,6,18,24
In the course of menopausal transition, more than 20% of women seek professional help in managing adverse symptoms. Currently, the only effective treatment of vasomotor and psychological menopausal symptoms is available in various forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which aims to balance hormone levels artificially.13,18 HRT and topical hormone creams are effective treatments for several symptoms, including hot flashes and vaginal atrophy. However, HRT has several adverse effects, including coronary heart disease and breast cancer, and in general, the health risks outweigh the benefits.9,26 To this end, the current recommendations for such treatment regimens advise that the lowest possible dose be administered for as short a time as possible.19
An active role of the HPO axis in menopausal transition suggests that alternative treatment of menopausal symptoms may involve stimulating organs of the neuro-endocrine system. An aging hypothalamus loses sensitivity to estrogens,3,4,6,24 which may play a role in decreased estrogen production of the ovaries.
Estrogen sensitivity of the hypothalamus can be restored with catecholamines.3 However, influence of catecholamines on the hypothalamus declines with aging.23 The alpha-adrenergic
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agonist clonidin can restore the pulsatile pattern of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in the pituitary gland.8 Yet, direct use of catecholamines and alpha-adrenergic agonists is undesirable because they induce various side reactions in the cardiovascular system.
According to our previous findings, catecholamine production in the body can be stimulated and mediated with succinate, a natural metabolic substrate.14,15,16 Succinate administration can restore sensitivity of the hypothalamus to estrogen in aging rats.5 Here, we probe the connection between the HPO axis and menopausal transition by studying the effects of a succinate-based compound (SBC) on the estrous cycle and bone status in animal experiments, and on the severity of menopausal symptoms in a clinical study.
Materials and methods
Animal studies
Forty-two female SHK mice were purchased from the Laboratory of Biological Research Animal Clinic of M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov (Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino). The mice were housed in polypropylene cages, (5 mice per cage) at a temperature of 22 ± 2°C. A light-dark cycle of 12/12 was used. The animals received standard laboratory chow (PK-121-2; Informkorm, Ltd.) and tap water ad libitum. Mice were checked daily by animal care personnel and weekly by a veterinarian. The study was carried out in accordance with regulations ensuring the humane treatment of animals under the approval of the Animal Research Committee of the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics RAS.
Experiments were performed with 3 groups of outbred SHK female mice: young pubescent (2-3 months), adult (6-7 months), and aging (9-10 months) animals. Each group was subdivided into control and experimental groups, which were treated with the same combination of succinate salts and other components (according to the SBC Amberen formulation) used in the human studies. The dosage used in a pilot 2-week intrastomach administration of SBC to mice (5000 mg/kg) greatly exceeded that used in our experiments and did not reveal any acute toxicity. In the experiments, mice received 0.1 mL of aqueous SBC suspension (25 mg/mL, corresponding to 85 mg/kg by body weight) into the stomach twice-daily for 4 weeks. For humans, this corresponds to a single dose of 9.44 mg/kg, according to the human-to-mouse recalculation factor of 9.10 500
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Stages of the estrous cycle in mice were analyzed cytologically, once per day (at 9 a.m.), by identifying the cellular composition of a vaginal smear. Smears were stained with azure-eosine by Romanovsky-Giemsa, fixed in Canada balsam, and analyzed with an optical microscope at 40× magnification (Amplival, Germany). We estimated the number of estral cycles (ECs), their duration, duration of the fertile stage (estrus), and variability of EC duration.
The isolated femoral bone tissue samples were weighed under wet conditions and then after drying for 3 days at 80°C. The samples were further ashed in a muffle kiln at 1000°C for 8 h. The calcium and sodium contents were determined in the ashed bone samples using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer 503).
Reagents
The SBC formulation (Amberen) was designed at the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ITEB RAS). The formulation contains 2.1 mmol of succinate (246 mg), 0.43 mmol of glycine (32 mg), 0.21 mmol of glutamate (30.7 mg), 0.05 mmol of fumarate (6 mg), 47.4 mg of NH4, 13.43 mg of Ca, 1.47 mg of Mg, 4.9 mg of Na, 1.71 mg of Zn, 7.2 mg of tocopherol acetate, and 9.2 mg of H2O.
The compound was produced in paired gelatin pills: yellow and green—the yellow pill contained 200 mg of ammonium succinate, and the green pill contained all other components. Succinate (99.99% purity), its salts, and fumarate were produced by Ecomed-Service, Ltd. (Tula, Russia) using technology and patented processes developed by Ecomed-Service, Ltd. (Tula, Russia) together with ITEB RAS, which synthesized succinic acid and its salts that have unique bioactivity, determined by 3 types of active conformers. The natural conformational structure of succinate was tested and confirmed using polarized-laser-radiowave conformational spectral analysis with double-beam laser spectroscopy (ITEB RAS, Russia). The molar portion of the succinate anion in Amberen amounted to 75.77%.
Participants and procedures
Volunteers selected for participation in this study were patients diagnosed with menopausal syndrome. Out of 150 original volunteers, 80 were excluded for various reasons. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind experiment with control measurements was carried out on all volunteers that were not excluded from participation. The patient exclusion criteria were
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evidence of severe extragenital somatic pathology, evidence of any oncological pathologies, psychological disorders, and previous use of any hormone medication or supplement for menopausal syndrome management. A total of 70 patients were grouped into the following age brackets: 40-45 years (9 patients), 46-50 years (28), 51-55 years (25), 56-61 years (8). Thus, in general, most participants in this distribution were in the stages of early menopause. Of the 70 women in the randomized trial, 50 women were assigned to the experimental group and 20 control women were given placebo. Patients were treated with SBC Amberen contained in paired gelatinous 400-mg yellow and green capsules twice-daily—morning and evening—with food. The single Amberen dose was 5.27-5.7 mg/kg, and the daily dose amounted to 10.54-11.4 mg/kg.
Clinical observation
Each patient was observed by physicians before, throughout (especially during the first week), and at the end of the 21-day treatment, as well as 14 days after the end of the study period. The following pre-treatment and post-treatment clinical tests were performed:
• Clinical evaluation with Kupperman Index1 (modified by E.V. Uvarova) by a consulting physician, gynecologist, and psychologist.
• The Spielberger's State Anxiety Inventory test.22
• Blood and urine tests for hormone levels, and blood tests for several biochemical parameters including cholesterol, A-cholesterol, triglyceride content, beta-lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, total protein content, and glucose. The tests were performed with a biochemical analyzer (Hitachi 902/ Roche Diagnostics, and CardioChek™ P•A, PTS). We also determined thrombosis index and measured blood levels of estradiol, FSH, and LH with immunoenzyme kits (Micropale Steroid Estradiol, Gonadotropin IEA–FSH, and Gonadotropin IEA–LH).
• Ultrasonography scans of the uterus, ovaries, and mammary glands (HS-2000, Honda Electronics).
• Electrocardiography (ECG-9010, Nihon Kohden) was performed only during the initial exam.
• Volunteers were asked to keep a personal questionnaire journal, in which they scored the following symptoms: cardiac pains, vertigo, hot flushes, impairment of the ability to
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concentrate, headache, irritability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, asthenia, muscle and joint pains, excessive sweating, and reduction of sexual desire. The journal was updated at least once per week during SBC or placebo administration and also after discontinuation of SBC. The journal was organized as follows:
1. Beginning date of SBC administration
2. Ending date of SBC administration.
3. Do you feel any discomfort associated with SBC administration? Mark the answer that corresponds to your feelings; if Yes, describe feelings of discomfort in detail and specify their duration over the treatment course and after its ending.
• I did not experience any discomfort.
• I felt discomfort (description).
4. Do you suffer from any chronic diseases? If so, specify the diseases you suffer from (consult with your physician before answering this question).
5. Did you receive any drugs apart from SBC? If so, specify the drugs, doses, and timeframe when taken (consult with your physician before answering this question).
6. 1st week of SBC administration. If you feel changes in the state of your health, describe them in your own words.
7. 2nd week of SBC administration. If you feel changes in the state of your health, describe them in your own words.
8. 3rd week of SBC administration. If you feel changes in the state of your health, describe them in your own words.
9. 1st week after discontinuation of SBC. If you feel changes in the state of your health, describe them in your own words.
• Dates of functional and laboratory analyses: general blood test; general urine test; biochemical blood tests; ECG; ultrasound scanning of uterus, ovaries, and breast
• Evaluation by gynecologist, psychiatrist, and consulting physician
10. Date of journal closure. Personal signature of patient. Signature of consulting physician.
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Each patient was informed and signed an agreement describing the conditions of the study. Permission to perform patient examination and clinical research was granted by the Commission at the 1st Municipal Clinical Hospital of Ulyanovsk.
Statistical analysis
All primary documentation—in the form of questionnaire journals, patient cards filled by consulting physicians, and protocols of laboratory and instrumental studies—was recorded in a Microsoft Access database. The data obtained were evaluated by parametric tests using Microsoft Excel and Statisitca-6 software. The results are given as mean ± standard errors.
Results
Animal study
The administration of SBC to aging mice had a favorable effect on the appearance and behavior of animals—they became more active, their lackluster eyes acquired brightness, and the pale, yellowish coat regained white color and shine, resembling the coat of young animals. The bald skin spots grew new hair.
In mice, we evaluated the impact of SBC Amberen on the duration and variability of EC and the duration of the fertile estrus phase. Healthy young pubescent mice have four EC phases: proestrus phase, fertile estrus phase, and non-fertile metestrus and diestrus phases.
The principal difference between EC in young prepubescent and aging mice is that in aging mice, the fertile estrus phase is shorter (Table 1).
In pubescent mice, administration of SBC did not affect these parameters, although EC duration became more variable. In adult mice, EC duration variability decreased slightly with SBC treatment.
The most pronounced differences were observed in aging mice. Amberen treatment did not affect EC duration but increased EC duration variability by 48 %. Total duration of the fertile estrus phase increased by 69%, and duration of the estrus phase relative to the entire cycle increased almost twofold (Table 1). Most importantly, duration of the absolute and relative estrus phase in SBC-treated mice became comparable to that of healthy young mice.
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Table 1.
Age-related changes in the estrous cycle of mice treated with SBC or Placebo for 4 weeks/
Injected preparation
EC duration (days)
Variability
(% of EC duration)
Duration of E- stage (days)
E/EC
Ratio
1.Young females (2-3 months),
Placebo (n=6)
7.4±0.56
18.9±3.3
2.5±0.28
0.35±0.06
Amberen (n=6)
9.0±0.92
25.6±4.5
2.4±0.12
0.27±0.05
2.Adult females (6-7 months)
Placebo (n=12)
8.4±0.99
26.2±2.4
2.8±0.31
0.34±0.03
Amberen (n=11)
7.2±0.22
6.9±0.7
p2P<0.001
2.7±0.27
0.38±0.04
3. Old females (9-10 months)
Placebo (n=8)
8.3±0.47
13.2±1.8
p2P<0.01
1.6±0.21
p1P<0,05
p2P<0,01
0.19±0.025
p1P<0,05
p2P<0,01
Amberen (n=9)
8.2±0.70
19.5±2.3
p3P<0,05
2.7±0.22
p3P<0.01
0.33±0.04
p3P<0.01
Impact of Amberen treatment on old mice
0
↑ 1.48
↑ 1.69
↑ 1.74
The data are given as means ± standard errors, where n is the number of animals in the group. Р1C, Р2C, Р3С are significance levels when the current group is compared with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd control groups respectively. Animals in the control groups were administered 0.9% NaCl.
Variability of EC duration is defined as a quotient of standard deviation to average EC duration (%). ↑ - increase, ↓ - decrease, n-fold. Control, a group of animals treated for 4 weeks with an aqueous solution. SBC, a group of animals treated for 4 weeks with the SBC suspension.
Next, we measured the impact of SBC treatment on total mass and bone composition in female mice. Changes were observed in control adult animals with the onset of aging. Old mice, compared with adult mice, exhibited a reduction in body weight (33.5 ± 1.7 g versus 28.7 ± 2.4 g) and a decrease in bone weight, as well as in water and organic content (Figure 1). In addition, control mice showed a net increase in the total amount of bone sodium and calcium (Figure 2). SBC treatment of adult mice showed no effect on these characteristics. In contrast, SBC
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treatment of old mice substantially decreased total weight loss (33.0 ± 1.0 g. versus 31.4 ± 1.5 g in young and old mice, respectively) and also increased bone weight and the total amount of water, organic matter, calcium, and sodium in the bone tissue (Figures 1 and 2).
Figure 1. Femoral bone weight and the total amount of bone water and organic matter in adult (6-7 months) and old (9-11 months) mice treated for 4 weeks with a suspension of SBC or 0.9% NaCl.
024681012141618controlAMBcontrolAMBadultoldNa concentration,mg/gCa concentration,mg/0.1 gtotal Na, mg x10total Ca, mg
Figure 2. Concentrations and total amount of sodium and calcium in the femoral bones of adult (6-7 months) and old (9-11 months) mice treated for 4 weeks with suspension of SBC or 0.9% NaCl.
Clinical study
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In both the experimental and control groups, menopausal women had lower average levels of estradiol (E2) than usually observed in healthy perimenopausal women at the beginning of follicle maturation, when the E2 level is minimal.21 However, the levels of FSH and LH were much closer to those in perimenopausal women. E2 levels increased nearly fourfold with SBC, compared with pretreatment levels (Figure 3), while E2 levels were unaffected with placebo. FSH and LH levels did not change with either Amberen or placebo.
050100150200250300350EstradiolFSHLHng/LPlaceboAMBBaselineBaselineBaselineTreatmentTreatmentTreatment*
Figure 3. Blood levels of FSH and LH in menopausal women treated with SBC or placebo. *P<.001 compared with both pretreatment levels and placebo.
Out of 20 neurovegetative presentations of menopausal syndrome evaluated by physicians according to the Kupperman Index, the following disturbances were largely alleviated by Amberen: headache, vestibulopathies, increased excitability, somnolence, increased excitability, somnolence, insomnia, and frequency of hot flushes (Table 2). Placebo, as a rule, improved some parameters, albeit without any statistical significance. After Amberen treatment, the difference between the impact of Amberen and placebo was not statistically significant. The anxiety levels 507
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measured by the Spielberger's State Anxiety Inventory test declined significantly from 54.8 ± 1.8 to 47.3 ± 1.7 (p < 0.002) in the SBC-treated group, and from 53.1 ± 2.4 to 50 ± 2.0 (n.s.) in the placebo group).
Table 2.
Neurovegetative presentations of menopausal syndrome in SBC or placebo-treated women (numerical score). Physician’s evaluation according to the Kupperman scale with Uvarova`s modification.
Amberen
Placebo
Parameters
before treatment
(n = 50)
after treatment
(n = 50)
before treatment
(n = 20)
after treatment
(n = 20)
Arterial blood pressure increase
0.98 ± 0.12
0.70 ± 0.11
1.40 ± 0.26
1.20 ± 0.25
Arterial blood pressure decrease
0.40 ± 0.12
0.24 ± 0.10
0.25 ± 0.17
0.25 ± 0.17
Headache
1.54 ± 0.10
0.92 ± 0.10**
1.35 ± 0.16
1.30 ± 0.18
Vestibulopathies
0.72 ± 0.12
0.38 ± 0.08*
0.55 ± 0.15
0.55 ± 0.15
Paroxysms of tachycardia
1.24 ± 0.15
0.98 ± 0.14
1.25 ± 0.26
0.90 ± 0.23
High temperature intolerance
0.84 ± 0.14
0.66 ± 0.13
0.50 ± 0.18
0.40 ± 0.17
Chill /shiver
0.96 ± 0.14
0.68 ± 0.12
1.00 ± 0.24
0.90 ± 0.21
Numbness
1.16 ± 0.14
1.00 ± 0.13
1.35 ± 0.27
1.35 ± 0.50
Dermographism
1.04 ± 0.13
1.02 ± 0.14
1.25 ± 0.21
1.20 ± 0.21
Xerodermia
0.56 ± 0.13
0.56 ± 0.13
0.70 ± 0.19
0.45 ± 0.16
Hyperhidrosis
1.26 ± 0.14
1.00 ± 0.13
1.00 ± 0.23
0.80 ± 0.22
Inclination to edemata
0.98 ± 0.13
0.84 ± 0.12
0.95 ± 0.38
1.00 ± 0.16
Allergic reactions
0.38 ± 0.11
0.28 ± 0.09
0.15 ± 0.08
0.25 ± 0.09
Exophthalmus, eye luster
0.12 ± 0.05
0.12 ± 0.05
0
0
Increased excitability
1.12 ± 0.13
0.46 ± 0.10**
1.05 ± 0.17
0.60 ± 0.16*
Somnolence
1.34 ± 0.15
0.68 ± 0.13**
1.15 ± 0.24
1.10 ± 0.23
Insomnia
1.32 ± 0.14
0.60 ± 0.13*
1.35 ± 0.24
0.95 ± 0.24
Hot flushes per day
1.12 ± 0.10
0.68 ± 0.08**
0.95 ± 0.12
0.70 ± 0.12
Asthmatic fits
0.30 ± 0.10
0.06 ± 0.04*
0.05 ± 0.04
0.05 ± 0.04
Sympathoadrenal crises
0.08 ± 0.06
0
0
0
Comparison with the state before treatment: *p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01.
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Compared with the psychological state before treatment, Amberen-administered women showed an evident alleviation of practically all psychological presentations of menopausal syndrome (Table 3), but a statistically significant difference between the impact of Amberen and placebo was observed only for neurotic syndrome.
Table 3.
Psychological presentations of menopausal syndrome in SBC or placebo-treated women (numerical score). Physician’s evaluation according to the Kupperman scale in Uvarova`s modification.
Amberen (n = 50)
Placebo (n = 20)
Syndromes
before treatment
after treatment
before treatment
after treatment
Asthenic
0.92 ± 0.10
0.50 ± 0.08**
0.95 ± 0.09
0.70 ± 0.10
Depressive
0.42 ± 0.10
0.14 ±0.05*
0.30 ± 0.12
0.15 ± 0.08
Anxious-phobic
0.66 ± 0.11
0.32 ± 0.07*
0.55 ± 0.19
0.30 ±0.14
Neurotic
1.04 ± 0.08
0.48 ± 0.07** #
0.95 ± 0.11
0.90 ±0.12
Hypersexual
0
0
0
0
Hyposexual
1.18 ± 0.12
0.58 ± 0.12**
1.10 ± 0.20
0.90 ± 0.20
Comparison with syndrome score before Amberen treatment: *p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01. Comparison between the impact of Amberen and placebo: # p< 0.02.
In addition, data gathered from the personal questionnaire journals demonstrated that SBC-treated patients noted a significant alleviation of 11 symptoms: cardiac pain, dizziness, hot flashes, attention impairment, headache, irritability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and muscle and joint pains; the difference between Amberen and placebo was statistically significant for a number of registered symptoms (Figure 4).
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The biochemical blood and urine tests indicated a slight decrease of glucose levels in the Amberen-treated group, with the other 9 parameters comparable between pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements (Table 4).
Figure 4. Subjectively evaluated state of menopausal women (numerical score) treated with SBC or placebo (pb is the significance level in the t-test comparison of SBC effect to the level observed before SBC treatment; psbc-pl is the comparison between SBC and placebo).
The ultrasonography scans exhibited no difference in the size of the uterus or ovaries (data not shown). In the Amberen-treated group, endometrial thickness decreased by 0.61 ± 0.28 mm on average (versus 0.24 ± 0.18 mm in the control group), compared with an initial thickness of 4.58 ± 0.95 mm. Also, the endometrium appeared more homogeneous in the SBC-treated group.
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Placebo did not influence biochemical blood test parameters to any statistically significant extent.
Table 4.
Biochemical blood test parameters in women with menopausal syndrome, measured before and after SBC or placebo treatment.
Amberen
Placebo
Parameter, units
before treatment
after treatment
before treatment
after treatment
Glucose, mmol/L
4.73±0.14
4.19±0.16 p<0.02
4.85±0.26
4.68±0.24
Total cholesterol, mmol/L
4.62±0.31
4.83±0.44
4.92±0.54
5.55±0.64
α-cholesterol, mmol/L
1.27±0.04
1.34±0.05
1.20±0.07
1.44±0.10
Atherogenic coefficient
2.65±0.19
2.71±0.30
3.12±0.48
2.98±0.53
Triglycerides, mol/L
1.27±0.11
1.36±0.16
1.50±0.26
7.14±10.59
β-lipoprotein, mmol/L
3.82±0.24
4.44±0.33
4.34±0.82
4.77±0.81
LDL, mmol/L
2.69±0.22
3.38±0.30
2.95±0.44
3.60±0.49
VLDL, mmol/L
0.57±0.05
0.65±0.07
0.69±0.12
0.78±0.18
Total protein, g/L
71.08±1.59
75.11±1.23
68.92±2.23
71.89±2.78
Prothrombin index, %
90.3±1.27
90.8±1.11
90.85±1.91
91.1±2.08
Discussion
Our experimental results demonstrate that SBC administration has a favorable effect on the appearance, behavior, EC structure, and bone mass in aging mice, but these parameters in adult and aging (old) animals were only influenced slightly. SBC treatment provided the restoration of duration of the fertile estrus phase in old mice to the level of young mice, protected against age-related bone mass loss, and promoted an increase in water, organic compound, and total calcium content in femoral bone tissue. Because bone loss and calcium resorption both occur as a result of estrogen deficiency, it has been suggested that SBC treatment increases the level of estrogen in aging mice.
511
WWW.MEDLINE.RU VOL. 8, GERONTOLOGY, ENDOCRINOLOGY
SEPTEMBER 2007
In our double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 4-week Amberen treatment sharply increased estradiol concentrations in the blood of menopausal women without any shifts in FSH and LH levels. Simultaneously, Amberen therapy improved the subjective state in menopausal women and relieved many neurovegetative symptoms, such as headache, vestibulopathies, increased irritability, somnolence, insomnia, and frequency of hot flashes. Furthermore, Amberen treatment reduced the manifestations of asthenic, depressive, anxious-phobic, neurotic, and hyposexual syndromes in menopausal women.
We attribute the observed effects of SBC treatment to the recently discovered substrate-signal function of succinate and its influence on the metabolism and regulatory relationship of the HPO axis. It is necessary to emphasize that in our study, animals and women received very low doses of SBC (Amberen), the main components of that are mitochondrial intermediates. These doses are significantly lower than the “substrate” doses required by mitochondria. Our experiments in animal and clinical studies showed that significant physiological effects are induced by essentially smaller succinate doses, concentrations of which are comparable to those of signal mediators and hormones. Correspondingly, we designate this the “signal effect”.
We have demonstrated adrenomimetic effects of succinate in animals - which can be eliminated with propranol, a beta-adrenoblocator - and in healthy humans as long as ammonium succinate doses do not exceed 2 mg per kg of body weight.17 This signal effect implies the existence of succinate receptors, which have been identified independently of our study.11 Thus, when administered in signal-level doses, succinate is a strong physiological regulator. In particular, it influences the renin-to-angiotensin conversion11,12 connected with adrenalin/noradrenalin synthesis. Succinate can stimulate activity of the suppressed hypothalamic-pituitary system and correspondingly restore ovary function.5
According to Dilman’s theory, hypothalamic sensitivity decreases so much with age that the center ceases to react to signals from ovaries and equally halts the cyclic stimulation of ovaries by the hypothalamus.3 However, although female reproduction function ceases, the potential of ovaries is not yet exhausted. Despite its recommendation for alleviation of menopause-related pathological symptoms, HRT is accompanied by adverse reactions and might increase the risk of developing cancers.
In our studies, an HRT-like effect was achieved by administering a natural, non-hormonal compound based on succinate and other natural mitochondrial metabolites that essentially mimic
512
WWW.MEDLINE.RU VOL. 8, GERONTOLOGY, ENDOCRINOLOGY
SEPTEMBER 2007
the effects of hormones. Our approach, which focuses on correcting metabolism and neuro-endocrine control by using a signal energy intermediate, SBC, instead of exogenous hormones, is the first of its kind and represents a step forward in metabolic mitochondrial medicine. It offers hope in the development of safer treatments for a wide range of diseases, particularly those associated with aging.2 Our results on the effects of SBC in senile mice and Amberen on the neurovegetative status of menopausal women suggest that the same approach may be also effective in the therapy of other menopause-related symptoms in women.
Acknowledgments
The authors’ research in this paper was supported by Mikhail L. Uchitel, The Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of RAS (Pushchino, Russia), and The Scientific-Production Company “Biophysics, Ltd.” (Moscow, Russia). The publication of this article was initiated and supported by “Lunada Biomedical, Ltd” (USA). We thank our colleagues Fyodor A. Kondrashov; Marina A. Vize, M.D., Ph.D.; Vitaly V. Gnoevyh, M.D., Ph.D.; Alexander P. Cherdantsev, M.D., Ph.D., Boris V. Peskov, M.D., Tatyana N. Shitikova, M.D.; Galina A. Lasareva, M.D.; Liliya E. Berlova, M.D.; and Ivan A. Grigor`ev, M.D. for a fruitful collaboration. We wish to acknowledge post-grade student Alexey Agafonov.

___________________

My apologies for the formatting but it comes from a .PDF File.

[FoxyRoxy]

WOW that took some reading and I only think I absorbed about 1/10th of it with this peri lack of concentration fuzzy woozie head of mine lol.............

Will have to come back to it next week after ovulation when things settle down again lololol...............

Thanks for posting this info but the bottom line for me is what ingredients does it contain ????? Hormone stimulating natural ingredients or synthetic poisons?????

Will know more when I can read and absorb it properly.........



Rox

[LadyViktoria]

Hi Rox,

You are right, it is too much to get through in one read.

The "ingredients" are not listed as such, they are listed as "supplemental" ingredients.

Here they are, and I cannot copy and paste them as the list is an image.

Ammonium Succinate
Calcium Disuccinate
Monosodium L-Gluatamate
Glycine
Magnesium Disuccinate Hydrate
Zinc Difumarate Hydrate
Tocepherol Acetate

Here is also an added article. The paragraph that is in Bold Italic is done by me, and this makes me question the difference between the amount of 'succinates' studied, and the amounts made commercial.

_____________________


A promising medical advancement that has been years in the making in Russia is now making its way to the United States. Scientists at the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ITEB RAS) have developed a breakthrough treatment that effectively alleviates symptoms of menopause by reversing age-related changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which is the backbone of the neuroendocrine system. Lunada Biomedical, a newly established U.S. firm specializing in mitochondrial medicine has acquired worldwide rights to commercialize this research. Lunada Biomedical will be launching the compound in the U.S. under the commercial name "Amberen" in mid-September, 2007.

Instead of risking hormonal therapy or hoping for results with herbal treatment, Amberen consistently and safely rejuvenates the brain's communication with the hormonal system to create a more youthful pre-menopausal state without any known side effects. Since Viagra came on the scene, physicians have recognized signaling compounds as a powerful means to improve youthful function. Amberen contains a natural signaling molecule that restores youthful brain sensitivity so that it safely improves function in a way that no drug can. Better yet, its active ingredient is identical to a compound found in every cell of the body.

Dr. James Mahoney has been chosen to introduce Amberen in the United States at the Center for Hope and Healing in Southlake, Texas. "Recent results from the Women's Health Initiative have created a panic in menopausal women and their physicians throughout the United States", says Mahoney, a board-certified specialist whose veteran career is defined by cutting edge treatment of women with difficult menopausal challenges. He says the study demonstrated that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) did much more harm than good. At the same time, doctors claim that evidence is insufficient to recommend herbal therapy to treat hot flashes, mood problems, insomnia and sexual problems that are a common part of menopause.

"My research into a healthy menopause treatment led me to Amberen, a complete, clinically proven solution for my patients," he says. "Amberen is a safe, cost-effective, breakthrough discovery in the field of aging that is likely to change the way we look at menopause for generations."

The combined results of animal and human studies on the product will be published in "Advances in Gerontology," the journal of the Russian Gerontological Society, and will also be reported in Medline.ru, Russia's primary online biomedical journal. "In our studies, a hormone replacement therapy (HRT)-like effect was achieved by administering a natural, non-hormonal compound based on succinates, natural mitochondrial metabolites that essentially mimic the effects of hormones," says Professor E.I. Maevsky, M.D., Ph.D., deputy director of ITEB RAS. "The menopausal process was largely reversed in women who were in its early stages, while women who were in the late stages of menopause reported vast improvements in quality of life due to the disappearance of accompanying symptoms. These are truly revolutionary results that can change the lives of millions of aging women."

In studies, the compound restored the estral cycle in old mice and reversed other menopausal symptoms, including loss of bone tissue weight and calcium content. It also had a favorable effect on the appearance and behavior of animals-they became more active, their lackluster eyes acquired brightness, and their pale, yellowish coat regained white color and shine, resembling the coat of young animals. Spots of bald skin also grew new hair.

Furthermore, in the randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study in menopausal women, succinate-based monotherapy significantly lowered most subjectively evaluated characteristics of menopausal syndrome and increased blood serum levels of estrogen fourfold. This monotherapy also alleviated symptoms of some neurovegetative and psychoemotional disorders, such as hot flashes, headache, and anxiety.

"Our approach, which focuses on correcting metabolism and neuroendocrine control by using a signal energy intermediate, SBC (or succinate-based compound), instead of exogenous hormones, is the first of its kind and represents a step forward in metabolic mitochondrial medicine," says Professor Maria Kondrashova, a leading Russian scientist. "It offers hope in the development of safer treatments for a wide range of diseases, particularly those associated with aging. This platform puts the neuroendocrine theory of aging to work for the first time."

RESEARCH HISTORY - "Prof. Kondrashova discovered over 30 years ago that the substrate succinic acid has hormone-like effects and can be used, among other things, to slow aging," says Prof. Mayevsky. In 1976, Prof. Kondrashova carried out landmark animal trials on the anti-aging effects of succinates-derivatives of succinic acid-together with Prof. Vladimir Anisimov and Prof. Vladimir Dilman, the founder of the neuroendocrine theory of aging. In those trials, scientists were able to restore youthful hormonal balance in old rats. In follow-up experiments using the succinate-based compound, Prof. Anisimov significantly extended the lifespan of laboratory animals while also achieving a decrease in spontaneously occurring tumors.

Originally, Prof. Kondrashova and her team weren't trying to develop a treatment for menopause. Rather, they were conducting studies on human aging to determine whether it was possible to reverse biological age by stimulating the neuroendocrine system. They chose to study these effects on menopausal animals and humans because menopause is a classic example of aging, with very distinct age-related symptoms that are caused by the loss of hypothalamic regulation. Researchers literally stumbled onto the effects of succinates, which turned out to be a seminal moment in establishing a therapy for menopause in the context of the neuroendocrine theory of aging.

Prof. Maevsky emphasizes, however, that succinic acid and its derivatives that are currently available in commerce will not have similar effects. "In these trials," he says, "we used signal-level doses of highly biological active forms of succinate that were produced using a very complex process invented and patented by ITEB scientists. Very high biological activity of these succinates is determined by a specific molecular shape (conformation), and that gives "our" succinates vastly different therapeutic properties. ITEB technology has no other analogs in the world. Molecules of succinic acid are very fragile, and until now it was not even possible to study their shape without altering them. In addition to this process of synthesizing active conformers of succinates, at ITEB RAS, we have also invented new methods of studying the molecular conformation of highly sensitive substances."

ABOUT ITEB RAS - The Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics is one of Russia's premier scientific research institutions. ITEB is a division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which is the Russian equivalent of the National Institutes of Health in the U.S. Composed of 26 laboratories and science centers, ITEB RAS makes important discoveries that save and improve human lives. The scientific staff of ITEB RAS comprises 330 researchers, including one academician, two corresponding members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 45 doctors of science, and 166 Ph.Ds.

ITEB RAS is the successor to the Institute of Biophysics, which was founded in 1952. ITEB RAS traces its roots to 1919, with the creation of People's Commissariat of Health. It was the nation's first scientific organization to study biological processes, and it remains the national leader in this field. Many scientific research institutes populating the science town of Pushino are offshoots of ITEB RAS.

_______________________
Hope you all enjoy the read.
Viktoria

[Curiousity]

I think these links will help if you don't want to read the post as it hard to understand:

Clinical Manuscript:
www.medline.ru/public/pdf/8_046e.pdf

For more information on Amberen ingredients: ***


I know that it works for me !!

BTW I purchased Amberen onine and used the "radiopromo" coupon code to get the 90 day treatment for $99.98. I noticed on their website that the price is listed 25% off but the coupon code is a better deal.


*** Administrator Note: Links have been removed.

Please follow The Power Surge Message Board and Insta-Chat Guidelines

*************** DO NOT POST EXTERNAL LINKS WITHOUT FIRST SENDING THE LINK FOR APPROVAL IN A PM (PRIVATE MESSAGE) TO "BOARD ADMINISTRATOR" THANK YOU! ADMINISTRATION

[LadyViktoria]

I think these links will help if you don't want to read the post as it hard to understand:

Clinical Manuscript:
www.medline.ru/public/pdf/8_046e.pdf

For more information on Amberen ingredients: ***


I know that it works for me !!

BTW I purchased Amberen onine and used the "radiopromo" coupon code to get the 90 day treatment for $99.98. I noticed on their website that the price is listed 25% off but the coupon code is a better deal.


*** Administrator Note: Links have been removed.

Please follow The Power Surge Message Board and Insta-Chat Guidelines

*************** DO NOT POST EXTERNAL LINKS WITHOUT FIRST SENDING THE LINK FOR APPROVAL IN A PM (PRIVATE MESSAGE) TO "BOARD ADMINISTRATOR" THANK YOU! ADMINISTRATION

Hi Curiosity, the only reason I posted no links is because I have no idea we are allowed to post any. So that's why I did the long way.

-Viktoria

[sunflowermmh]

is that MSG as a supplemental ingredient? That's what it looks like anyway makes me wonder what the rest of those words are. For me this would be a nightmare since I don't do well with MSG. Mikki

[Curiousity]

MSG actually isn't bad as long as you don't consume more than 3 grams at once or 1 gram a day over a long period of time. Amberen only has 40 milligrams. I found out as I had to ask too as I get migraines from MSG normally.

[Curiousity]

Hi Curiosity, the only reason I posted no links is because I have no idea we are allowed to post any. So that's why I did the long way.

-Viktoria

Opps, I guess I missed that part. Sorry about that. I just thought it was easier to post the link ....

Audrey

[mrssweatbeads]

Floater,
I ordered Amberen and started taking 3 days ago. I am having a lot of symptoms hotflasher , not sleeping major irratibility, major mood swings rage,etc,ec.
I think I feel better already but I will check in in a few days to update.
I hope this will be an answer to all my symtoms!
How are you feeling?
Mrssweatbeads

[Floater]

Floater,
I ordered Amberen and started taking 3 days ago. I am having a lot of symptoms hotflasher , not sleeping major irratibility, major mood swings rage,etc,ec.
I think I feel better already but I will check in in a few days to update.
I hope this will be an answer to all my symtoms!
How are you feeling?
Mrssweatbeads

Hey MSB!!

I haven't tried the amberen yet, I was waiting to hear a few reports back from users first. I do have a friend who has been on it for 2 weeks now and she says she feels better than she has in years! That is certainly encouraging.

I hope for you it will cure all your symptoms! And please, definitely keep us posted. This has become a bit of a controversial subject, but hearing from real people who have used it would be the best recommendation there is!

[missy7777]

I ordered a one month supply of Amberen and when I found out about the MSG, I emailed the company and received this response. I am sensitive to MSG ever since peri started because of migraines. I think I am going to go ahead and try it though:

I can assure you that the pharmaceutical grade of MSG in our compund is completely different than that found in food. We use .4mg of pharmaceutical grade MSG within the context of a clinically tested formulation is very different from unregulated use of MSG as a flavor enhancer in food (which requires much larger amounts).

Since we use only a miniscule amounts of pharmaceutical grade monosodium glutamate, such application of MSG has never been linked to any side effects. Furthermore, safety of ALL ingredients in Amberen is backed by toxicology studies and clinical trials. If you would like further information about safety of monosodium glutamate, please read ?FDA background on MSG?: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/msg.html

MSG is a form of Glutamate and is used in Amberen for one very specific reason, it's an effective neurotransmitter and it helps "deliver" the rest of the compound. Glutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid, which is present in our bodies in abundance. The average person consumes between 10 and 20 grams of bound glutamate and one gram of free glutamate from the food which we eat every day. In addition, the human body creates about 50 grams of free glutamate daily.

The reason why Amberen contains MSG and not glutamate in its pure form is because glutamate is highly bioactive and becomes unstable when mixed with other ingredients. MSG, which is present in Amberen, is less acidic than pure Glutamate; it is of a high pharmaceutical grade which allows it to be more stable than Glutamate. It is used in miniscule amount (40 mg per dose) for a specific, scientifically sound reason.

[Floater]

Missy,

If you do go ahead and try it, let us know how it goes for you! I think it takes a month to really notice if it is working or not. My friend that is using it still maintains she is feeling much better physcially, and much more stable emotionally than before the Amberen. Good luck!!

[missy7777]

I will definitely keep everyone posted on this. I'm a bit scared to be the guinea pig with this stuff, especially with the migraines that have plagued me since peri, but it does look pretty innocent (in spite of some of the negative stuff I have read on this board). And since I haven't seen any actual instances where several people have come on to this board to say how horrible the side effects were, then I'm a little more okay about it. I'm glad your friend has been fine without side effects - so that is a positive! I'm just kind of weirded out that more women haven't at least TRIED the stuff. It has been out since September, and I'm just surprised that there aren't a ton of people on here saying that they either like it, or don't like it, or whatever.

[TidalWaves]

I will definitely keep everyone posted on this. I'm a bit scared to be the guinea pig with this stuff, especially with the migraines that have plagued me since peri, but it does look pretty innocent (in spite of some of the negative stuff I have read on this board). And since I haven't seen any actual instances where several people have come on to this board to say how horrible the side effects were, then I'm a little more okay about it. I'm glad your friend has been fine without side effects - so that is a positive! I'm just kind of weirded out that more women haven't at least TRIED the stuff. It has been out since September, and I'm just surprised that there aren't a ton of people on here saying that they either like it, or don't like it, or whatever.

Hi Missy, I can definitely tell you that I feel much more balanced since starting on Amberen 18 days ago. I have had very intense symptoms for about 5 years now. I have tried many different supplements, but none have given the relief I have experienced since taking Amberen and I have no noticeable side affects.

Keep us informed on your progress.

[Jalyn]

Hi Missy and Tidalwave, I'm taking Amberen too. I've been on it for about three weeks and I feel much better. I tried it all it seems but nothing so far has stopped the anxiety and hot flashes and so I'm pretty hopeful. I've even lost some weight because I'm not craving sugar like I was.
Keeping the faith!


Hugs,
Jalyn

[missy7777]

Hi Missy and Tidalwave, I'm taking Amberen too. I've been on it for about three weeks and I feel much better. I tried it all it seems but nothing so far has stopped the anxiety and hot flashes and so I'm pretty hopeful. I've even lost some weight because I'm not craving sugar like I was.
Keeping the faith!
Hugs,
Jalyn

That is great news Jalyn and Tidal! I have the box sitting in my bathroom unopened as of yet. I just got a Bioidentical estradiol gel that I am trying first. I know it should probably be the other way around - I should have tried Amberen first and then the estradiol gel if it didn't work, but for some reason I chose to try the Divigel first. But I will def keep you posted!

[Floater]

Jayln, that is great news!! I am so happy you are feeling good and not having symptoms! I hate the anxiety so much, that is awesome if Amberen takes the anxiety away. Keep us posted on your progess!

missy! Did you know the Amberen is supposed to increase your estrogen 4 fold?? So could be that it would help you without adding outside sources of estrogen to your body? Either way....I would love to hear how you are doing on the estradiol. Just one quick question....do you still have a uterus?? If so you should not use the estrogen without some progesterone, it is very dangerous doing that. If you have no uterus, it doesn't matter.

[Jalyn]

Jayln, that is great news!! I am so happy you are feeling good and not having symptoms! I hate the anxiety so much, that is awesome if Amberen takes the anxiety away. Keep us posted on your progess!

Floater,
I will keep you posted on the progress.

[Curiousity]

I think I started taking Amberen first. Here is what I found so far:

1.) I was able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer within 2 weeks.
2.) I lost 7 pounds over the past 6 weeks (I did add a 30 min walk every other day though)
3.) I was keeping a daily tally of my hot flashes and it took just over 4 weeks for them to finally go away. I kept getting the occasional one every other day which was very annoying. All told, they were nowhere near as bad as they used to be.
4.) Overall, I do feel really relaxed and don't seem to be anxious or irritable anymore. I know my husband is thankful for that

That's all so far! At least I haven't got the periods back!


All the best
Audrey

[Ann123]

Wow this amberen sounds wonderful! Does anyone know if it helps with joint pain? I have so much pain/stiffness in my hands ,hips and feet lately. I am only 44 but I feel like I am 90! Also due to my brain fog and also not comprehending everything what are the side effects of amberen?

[Floater]

I already posted this on the site but I think I started taking Amberen first. Here is what I found so far:

1.) I was able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer within 2 weeks.
2.) I lost 7 pounds over the past 6 weeks (I did add a 30 min walk every other day though)
3.) I was keeping a daily tally of my hot flashes and it took just over 4 weeks for them to finally go away. I kept getting the occasional one every other day which was very annoying. All told, they were nowhere near as bad as they used to be.
4.) Overall, I do feel really relaxed and don't seem to be anxious or irritable anymore. I know my husband is thankful for that

That's all so far! At least I haven't got the periods back!
All the best
Audrey

Audrey, has it helped with libido at all? And what about energy? Do you feel more energetic? I am still waffling about going the Amberen route or the hormones. I have NO food sensitivies, so the msg issue is of no concern for me whatsoever. I just want to know if it works!

[TidalWaves]

Audrey, has it helped with libido at all? And what about energy? Do you feel more energetic? I am still waffling about going the Amberen route or the hormones. I have NO food sensitivies, so the msg issue is of no concern for me whatsoever. I just want to know if it works!

Kathie, Today is my 22nd day on Amberen and I can honestly say I am feeling better than I have felt in 5 whole years!!

I am exercising again..... something I have not been able to even think about doing in a very long time.

I have had just the opposite libido issues as you have had. I was being totally tormented day and night with a WAY over the top sex drive!! I am MUCH more balanced now. Research claims that it does restore your drive.

So, I have to say..... for me........ YES, it works!!!!

[Jalyn]

I think I started taking Amberen first. Here is what I found so far:

1.) I was able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer within 2 weeks.
2.) I lost 7 pounds over the past 6 weeks (I did add a 30 min walk every other day though)
3.) I was keeping a daily tally of my hot flashes and it took just over 4 weeks for them to finally go away. I kept getting the occasional one every other day which was very annoying. All told, they were nowhere near as bad as they used to be.
4.) Overall, I do feel really relaxed and don't seem to be anxious or irritable anymore. I know my husband is thankful for that

That's all so far! At least I haven't got the periods back!
All the best
Audrey

Hi Audrey,
I listened to the tape about Amberen on your blog and the one of guest speakers mentioned towards the end of the tape that he felt it wasn't necessary to take Amberen once a women reached menopause. He said that maybe later they would market just one of the Amberen pills of the two(the one that gives energy) for menopausal women. He also mentioned that money might be better spent elsewhere until they do. I thought that Amberen was marketed for both perimenopause and menopause. Am I confused?
Thanks!