I've read what info there is on Amberen (all put out by the company that make it, of course), and I've read that people are having good results. BUT it makes me really leery. All the research has been done in Russia, which is not a place known for its scientific honesty, and it isn't being marketed as a drug but as a food supplement. So they didn't do any FDA testing. It seems to me that anything that claims to set the clock back and "reset" the ovaries should be classified as a drug. And why are they marketing it to women who have had full hysterectomys?

Maybe it works just fine, but I am going to wait awhile on this one.

Thanks for bringing this up, LA - I've been a bit leery of this since it first came up. Like you, I'd like to see studies - not anecdotal posts - which were done in a non-Russian / non-Chinese scientific environment.

I also think that some of the new people on here who have said how great they feel on Amberen may have been sent here to do this by the company. I find it very telling that the manufacturers don't even have a website so this may be their only / first product.

I also get headaches from MSG and I don't want to risk those because I can't take asperin/tylenol or any NSAIDs to relieve them.

Whatever it is, or isn't, I'm sure that my doctor wouldn't approve this for me to take because of other health issues I have.

My 2 cents

Mary, A very well stated post. They don't even have a website? Really? There are so many supplements out there these days and I think people forget that they can be harmful.

Yeah, you have to wonder. I hope this is not a gigantic scam perpetrated on women and their doctors. Buyer beware!

MaryO, As I write this I am feeling very upset and extremely concerned.

I am one of the people who have been using Amberen for a couple of months now and I am feeling better than I have in many years! I believe in this product and haven't experienced any negative side effects whatsoever.

Here is my concern; the very reason I tried Amberen in the first place is because I had personally spoken to Dr. Jay right here on Power Surge!!! He is the Dr. who was chosen to introduce Amberen into the United States. I had never heard of Amberen anywhere until it was highly recommended on Power Surge. Now you are saying people from the Amberen company have infiltrated Power Surge to promote this product??

I have posted on this site about Amberen, and I assure you I have not received any compensation for doing so. I am also quite sure that none of the other ladies I talk to on Power Surge who use Amberen are not on their payroll either.

It is very scary to me....that this site would introduce a product to its members...only to later say it is potentially dangerous, under-tested and that those of us who tried it are suddenly on the "Amberen payroll"! Would you please explain this to me? Should I discontinue using Amberen, even though I feel better than I have felt in the past 5 years of my life??

I am very concerned with what I'm hearing on here!

Tidal Waves

I'm with you. I ordered 3 boxes of this stuff and I tried it a couple of times but had weird symptoms, like a strange tightening in my head and itchiness all over my body. I don't know if it was the Amberen or just more menopausal symptoms.

Heh, Tidal Waves. I am happy that the Amberen is working for you. I don't think you are on the company's payroll! I wasn't aware that Power Surge had recommended this product and that you had talked to Dr. Jay on this site. Is this archived somewhere where we all can hear or see the conversation? Also, just wanted to say I admire your courage for trying this new product. Continued good health to you!

gg18, I spoke with Dr. Jay many times on Power Surge before ever considering this product. I do not know that any of our conversations would be archived because it has been some time ago and I am not sure if the information I recieved was in a post or in a PM.

I do know that I had been experiencing very severe symptoms for many years (including the itchy skin that you mentioned) and Amberen is the only thing I have found to almost 100% aleviate my symptoms.

And NO I not on Amberen's payroll, but hey, wouldn't be a bad idea!!

tidalwaves

Power Surge / Dearest has never recommend Amberen - that was Doctor Jay and he signed up as a member of the boards just like anyone else can.

TW

I don't think doctorjay is a doctor for Power Surge. If you check his profile (he's a member..just like we are), he just joined Power Surge in November. And probably joined to sell Amberen.

The Power Surge Experts start here: http://www.power-surge.com/experts.htm

Ask the Experts is here: http://www.power-surge.com/asktheexperts.htm

I just checked out his profile and his posts wouldn't come up.....Have they been removed????????

I was just curious


Rox

I never said he was a Dr. for Power Surge. What I said was that I MET him on Power Surge after those of us who use Amberen were accused of being on the Amberen payroll.

Hello Ladies,
I have been taking Amberen for about 1 month now and I am also starting to feel much better than I have been in a long time....... I actually got my fat belly to the gym today( something that I have not been able to do in a long long time!!!) It really has helped many of my symptoms. I was begining to think that I could not ever work again. I actually found Power Surge when I googled "has anyone ever tried Amberen" while I was trying to make up my mind as to try it or not. That is how I stumbled across this wonderful site! (And GOD BLESS DEAREST for starting this forum). I was very leary to try it as well.
I am like Tidal Waves........ I am not getting paid..... I am just starting to feel much better and I really dont want to go back to the way I was feeling just a few short weeks ago! If Lunada Biomedical is giving out Paychecks I will will certainly take one LOL.
Just to let you all know........ I am not a pill popper. I refuse to go on HRT, Prozac, Paxil, Xanax, valium or any other prescription drugs that have many side effects. My Dr has been trying to get me on HRT for years. He has also offered all sorts of other precriptions for anxiety, depression, insomnia......... I did one time take a sleeping pill ( a free sample) I never filled any of the scripts.
I think Amberen is wonderful ....so far. Nothing else has helped me as much as it has. I am not noticing any side effects. I was truly at my wits end when i ordered Amberen and i told myself if this does not work that I was going to go on BioIdentical Hormone Therapy. As for right now., I am not thinking about that anymore.
Just adding my experience and thoughts.
Hope that this helps someone who was as miserable as I was
Carolyn

Hey TW wouldn't it be great though if you could get on the payroll , then you would get the stuff for FREE LOL


Rox

Thank you, Carolyn. I too had refused any prescription meds and decided to try Amberen as a last resort to BHRT.

And yes, I'll definitely take that check!!

tw

Being Tidal Waves friend, I know she isn't on any payroll!!

I also have to say, I have seen a great improvement in you TW....and if its from the Amberen, which you are sure it is...then I offer you nothing but support in your decision to take it. Even though menopause is a "natural process" for some of us it is a debilitating condition and requires some intervention. You didn't say so on this thread, but I will say it on your behalf....I know you have tried all the natural and herbal supplements with little or no improvement. There is nothing wrong in avoiding precription meds, although neither is there anything wrong to going that route....the bottom line is to do what makes us feel better and be functioning members of society. We aren't doing anybody any good, including ourselves, if we are agoraphobic and our homes have become our prisons. So I say, way to go TW!!

OK, I will put my neck on da chopping board here.

I believe Mary made some very valid points, and it is not ONE of you ladies on this thread that is working for the "said product". How do I know someone did this 'infiltration'? Because I scoured the net and saw almost identical things written in many, many other places.

"Said product" may be helping some of you, and Bev, I know you are feeling better, as are others, and each of you have a right to choose.

BUT, what worries me is this........you can only take this product for 90 days. What will happen after that? I will imagine the body will revert to as it was over a period of time.

The itching and headaches are a mild reaction the MSG....if you have a true allergy, it will manifest in a much more significant manner.

What many of you missed in what I posted about this product was that "they" themselves, stated that the commerical item was not going to have the same amount of ingredients in it as had their studies.

If you all google and google, you will find others saying they did not feel good on it, or felt no changes at all. Others are calling it "snake oil".

I would love to see studies.

Now I shall bow out .......and 2 cents are left here.

Viktoria

Viktoria, I too was very concerned about reverting back during the 3 month down time, but I was told that you can continue if symptoms reoccur. I will have to research that.

I will also say, as we have discussed before, I am not looking to Amberen as a long term solution. My plans are to speak to my Dr. about BHRT.

I just need my life to slow down, so that I can get in to see him or her, if I decide to change Dr.s.


Talk to you later,

bev

Dear Flushing Lady,
I always read everything I can before i ingest a "supplement" . I also read that little quip about the snake oil. BUT..... everyone is entitled to an opinion. AND All of us have our own symptoms AND each women goes through this transition in her own unique way....AND what works for one women, may not work for another>>>> I have many friends here in NJ that are suffering way differently than I am. Some are breezing right through it and others are debilatated as I was. Some are older and some are much younger. Some of them have found things that work for them that does not work for me. SOme have given up and went on HRT. <<< That was thier choice. Some feel better and some don't.
This forum is here so we can share our experiences with other women and learn from them.
I am grateful that i found this site. I am learning a lot from all of you ladies.
Oh and as far as only being ABLE to take it for 90 days........ that is not true...... If your symptoms start to return when you stop taking it......... you can start taking it again. 90 days on and 90 days off is the suggested dosage. I actually upped my dosage after the first 3 weeks because I was not getting INSTANT RELIEF! 2 days after i did that ...... I was able to get out of bed at a decent hour,(8:30 as opposed to 11:45) i was not as lethargic or depressed. I started to clean my house and grooming myself better. It has been about a week on the double dose and I am zipping around all over the place! I have not had this much energy in at least 7 or 8 months) The Depression is what was really getting me....... thankfully that is lifting! Now if Amberen could just get rid of this fat belly that i never had and this mustache that needs to be waxed once a week ( that I also never had!) I will be really impressed!

There are pros and cons to everything....... I hope you have your symptoms under control with whatever you are taking or doing........ So far this is working for me. I hope it continues! I feel GOOD!!!!!!!

Only the best wishes for health and happiness to you and everyone else reading this!

Carolyn

OK, I started the Amberen 3 days ago and I have to say I am feeling better. For 8 years, I have been having a terrible time with peri-early menopause, with all the symptoms x 10. A few days ago I was crying on my bathroom floor telling my husband I can't go on with this and how I don't feel like me. The worst for me is the sleep and when I don't sleep, everything else is worse. I have tried EVERYTHING with little success, herbs, drugs, vitamins, eating, not eating, etc. You know the routine. I have read every book on menopause and mood. I have seen many drs. My latest adventure is a dr. about 2 hours away from me. He performed a more complete bloodwork and recommended NHRT. Labs and visits and prescriptions so far have been about $5,000. (I have tried NHRT several times in the past, with little success). I was doing accupuncture for over 6 months on a weekly basis at $120 a pop. You do the math. My accupuncturist actually fired me! After several times of me coming in crying, he said he just can't help me. I was lurking here the other day and saw the posts on Amberen and in sheer desperation, I ordered it. Then I started worrying about it. Is it safe, what about long term effects, etc? I searched and searched and didn't find satisfying answers. So I contacted the company and got back a very nice e-mail, but still don't feel I have all the answers I want. Within a couple of days I got my order and just decided to go for it. The first night I slept better. Yesterday was the first good day I have had in I don't know how long. But I am still concerned and wish there were more answers. I too feel like a guinea pig. I too wish that Dearest would have someone on to clear things up.

I went back to read the posts and I agree that at least some of those posts have been planted here. Some joined PS about the time Amberen was released. But I can assure you I am not on the payroll and I am feeling dramatically better...so far. Last night I slept all night, 9 hours. A miracle! I will keep you posted.

That's untrue. If you contact the company directly they will send you the Clinical Manuscript for your doctor to review. I did this as I have hypothyroidism and was afraid of contraindications. Furthermore, I have finished my 3 month treatment and had no side effects whatsoever.

All the ingredients have been reviewed and considered safe. If you research succinic acid, you will see several thousand reviews and studies on the various medical applications used in the US and its merits as being safe and effective.

Wait a minute...what is untrue? It IS being marketed as a food supplement, not a drug. They ARE marketing it to women with full hysterectomys, it's on the website. And all the research was done in Russia. I'm not saying it doesn't work, I'm just saying that it might be wise to wait a while on this one, at least until it has a longer history of sucess. And you can't tell me that something that is supposedly so powerful has NO side effects. It's all just a little too good to be true.

30 years of research and testing should qualify.

BTW - Speaking of Russian science, last time I checked they beat us in the Space Race

Nyet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_space_exploration

I was going to wait before trying it. I was just at my wits end! And even though BHRT is safer than synthetic HRT>>>> It still has many of the same risks>>>> Just like anything else.
So I thought, well, I really do not want to be the guinia pig, but I was just so miserable and my next step would have been HRT which again is still risky. So what the hay! I have tried just about everything else. Right now I feel so much better. I am glad I tried it. And yes...... it is too good to be true! I just hope it continues working and that there are not any long term dangers that they find out about 10 years from now. My thinking is that it cant be any worse than the antidepressants,sleeping pills and other prescription drugs that I would possibly be on right now if I listen to the DRs. All i know is that I am sleeping better, the fatique and depression are almost non existing, no night sweats, no hot flashes,I am back to work and back to the gym. I think the labido is starting to kick in as well!
I know people on HRT and they are still suffering terribly. I just ordered more Amberen today because I dont want to be with out it.
Just my opinion! It may not be for everybody
Carolyn

Thank you all for the Amberen discussion.

I've tried everything too, including BHRT and none of it has worked particularly well. It's been almost 3 years and I'm not sure if I can hold out without trying something else and right now I am looking at Amberen.

Amberen is a supplement for a couple of reasons that I can see. 1 - succinates are defined as an approved FDA suppliment 2 - they can avoid required FDA perscription drug trials which take years.

I learned that Viagra also ulilizes the citric acid cycle which I found amusing and interesting.

According to my email back from Amberen - the product is intended to slow down the menopause cycle, level it out so to speak. You still go through a complete menopause but the stimulation of the hypothalamus evens out the decrease in horomones rather than the up and down thrash I'm experiencing today.

My doctor's opinion was this - placebo effect is real. If it works, who cares if it is snake oil.

I do very much wish that I could find at least one peer review of this product before I jump on the bandwagon. I'd like to understand the long term risks.

TidalWaves - please feel free to PM me any info you learned from Dr Jay that you think is interesting or helpful.

Still on the Fence Rendy

Hi Rendy,

While Amberen, or any of the other numerous supplements that I have tried, may be nothing more than a placebo, I would be curious to know why, in all these years of suffereing, did I not get the same relief that I feel I have gotten with Amberen?

I am asking this question because I really do not know.

As far as Dr. Jay goes, Rendy, his full name is Dr. James Mahoney and I'm sure if you google him you will find him. Dr. James Mahoney Amberen should get you where you want to go.

Let me know how it goes.

Best Wishes,

bev

I just did the search suggested without Amberen and came up with the doctor's own website, the same one he'd posted on these boards. I thought it most interesting that his own website no longer has any mention of Amberen even though it has in the past.

I think even with natural supplements, you have to be careful. I am on BHRT but looked up amberen out of curiosity and supposedly, studies have showned that it increases estradiol by 300% in some cases... I worry about the cancer risk in this case, but then it does say to take only for 3 months and then stop.

Anyway, everything has risk and it is an individual choice to try something especially if you are suffering.

Four years ago, I said I wanted to go through this naturally but her I am with the BHRT.

Good discussion though.

Plumeria

That is a little scarey!!!! Since i have been taking it for a little over a month!! I think I am going to have to email him!
Carolyn

[quote name='MaryO' date='Jan 10 2008, 11:47 AM' post='204064']
I just did the search suggested without Amberen and came up with the doctor's own website, the same one he'd posted on these boards. I thought it most interesting that his own website no longer has any mention of Amberen even though it has in the past.
[/quote

From what I understand, Dr. James Mahoney has many other interests besides Amberen and his other website merely promotes overall healthy living.

My response was to Rendy who has shown an interest in Amberen and I believe each one of us has a right to make our own personal choice without feeling beaten down by those who oppose it.

Rendy, I googled Dr. James Mahoney Amberen and it took me directly to the Amberen website.

Thanks TW . I'm so glad it is working for you - gives me hope.

WOW, THANKS for providing a link that clearly shows RUSSIA as the first serious work published that showed physical Space Exploration was theoretically possible and their MANY successes in it this century. They are the first on MANY occasions! border=0 alt=smile.gif />

Curiosity, your original claim was this -:


You were wrong.

You are right about Russians in how "we" can be first in many things, and I take that as a compliment , but your own country has done much as well. Thank you! ........Viktoria

Hi all,
Just to let you know, I did Email Dr Jay.... I got a call from Lunada within hours of my email from a very nice woman whom answered all of my questions. She is also on Amberen and feels great. She is only 38 years old. She had a hysterectomy so she is in surgical menopause. We had a wonderful conversation and if any of you would like to speak to her I have her number.
As for Dr Jay, he did respond to my email that evening. He told me that he is very much on board with Amberen, that powersurge does not allow him to post any suggestion of Amberen, His website has No connection to Amberen as he is a spokesperson and not a principal in the company nor does he have any stake in the product. As far as side effects... He said "they are much the same as hormone replacement but on a much less toxic level (because the estrogen is your own) There is no hormone in the product.
I feel comfortable to continue taking it.
Just my follow up
Carolyn

Just a little update. I quit taking Amberen. Maybe, I didn't give it a fair shot but after a little over a month of taking it I began the usual up and down emotions, aching joints, heart palps and light anxiety. I became disappointed and stopped taking it completely.
For myself, Amberen didn't relieve my most recent symptoms at all. I felt good for a while, but it didn't last. Glad it's working for others though.

Jayln,

Maybe you should consider upping your dose. You know you can do that dont you, if a single dose does not do the job.

I am terrified to quit taking Amberen since I am at least 95% better than I have been in 5 whole years, maybe even longer.

I have no more heart palps (although they were never as bad as some have), hot flashes are gone, SEVERE cold chills.... GONE,
SEVERE irritibility..... GONE, chronic debilitatiing fatigue..... GONE, depression to a minimum, restlessness......GONE, brain fog.........minimal.

I feel like a new person...........what more can I say.

bev

Jayln,
I needed to up my dose after the first month and it started working within 2 days! I feel so much better now! Another symptom has dissapeared in the past few days...... no more nausea!
Good luck whatever you decide to take!
Carolyn

I had completely forgotten about the nausea.............GONE too!!!

Just an update on the Amberen. It has been a week since I started taking it and I feel so much better! It has been a very stressful week, but I have had the energy to keep up and have felt good. I am sleeping MUCH better as well. I, too, can't believe this is a placebo, because nothing else has worked. I still wish I knew more about its safety, but I am grateful for getting my life back even for a week. I feel like I can live a normal life again!

Hi Abbey
that is great news!! I will keep my fingers crossed. I ordered Amberen about a week ago , I live in Sweden so waiting for it to come. I must admit I am really scared to use it but at this point I feel I have nothing to loose as I have no quality to life anymore.
I went to a homepath last week and she took a blood test whiped it on a special papper and told me I was a type B. So basically I am supposed to eat for my blood type. The lady is convinced that this will CURE me. Anyone heard of this before??
I think it is probably a load of crap...... I have colitis and she thinks that is the source of my problems. So fix the stomache fix the rest theory. When I told her about Amberen her eyes popped out when I mention the msg...five minutes later she was suggesting Noni juice...
I really hope this works for me !!! I am 34 and really want my life back! I have blown thousands of dollars trying to get well..nothing has helped!
-Nunni

Do you know that in almost all drug trials in the USA, there are 15% to 20% of participants that get symptom relief from placebo alone?

I don't mean to get off track, or negate the effects of ANY drug or supplement that works for any given woman, whatsoever.
I only attempt to bring forward how powerful our minds are in bringing curative power to our bodies.
And what works for one woman may not work for another, or worse, may even be harmful.

We are unique in our diversity, but I sure wish my mind could get my body on track, or vice versa!
Because so far, there is no pill that can cure my ill.

That being so, what I would really like to know is this; why did I not get the same effects from ALL the other supplements that I have tried over the course of these past 5 years??

No one can answer that question, because life is a series of trials and error when it comes to fixing what ails us.
Whatever you tried wasn't right for you at that time. Our hormones and our bodies are changing so rapidly, that sometimes what gives relief this week may be useless next week.

Nowhere in my post above did I ever even say that Amberen or any other drug or supplement was a placebo. Perhaps I am not getting my point across. After all, I really am crazy, so help me out a little with some understanding. It's been a bit of a rough Monday, here in the psych ward. And nobody is laughing at my rapier-like sarcastic wit!

That being said;

I believe that some drugs are kind of like Chinese acupuncture.
Meaning that the mechanism of action is not fully known to doctors and scientists.
They are still finding biological pathways for the effects of aspirin that were unknown before!
Hormonal therapy also falls into this category.
So much is still only trial and error.

When you find something that works for you, it's a wonderful thing.
It may be religion, yoga, meditation or medication.
It may be all of the above.

All I am trying to say, is this.
In this whirlwind of peri and meno, having a strong and open mind is the best remedy for our souls.
Along with whatever remedy works for our bodies!

And it looks like that would be Amberen for you.

I'm still looking for my cure, whatever that may be.

And if I happen to find it, you fine ladies will be the first to share in my joy!!

Withdrawal symptoms on discontinuance of placebo
The Women's Health Initiative study of hormone replacement therapy for menopause was discontinued after participants still in the program had been taking either hormones or placebo for an average of 5.7 years. Moderate or severe withdrawal symptoms were reported by 40.5% of those on placebo compared to 63.3% of those on hormone replacement. Pain and stiffness (musculoskeletal symptoms) were the most frequently reported symptoms in both the placebo group (22.2%) and the hormone group (36.8%), exceeding other symptoms by more than 10%. Of those reporting pain and stiffness, 54.7% in the hormone group and 38.3% in the placebo group had these symptoms at the onset of therapy. Tiredness was the second most frequently reported withdrawal symptom (21.3% hormone, 11.6% placebo) and hot flashes/night sweats the third (21.2% hormone, 4.8% placebo).[27] Only the vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes/night sweats) were acknowledged to be verified effects of menopause by a 2005 National Institutes of Health panel.[28]

These results may indicate some learned response concerning which withdrawal symptoms appear in a placebo group as well as in the subjects who received therapy, with a greater effect on pain and tiredness than on vasomotor symptoms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placebo#Examp..._placebo_effect

Hi All,
Hope everyone is feeling as wonderful as me and Tidal Waves!!! LOL If Amberen is a Placebo....... who cares. I am doing so much better! That is all that matters! I am really not thinking that it is a placebo since i have also tried many things, NOTHING ELSE ever made me feel like going back to my gym! I went there today with 2 other peri friends that are on HRT and I worked out for 1 hour and 15 minutes they quit after 35 minutes!<<< They want to know more about Amberen! 3 weeks ago I could not get out of bed before 11:45.<, AND i had to force myself to get up and sometimes went back to lay down again for another few hours after being up for 2 hours. For the people on here that just started taking Amberen..... all I can say is stick with it for at least a month. I had to up my dose to see results. I think it may have something to do with the fact that i only have one ovary (had to have one removed at the tender age of 16 ) So my hormones have been a roller coaster ride for a very long time. I have been on Amberen for about 6 weeks now...I am curious to see what happens when i am done with my 90 days... I am not saying that it is a cure all. I truly hope that it continues to do what it is doing right now!! It has helped with many of my problems.
It seems that one symptom after the other is relieved . The only things that are still bothering me from peri that I can note at this time are: I still have the mind fog, the mustache, joint pain, bloating and the weight gain.
It has alleviated for me....... hot flashes, night sweats, nausea,depression, fatique, mood swings, insomnia, itchy vulva, icthy crawling feeling on my skin, headaches are to a minimum,
SO if you combine my 2 lists....... would'nt you feel a whole lot better?
Also my labido is sort of kicking back in....... God bless my boyfriend for being ever so patient with me!
I will keep you posted on any other symptoms that are releived<<, if any. All I can say is that just for the mere fact that the debilitating depression and fatique are gone it makes me feel like I can cope with with other things.
Just sharing my experience!
hope it helps some one else!
Carolyn

Thanks Bev and Carolyn, I'm really happy you guys are feeling so well!! That is a huge deal!!


I've been thinking, if Amberen increases estrogen up to 300%, how would that work for someone who already has enough estrogen or has to much relative to her other hormones? If Amberen increases estrogen by that much, how much does it increase or decrease the other hormones to produce balance. Certainly everyone's problem isn't lack of estrogen alone. What about the other hormones?

I wonder if it's possible that my body needed the extra estrogen when I was feeling good on Amberen and when my body had enough, or to much, and my symptoms kicked up.
Assuming, that's what happened, and instead of stopping the Amberen, I decided to increase the dose and take it for the recommended 3 months. Isn't it possible that I could have created an estrogen overload and an even greater imbalance among the other hormones? Or is Amberen suppose to alert the other hormones by way of the brain it affects to make more or less.

Today I have a fog head so I hope I made some sense.

Hugs,
Jalyn

What is Amberen? What is it made of?

Actually, I really do agree with you! Who cares? The brain is so powerful, and that is a wonderful thing.

Stay well, all of you!

Viktoria