Hi Everyone,

I thought I would share some info on alternative treatments for these nasty hormonal migraines. Someone on this board on another thread had mentioned that Feverfew works...I did an internet search and found lots of information on not only Feverfew but also another herb called Butterbur.

It seems that there has actually been alot of scientific research and clinical trials on Butterbur with really remarkable results. According to what I have read...(The paper was sponsored by the pharmaceutical company Merck)...

1.A proprietary extract of butterbur root, an herbal remedy from Europe, has successfully lowered the incidence of migraines in a new clinical trial published in the recent issue of the medical journal Headache.

2. A randomized controlled trial in adults in which Petadolex successfully lowered the frequency of migraines was recently published in the medical journal Neurology.

Note: the standardized butterbur root extract used in this trial Petadolex.

3.The butterbur extract was very well tolerated with only few adverse events. Belching was the most commonly reported adverse effect and is the only significant and well-known side effect of the standardized butterbur extract. All other adverse events were mild and did not lead to premature termination of the study.

4. One of the endpoints that this trial measured was the number of patients who experienced a reduction of migraines of at least 50% or more. In the 75 mg Petadolex group, 68% met this criterion. In addition, this outcome was measured at 1, 2, and 3 months, indicating that the herbal extract effects took place early in the trial and lasted throughout. The researchers noted that the efficacy for the butterbur extract was equivalent to the levels of effectiveness shown for conventional pharmaceutical anti-migraine drugs.


5. Petadolex is a patented extract of the traditional butterbur root (Petasites hybridus) standardized to contain a minimum of petasins. The extract is manufactured in Germany by Weber and Weber, a phytomedicine company.

6. There is also clinical trials now on treating Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma with butterbur extract.

This butterbur sounds like it might help! I am going to order some from the net and will report back on whether it helps or not. I guess it might take a couple of months to figure out if it works or not.

I hope this info helps someone else who has had the debilitating migraines like I have had recently thanks to peri.

Hugs,
Susan

HI

That is very interesting _ I will take to my herbalist when I see him next month - Butterbur is a native plant in the Uk so I am sure he will know it - I iwll look it up in my herb book and let you know

Mele

Feverfew never helped me. If you order butterbur, it would be best to get the German product used in the study because "the plant is known to contain small quantities of pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are carcinogenic and potentially toxic to the liver. The German manufacturer of standardized butterbur extracts reports that these harmful substances are successfully removed using a high-pressure liquid carbon dioxide extraction process." (from Life Extension Foundation)

HI Everyone,

In what seems like my never ending search to find something (without side nasty effects) to alleviate the horrible migraines I have been getting since peri, I uncovered yet another new piece of information that seems worth writing about here. Below is the abstract of an article written by Ritchi Morris, Ph.D., H.M.D., D.N., R.H. - Professional Member AANC

It seems he has been researching an "essential" amino acid called phenylalanine. More specifically: There are three forms of phenylalanine: L; D; and DL. The L form is the most commonly occurring type. The brain utilizes this substance as a precursor to produce norepinephrine (NE). It helps one's brain restore the depleted stores of NE. For it is well known that stress and overwork tax one's "brain-well" of NE levels thus leaving one feeling mentally "drained." With the conversion of phenylalanine and another amino acid (tyrosine), vital to this process, the brain's well of NE can be refilled. As Durk Pearson/Sandy Shaw explain, "You can literally refill the storage pouches on your nerves by using - phenylalanine. Large amounts of vitamin C and B6 are required for the conversion of phenylalanine and tyrosine to NE.

The D-Form derives its name from the fact that the NH2 particle occurs to the right of the carbon particle in this phenyl molecule. Hence, the D stands for "dextro" or right-handed seat, rendering this molecule a mirror-image of the L Form.

The most abundant sources for the D-Form are bacteria and plant tissue. Eventually, this D-Form becomes an L-Form as the human system converts it slowly before it can be assimilated and utilized for its identified bodily functions.

The third or DL-Form is obviously a combination of the two forms above. Not until very recently has much been known or investigated about this form. However, since phenylalanine exists in all protein that we consume, our metabolic and digestive systems are designed organically to absorb and utilize this form and its by-products without difficulty just as easily as they absorb the separate L- and D- forms.

Furthermore, research has shown that the nutritional value of DLPA rivals that of the L- and D-Forms. In this sense, the toxicity is very low - comparable to that of the complex carbohydrates (sugars occurring in raw fruits and vegetables).

There is a plethora of clinical and research data substantiating the extraordinary therapeutic efficacy of DLPA.

Finally, in the last decade, specific values for DLPA have been identified. After years of private research, perhaps the foremost authority on DLPA, Dr. Seymour Ehrenpreis, presented his findings to the Second World Congress on Pain. Dr. Ehrenpreis et al. declared that, at least good, if not excellent relief from pain was observed in every patient using DLPA

Recent empirical studies have documented the efficacy of utilizing this essential amino acid for the control of such chronic and/or acute pain syndromes as lower lumbar back pain, joint pains resulting from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other usage stresses; migraines; severe premenstrual spasms; neuritis; neuralgia; and postoperative conditions.

Thus, scientific research has demonstrated that relief from the above pain syndromes is available without the necessity of taking any radical measures, simply by supplementing one's present diet with this spectacular combined form of phenylalanine.

As with all substances, there are cautions for the use of DLPA. Most importantly, the proper dosage must be followed strictly. All recent studies confirm that the most effective results are gained by such careful adherence. Secondly, DLPA is not to be taken by pregnant persons or those who are allergic to it (phenylketonurics). Thirdly, people with circulatory problems or hypertension should be careful to take DLPA after meals only.

The Reccomended dosages are copied below:

DLPA - ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE SCHEDULE

Form Capsule or tablet

Strengths 350 or 500 mg

Initial Dosage Up to 2,000 mg/day

Phase 1 First 2 weeks

Phase 2 3,500 mg/day - Weeks 3-6

Phase 3 (if necessary) 4,500 mg/day - Weeks 7-10

Ideal level for maintenance: Reduce by 500 mg/day until the discomfort slightly disappears

Consumption Rate 2-3 times throughout the day. Never in one large dose!

Consumption Method 15 minutes before or 1 hour after meals and at bedtime on an empty stomach!

Cautions Stop at 4,500 mg - more is not better

Always take amino acids on an empty stomach to maximize absorption

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You can bet I will be racing to the health food store tomorrow for a supply of this. If after the Butterbur, Feverfew and now this, I can't beat these migraines, I don't know what will work. I will give up!
I hope this helps anyone else that is suffering with these.

Hugs,
Susan