OnlineHost: Betty Kamen has entered the room Dearest: To say tonight's Power Surge guest is an author, lecturer, Ph.D. would be impressive enough. However, it wouldn't do justice to the fifty years of research and interviews she has conducted with the world's most prestigious scientists - to the more than 1,000 articles she has written - to the numerous books on nutrition. She has also taught at Hofstra University, and developed her own nutrition program My guest has appeared on numerous TV and radio talk shows - has hosted her own radio talk show; been the only non-laboratory researcher invited to participate in international symposiums with world famous scientists. She was also honored by The New York Times with a full-page article about her accomplishments, life and work. Dr. Kamen's book, "Hormone Replacement Therapy: Yes Or No?" is one we talk about frequently in Power Surge. It addresses the serious issues surrounding synthetic hormones. It is my pleasure to introduce you to D R. B E T T Y K A M E N. Betty, welcome to Power Surge. While you say hello to a group I'm certain has plenty of questions for you, let me ask you to address something I'm sure is on many women's minds today. In otherwise healthy women, where heart disease and osteoporosis aren't familial issues, why are so many women being prescribed synthetic hormones like Premarin? Thank you, and I hope it's okay for us to call you Betty :) Betty Kamen: Please; call me Betty! Money is the bottom line for so many popular therapies, isn't it? Dearest: Haha! ARC, go ahead, please. ARC23: I am 50, have periods sporadically, and have osteopenia. I'd prefer not to take HRT or Fosamax. What do you think is the best and safest way to help my bones? Betty Kamen: The problems you pose are widespread, but easily remedied. Last question first: the best way to protect bones is to walk 45 minutes a day. Dearest: Thanks, Betty.... NOLES, go ahead with your question. NOLES34: 39..in menopause..taking HRT..is this affecting my moods..personality..am now 41 on HRT 3 months. Betty Kamen: Best way to get rid of so many hormone imbalances is to use a good progesterone cream. Noles, why are you on HRT at such a young age? NOLES34: I started full menopause and the Dr. said I should start asap. He took the hormone blood test. Said I would have heart attacks and osteoporosis. Betty Kamen: In my book, you can read why this info is ridiculous. That is, taking hrt - synthetic - does not protect your heart - nor does it protect your bones.... You probably started menopause because of hormone imbalance. You should be finding out why you started menopause so early.... What kind of test? Blood tests are not always accurate. Hormones tend to cling to walls of blood cells... NOLES34: Not sure what blood test. I want to stop taking HRT. What are the risks? Betty Kamen: The risk of taking hrt is what you should be concerned about. There are no risks in stopping, but don't stop too quickly, or you will have unpleasant symptoms. Again - explained in my book. You really need to find out what threw you into menopause so early. That's the only way you can get to a safe solution. NOLES34: How do I find out? Betty Kamen: Go to a good medical nutritionist. Or examine your own lifestyle, and see how you can improve. EleanordeW: I was wondering if HRT would help resolve my mood swings, they are worse after my period each month. I'm taking St. John's Wort, but the depression is noticeable every month at that time. Betty Kamen: It's known that estrogen causes mood fluctuations. Progesterone, on the other hand, helps to modulate them. This is validated in the PDR [Physicians Desk Reference]. Dearest: Betty, you're talking about natural progesterone, yes? Betty Kamen: Yes, I'm referring to natural progesterone, but also to herbs that have been known for centuries. Herbs that help to balance your hormones - among my favorites: Siberian ginseng. Dearest: Any other forms of natural progesterone other than herbs? Betty Kamen: Using these products in a transdermal form is the best way. The wild yam extract functions as a phytoprogesterone. That means, it fills the receptosites with good stuff, and replaces the bad stuff. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, hear this. I have interviewed thousands of women in the last 3 years. The reports are that hot flashes disappeared with the use of progesterone cream preparations. Dearest: Wonderful.. thanks. Itchybaun, go ahead. Itchybaun: What is the difference in Mexican Wild Yam & Natural Progesterone? Also how much natural progesterone do you need? Betty Kamen: The extract is an herb that has hormone- like features. Progesterone is the hormone itself. The extract does not convert to the hormone, but acts like it. Similar to isoflavones functioning like estrogen. That is, the substances in soy products. PHILG81785: Just turned 60..very active, with osteoperosis..been on HRT for 5 yrs and am now reading everything I can about natural progesterone. I want very much to get off the HRT. I have put on 22 lbs and I hate it and other side effects. But I am soooo worried about my bones. How do I get off HRT and stay healthy? With the creme? And how do I know how much to use? Betty Kamen: Five years on HRT should be the outside limit. Of course, no length of time is better, but no one should be on so long. The side effects are correlated with length of use. HRT causes the weight gain. You will probably start to lose weight once you start using better methods of control. PHILG81785: What about my bones? Betty Kamen: Does taking any drug that has such a long list of side effects make sense? PHILG81785: no!!!!!!! Betty Kamen: Especially when there are natural alternatives? HRT increases bone density only temporarily. Progesterone helps to build bone back - VERY different effect. More importantly, when you reach age 75, taking HRT has no benefit in terms of bones....no matter how long you were on HRT. Dearest: Many women here are totally confused. Why are we being fed this propaganda about hormone replacement therapy? Betty, why are doctors scaring the living daylights out of women? Betty Kamen: The doctors are influenced by the very powerful drug companies. MARFGR: 50 & postmenopausal. My Dr prescribed Premarin Conjugated Estrogen Cream for vaginal pain and dryness. Also bought wild yam cream, but now afraid to use any of them because my sister was just diagnosed with breast cancer. What is your opinion on both creams? Betty Kamen: In my experience, vaginal pain and dryness, as reported by hundreds of women are both relieved quickly with the application of progesterone cream. Cancer is almost always caused by too much estrogen. That's why doctors prescribe tamoxifen to breast cancer women. This prevents uptake of estrogen to the breast. Progesterone does the same thing without the side effects. The study describing how this works is outlined in my book. MARFGR: Is the estrogen vaginal cream safe to use? Betty Kamen: I would never use an estrogen cream vaginally. Why add to the estrogen overload? MARFGR: Then is it safe to use the wild yam cream? Don't feel comfortable putting it on breasts. Betty Kamen: If you read the study published in Fertility and Sterility, you would know its safety. I have reports from more than a hundred physicians who recommend the use of the cream. MARFGR: My doc said I lost my estrogen because of the dryness. She didn't take any blood test. Betty Kamen: Dryness is caused by hormone imbalance, not necessarily loss of estrogen. What must be understood is that we are all on estrogen overload. We get the estrogen from our food, herbicides, pesticides, auto exhaust...even from paper by-products, and from plastic. It is everywhere. It cannot be avoided. Beedibo: Wondering about Primrose Oil for hot flashes & Vit E 400 mg Betty Kamen: E and primrose oil may help, but these are not enough to counter estrogen overload. Beedibo: You mean - use cream also? Betty Kamen: Yes, use the cream, too. But be sure it's a good cream. Mgb421: How do you know if the hormones are natural? Where do you get them? Talk about ginseng, please. Betty Kamen: The label will indicate that the herb or hormone is natural. If the hormone is labeled progesterone, it has to be natural. The word progesterone means that it's natural. You would be amazed at how this industry watches each other. No one let's another company get away with anything when it comes to labeling. Ginseng is wonderful for both men and women. Dearest: Betty, what about the many natural progesterone creams around? How much of it do we need? Some say 400 mg per 2 oz.. others are only 90 mg. Betty Kamen: Here's how you can judge a good cream. Don't buy one that has too much progesterone in it unless you're under doc's care. Also, don't buy one that has no herbs. The amount of progesterone should be no more than 10 milligrams in a 2-ounce jar. Dearest: What about those creams, such as Progest, with higher amounts of NP in them? They try to make us believe more is better. Betty Kamen: Most women don't need ANY estrogen, even the safe varieties. Please encourage your doc to find other ways to regulate your hormones. When it comes to hormones, only a small amount is necessary. I have a paper explaining why more is not better. Dearest, can I, at a future time, have you post this paper in this chat room ? I can email it to you. Dearest: Of course, Betty. I'd be glad to. You can send it to me and I'll put it in the newsletter. Betty Kamen: Okay. Meanwhile, if any other questions come up, I can e-mail responses, too. Dearest: Betty, did you see my question about Progest? You said "no more than 10 milligrams in a 2 oz jar".... what about Progest? Don't they claim to have 400 mg. in a 2 oz tube? Betty Kamen: Progest is a great product, but I believe it should not be used unless you are under doctor's care. Some labs find that too much progesterone accumulates in tissue. That happens after a year or more of use. Another problem: When prog. levels are satisfied, excess turns into estrogen pathways, then the original problems begin to surface. The advantage of the herbs with the hormone is that they all differ in effect. Overall, they help to balance, but in varied ways. Much safer! Since progesterone also helps memory, I think all women should apply the cream. Dearest: Can you recommend a cream that's available to women with normal ranges of natural progesterone? Betty Kamen: I want to state emphatically that I have no connection with the sale of any product. This, in spite of what you may read on the internet. Dearest: Understood.. but you're telling us something we didn't know. Please advise us what to do, Betty. Betty Kamen: One product that is based on the research in my book, is put out by TRS. You can call 1-888-945-3926 to get more info on this. This product has the 10 milligrams that the FDA recommends as safe. Again: I have no connection with sales. I work hard to separate myself from sales. Needless to say, I am pleased that one company used my research, though. Dearest: Betty, I'd like to get something straight, please. You said that product TRS puts out has the 10 milligrams the FDA "recommends as safe".. is that so? Betty Kamen: The FDA does not have a regulation, but rather a recommendation - of 10 mgs. per 2 ounces. If the recommendation ever becomes a regulation, we'll need a prescription for the higher amounts. Dearest: Amazing. 10 mg recommended and we're using 400. Dearest: Thanks, Betty. WoodyEllen: I'm 50 & in 3rd year of menopause, Premarin pills & patch gave me aches so I stopped & have concentrated on exercise & low-fat eating, etc. How long can I do this without the eventual need of some HRT? Betty Kamen: WoodyEllen, you're lucky that you felt the side effects early on, and stopped. Why should anyone need artificial HRT?. Does this sound natural to you? Again, there are better ways of dealing with the problems. Lifestyle. That's the best approach. WoodyEllen: I would much rather avoid any HRTs and learn to naturally balance my body. Betty Kamen: WoodyEllen, you seem to be on the right track. Good luck. WoodyEllen: But is there an eventual age when I should rely on a doctor's prescription? thank you. Betty Kamen: I do not think there is any age at which a doctor's prescription should be necessary. Peteo25: I take "Estrex" for hot flashes. It is homeopathy...snake root, wild yam, etc. Works well. Just concerned about the purity of these products. Your opinion of homeopathy? Betty Kamen: I'm not familiar with Estrex. Is there any estrogen in it? From your description, it sounds good. Peteo25: Just herbs, I guess. Betty Kamen: If it's only herbs, should be okay. Does it require a prescription? Peteo25: no Betty Kamen: Homeopathy, when prescribed by a knowledgeable practitioner, is great. Mom1012801: Should I take HRT if mom had breast cancer ? Dearest: Dr. Kamen doesn't believe any of us should take HRT, Mom. Betty Kamen: HRT is definitely contraindicated if your mom or sister had breast cancer. This is so stated in the PDR. I think any doc who prescribes HRT for such women should lose his/her license. Dearest: (I agree, Betty) Di5312: St. John's Wort for the depression. Tofu shakes should i stop them? Do i need calcium and magnesium supplements? have symptoms for 2 yrs. Betty Kamen: St Johns wort is great, but some formulas are better than others. Email for the best formula. I worry about too much tofu, and about the Round-Up spray used on soy by Monsanto. Be sure to get pure tofu. I'm no fan of shakes. I don't think calcium supplements are necessary, especially if you're eating greens and whole grains. MIMISUSAN: 50, taking Premphase. Seems to help a lot. What are pros & cons of this HRT? Betty Kamen: Any synthetic estrogen preparation has its serious side effects. Dearest: Betty, remind us what those serious side effects are, please? Betty Kamen: Side effects of HRT: weight gain, bloat, depression, dry skin, vaginal dryness. The list goes on: endometrial cancer, breast cancer, mood swings. Loss of libido. Beedibo: What about Barley Green - I'm post meno and wondering if it would be good tonic? Betty Kamen: Barley green is great, but a mixed green preparation is even better. Buy one that has a mix of greens including kamut shoots, etc.. Each green product has an advantage others don't have. Again, you can e-mail for the brands I recommend. I don't want to be openly commercial, here. ARC23: I'm suffering from big-time fatigue, especially upon arising and throughout the mornings. Your suggestions, please? Betty Kamen: If you are tired, add additional Siberian ginseng, if the cream isn't enough. Ginseng can do wonders for energy. Dearest: Specifically "Siberian," Betty? Betty Kamen: Yes, specifically, Siberian. I have traveled all over the world. I have visited to the mountains where the ginseng grows. I have visited the labs that process the ginseng. I have concluded that the Siberian variety, as grown in Hokkaido, Japan, is the best! Dearest: Betty, do you think our society is so lazy.. we want quick answers in pills like hormones? ...rather than reading and learning about natural remedies? Betty Kamen: Yes, we are lazy, and we do look for the magic bullet. That's why I think supplementation is so important in today's world. We're not going to change people so quickly. At least, let's find easy ways to keep us healthy, until we "get the message." Dearest: Thank you, Betty -- excellent answers. Kathycorn: Hysterectomy at 28, now 43, on climara patch. How do I know if I'm on sufficient HRT? Dr says if I feel fine its enough. Betty Kamen: A better question: Are you on the right HRT? Why did you have the hysterectomy? Kathycorn: I wonder that too. Endometriosis. Betty Kamen: Chances are it was caused by estrogen excess. HRT that doctors prescribe does not get to the cause. You still have the same problems. Endometriosis is caused - almost always - by estrogen excess. Kathycorn: What type of Dr should I see? How do I know if I have enough estrogen? Betty Kamen: Trust me, you probably have too much estrogen. The only good to say about HRT is that it will, for some, relieve symptoms. But there are better ways, safer ways, to accomplish the same goal. And the natural ways usually get to the cause. HRT does nothing but relieve symptoms. Dearest: So, you unequivocally say that HRT is not necessary for women with family history of heart disease and osteoporosis? Betty Kamen: Yes, Dearest, I make that statement - again and yet again. We know there are better ways to protect our hearts and bones. A new study shows that high bone density is not advantageous. Dearest: Good for you, Betty. RCHCTH: What do you think about saliva tests for hormone levels? Betty Kamen: I don't believe in testing, in general. The saliva test has its limitations, in that results don't show low doses of progesterone. Saliva tests are better for toxicity than for normal levels. Eve G 406: Surgical meno 4 yrs ago, now no ovaries or uterus, currently on Climara, lowest dose. Meno symp: dryness, low libido and flashes. Do not want to increase dosage. suggestions ? Betty Kamen: So again I ask: what caused the hysterectomy? Does taking the drug help get to the problem? Nature doesn't leave us in the lurch. Eve G 406: Cysts in uterus and ovaries Betty Kamen: Our adrenals continue to make estrogen. Estrogen is stored in fat tissue. Even brain cells make estrogen. We don't need more estrogen! Dearest: Betty, are you saying after hysterectomy, HRT isn't necessary? Betty Kamen: I am saying exactly that. What is needed? A good look at the cause for the operation. Find a good medical nutritionist. Look at your lifestyle. Take good supplements. Keep in mind that what you eat every day of your life, affects the length and quality of your entire life. Dearest: Amazing. Thanks, Betty. WINDOCK1: Are the unpleasant symptoms when quitting HRT the same as those we started with? Betty Kamen: The unpleasant symptoms when stopping can be worse than those you had initially. That's why we recommend you get off the drugs slowly. Very slowly. Again, this is outlined in my book, and we can repeat it here in detail at a later date. As you get off slowly, start using the cream. Dearest: Click here to take you to Dr. Betty Kamen's book at amazon.com ... Hormone Replacement Therapy: Yes Or No? CIGAM0213: Hot Flashes! Lupron shots in July and Aug. Burning of the lining. 45 yrs old cannot take hormones due to blood clots. Ablasion Aug 26th. Can you tell me more about ablasion? Betty Kamen: I am not familiar with that process. Can you educate me? Sounds invasive. I can't respond, because I am not familiar with this. Sorry. CIGAM0213: Thanks. What about being so tired all the time? Betty Kamen: As for fatigue, I highly recommend a green product and additional Siberian ginseng. PHILG81785: After being on HRT patch for 5 yrs. how slowly can I wean myself off of it??? Betty Kamen: Give yourself several months to get off, unless you don't mind having some unpleasant symptoms. I can tell you that the symptoms will disappear in about 10 days. So it's really your choice. There is no harm in getting off fell swoop. KE200: For what symptoms does one use primrose oil? (other than hot flashes) Betty Kamen: Primrose oil is great for PMS, but progesterone cream is even better. It's also much less costly. Oils can get rancid quickly, so any oil supplement should be purchased with care. Ljr45: Dr wants me to take Provera for 2 wks to bring on period but I really don't want to take it. Can you recommend anything else? Progest? Betty Kamen: Why does doc want to bring on periods? How old are you? And are you aware that use of progesterone cream normalizes periods? Women who should be menstruating and aren't, start. Women who have excessive bleeding or frequent periods, stop. Ljr45: 52 only 4 periods this yr. Had endo biopsy two months ago. Betty Kamen: Again - if you use Progest, please do so under doctor's care, or do so only for a short time. The TRS product can be used forever more. Also - I should point out that none of this is meant as medical advice. Where you have serious problems, please consult a good physician. Dearest: That's part of Power Surge.. a built-in disclaimer :) Thanks, Betty. NoBiteJack: Is there any difference between natural menopause and chemo-induced menopause? Betty Kamen: Menopause is menopause. But, yes, there is a difference. By chemo-induced, do you mean chemically induced because of drugs, or do you mean removal of parts? NoBiteJack: Chemo for breast. Betty Kamen: Difficult question to answer. With natural meno, other parts of body take over. In fact, healthy women's ovaries can continue to make hormones up to 40 to 50% of usual. Not so with chemo-induced. Lulu52364: Can depression bring on early menopause? Mother passed away last Nov. and I have severe. I am 33 diabetic and now seem to have the symptoms of menopause. Betty Kamen: Yes, depression is very powerful. The mind is powerful. We all know that sex hormones start in the brain - with how we feel and think. How great that we now have natural remedies. TRS also has the best St John's wort formula I've ever seen. It includes two additional herbs not found in other formulas. I've seen incredible testimonials from both docs and patients using this. Lulu52364: Where can it be found? And is 33 too young to start meno? No kids either. I feel so depressed from losing Mother. Do not know what to do. Betty Kamen: Lulu - much too young to have menopause. Find the causes, not the drugs to suppress the symptoms. TRS stands for The Right Solution. And they do have some right solutions! Hope all this was helpful. e-mail for more info. Lulu52364: Thank You Dearest: (I'm so sorry, Lulu.. sigh) Lulu52364: Thank you...I am trying so hard. Dearest: Betty, is there any final statement you'd like to make to the women (and men) in this Power Surge conference? Betty Kamen: Final statement: Think for yourself. Be informed when you go to the doctor. Together, you can decide on what's best for you. No surgery is minor. No drug that works is without side effects. Dearest: Betty, thanks so much for spending this time with us in Power Surge. The information you've provided about hormone therapy, menopause and nutrition is invaluable. If there's anyone left who hasn't read Betty's wonderful book, you can purchase it at amazon.com by clicking here: Hormone Replacement Therapy Yes or No? How to Make an Informed Decision About Estrogen, Progesterone, & Other Strategies for Dealing With PMS, Menopause," or, you can order it by calling 1-800-889-5767. Dearest: Let's thank Dr. Betty Kamen for a very enlightening evening in Power Surge. We hope you'll come back again very soon, Betty. Thank you! Lulu52364: thank you Norlee: Thanks, Betty! great chat nite! Eve G 406: Thank you! Cdgee4: Hugs, lulu......and thanks Betty! SGETT: {S applause ARC23: Thanks Dr. Kamen!!!!!!!!! You are just GREAT!!!!!! We really value your advice!!!!!!! Dearest: {S applause Blush: {S applause Kathycorn: Thank you!!!! LORACURA: {S applause Dearest: Thank you, Betty.. you were wonderful!!! PHILG81785: THANKS...E MAIL ADDRESS please.... WINDOCK1: Thank you.....I look forward to your return! MARFGR: Thanks Betty. How can we get a transcipt of tonights chat? KEHEALTH: good by Beedibo: Thank you Betty for all your GREAT info.... and for taking the time & having patience!! RCHCTH: Thank you very much--great answers Surfingbud: Thanks the information re progesterone was fantastic. BYRDIEH: Great show!!!! Lucy535: Hi room, it was hard to get in tonight RGRSMTH: Thanks Betty{S applause Cinda: Hi Lucy, Welcome to Power Surge! Di5312: thanks Betty Cdgee4: miss Arc at powersurge, come back..... TogaGirl4U: Thanks Dearest! Beedibo: Have a great sleep Betty....you deserve it!!! Beedibo: sorry....great! Dearest: Thanks, Betty :) ARC23: It's nice to be missed. CIGAM0213: Please find out about ablasion? and thxs MARFGR: Thanks Dearest - Topic very informative SGETT: Cigamo...I had an ablation 5 years ago... didn't work SGETT: {S xme Surfingbud: Dearest you earn a rose - another great guest you had on. Dearest: You're most welcome, MAR :) MsLizzieB: Dearest, we have been vindicated! By Betty! Yesssssss! (g) BYRDIEH: Do we order directly from TRS? SASCREAT: That too Dearest: SGETT, thanks so much for the queue :) CIGAM0213: SGETT can we talk about ablasion, have some questions? Dearest: Cinda and Blush {}{}{}{}{} great co-hosts .... PHILG81785: Great chat!!!!!!!!! SGETT: Sally...now do you hear it??? Eve G 406: Thanks dearest for tonight Norlee: Really great session tonight! {{{{{ Dearest & Betty}}}} SASCREAT: {S emotions Dearest: Eve, you're welcome :) Blush: Thanks Dearest Cinda: Don't forget everyone!! Wednesday is the Power Surge All Hallows Eve Party! PHILG81785: Dearest..where can we e-mail Dr. Betty?? Dearest: The transcript will be up on the Web site next week. Dearest: PhilG, at Betty Kamen here on AOL Dearest: Right, Cinda!!!!! LORACURA: {S addicted PHILG81785: Thanks..Dearest. LORACURA: LOL SASCREAT: Can't hear that Lora Dearest: Welcome, PhilG LORACURA: SAS...it is funny Z J Gragg: Sure had opposite opinions from what I heard. Dearest: {{{{{{{{{{{ Surgettes }}}}}}}}}}} PHILG81785: Good Night Everybody... CALIFSKIER: guess I missed a great session. will look in the library next week SASCREAT: Heard it last night Dearest: Not from mine, ZJ :) Dearest: Night, PhilG :) Cinda: Hi CWelch, Welcome to Power Surge! WINDOCK1: Great night!! Great job Dearest.... Dearest: Will be on the Power Surge Web site... long before the library. Dearest: Thanks, Win!!!! Dearest: G'nite, everyone. Seeya at the next meeting :) Disclaimer: Every guest in Power Surge is a highly respected professional whose opinions are his/her own. An appearance in Power Surge does not constitute an endorsement of a guest's views. None of these transcripts may be reprinted or reproduced without the express permission of Power Surge™ and the respective guest. Read other transcripts by returning to the Library. Dearest aka Alice Stamm Power Surge Founder, Facilitator, Host Copyright©1994- by Power Surge. All Rights Reserved.