Dearest:       It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to tonight's 
guest in Power Surge, physician, author, women's health advocate...

           D R.    C H R I S T I A N E    N O R T H R U P 

Dr. Chris Northrup.  is a pioneer in the field of women's health.  An 
obstetrician-gynecologist with nearly 20 years of clinical and 
medical teaching experience, she was also a co-founder in 
1986 of WOMEN TO WOMEN, an innovative healthcare center 
for women in Yarmouth, Maine, and a past president of the 
American Holistic Medical Association.
        
This background has given Dr. Chris Northrup  her unique perspective 
on how to help women heal themselves and learn to create health 
daily vs. living in fear of illness. She has articulated the difference 
between healing and curing, and why disease screening is not the 
same thing as *creating health*.
        
Dr. Chris Northrup  is the author of the best-seller,  "Women's Bodies, 
Women's Wisdom"  and is also the editor of the successful monthly  
newsletter, Health Wisdom for Women and her newest book,  "The
Wisdom of Menopause." 
        

Dearest:  Dr. Northrup, welcome.  One of the strongest feelings I 
walk away with from reading your book is that a healthy *attitude* 
toward our health and aging can't help but result in the creation 
of a healthy body -- that much of what women think or expect is a 
result of what society has and we, in turn, impose upon ourselves.

Perhaps in saying hello, we can open with the wonderful reference 
you make in your book to your (then) 68 year old mother being 
"read" by a medical intuitive as "energetically" as though she were 
in her 30's.  You then say, "The more women like my mother ignore 
what is supposed to happen when we age, the better the chances 
are that all of us will stay healthy." Would you share this thought 
provoking mind-set with the women of Power Surge in your opening thoughts?  
Thank you. 
 

Dr. Chris Northrup:      I'd love to.  My mother is now 71 and getting younger 
every day, but she said that when she turned 65 her mail was suddenly 
full of diaper ads, eyeglass deals, hearing aid ads, etc.  She said she 
felt as though she were being programmed to disintegrate at that age.  
We hear this much we start to believe it - and our cells respond.  Even 
young women tell me, "Now that I'm it must be normal to have these 
aches and pains." 


Dearest:    Wonderful reply :) Thank you, Chris. 


LPAWEL:   Yes, what is your recommendation for those of us 
who cannot or will not take HRT? 


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Natural progesterone can be very helpful in perimenopause 
because it helps smooth the transitions of estrogen ups and downs.  
But initially, it may give you hot flashes, because first it increases estrogen 
receptors and then after a few weeks it downregulates them so it can 
take a while to work.  It is also a precursor to estrogen and androgen 
for many women and therefore can be used as hormone replacement 
by women who don't want to take estrogen at all. 


LPAWEL:    What is your recommendation for those of use who 
cannot or will not take HRT? 

 
Dr. Chris Northrup:      My recommendation is that these women get a lipid 
profiles to check their HDL and total cholesterol also check their bone 
density and do weight bearing exercise - especially weight training at 
least twice per week.  This increases bone density.  By the way, my 
mother has never taken any ERT - not even for one day.  Last year 
she climbed Mt. Rainier. HRT is not for everyone - and it's really a 
godsend for others 


Pguiz:     At 44 I went thru surgical menopause due to chemo and radiation. 
My doc is pushing HRT and I said no What can I do?


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Was your chemo and radiation for an estrogen-linked 
tumor such as breast or uterine cancer?


Pguiz:  I had anal cancer-squamous cell ca but it through me into 
menopause right away.
 

Dr. Chris Northrup:      The type of cancer you had is not related to excess 
estrogen and I wouldn't make an absolute stand about ERT at this 
time.  Wait and see how you feel. The main thing you need to be aware 
of is that


Pguiz:  But I feel fine. Do I need HRT?


Dr. Chris Northrup:     Surgical or chemo-induced menopause is NOT the 
same thing as normal physiologic menopause - it can throw your body 
for a loop.  Why not try dong quai, ginseng, or some good herbal 
combination.    I'd recommend acupuncture and Chinese herbs as a 
good alternative for you.


Pguiz:  Thank you, I love your books.


Zmbz:   Please comment on your opinion of nutrients, as proclaimed 
in Dead Doctors Don't Lie 


Dr. Chris Northrup:      It is true that our soils and foods are deficient in minerals 
and vitamins which is why I recommend supplementation. The marketing 
for Dead Doctors Don't Lie is very effective and makes the case for 
supplementation.  There are many good products on the market  

 
Dearest:  Chris, you talk about "emotional incision and draining" 
in your book, and that "many illnesses are the end result of emotions that 
have been stuffed, unacknowledged and unexperienced for years." Could 
you please elaborate on that?  Thanks.  
 

Dr. Chris Northrup:      When we are children, we naturally are in tune with 
our emotions.  Emotions tell us whether we're following our heart or 
not.  But our culture is afraid of emotions and as children we get shamed 
and blamed for having them particularly if we are girls.  It has been 
shown that girls can act much less disruptive than boys in class for 
example and be labeled behavior problems. So we get the idea early 
on that something is wrong with us. And if we don't resolve this, it can 
set the stage for illness. Different emotions tend to go to different 
areas of the body. 


Dearest:       And how does that specifically relate to how we view the 
aging process?  

        
Dr. Chris Northrup:      Great question.  We expect to deteriorate with age, 
become less desirable, less capable, less effective,  and then, guess 
what that is exactly what happens. There are cultures in which women 
get pregnant in their 50's and 60's.  In our culture we believe that our 
eggs get "old" at about age 35 and that weare then subfertile - and so 
that's what we manifest. 


Dearest:       So, it might be said... we feel the way we *think* we 
feel. Interesting.  
 

Harpy711:       I'm 46 still mensing having all kinds of symptons what 
is ahead of me? 
 

Dr. Chris Northrup:      I'd recommend that you have your salivary cortisol 
levels checked over a 24 hour period.  Diagnostechs Labs in Seattle
is where you can get it done - Have your doctor arrange this.  I've 
found that many, many women have adrenal glands that are very fatigued 
when they enter the perimenopausal years. So you need to get your 
adrenals back on track and rehabilitated so that they can take over 
hormone production as your ovaries change. This is a very, very common 
problem that isn't recognized much by conventional medicine 

 
ConWoman 7:     I am 49 1/2, still having periods, just had my 1st "real" 
hot flashes - having body aches, migraines, depression, and extreme 
anger and rage.  I really don't know what to do first.  


Dr. Chris Northrup:      You need to do a "fearless moral inventory" of your 
life at this point.  Rage and anger do not come out of nowhere and 
they are not necessarily related to hormonal function.  You may be 
needing a large change in your life direction, your job, your mate, etc. 
All of these things can and do affect hormonal levels via the cortisol 
pathways.  I'd recommend a complete assessment of your hormonal 
levels via salivary testing. 


Z J Gragg:      Why would my FSH test show single digits and when 
my ovaries were removed they were atrophied? 


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Because you were producing hormones from other 
areas of your body besides the ovaries. 

 
SStot:  Does progesterone skin cream prevent uterine cancer like 
Provera does? 


Dr. Chris Northrup:      It depends upon the concentration of it.  The over 
the counter Progest creams are not very strong. 


Lori4hlth:      My life is horribly stressful right now.  I want to get 
off HRT and have tried for four days but am feeling very uptight and 
am wondering if I should taper off or not quit al all.  


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Don't try to get off HRT when you are under too much 
stress. It is best to give your adrenal glands and endocrine glands one 
thing to do at a time. Stay with HRT if it makes you feel well 


Dearest:    You're doing great, Chris :)   Who'd have thought otherwise) :)


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Thanks :)


Sunxpress:      Questions answered.  Grin and bear it.  Let the body 
do what it was made to do? 
 

Sunxpress:      Yes.  Listening to what she said about her mother  -  
let the body do its own thing  


LynnCSE:      Will you give an opinion on the use of testoserone IM 
for post menopausal  inhibited sexual desire. 


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Natural testosterone in low doses prescribed for the 
individual can be extremely helpful 


JUDITH LEE:     You're familiar with John Lee. Do you concur with 
his theories and practice of Natural progesterone?  
 

Dr. Chris Northrup:      Natural progesterone can be extremely helpful for 
many women but some women need estrogen too - so I think his 
case is a bit overstated. But I've learned a great deal from John and 
agree with much of what he has to teach. 
 

Dearest:   Chris, why do you suppose there's such a high
incidence of panic attacks during menopause?  

 
Dr. Chris Northrup:      Because the kundalini energy rises in menopause and 
hits the heart chakra.  Any unfinished business related to grief, sorrow, 
rage, will make itself known at menopause.  That's why panic attacks 
are part of the body's wisdom - they cry out "What about me and 
my life"


Dearest:       Fascinating, thanks :)  


Pguiz:  Does chance of breast/ovarian ca increase during or after 
menopause because of estrogen imbalance? 
 

Dr. Chris Northrup:      These cancers are related to lifelong patterns that 
seem to peak around and a bit after menopause 

 
Zmbz:   Is there an organization of women obgyn's?  It seems like 
this would be helpful to all of us. 


Dr. Chris Northrup:      There is a women's division in the American College 
of OB/Gyn. There is also the American Medical Women's Association. 
There are also many fantastic male doctors doing good work.


Dearest:       Zmbz, check the Women's Health resources on 
the Power Surge Web site, too. They're there. 
 

Cathy48120:     How long does menopause really last? I'm 44 have 
been in it for 3 years coupled with Crohns. 

 
Dr. Chris Northrup:      It usually lasts 13 years or so 


Jean:        Oh god
Dearest:         Oh god 2
SharonaR:      ditto
SGETT:          auughh



BrigidBNJ:      Have breast cancer & chemopause. Am on tamoxifen. Can't 
have ERT.  What can I do for hot flashes? 


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Try herbs such as Siberian Ginseng.  Estriol can also 
be helpful and Vitamin E  
 

Suzijkel:       I cannot take HRT (mom/sis breast ca) I worry about 
heart, thinning bones, thinning hair, etc.  I'm  very careful about mammos.  
Why can't I take a low dose for some protection? 


Dr. Chris Northrup:      You can. There is no definitive proof that physiologic 
levels of ERT increase the risk for breast cancer.
 

DInman1957:     I'm 39 and have alot of spotting between periods, 
had alot of tests which showed nothing, could stress cause this?  


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Definitely. Blood is almost always related to family 
stress of "blood ties." Ring any bells?  


WRasmus306:     for GYN exam, dr. wants to do sonogram due to wife's 
lower abdomen; says she can't find ovaries.  wife worried sick about 
trumors.  What are chances? also, just on HRT.  How about it?  
 

Dr. Chris Northrup:      Ovaries are often not felt on pelvic exam - not a cause 
for worry.


DButler508:     Why is the natural progesterone giving me yeast and 
what should I do about it?  
 

Dr. Chris Northrup:      Are you taking it by mouth? 


DButler508:     No, cream. 

 
Dr. Chris Northrup:      Try using acidophilus or another intestinal bioculture.


Dearest:   Where are you applying the cream?


DButler508:     Inner thighs, palms of hands and feet 


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Progesterone sometimes can relax the bowel and 
cause yeast overgrowth.


Whopeedoo:      Am 49,perimenopausal, and I come down with terrible 
yeast infect, Dr's PooPoo me and give me cream.  


Dr. Chris Northrup:      You probably need more estrogen in the vaginal region. 
Estriol vaginal cream can be used to thicken the vaginal tissue and make
the area much less susceptible to yeast. 


Whopeedoo:      thank you!
 

JUDITH LEE:     Have you changed any of your theories/practice since 
writing yourbook re: HRT, and do you prescribe natural or synthetics?


Dr. Chris Northrup:      I no longer prescribe Premarin - and I almost never 
use Provera.Hormones that match the hormones in the female body 
are the best choices and I prescribe doses that are individualized.

 
Pguiz:  Chakras and effects on health? Sounds a bit far fetched!  Is
there any real proof of connection? 

 
Dr. Chris Northrup:      Yes, there will be a book on this by my medical 
researcher MonaLisa Schulz, M.D., PhD.  
 

Lori4hlth:      I read about a study in Norway (?) that found Provera 
increased Cancer. How do we get the more natural kind that you 
prescribe?  

 
Dr. Chris Northrup:      It will be available later this year from a major drug 
company but for right now you can get it from any formulary pharmacy 
via prescription. 

 
Dearest:   Chris, you talk about "visualization" in your 
book and how women can reverse the various symptoms such as vaginal 
dryness and vaginal thinning. Can you elaborate on this, please?  


Dr. Chris Northrup:      If you can hold a thought for 20 seconds without 
contradicting it - and you can keep it positive and in the direction you 
want it to go it will usually manifest for you. But it's not easy because 
we're not trained to believe it. 


Dearest:       Are you talking about self-hypnosis, too?  Can you 
provide an example?  Let's say for a hot flash?  


Dr. Chris Northrup:      If you simply observe your hot flashes without judgement 
and without 'tightening up" or saying "oh no" then you will find that they 
change and usually lessen. 


Dearest:       Sounds similar to Dr. Claire Weekes' theories in re 
"floating" rather than fighting panic attacks.  


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Any technique you can use to align your mind with 
your endocrine system, immune system, and central nervous system 
will work to balance your hormones.


Z J Gragg:      I started on ERT a few days after my hysterectomy 
on 12/4, skin and lubrication improving and hot flashes lessening except 
on 7 day of my Climera patch. Then hot flashes with anxiety tend to 
get the best of me.  I'm on Vitamin E, is there anything else I can do?  

 
Dr. Chris Northrup:      Yes, you can change your patch earlier than day 7 - 
you need more hormone than you are getting on that last day. 


Zmbz:   How can women best educate their doctors or help them 
be willing to read/learn about these things? 


Pguiz:    Had radiation to pelvic area which threw me into menopause.


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Go in to your doctor with an open heart and give her 
or him the benefit of the doubt.  But if he or she won't listen to you then 
change doctors  


BrigidBNJ:      What lifelong matters are associated with breast cancer 
around time of menopause?


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Inability to fully express and release anger and move 
to forgiveness:  unresolved grief staying in relationships that are not 
nurturing or supportive  


ELLIOTT53:      I am 43,had hysterectomy last May, on Climara patch,
heard vitamin E helpful.  How so and how much? 


Dr. Chris Northrup:      100-800 IU twice per day. Dose varies. Start low 
and move up. 

 
ABarn13872:    Should I take hormones, had partial hysterectomy 10 
years ago 
 

Dr. Chris Northrup:      Depends on your hormone levels and how you are 
feeling. Some women need it and some don't. Get a salivary hormone 
profile 


TriciaToYu:     Just turned 40. Having irregular periods, bad night 
sweats, a few flashes during the day, palpitations.  Does this sound 
like the pause to you?  Go to Doctor Monday. Not sure what to expect.


MLynMonroe:     49 yr old, TAH/BSO 12 yrs ago..on Premarin 1.25 mg 
x12 yrs.  What are risks?  Went on Prozac 20 mg 5 years go.  Is  there 
any correlation between depression  and hysterectomy?  
 

Dr. Chris Northrup:      Yes, there is but probably there is an underlying 
predisposition that the hysterectomy brings out. 



JUDITH LEE:     What is your opinion of long-term HRT, using natural 
progesterone & tri-est or estradiol?


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Depends on your constitution.  I'd recommend a chinese 
herbalist.


JUDITH LEE:   And would you prescribe it transdermally or capsule?


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Judith- that's not the answer to your question.  Hold a 
minute -  Long-term HRT using either triest or estradiol and progesterone 
can be very helpful as long as the dose is physiologic - and not too high.  
Too many women are on doses of hormones that are too high. 


Pguiz:  Can't sleep at night? Can you suggest a natural way to help? 

 
Dr. Chris Northrup:      Try melatonin - low dose- Also sleep in a very dark 
room and get natural light during the day.


MBarr227:       51, have fibroids, heavy periods every 2 wks, don't 
want hysterectomy, anemic, no flashes. Mother on Ogen for 30 years. 
What to do? 


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Try vitamin A 10,000 I.U. per day along with B complex 
50 mg. per day and Vit E 200 I.U. per day. 


LPAWEL:    I've read about joint pain during menopause and am 
now experiencing it in my knees from exercise. What causes it and 
what can be done for it? 

 
Suzy Q1152:     I'm prone to bad moods, since hysto, had hormons 
tested, ok--What is the correct way to test for hormone and about
the moods both?  


Dr. Chris Northrup:      You need to do a postmenopausal hormone panel - 
salivary - from Diagnostechs labs in Seattle 



SheehanPAB:     have graves disease.  took 9 months to get synthroid 
regulated. now  have high cholestrol.  My doctor wants to put me on 
chol. lowering meds.  I hear the two don't mix well.  thoughts? 


Dr. Chris Northrup:      Check your adrenal glands via a salivary cortisol and 
DHEA test.  Have your doctor talk with Dr. Elias Ilya at DiagnosTechs 
labs about the relationship between the adrenals and thyroid. It's a key 
issue. 

 
Peteo25:        Started DHEA for hot flashes & is working great 
(60 days now). What do you think of DHEA? 


Dr. Chris Northrup:      DHEA can be wonderful for many women - but start 
with low doses.  It can make others get hyper at night, have hair growth 
on face, etc. Has to be individualized.
 

Sylvrcrone:     Can you explain the difference between phytoestrogens, 
e.g. soy, and (xenoextrogens) e.g. pesticides.

 
Dr. Chris Northrup:   Yes.  Phytoestrogens refers to a weak estrogenic 
substance in plants that is beneficial to humans.  Xenoestrogens such 
as in pesticides are much much stronger and are not metabolized 
normally in the body - so they can have very heavy-duty synthetic 
estrogen-like actions. 


Ann1ec:     I'm very confused re: nutritional supplements but 
believe they are important for me after reading your wonderful book.
Can you suggest a good resource to help me learn what/how much to 
take? Where to find best kinds/brands?  Thanks? 

 
Dearest:       Ann, the Power Surge Recommendations page 
provides a great deal of such information.


Dr. Chris Northrup:      I also cover this in my newsletter - Health Wisdom 
For Women. The info is up on the Power Surge Web site.  


Dearest:  Chris, thank you for spending this time
with us in Power Surge tonight, and for so excellently fielding 
our questions about health, menopause and our attitude toward both.
We hope you'll return to Power Surge again very soon.
 
Everyone, do go out and buy Dr. Chris Northrup's excellent book,  
Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom by Bantam.  It's an excellent read,
replete with a wealth of information about menopause, women's health,
the body-mind connection. You can find information on how to obtain 
Dr. Chris Northrup: s newsletter in the Resources area of the Web site.
 
Let's show our appreciation to Dr. Chris Northrup for a truly wonderful,
informative and enlightening evening :)
 

Dr. Chris Northrup:      Thanks for this evening - it was fun! 


Dearest:      For us as well. Thank YOU, Chris.



Suzy Q1152:     Thank you

Zmbz:           Thanks, we love you Chris N.!!!

Sylvrcrone:     Yes ...very helpful!!

Sue Lacy:       I learned alot tonight..thank-you Dr. Northrup 

SharonaR:       Thank you

GrnMgk:         Thank You!!!

SGETT:          {{{{Dr Northrup}}}}  Thanks for coming!!!

Rabbit7442:     Thanks.

Ann1ec:         Thank you so much, Dr. Northrup ...Your book has changed my life....truly!!!

JUDITH LEE:     How does one get Power Surge News Letters?

Dearest:  Judith, the PS Newsletters are up in the  Reading Room 

Pguiz:             Thank you so much!!!

WRasmus306:    How do i get the doctor's newsletter???

JORI GIRL:      Thank you

ELLIOTT53:      Thank you, learned alot

SStot:              Thanks

RCHCTH:         Thank you Dr. Northrup, especially for your article 
                        on pap tests last June.

JUDITH LEE:     Super! Thanks Dearest

Carolyn43:   Dr. Northrup  - thank you for coming to Power Surge!

TISHWEAVER:  (((((Dr Northrup))))))

Peteo25:          Thank you

Sleepylady:     Dr. Northrup, I just wanted to say Hi, and to let you 
                        know how much you mean to me.

Z J Gragg:        Thank you!

SandyBliss:       Thank you so much, Dr. N.

Sherry1015:     Thank you Dr. very informative, going to look for your 
                book!

Jean:        It's been really interesting 

LPAWEL:         Thank you.

Barbara2242:    Great guest. Thank you Dearest and Dr. Northrup

RGRSMTH:       You were great - thanks so much. This group has the 
                        greatest guests thanks to Dearest
Dearest:          I always say - bring the best to the best :)

MBarr227:         Thank you very much

RCHCTH:         Please some back again.

Sleepylady:     Sorry hit wrong key, We all love you and your work in

Whopeedoo:    Thank you for all your very helpful info

SharonaR:       RW, probably address is in her book

TISHWEAVER:  Please come back for a second chat :)

Jean:        You did great, Dr. N 

GrnMgk:         Dearest - How do I get a transcript of this? Thanks
Dearest:       GrnMgk, I edit and upload all guest chat logs to the Power 
                        Surge library on AOL and the File Library on the Web site :)

Sylvrcrone:     I'm really glad i didn't miss this

MLynMonroe:   Perhaps we could send you our questions ahead of 
                        time next time to help you sort through.

FairRose:         Great chat. Sorry I got here late

Roverrrr:         Listened a lot - learned a lot --  Thanx so much

Biba12:           Is this Power Surge?

Dearest:       Yes, Biba ... this most definitely is Power Surge :)
               


Dearest:      Chris, now that you've done your first online chat, how did you 
                    enjoy it?


Dr. Chris Northrup:      It took some getting used to, but now I have the hang of it. 


Dearest: Thanks, again,  Chris, and thank you all for coming. Goodnight,
everyone.  



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©1994-2008 by Power Surge.  All Rights Reserved.