This special report clarifies many questions surrounding hormone therapy for women who are experiencing life transitions (PMS, Perimenopause, Menopause, Postmenopausal). Practical suggestions, useful symptom charts and helpful prescription as well as non-prescription options discussed.

1. Special Report: Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy
What you need to know
• Compounded prescription
medications tailored to your
individual needs by our pharmacy,
Madison Pharmacy Associates.
At Women’s Health America, we • Madison Pharmacy Associates
recognize and respect each woman’s Compounding Pharmacy
individuality. We know that no one • Restore Clinical Services
else will experience hormonal changes • Madison BioDiagnostics Lab
in exactly the same way as you. Your
hormonal profile is as unique as your
fingerprint.
Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph. Our unique story began in Madison,
Founder and CEO We also understand that no one else Wisconsin in the late 1970s when
Women’s Health America knows your body as well as you. We we worked with one woman who suffered
began listening to women long before the severely every month with symptoms
Dear Friend, term “women’s health” was even coined. later defined as PMS. At that time, there
That shared history and experience— was no diagnosis and the only treatment
By contacting Women’s Health America, listening to what women tell us they want options for her symptoms in the U.S.
Inc., you have taken a very important and need—forms the foundation of all our were tranquilizers, antidepressants, or a
first step toward learning more about products and services. hysterectomy.
improving your health with customized, As pharmacists, we worked with her
individualized care We are proud to Our professional staff includes specialists
physician, did extensive research, and
provide the latest information on: in natural HRT—including nurses compounded a progesterone therapy for
and pharmacists. With over 20 years her. She was the first woman in the U.S.
• Natural Hormone Replacement experience in natural HRT, we have
Therapy (HRT) and what distinguishes to use natural progesterone therapy to
been working in this area longer than manage PMS.
“natural” hormones from other types any group in the U.S. We take pride in
of hormones. serving women’s unique needs, working PMS soon became a household word,
• PMS, perimenopause and with their healthcare providers, and and news of our work began to spread to
menopause— prescription and offering a full range of hormone options. thousands of women across the U.S. In
non-prescription plans for symptom It will be our pleasure to work with you 1982, we founded the first pharmacy in
management. and your provider. America to specialize in women’s health,
• State-of-the-art hormone level Please call us at 800-558-7046, or find us As time has passed and women’s needs
measurements you can do at changed, we have continued to evolve with
online at www.womenshealth.com
home. our patients. Today, we are Women’s Health
• Our own specially formulated America, Inc., a dynamic international
To your health, organization dedicated to meeting women’s
prescription and over-the-counter
complex and unique health needs.
INSIDE products.
Bioidentical
Hormone
Solutions for PMS
pages 2, 3
Defining the Terms: same as the hormones produced by
CH3
your body. These chemical differences
Bioidentical and natural can mean synthetic hormones interact C O
Perimenopause: differently with your body, producing
A Positive Change What’s the difference between
bioidentical, natural and synthetic substantially different effects.
page 4
hormones? The difference is in the For example, let’s look at the difference
CH3
chemical structure. between the synthetic progestins O
Menopause PROGESTERONE O
A natural hormone has a chemical and natural progesterone. Synthetic C O
and Beyond progestins like Provera®, are similar to O C CH3
page 5 structure that is identical to the
hormones naturally produced by the progesterone your body produces,
the body. Natural hormones but the subtle chemical differences can
The Restore® significantly influence the hormones
Program are also referred to as O
“bioidentical” hormones action and effects in the body. Synthetic
CH3
page 6 progestins can cause irritability, nausea,
because they are biologically MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE
identical to your own. depression, and water retention in (PROVERA)
WHA Self-Care Plan some women. Natural progesterone is
A "synthetic" hormone, on identical to the hormone made in the Different chemical structures: bioidentical
page 7 the other hand, has a structure body, and many women find it easier progesterone (top) and medroxyprogesterone
similar to, but not exactly the to tolerate. acetate, a synthetic (bottom).
Women’s Health America, Inc. 800-558-7046 www.womenshealth.com

2. Which Hormones Do I Need, and How Much?
Estrogen. A category of Progesterone (P). The word Testosterone (T).
hormones that includes estrone means “for gestation.” A male hormone, also
(E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol produced in women
Every woman is unique (E3). • Necessary for fertility and
maintaining pregnancy in substantially smaller
and as such there is no set amounts
combination or dosage of Protects against: • Has a calming effect
bioidentical hormones that • Osteoporosis • Enhances mood • Builds and promotes
works for every woman. • Heart disease • Regulates fluid balance muscle tone
Generally, a natural • Alzheimer’s disease • Increases energy and sex
• Colon cancer • Increases energy
hormone replacement drive
therapy (HRT) regimen will • Urinary incontinence • Decreases fatigue
• Tooth loss/decay • Stabilizes blood sugar,
include: • Increases sex drive
thyroid function, and
• A form of estrogen Enhances: mineral balance • Enhances well being
• A form of progesterone • Sleep • Relieves perimenopausal • Strengthens bone
• And, if needed, • Mood and menopausal symptoms
testosterone. • Mental sharpness/memory • Decreases risk of
• Digestion endometrial cancer
• Sex drive • May help protect against
Let’s review the key Source: The HRT Solution by
• Skin tone breast cancer, fibrocystic
hormones, and what they Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph. and
• Key brain chemicals like breasts, and osteoporosis
do in the body. John Kells. Avery, 1999.
serotonin and endorphins
Bioidentical Hormone Solutions For Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS is a hormonal disorder Charting Hints Managing PMS
characterized by: The first step toward taking charge of
• Keep the record daily. Writing down
• A regularly recurring group of your symptoms every day will make your PMS symptoms is a self-care plan
symptoms which occur from two your record most accurate. Set aside that includes a healthy diet, regular,
to 14 days before your menstrual a specific time each day if you need moderate exercise, stress reduction, and
period, usually disappearing after the to—you’ll need only a minute or two. a nutritional supplement. How to get
period begins. started? See The Women’s Health America
• After you’ve charted your symptoms for Self-Care Plan on page 7.
• This is followed by a symptom-free two to three cycles, it’s time to discuss
time in each monthly cycle. your findings with your healthcare Some women find that self-care isn’t
These regularly recurring symptoms and provider. enough to manage PMS. Bioidentical
their timing in the menstrual cycle typify • Continue charting after you begin a progesterone therapy is an option in
PMS. self-care or prescription treatment those cases.
plan. Charting is the best way for you Your healthcare provider can prescribe
Do You Suffer From PMS?
and your healthcare provider to judge bioidentical progesterone. Usually it is
There is no laboratory test to diagnose how well the treatment is working.
PMS and symptoms are as individual as taken during the second half of the
the woman suffering from them. menstrual cycle, from ovulation until
What Causes PMS? your period begins.
You can find out if you have PMS by As of yet, no universally agreed upon
taking the quick symptom survey on cause of PMS has been identified. Some The Hormone
page 3. While more than 150 symptoms suggested causes include: How does progesterone work? When
have been associated with PMS, we have produced by your ovaries, progesterone
• Vitamin-mineral deficiency prepares the uterine lining for a fertilized
narrowed the list to the most common.
Add up your score to determine which • Nutritional factors egg. Progesterone means “for gestation”
action steps would be best for you. • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and is the hormone of pregnancy. If
• Progesterone deficiency fertilization and implantation do not
Charting Your Symptoms occur, your progesterone level falls and
An even better way to determine if you • Fluid retention
your period begins.
have PMS, and assess your symptoms, • Excess prolactin (a pituitary hormone)
is to keep a daily record of exactly • Stress Your progesterone level fluctuates in a
when symptoms occur, for two (2) to monthly pattern. During the first half
three (3) consecutive cycles. Daily of your cycle, from day 1 of your period
Symptom Records are available from to ovulation approximately 14 days
Women’s Health America. later, your progesterone level is low.
(Continued on Page 3)
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3. PMS Symptoms
Severity
None Mild Moderate Severe
0 1 2 3
Anxiety
Irritability
Crying for no reason
Craving carbohydrates, alcohol, sweets
Mood swings
Depression
Breast tenderness
ProCycle® PMS and ProCycle® Gold
Headaches or migraines nutritional supplements are available from
Fatigue/lack of energy Women’s Health America. Order online at:
Bloating/weight gain www.womenshealth.com/shop/catalog/
Difficulty concentrating
Sleep disturbances
Acne or oily skin PMS Action Steps
Lack of libido Total Score
Urinary incontinence 1-14 15-30 31+
TOTAL ProCycle® PMS
Nutritional Supplements   
Diet & Exercise   
After ovulation, your progesterone level Synthetic progestins, found in oral
rises. Progesterone is produced by the contraceptives and frequently prescribed Non-prescription
ovaries during the second half of the for menopausal women, can suppress Progesterone Cream 
menstrual cycle. If you become pregnant, ovulation and lower your body’s output of
the placenta takes over the output of the natural hormone. Synthetic -or-
progesterone, producing high levels progestins often intensify, rather than
after Week 9 or 10 of pregnancy. High relieve, PMS symptoms.
Prescription Progesterone  
progesterone levels may be one reason Saliva Hormone Level
Bioidentical progesterone and
some women feel especially good while
synthetic progestins cannot be used Testing; Urine NTx  
pregnant.
interchangeably. They have different
The Medication chemical structures and very different
The hormone progesterone is prescribed effects in the body. If your healthcare Add up your total number of points on the chart
to supplement a woman’s production of provider prescribes progesterone, be sure on the top left, then take the suggested action
the hormone. Bioidentical progesterone to ask for a prescription for the steps in the chart above.
is identical to what your body produces. bioidentical form.
Bioidentical Progesterone Therapy and PMS Management
Progesterone Prescription Options important for symptom management or rectally, contain progesterone in
and to avoid drowsiness, menstrual a wax base. They provide consistent,
Points To Remember irregularity, or breakthrough bleeding. even absorption. When used vaginally,
• Progesterone replacement therapy some women report leakage, and
2. Micronized Oral Capsule: 25-100
must be individualized for each when used rectally, some report bowel
mg. Capsules are absorbed and
patient. stimulation.
metabolized more quickly and may
• For women who are menstruating, cause drowsiness or a woozy, light- 5. aplía™ a Metered Transmucosal
typical recommended dosing is two headed feeling. Applicator. Can contain one or
times per day, days 14-28, based on a multiple combinations of hormones
3. Rapid Act Sublingual Tablet: 25-100
28-day cycle. for precise, and sanitary application
mg. Tablet is pleasantly orange-flavored
• For women no longer menstruating or and dissolves under the tongue in less directly to the labia or vaginal opening.
post-hysterectomy, dosing is daily. than one minute for rapid absorption. Clean, convenient, precise.
Progesterone therapy: Commonly 3. Cream or Gel: 15-30 mg/gm.
prescribed dosage forms Deliver continuous, consistent What to Expect
1. Even Release Oral Tablet: 200 mg, absorption. May not be as effective Some women feel immediate relief
300 mg, 400 mg. Contains as even-release tablets for symptom (within hours) from PMS symptoms of
progesterone in an even-release management. irritability and anxiety and in two to
tablet. This form produces consistent 4. Suppository: 25-400 mg. Progesterone three menstrual cycles, they feel like
progesterone blood levels, which is suppositories, used vaginally their bodies have adjusted.
(Continued on Page 4)
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4. Most women tolerate bioidentical progesterone, their manufacturers added
progesterone therapy very well. progesterone USP to them. The amount
Occasionally, your monthly period may of progesterone in these creams can range
be delayed. If your period is more than from none at all to as high as 10%.
a day or two late, discuss it with your
healthcare provider—your dosage may There are two preferable options to wild
need to be adjusted. You may experience yam cream:
flushing (a brief feeling of warmth) when • Have your healthcare provider write
taking progesterone. This is normal, a prescription for a cream containing
because progesterone raises body micronized progesterone. You will
temperature about a degree. know exactly how much progesterone
you’re getting. Many insurance
What About Wild Yam Cream? plans will reimburse for prescription
Many wild yam creams contain little progesterone creams.
or no progesterone. Wild yam doesn’t • Women’s Health America’s
Non-prescription progesterone cream is contain progesterone, and your body
available from Women’s Health America. bioidentical progesterone cream
doesn’t convert wild yam extract into contains 960 mg in a 2-ounce tube,
Order online at: www.womenshealth. progesterone. If these creams contain and is available without a prescription
com/shop/catalog/ at www.womenshealth.com/shop/
catalog/
Perimenopause: A Positive Change
Defining Perimenopause is the place to start for mid-life health: healthy decades ahead.
Perimenopause refers to the years nutrition, exercise, relaxation, and
nutritional supplements. The Women’s When Self-Care Isn’t Enough
surrounding a woman’s last
menstrual period. Between ages 35 Health America Self-Care Plan on page 7 has Nearly two-thirds of women find
and 50, a woman may experience a lifestyle plan you can really use. that self-care is enough to manage
physical and emotional changes, hormonal symptoms. For some,
Some women combine self-care plans however, self-care isn’t enough to
although perimenopausal symptoms and natural hormone replacement therapy
vary in every woman. alleviate uncomfortable symptoms,
(HRT) during perimenopause to feel vital, or to provide long-term benefit to
Managing Perimenopausal Symptoms energetic, and mentally sharp. Getting the heart, bones, and brain. In those
Perimenopause is more than symptom the care you need during perimenopause cases Women’s Health America offers
management—it’s about staying healthy ensures a smoother transition into customized prescription options.
from head to toe after age 35. Self-care menopause and lays the groundwork for
Perimenopause Perimenopausal Severity
Action Steps Total Score Symptoms None Mild Moderate Severe
1-14 15+ 0 1 2 3
ProCycle® PMS & Gold Fatigue/lack of energy
Nutritional Supplements   Anxiety
Irritability
Diet/Exercise   Depression
Non-prescription Breast tenderness
Progesterone Cream Headaches or migraines
with or without

Mood swings
Phytoestrogens Water retention or bloating
Prescription HRT  Vaginal dryness
Saliva Hormone Level Memory loss or changes
Testing; Urine NTx   Hot flashes
Sleep disturbances
Increased facial hair
Add up your total number of points on the Acne or oily skin
chart on the right, then take the suggested
action steps in the chart above. Lack of libido
Urinary incontinence
Risk of heart disease
Risk of osteoporosis
TOTAL
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5. Bioidentical Hormone Solutions for Perimenopause
Your perimenopausal transition is Prescription Options During progesterone slows down, and
unique—no other woman’s experience Perimenopause the ratio between progesterone
will be the same. That’s why a natural Your body and psyche go through a and estrogen is out of balance.
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) dynamic process as you transition from • A bioidentical form of estrogen such
program needs to be tailored to your perimenopause to menopause and as estriol. Used vaginally, estriol is
individual hormone levels, lifestyle, beyond. Some women start using one especially helpful for vaginal dryness
medical history, and preferences. hormone to manage perimenopausal and urinary incontinence. Taken orally,
Which Hormones To Take During symptoms and add other hormones as estriol may help manage hot flashes.
Perimenopause, and How Much? their bodies continue to change. Women’s Women sometimes ask about estradiol
Health America will work with you and during perimenopause. Typically,
These factors help determine which
your healthcare provider to determine estradiol is not prescribed to women
hormones you need, and how much:
what’s right for you. who are still menstruating.
• The symptoms you want to manage. • Bioidentical testosterone. Enhancing
During perimenopause, your natural
• Your hormone levels (see page 6, the hormone replacement therapy program libido is just one of the benefits of
Restore® Program). may include one or more of these using bioidentical testosterone.
• Your risk factors for heart disease and hormones: This hormone also increases energy,
bone loss. builds muscle tone, and increases
• Bioidentical progesterone. Some bone strength.
• Your medical history. symptoms occur when production of Restore BIOBALANCE
ProCycle® Gold
nutritional supplements
Menopause and Beyond help alleviate:
• hot flashes & night sweats
• insomnia
• irritability & fatigue
Menopause, technically, is a woman’s last mood, memory, and productivity, and by • energy & mood
menstrual period. The average age for a uncomfortable physical symptoms. • mental sharpness
woman to reach menopause is 51 and Order online at:
a woman is considered postmenopausal Use the list below to check any
www.womenshealth.com/
when she has not had a period for 12 symptoms you are experiencing. shop/catalog/
consecutive months. • Anxiety/irritability
• Fatigue/lack of energy Menopause: Healthy Steps
More than one-third of your life is ahead • Depression
of you after you reach menopause. It’s • Hot flashes 1.ProCycle® Gold nutritional supplement. Taken daily,
exciting to contemplate how you want • Breast tenderness this special formula provides significant relief from
to spend those years! Where to start? If • Headaches or migraines menopausal symptoms.
you haven’t already adopted a self-care • Lack of libido 2. Diet and exercise. See The Women’s Health America
program, see The Women’s Health America • Vaginal dryness Self-Care Plan on page 7.
Self-Care Plan on page 7. You’ll find • Sleep disturbances
nutrition, relaxation, and exercise tips that 3. Prescription hormone replacement therapy. Talk with
• Memory loss or changes
you can adapt to suit your lifestyle. your healthcare provider about your symptoms and
• Acne or oily skin
your natural hormone replacement therapy options.
Menopausal Symptoms • Increased facial hair
We are here to help work with your healthcare
Every woman’s transition into menopause • Water retention or bloating
provider!
is different. Some women have few • Urinary incontinence
symptoms, and only very mild ones. • Risk of heart disease 4. Saliva hormone level testing and urine NTx bone
Other women find the quality of their • Risk of osteoporosis density testing are both available from Women’s
lives significantly affected by changes in Health America and frequently covered by many
insurance plans.
Bioidentical Hormone Solutions for Menopause
No “one-size-fits-all” hormone regimen Prescription Options for Menopause acts as a reservoir for continuous
works for all women. Our PCAB Your bioidentical hormone therapy hormone delivery.
accredited pharmacy, Madison Pharmacy program may include: • Micronized progesterone, see page 3.
Associates, can compound a prescription • Biest (oral oil capsules or transdermal • aplía™ metered applicator. Contains
for bioidentical hormones tailored to your cream). A combination of 20% one or more combinations of hormones
individual needs. bioidentical estradiol and 80% for precise, and sanitary transmucosal
Today, scientists and researchers bioidentical estriol, this ratio offers application directly to the labia or
understand that women produce, absorb, maximum therapy benefits. Taken once vaginal opening. Clean and convenient.
and metabolize hormones differently. daily, in the morning. • Testosterone (oral oil capsules, cream,
Your individual hormone levels, • Estriol (vaginal cream or suppository). or transdermal patch). Bioidentical
preferences, lifestyle, risk factors, and the Bioidentical estriol, used vaginally, testosterone is often prescribed to
symptoms you most want to manage, all can relieve vaginal dryness and urinary manage low libido, low energy, and
must be evaluated in the formulation of incontinence. Typically used 2-3 times fatigue. It is taken in the morning to
your hormone prescription (see Restore® per week at bedtime. mimic the body’s natural pattern. Oral
page 6). • Estradiol Patch. The transdermal patch dosing is preferred for low libido.
Page 5
Women’s Health America, Inc. 800-558-7046 www.womenshealth.com — Learn more about HRT (Continued on Page 6)

6. Bone loss, or osteoporosis, results
from a combination of factors:
Staying Healthy After Menopause estrogen’s protective effect on the body. • Decline in calcium absorption.
Healthy Heart, Strong Bones • Less Vitamin D in the body.
The Women’s Health Initiative raised
Heart disease rates increase in women questions about hormone therapy’s • Drop in estrogen, progesterone, and
after menopause. Why? Estrogen levels fall protective effect against heart disease in testosterone after menopause.
during perimenopause, even when older women. Other studies have shown Here’s how to protect your bones:
a woman is still menstruating. As a that estrogen may have a protective effect
against heart disease in younger women. • Enjoy regular weight-bearing
woman approaches menopause, estrogen
In one landmark trial, the Postmenopausal exercise for 15 to 20 minutes, four times
production declines and she begins to
Estrogen and Progestin Interventions a week (see page 7 for examples).
lose its
protective effects on her heart and bones. (PEPI) trial, a form of estrogen combined • Take 1000 mg of calcium citrate and
with natural, micronized progesterone 600 mg of magnesium as well as 2 mg
Estrogen Protects the Heart by: provided the best cardiovascular of boron daily; ProCycle® Gold contains
• Increasing beneficial HDL protection of all the combined hormone the right amount of each.
(“good cholesterol”). regimens tested. • Take Ostivone twice daily. When taken
• Decreasing levels of harmful LDL together, Ostivone and calcium result
(“bad cholesterol”). Preventing Osteoporosis in significantly greater bone mineral
Along with its protective effect on the density than taking calcium by itself.
• Keeping smooth inner lining of
heart, estrogen helps keep bones strong.
coronary arteries elastic. • Take 800 IU of Vitamin D daily.
Bones are made up of living cells that
• Preventing arteries from constricting. continuously grow (remodel) and dissolve • Talk with your healthcare provider
(resorb) throughout our lives. Estrogen, about regularly measuring your rate of
Continuing Estrogen’s Protective Effect
progesterone, and testosterone work bone loss with the simple NTx urine test
“I exercise and eat right—my heart and (see page 6).
bones are fine,” some women tell us after together to form and protect bone.
discussing natural hormone replacement Estrogen helps absorb calcium from the These products can be ordered
therapy (HRT) with their healthcare intestinal tract, helps deposit calcium into on-line at www.womenshealth.com/shop/
providers. In many cases, that’s true, bone, and helps prevent bone from being catalog/.
however, we still recommend they broken down in the remodeling process.
consider natural hormone replacement Progesterone and testosterone stimulate If you are interested in reading more
therapy as a means of extending cells that build bone. about studies on hormone therapy, see the
“Resources” section on page 8.
When Self-Care Isn’t Enough: Restore ®
to hormones in a way that is receptor cells in your body and carry
as unique as your fingerprint. out the functions they are designed
Our pharmacists use pure, to perform. Only 2% - 5% of the
pharmaceutical-grade chemicals hormones circulating in your body are
to hand-prepare each prescription. “free.” The rest are bound to proteins,
These bioidentical hormones and unavailable to stimulate cells.
(derived from soy) are A blood test usually measures “total”
biologically identical to the hormones. Total hormones include free
hormones your body produces. and bound hormones in one number.
3. Ongoing case management: A total hormone measurement in blood
Q: What is Restore®? Our pharmacists and nursing does not tell you or your healthcare
staff will assist your healthcare provider what percentage of your
A: Restore® is a customized hormone hormones is actually available to
measuring and monitoring program, provider in evaluating your needs
and adjusting your care plan and stimulate your cells.
exclusively available from Women’s
Health America. Restore® has 3 (three) hormone prescription to attain Q: How do I get started in the Restore®
components: the best outcomes. program?
Q: Why use the Restore® program A: Just follow these simple steps:
1. Testing: Analytical measurement of from Women’s Health America?
saliva to determine hormone 1. You need a prescription for
levels as well as of urine to measure A: Because Restore includes saliva Restore® from your healthcare
rate of bone breakdown. and urine testing, interpretation by provider. She or he can complete the
specially-trained professionals, Restore® Enrollment Form and fax it
2. Individualized Prescriptions: individualized prescription
Customized bioidentical hormone to Women’s Health America.
compounding, and ongoing case
prescriptions from our PCAB management—all in one program. 2. We mail your Restore® home
Accredited pharmacy, Madison testing kit to you with complete
Pharmacy Associates. Your Q: What is the difference between instructions for collecting saliva
individualized prescription will be saliva and serum (blood) testing? and urine samples.
based on your test results and the A: Saliva measures “free” hormones. Free
fact that your body produces, 3. You send your samples back to the
hormones are bioavailable to stimulate lab for testing.
metabolizes, absorbs, and responds
(Continued on Page 8)
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7. The Women’s Health America Self-Care Plan
Many women can manage hormonal symptoms STEP 2: GET PHYSICAL! ProCycle® Gold is ideal for women who can’t take
with self-care—a healthy diet, regular exercise, estrogen for health reasons or prefer to manage
Moderate outdoor exercise is great for overall
stress management, and nutritional supple- their menopausal symptoms by combining diet and
fitness and helps reduce stress. There are other
ments like ProCycle® PMS and ProCycle® Gold. exercise.
benefits as well:
Taking great care of yourself doesn’t have to • Raises HDL (“good cholesterol”) Each ProCycle® Gold tablet consists of a blend
• Reduces triglycerides (fats) in the blood of vitamins, including Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12a,
be complicated, overly time-consuming, or
C, E, D3, beta carotene, folic acid, niacinamide,
expensive. You can get started with these • Builds strong bones biotin, and pantothenic acid. Minerals in ProCycle®
simple measures today. Whether you are • Increases heart and lung capacity Gold include calcium citrate, magnesium, iodine,
experiencing PMS or the transition from • Causes the release of endorphins, nature’s copper, zinc, manganese, potassium, selenium, and
perimenopause to menopause and beyond, mood elevators chromium.
you’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll see • Increases oxygen and blood flow to ProCycle® PMS and ProCycle® Gold contain no
results—fewer symptoms, more energy, and muscles, reducing tension animal products, sugars, starch, corn, dairy, wheat
renewed mental clarity. • Reduces fluid retention or yeast products, fish oil, kelp, artificial colors,
STEP 1: YOUR HEALTHY DIET flavors, or preservatives.
How Much, How Often?
Eat Early and Eat Often Research shows even a moderate amount of exer- STEP 4: STRESS MANAGEMENT
Make healthy changes in your diet. Instead of cise provides relief from PMS symptoms. As little
The hectic pace of women’s lives can make it dif-
“three squares,” try eating three small meals as 1 hour and 10 minutes per week of aerobics
ficult to find time to relax. It’s important to set a
and three snacks daily. Frequent small meals (that’s only 10 minutes a day), 50 minutes a week
regular time to slow down. Relaxation lets you tap
keep your blood sugar stable and avoid energy of running, or 1 hour and 20 minutes a week of
into your own personal mind-body connection, by
highs and lows. As you plan your meals and swimming relieved symptoms, according to one
activating an inborn physiological response.
snacks, include a mix of these “staples.” study. A brisk 20- to 30-minute walk three times
a week is a favorite exercise routine among many Are you a person who says, “I don’t know how to
• Whole grains and legumes (beans) women who contact Women’s Health America. relax!”? No problem. Your body knows how— this
• Lean sources of protein— ability is always there, waiting for you to learn how
And, because walking is a weight-bearing form
most women do not eat enough protein to use it. For most women, relaxation isn’t just one
of exercise, it has the added benefit of building
• Raw and leafy vegetables thing—it’s a balance of social, physical, creative,
strong bones. Other forms of weight-bearing
• Foods with soy protein (soy nuts, and spiritual activities.
exercise include: dancing, tennis, certain yoga
soy milk, or tofu) poses, running, and weight training. Make a point of doing things that help you feel
• Fish with Omega-3 fatty acids relaxed on a regular basis. Spend time with family
The quantity and type of exercise are less impor-
(tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines, salmon, and friends, read, or watch something humorous.
tant than the commitment to exercise regularly.
shellfish) Enjoy a creative outlet like cooking, sewing, music,
To feel well consistently, you need about 20
art, or writing. Pray, meditate, or practicing deep
Foods to Eat minutes of exercise three or four times a week.
breathing. Simplify where you can and look at
• Lean meat, fish STEP 3: THE RIGHT NUTRITIONAL relaxation not as a rare luxury, but as something
• Low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt SUPPLEMENTS FOR YOU you need to stay healthy.
• Whole grain bread, cereal, and pasta Remember, if you experience physical symptoms
ProCycle® PMS
• Legumes (lentils and beans) Specially developed for women with PMS, or illness, don’t assume they’re “just stress.” Always
• Green, leafy vegetables ProCycle® PMS is a therapeutic nutritional have a health care provider check them out, to
• Fresh fruit (moderate amounts—it’s high in supplement containing a balanced combina- eliminate possible physiological causes.
sugar—best with small amounts of protein tion of B vitamins, magnesium, and calcium.
ProCycle® PMS contains a beneficial 2-to-1
STEP 5: EDUCATE YOURSELF
or complex carbohydrates. Example: 1/2
apple with 1 small handful of almonds) ratio of magnesium to calcium. This ratio is Take time to learn about your body and options for
• Plain popcorn important to help regulate muscle relaxation, healthy living and healthy aging.
• Unsalted pretzels blood sugar, and to promote sound sleep. Also, The HRT Solution by Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph. and John
magnesium may have a role in reducing the Kells. Avery, 1999.
Foods to Avoid risk of heart attack, stroke, and hypertension,
Self Help for Premenstrual Syndrome by Michelle
• Salty lunch meat, sausage, bacon and in preventing migraine in pregnant women. Harrison M.D., and Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph. Random
• High-fat cheeses such as brie ProCycle® Gold House, 1998.
• White bread, cake, cookies ProCycle® Gold is a complex vitamin and The Power of Perimenopause by Stephanie Bender. Three
• Jam, honey, molasses mineral supplement designed exclusively Rivers, 1998.
• High-salt snacks like potato chips for women during their menopausal years. Better Bones, Better Body by Susan E. Brown, Ph.D.
It contains a precise ratio of Vitamin E, NTC, Contemporary Publishing, 2000.
• Caffeinated drinks, coffee, tea, soda
B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and Menopause Without Medicine by Linda Ojeda, Ph.D.
• Alcohol boron. The calcium in ProCycle® Gold comes Hunter House, 2000.
from calcium citrate, which is easily absorbed.
Page 7
Women’s Health America, Inc. 800-558-7046 www.womenshealth.com — Learn more about HRT

8. (Continued from Page 6) We wrote the book on
4. A Women’s Health America case from the support of our certified hormone therapy
manager individually evaluates your and specialized staff who are highly
lab results and then sends the results trained in natural HRT. “The HRT Solution should be the bible of hormone replacment for any woman who is
on hormones or considering taking them. Any other approach isn’t good enough.”
The
– Christiane Northru, M.D., author of T HE WISDOM OF MENOPAUSE
and WOMEN’S BODIES, WOMEN’s WISDOM
and their considerations for your
3. Follow-up Testing: Follow-up
prescriptions and care plan to your
healthcare provider. measurement after you begin natural HRT End the
confusion about
Hormone
Replacement
by
Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph.
Solution
Therapy
hormone replacement therapy takes and
5. You follow up with your healthcare the guesswork out of tailoring your NEWLY REVISED WITH ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION
John M. Kells, with
provider to discuss the Restore® prescription to your specific needs. A comprehensive, personalized program
of natural hormone replacement to relieve
Christine Macgenn
Rodgerson
menopauseal symptoms and restore vitality,
program’s results and considerations This careful dosage adjustment sexuality, and health...for life
and to get started on natural avoids side effects. As long as you Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph., and John M. Kells
with Christine Macgenn Rodgerson
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) maintain your HRT prescriptions
if needed. through Madison Pharmacy
Associates, there is no charge for “The HRT Solution should be the bible of
Q: Will insurance cover the Restore® scheduled follow-up testing. hormone replacement for any woman who
program?
is on hormones or considering taking them.
4. Restore® tests are convenient, Any other approach just isn't good enough."
A: More and more insurance plans, painless, and noninvasive (no
including Medicare Part B, cover the needles).
- Christiane Northrup, M.D,
author of The Wisdom of Menopause and
testing. We require advance payment, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom
and provide you with information Resources
to submit to your insurance plan for
The HRT Solution. M Ahlgrimm and JM Kells. Everything you and your healthcare provider
reimbursement.
New York: Avery Publishing, 1999. need to know about why synthetic hormone
Q: What are the Restore® program therapy has not worked for many women—
benefits? Effects of estrogen or estrogen/progestin and why natural hormone therapy does—is
regimens on heart disease risk factors in right here. Marla Ahlgrimm explains the
1. Testing: Baseline saliva testing postmenopausal women: The PEPI Trial. JAMA differences in clear, concise terms illustrated
determines which hormones you 273: 199-208, 1995. with real-life stories from patients.
need and how much.
Effect of estrogen during menopause on risk and The HRT Solution introduces a new approach
This baseline hormone information, age at onset of Alzheimer’s disease. M Tang et to hormone therapy that is as natural
with the results of the bone al., Lancet, 348:429-32, 1996. and as individual as you. Testing to assess
breakdown urine test (NTx test), gives and monitor hormone levels is combined
you and your healthcare provider a More reasons than ever for HRT. TL Bush et al., with customized, low-dose therapy using
more precise view of your health, Patient Care Nov. 15, 1993, pp. 103-132. bioidentical hormones, identical to those your
and allows you to make informed body naturally produces.
decisions about natural HRT. Estriol, the forgotten estrogen? AH Follingstad,
JAMA 239: 29-30, 1978. This book can be purchased from
2. Specialist Support: You and your Women’s Health America for $14.95 plus
healthcare provider will benefit shipping and handling.
Order by phone at
Healthcare as 800.558.7046
individual as you!
or online at
www.womenshealth.com
P.O. Box 259690
Madison, WI 53725-9690
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