I am in a bit of a Quandry and looking for some advice from the Bev Crew. I am officially in Pre Menapuse (sorry guys....) and experiencing classic symptoms. Fatigue, slowed Metabolism, Mood swings and so on ( loads of fun... ). I have been using the Female Balance type Supplements with Wild Yam for about 6 months and cannot say they do much. I have been thinking (and recommended ) to use some Natural HRT to include Progesterone and also 7-Keto DHEA to boost my Metabolism. The downside is the fact that I would not be able to do INBF shows if I use HRT. I am also being warned that any shows that Urine test may cause a fail on the Urine test using Natural HRT even if they are not banned. It does NOT seem right that a women has to chose between feeling OK in the Pre M or even Menapause state by using Natural Supplements or just " Suffer" so we can compete . There MUST be something that can be done/used. Or is simply if you decide to treat PM that you are no longer NATURAL ?????? and switch to non tested shows. Fit doc or anyone out there have any ideas suggestions on this dilema......much thanks.

Leslie,
sometimes if it is a medical condition, check with Steve Downs and see if there is something that can be used as medically prescribed and would not ban you from competing in the INBF!! You would be missed leaving the INBF and have to compete against the untested NPC shows!! E mail steve at Sdowns@exercisegroup.com.

Regarding HRT, explore as many of the natural option as possible. There is a great book "What your Doctor Never Told you about Pre Menopause." I do not remember reading of substance to treat pre menopause that are banned by any orgs.

I would explore every natural avenue for Pre Menopause before taking estrogen or progesterone. The side effects and risk for disease is not worth it. Most doctors do not shine a bright enought light on the down side of HRT. Besides there are natural options that work equally well with out the sides. Natural options would allow you to continue to compete in the Org of your choice.

7 Keto may or may not be a necessary product. Not sure there are any other products that would be a real issue.

It will depend on the organization.

If you are prescribed HRT, than it is unlikely they will have a problem.

Check with the Orgs...

Ray

Thanks Guys. I will look for that book. I just read Silent Passages but that does not really deal with the Peri or Pre Years. There is quite a bit of mystery in this area. The issues are mild and simply annoying not really a health risk. I guess it is one of those Passages in Life we must simply experience.

I know there are many Natural Remedies like EPO, Vitamin E, L Argine and L Glutamine. Being a Competitor I think the biggest thing I focus on is the slooowwwwing Metabolism and fighting PM weight gain. So I am on the look out for a non banned fatburner.

S. Downs says Formigen from Legal Gear is good and not banned by any org. Anyone familar with it ? It is very Pricey.

Hi Leslie:

I am 44 and starting to have to think about dealing with pre-menopause as well. I am experiencing some of the symptoms already such as disrupted sleep, occasional hot flashes, etc.

A couple resources for you--Ray was right on when he said read Dr. John Lee's books. There is also another one called "Perimenopause: Changes after 35" by John Huston, MD that I found to be very informative. Additionally, there is a competitive bodybuilder by the name of Jill Langham who specializes in consulting with women going through pre-menopause. She is an RN and seems to be well-informed on natural options to HRT. Her website is www.fittestfemaleatfifty.com. Additionally, I recently purchased a book titled 'Be Lean' by Romy Seleznov. Her website is www.4NaturalFitness.com. She managed to prepare for 2 different fitness competitions while keeping her hormonal cycle intact.

Leslie, please let me know how you fare with your journey. I am preparing for my first figure comps in October and November and I am not using any kind of fatburners at all. I cannot--due to the fact that I suffered from adrenal fatigue 2 years ago. So I would love to hear what your experiences are. My e-mail is fittgrl@hotmail.com.

Take care!

Kim

STAY AWAY FROM MSG!

Go to the education part of www.barleans.com

Frank

Thanks Kim....email on the way to you.

Frank..I will check out the link. I eat as plain and as natural as I can and never never eat MSG ! aweful stuff isn't it !!!