[Lotus]

Please keep in mind I'm still not comfortable with BO, I'd rather get a root canal w/o the local than use it again.

Here's the big question though, how come we can't find any info regarding BO's content?, what is the composition?. In most cases that info can be found phytoestrogens. Monika stated concerns about transfemme's claims, imo rightfully so. Anybody care to respond?.

My goal was/is to provide info on BO, unbiased.

I don't necessarily have concerns about Transfemme's claims so much as wonder what the basis is for them. They seem to be the only one making the claims of permanence, and all roads eventually lead back to Transfemme's website when one finds what appears to be corroborating evidence. I just want to see the scientific studies on which they base their claims that BO will re-wire a testosterone-fueled body to aromatise T into E forever and make a male hormonally female after 6 months so be sure you want to be hormonally female for the rest of your life or don't take their product.

Certainly, BO contains bovine estrogen. Being a non-standardized glandular supplement, the amount and type of E will vary from one pill to the next, or at least can. Presumably, the age of the cow will also determine type and quantity of estrogen(s). So, is BO a source of E1, E2, or E3? All of the above? How much of each? I don't know, but I'm almost ready to try it myself for a few months. First, though, I need to get a little healthier before I try that experiment.

Exactly, when is the tissue harvested, and how do we know the strength of the hormones, the range could be low to extremely high. (I have similar concerns about the strength of PM). Agreed, the age of the bovine has never been addressed, are they mature? (having reached their estrous cycle, are they in standing heat?, etc). Also what type of feed is used, some use soy which would effect hormonal conditions. More questions than answers, why the mystery?. Transfemme is the only one I've seen address SHBG sex hormone binding globulin, and their explanation could be another topic of discussion.

See this report:


THE BOVINE ESTROUS CYCLE FS921A—George Perry, Extension Beef Reproduction Management Specialist

The percentage of cows that become pregnant during a breeding season has a direct effect on ranch profitability. Consequently, a basic understanding of the bovine estrous cycle can increase the effectiveness of reproductive management. After heifers reach puberty (first ovulation) or following the postpartum a estrous period (a period of no estrous cycles) in cows, a period of estrous cycling begins. Estrous cycles give a heifer or cow a chance to become pregnant about every 21 days. During each estrous cycle, follicles develop in wave-like patterns, which are controlled by changes in hormone concentrations. In addition, the corpus luteum (CL) develops following ovulation of a follicle. While it is present, this CL inhibits other follicles from ovulating. The length of each estrous cycle is measured by the number of days between each standing estrus.

The Anestrous Period
Anestrus occurs when an animal does not exhibit normal estrous cycles. This occurs in heifers before they reach puberty and in cows following parturition (calving). During an anestrous period, normal follicular waves occur, but standing estrus and ovulation do not occur. Therefore, during the anestrous period heifers or cows cannot become pregnant.

Standing Estrus and Ovulation
Standing estrus, also referred to as standing heat, is the most visual sign of each estrous cycle. It is the period of time when a female is sexually receptive. Estrus in cattle usually lasts about 15 hours but can range from less than 6 hours to close to 24 hours. In cattle, the period of time when a female will stand and allow mounting by other animals (Fig 1) is the sexually receptive period.

The full article:
http://beefrepro.unl.edu/pdfs/estrouscycle.pdf

Tmi alert: