[Samantha Rogers]

Great stuff, Lotus! I went on a quest awhile back seeking info on substances that might INCREASE aromotase, but could only find the things bodybuilders use to fight it. Any ideas?

[Lotus]

Hi ELLA and you're welcome,

RC is Red Clover, It contains chemicals called isoflavones, which belong to a larger class of plant chemicals known as phyto (plant-derived) estrogens, red clover is often taken to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Isoflavones are similar in shape to the female hormone, estrogen. Therefore, they may attach to estrogen receptors throughout the body particularly in the bladder, blood vessels, bones, and heart. Red clover can be used as an herbal remedy to treat the immune system and congestion, and as a herbal tea.

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-red-clover.html

I think it's starter in NBE programs at first, although it's still being used. But mainly used as a phytoestrogen in NBE, but it would rank in the top five behind PM for breast growth.

http://naturally-increase-breast-size.co...ed-clover/

I was considering Chaste tree/ Vitex for the following:

*Chaste tree- (or chasteberry) is a native of the Mediterranean region and is traditionally used to correct hormone imbalances.

* At low doses, it blocks the activation of D2 receptors in the brain by competitive binding, causing a slight increase in prolactin release.

http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitex_agnus-ca...rrent_uses
Mastodynia- http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastalgia

But currently it's at the bottom of the list.

[Lotus]

So far the only thing I came up with was Nettle Root:



But I came across this supplement*, and although it's an AI (Aromatase Inhibitor) it comes close for what I think our goal is.

:Testosterone has two metabolites that pose potential problems for aging males and also for bodybuilders and athletes. One is estradiol (testosterone is converted to estradiol by the enzyme aromatase) and the other is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (testosterone is converted to DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase). As men age, there is a dramatic decrease in testosterone production, but without a corresponding decrease in the production of estradiol and DHT. Even though testosterone levels have plummeted, the aromatization of testosterone to estradiol is maintained, or even accelerated, and more testosterone is also being aromatized in fatty tissues. This creates excess levels of estradiol and, as a consequence, a blood level ratio of testosterone to estradiol that continues to decline, tipping the scale in balance of an estradiol-dominant environment.

* http://www.nutritiondome.com/estrgenex.html

Nettle Root comes close, but falls short for the excess conversion of estrogen.

As a standalone herb, Nettle Root work intelligently to optimize sex hormones. For men, Nettle Root works primarily to keep testosterone active in the body for longer. On average, only 2% of total serum testosterone is free, and only free testosterone is active. The other 98% is bound testosterone and is no longer active. The glycoprotein sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) binds to free testosterone rendering it useless (and setting the stage for a dangerous series of chemical processes). Nettle Root works to bind to SHBG, so that testosterone does not. This dramatically increases levels of free testosterone, the kind of testosterone that works positively on the body, the mind, the soul. As Lee Myer, the popular men's health author, states, free testosterone is the type of testosterone "that will supercharge our brains, blood, muscles, sex lives and all the other things we associate with testosterone."

For women, Nettle Root works similarly, by blocking SHBG. SHBG has an affinity for all sex hormones, and keeping levels of free estrogen is important in women as is keeping levels of free testosterone is important in men. For most healthy individuals, High levels of estrogen and testosterone are damaging only after they have become bound to SHBG. Once estrogen or testosterone have become bound to SHBG, they begin the process of being converted into harmful estrogen metabolites, like esterdiol. By keeping these sex hormones free, the rates of conversion to harmful metabolites are decreased.

For men, Nettle Root even works to unbind testosterone which has already become bound by SHBG, further increasing levels of important free testosterone and further decreasing the conversion to estrogen metabolites.

This is where it needs to be stopped, we WANT the conversion!....that's what we need to find!!!!

True Louise, if I remeber correctly the levels of testosterone are 20x greater in men than in women. I'm also thinking nettle root actually has a dual action on estrogen - diminishing it by directly blocking its synthesis, but by diminishing testosterone it could indirectly increase estrogen, because testosterone inhibits estrogen. So I wonder what the net effect is.

Oh, and now I remember I noticed my hairs grew less and slower after I started taking nettle root. Tho I was also on BCP at the same time.

[Lotus]

Thank you AP and Samantha!

I think nettle root is more a potentiator, as in it creates more potential for your body to use the hormones. It binds to shbg, which your body produces to decrease hormones.

It also decreases aromatase(bad for boob growing) and decreases 5ar(good for boob growing).

So in taking nettle root you'll increase your overall hormone level.

Takeing it with an pro-aromatase herb (peony root, or liquorice tea), and paba or grapefruit extract to slow the breakdown of the extra hormones you'll have circulating and it should help you out.

Now this looks promising!

[ellacraig]

Oh of course red clover, silly me.
Yes I have some vitex. Im toying on taking that to level things out as I feel the herbs make me very moody so something must be going on there..
I'm trying to figure out if balanced hormones is a key factor or not in NBE, like balancing out the two est/proges but supplementing with  phytos in addition too. I realise theres other hormones involved.
I was reading up on maca last night about it being an adaptogenic herb and how it will "Just correct" what you're particular hormonal issue is irrespective of what it may be. Seems like a wonder plant, but again not going to rush into taking anything else. Will research maca and vitex and go from there

[Lotus]

Good suggestion ELLA,

I was reading up on maca last night about it being an adaptogenic herb and how it will "Just correct" what you're particular hormonal issue is irrespective of what it may be. Seems like a wonder plant, but again not going to rush into taking anything else. Will research maca and vitex and go from there.

Maca is powerfully abundant in amino acids, phytonutrients, healthy fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. This superfood (foods that are nutrient-dense and offer tremendous dietary and healing potential) has the ability to increase energy and stamina, oxygenate the blood, support neurotransmitter production, and enhance libido.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/029101_maca_r...z2pMzCXttB

Definitely something too look into, thanks!

[ellacraig]

Thanks lotus you are really informative. Do you know if maca makes youre bottom bigger? Silly question I know but ive heard it here and my bottom is great as it is.
Secondly was I right in what I read that they warn against maca if your predisposed to estro related cancers. I was sure I read that more than once but if macas not an estrogenic plant then im confused. 
Thank you

[Lotus]

Ha!,
My bum has no worries there, lol.

Have you ever considered LICORICE ROOT- You shouldn't take it for more than 5 days do to elevating your BP, so if have high BP stay clear.

But for NBE the link is below, great site Nadine!!

Licorice root is the only herb that balances estrogen, stimulates prolactin, and blocks testosterone all at the same time.  Licorice contains numerous phytoestrogenic compounds such as glabridin, glaberine, and 3-hydroxyglabrol.  Glabridin is very similar to estradiol, the estrogen responsible for breast development.  Licorice use can lead to headaches, water retention, or high blood pressure if taken in very high doses of over 50 grams per day.

http://nadined.page.tl/Natural-breast-growth.htm

It has some interesting medicinal benefits, the link is below. (Wow)

The herb's natural sweetness and flavor – it is 50 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar) – are due to its high content of glycyrrhizin.  Glycyrrhizin is also responsible for most of licorice's medicinal properties, including its ability to reduce inflammation, soothe throat tissues and reduce allergy symptoms.  The ulcer-healing compounds in licorice are thought to be flavonoids.  They apparently work by promoting the overall health of the gastrointestinal system rather than reducing the secretion of stomach acid that triggers ulcers.  Additional compounds with therapeutic effects include sterols and gums.

http://www.diagnose-me.com/treatment/licorice-root.html

[ellacraig]

So you take maca then I take it ha ha.
I havent thought if licorice no, im currently taking a low dose of natureday herbal blend  but wanted to balance my hormones at the same time just on the off chance ive gone overboard with the herbs.. in the same breath I dont want to contradict the process. I do plan on regular breaks from herbs though. Health is first and foremost!

[Lotus]

Health is first and foremost!

Absolutely, if don't who will, right!

Being the new year, I've tried to think what will be my resolutions, of course healthy body is número uno. But the rest is too long and obnoxious to share. Well why not I can dream.