Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Links to FAQ's:
1. What does Women to Women recommend to HRT (hormone replacement therapy) users?
For over a decade, Women to Women has been cautioning women about the risks of synthetic HRT. We believe it should be a last resort, not a first choice. In general, we recommend that everyone first try a natural approach such as the Personal Program. Weaning off HRT should be gradual, however - NOT "cold turkey." We include detailed instructions in your New Member package. You may also be interested in our Library article on what to expect when you're stopping HRT. (For more FAQ's on hormones and bioidentical HRT, click here.)
2. What are the symptoms of perimenopause?
The most common symptoms of perimenopause are hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue, irritability or mood swings, unusual weight gain, irregular periods, anxiety, feelings of depression, fuzzy thinking, bloating or gas, headaches, joint pain or stiffness, vaginal dryness, diminished sexual desire, and leaking of urine. Click here for further information on your symptoms. (For more FAQ's on menopause and perimenopause, click here.)
3. Why are Women to Women's products better than what I get at my local health food store?
There are several key differences. First, our products are made to pharmaceutical standards. Second, we use only the finest, most bioavailable nutrient forms, including six patented nutrients, to ensure adequate nutrients actually reach your bloodstream. Third, every production batch is assayed in a laboratory to ensure its purity and potency. In fact, even our essential fatty acids, which are derived from cold water fish, are tested to ensure they contain no mercury. And of course, the Essential Nutrients are completely natural, with no artificial anything. Click here for more information on Essential Nutrients.
4. How concerned should I be about the NIH study of HRT risks?
Women to Women has a long history of recommending a natural approach to hormonal balance. We believe that synthetic hormones commonly used in hormone replacement therapy should be a last resort, not a first choice. However, this is a matter of personal choice.
We suggest you read our Library article, Perspective on the risks of HRT. You might also visit the website of the Women's Health Initiative.
5. Will the Personal Program help me even if I've had a hysterectomy?
Yes, the Personal Program will benefit your general health and your hormonal balance, even if you've had a hysterectomy, and whether or not you also had your ovaries removed. (Over half the women who keep their ovaries nevertheless suffer loss of ovarian function.) In fact, the Personal Program is especially relevant to women like you, given the heightened risks from long-term use of synthetic HRT (hormone replacement therapy). Note that we generally recommend that women under 40 who have had a hysterectomy consider natural hormone replacement therapy to mimic the body's natural progression into perimenopause. (For more FAQ's on hysterectomy and alternatives, click here.)
6. If I am on the Personal Program, do I need to take other supplements, such as calcium–magnesium?
In general, the Essential Nutrients in the Personal Program is a complete multivitamin, multimineral, fatty acid supplement, and you should not need any other supplements. We recommend you stop all other supplements at the time you start your Personal Program. However, if you are taking other supplements on your practitioner's advice, we urge you to discuss the Personal Program with your practitioner and let him or her adjust your other supplements accordingly.
7. I'm on a prescription drug. Will the Personal Program interact with my prescription?
The simple answer is no. The Personal Program is an all-natural, preventative program with no known drug interactions. However, you should always disclose your participation in the Program to your primary health care provider, who needs to be aware of any supplements you are taking.
8. I notice the dosages in the Essential Nutrients exceed the Recommended Daily Allowances. Why is that?
The Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA's), were set decades ago based on the science of the time. The government has been reviewing the RDA's for many years and is expected to issue new standards at some future point. In the meantime, nutritionists agree that our true dietary requirements are much higher than the original RDA standards. The dosages in the Essential Nutrients are based on the latest science.
9. I've had breast cancer. Does the Personal Program affect my risk of a recurrence?
Our Personal Program was co-developed by breast specialist/surgeon Dr. Dixie Mills. The Essential Nutrients and dietary program are entirely safe for women with breast cancer or a history of breast cancer, and when used as directed they will not increase your risk of recurrence. We also offer gentle endocrine support in our Personal Program, which we would advise you to discuss with your oncologist or breast specialist before using. In the meantime, you may wish to consider our Personal Program without use of endocrine support, with optional consultation with our Nurse–Educators.
10. I have PMS, and I'm in my 20's. Will the Personal Program help me?
PMS is a form of hormonal imbalance just like the symptoms of perimenopause. (In fact, women who have suffered from PMS are more likely to have a difficult perimenopause.) The Personal Program should be effective in helping to mitigate your symptoms.
11. I'm only 31. Can my symptoms really be perimenopause?
Your symptoms may well be the result of the hormonal imbalances of perimenopause, which can precede menopause by 15 years or more. In fact, if you're in your early 30's and experiencing hormonal imbalance, it's that much more important that you focus on establishing a good foundation of support. The good news is that the fundamentals for creating overall health and hormonal balance are the same at any age, and if you give your body the support it needs now, you can still have a symptom-free menopause.
12. I've been diagnosed with depression. Is it possible that my problems are hormonal?
You should discuss this with your practitioner. It's common now for physicians to prescribe antidepressants for PMS or perimenopause. Discuss your progress in the Personal Program with your practitioner, and whether you can make adjustments in your medication. In no case is the Personal Program a substitute for antidepressants for depression. It may be possible that your depression is hormonally based, and some women have reported good results on the Program. Your results may vary.
13. When is the best time to take my Essential Nutrients?
For the same reason it’s a good idea to eat breakfast, we recommend you take your first packet with breakfast. Your body burns fuel during the day when you are busy and stressed, so that’s the best time to give it the nutrients it needs. Take the second packet with your midday meal or snack. We also recommend you eat or drink something nutritious when taking your nutrients to aid absorption, and be sure to drink at least one big glass of water with your Essential Nutrients or shortly thereafter. This approach will help prevent the stomach upset some women experience with nutritional supplements.
Ready to start feeling better now?
Try the Personal Program, risk free. It's a natural, at-home solution to hormonal imbalance that comes with personalized support and a money-back guarantee.
Not sure which plan is right for you? Start by taking our free Hormonal Health Profile. You'll see what we recommend, plus you'll get information about your specific symptoms.
Last Modified: 11/28/2007