FAQs
Q. Do you suggest Optivite PMT Formula for someone who is trying to conceive - I am also breastfeeding my 2 year old, or should I stick with Pro Cycle PMS or the Professional Prenatal FMLA Tablets or Capsules?
We recommend Pro Cycle PMS or Optivite (nearly the same formula from different makers, Pro Cycle PMS is more economical, requires only 4 tablets/day and has extra folic acid that allows it to be used "as is" for pregnancy or nursing) for fertility issues. If breastfeeding predominantly, cut back Optivite to 4 per day and increase folic acid to a MINIMUM 800mcg per day in case you do become pregnant. Once pregnancy is confirmed we highly recommend switching to the LifeTime Professional Prenatal formula during pregnancy and while nursing.
The same dosing schedule and recommendations to add Folic acid would also apply during pregnancy and using Optivite. A great solution is to use Pro Cycle PMS instead of Optivite, which has increased levels of Folic Acid and 3 other ingredients, and at a daily dose of only 4 tablets rather than 6 per day as is done with Optivite. Pro Cycle CAN be used safely during pregnancy or nursing with sufficient levels of folic acid, and no worries over too much Vitamin A, as is seen with full Optivite dosing during pregnancy/nursing.
Q. What is the dose of Professional Prenatal? Vita-PreNatal? Androvite? Optivite? Gynovite? Vita-Andro? Pro Cycle PMS?
The dose on ALL of these products [except Pro Cycle PMS], is SIX (6) tablets/capsules per day in divided doses, as they are NOT time-released products.
Pro Cycle PMS is fully dosed at only 4 tablets per day, two in the morning and two in the evening, with or without meals.
We suggest a practical way for taking all those mentioned above (except Pro Cycle PMS) is to take two (2) with each meal, three (3) times a day for a total of 6 tablets/capsules. See the above question for Pro Cycle PMS or Optivite dosing during pregnancy or nursing.
Q. With any of these can you let me know if I would have to supplement with more vitamins? Which would you suggest?
Add 1-3 capsules of Flax See Oil 1000mg and an extra 500mg Magnesium per day. We also suggest you read (and re-read!) the pertinent sections from Marilyn Shannon's "Fertility, Cycles and Nutrition", 3rd edition for further guidance on this issue.
Q. Even though I am trying to get pregnant now, would you suggest the Fat Burner 90 to be safe to take if I were to get pregnant? for those first few weeks before you know you're pregnant? I've been working on my diet, but my weight doesn't come off as easily as it once did and I'd like to slim down for the summer - unless I finally get pregnant!
Hold off on Chitosan Fat Burner until after the pregnancy. While not in any way harmful, we'd suggest addressing the fertility issues first. Safe, moderate exercize, with your doctor's approval, can be done during pregnancy e.g. walking, swimming, bike riding etc.
Q. Where do I apply natural progesterone?
Natural progesterone in a moisturizing cream can be applied to the face, neck, chest, inner arms, palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. Natural Progesterone Cream can be applied to the same capillary beds for as long as needed. The cream is readily absorbed and leaves no trace after a few minutes. During absorption, the progesterone bypasses the liver and goes to specific receptor sites.
Q. What exactly is natural progesterone and how does it differ from synthetic progesterone?
Natural progesterone is derived from diosgenin obtained from wild yams & soybeans. Through a laboratory process, diosgenin is synthesized into progesterone molecule identical to progesterone in the body. The most effective method of restoring natural progesterone levels is with the proper supplementation of transdermally applied natural progesterone. Natural Progesterone Cream is a technologically advanced, light, greaseless, moisturizing formulation. Natural Progesterone Cream contains 900 mg per 2 oz. of natural progesterone in a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) aloe vera base, free of colors and fragrance. Pharmaceutical manufacturers alter the chemical makeup of progesterone in order to create synthetic progestins. Progestins in their altered molecular structure are not natural to the body and may cause many side effects.
Please Note: Everyone is different. Some women and men require more progesterone cream to help alleviate symptoms, while others can use less. For the first 3 months, use one 4 oz jar per 2 months. Next, try cutting back on the amount of natural progesterone each month until estrogen dominant symptoms occur. Then return to the last dosage used without symptoms.
Q. Should I use natural progesterone?
Yes, if you experience any of these symptoms! Can natural progesterone help with fibrocystic breasts? Fibrocystic breasts are merely a sign of estrogen dominance (relatively high estrogen levels and low progesterone levels); therefore, using physiological doses of progesterone may eliminate fibrocystic breasts in a few months.
Situations when the progesterone cream may be helpful:
- Acceleration of the aging process
- Allergies (asthma, hives, rashes)
- Autoimmune disorders such as lupus
Q. When do I use natural progesterone cream?
Use 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon two times per day for the following:
- Breast tenderness (cysts, lumps)
- Cervical dysphasia
- Decreased sex drive
- PMS: Start applying cream 12 days after the first day of your period and continue through day 26-28 (depending on length of cycle)
- Depression with anxiety or agitation
Q. Can I use natural progesterone if there is family history of breast or uterine cancer?
Breast cancer and endometrial cancer are two cancers that are related to gonadal (estrogens, progesterone and testosterone) hormones. The cancers occur in tissues sensitive to these gonadal hormones. Unopposed estrogen is the only known cause of endometrial cancer, though there may be other factors involved. Unopposed estrogens are also thought to contribute to breast cancer.
Some known signs / symptoms:
- Fat gain around abdomen, hips and thighs
- Fatigue
- Premenopause: Start applying cream 8 days after the first day of your period and use through day 26-28 (depending on length of cycle).
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Gallbladder disease
- Hair loss Irregular Periods: Start applying cream 10 days after the first day of your period and stop on day 28. If your period begins before day 28, discontinue use. Start counting to day 10 and resume use and stop on day 28. It may take 3 to 6 months to regulate the cycle.
- Headaches
- Hypoglycemia
- Inability to focus or memory loss
- Increase blood clotting (risk of strokes)
- Infertility or Miscarriage
- Irregular menstrual periods Hysterectomies, Menopause, Postmenopause Irritability or Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Osteoporosis or Premenopausal bone loss. All of the time, no break is necessary
- PMS
- Prostate inflammation
- Sluggish metabolism
- Uterine cancer or Uterine fibroids
- Water retention, bloating
Q. Do you have a Refill Reminder service?
Our Personal Maintenance Plan (PMP), mentioned on the website, is a FREE service.
Just let us know:
- a) what you want & how many; and
- b) how often (monthly, every 2 mos, 3 mos, etc. whatever time period suits your needs and budget--remember, our shipping fee is a flat fee and remains the same no matter how much or how little you order). We need a major credit card on file with current expiry and 3 digit security code from the back of the card to seamlessly provide you this free service. This way you get the products you need in the correct time frame, and don't have to worry or remember to order them. As always, you drive this program and we can start, modify or end it with an email or a call from you. It's that simple, no gimmicks or tricks, just better service for you and your family on your terms.
We encourage you to "buddy up" and place an order with several friends and family to maximize volume discounts and our low, flat shipping fee.
With your personal info confidentially on file, we do the rest....any time you wish to add, modify or cancel the service, just send an email or call us. It's that simple, no gimmicks, no tricks, no sleight of hand. Let us know if this exciting free service fits the bill for you and your family
Q. Did Professional Prenatal tablets have a recent color change?
During the summer of 2006, and again in the summer of 2009, Nutracorp (formerly known as LifeTime Nutritionals), the manufacturer of Professional Prenatal Formula, changed their tablet color slightly to a more orange, pumpkin-shade color with some motteling and added a clear pharmaceutical grade coating.
This was done to protect the tablet integrity from humidity and the elements while in production and in transit. There was NO change in the formula of the product itself.
Q. There has been some confusion and question regarding California claiming some vitamins have carcinogens in them. What's the real story or is this just more craziness from a state well known for that?
From a letter from Marilyn Shannon to an inquirer:
Dear G (name withheld to protect privacy),
You are the second person to contact me about a label that someone has just attached--after about 20 years of recommending PPF. Please let me know who you ordered it from. I suggest you contact Bogomir Kuhar, PharmD clinical pharmacist with a doctorate in pharmacy, and founder of American Pro-Life Enterprise.
Before my book went to print, in 2008, it came out that even though PPF was well below the FDA allowable amount of lead in a prenatal, it was number 8 of all brands tested. I was concerned and evaluated the original website to look at the numbers, and had Bo Kuhar, PharmD do the same. Yes, he agreed with the FDA--the trace amounts of lead in PPF are well below the acceptable ceiling, and since almost all supplement manufacturers use the same ingredient sources, the amount of lead is proportional to the potency. Obviously no lead would be the ideal, but in the real world unfortunately lead is just about everywhere. PPF is very high quality, and truly has minimal lead for the potency. If you are concerned, Google FDA, lead and prenatal, and you can see the numbers for yourself. If your physician is concerned, taking just 5 rather than 6 of the PPF tablets drops the lead content far down the list.
But a little perspective: First, we are dealing with very minuscule amounts of lead, acceptable to the FDA. By contrast, mercury is far more toxic, and certainly to be avoided if possible. As you probably are aware, fish are most vulnerable to mercury accumulation, and so some fish are known to be sources. Yet in my new book I cite a recent study showing that children of mothers born to women who ate fish in their pregnancy beyond the FDA recommendation had children with better mental and social developmental milestones for as long as they were tested (several years) compared to women who avoided fish. The bottom line seemed to be that the value of the essential nutrients, in this case DHA and EPA, exceeded the harm of the toxin, even in the case of mercury. (By the way, in the case of mercury, I recommended finding sources that are known to be lowest.) I use this example only for the perspective it gives.
Hope that is helpful to you. Here is an excellent article that I think will put to rest the concerns that I have just recently been dealing with.
Marilyn Shannon
Q. Speaking of mercury, what is the real story on mercury in vitamins, including Professional Prenatal Formula?
The Fish Oil in our Professional Prenatal Formula tabletss comes from one or more of the following: Largemouth Bass, Shark, Swordfish, and King Mackerel. Great care is taken by our manufacturer to avoid fish species containing the toxin mercury or other contaminants such as Chlordane, PBCs or dioxin.
Nutracorp (formerly LifeTime Nutritionals), the manufacturer, assures us and the public, the fish sources of their fish oil contains negligible (if any) levels of mercury under current FDA recommendations. Most fish oils are mercury-free since mercury accumulates in the meat not the oils. Having had a safety record of nearly 20 years with this product, we are confident it is safe when used as directed.
Professional Prenatal Formula does not contain: sugar, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, starch, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring or preservatives, per the manufacturer.
Q. What Causes PMS? (adapted from Dr S. Holt)
It is safe to say that there is no simple, single cause of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that can be cured by any specific medical intervention. PMS involves a complex interplay of problems, including hormonal balance, body metabolism, emotional factors and disruptions of the "mind-body connection." The list that follows covers some of the main hypotheses concerning the causes of PMS.
SUGGESTED CAUSES
- Hormonal Problems
Comment: Various studies have identified hormone imbalances in women with PMS, but there are no consistent changes that permit a clear diagnosis. High levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone have been associated with PMS. Progesterone supplementation is a popular intervention, and it may be effective in some women with PMS. - Water Retention
Comment: Excessive salt and water retention are common in PMS, but they may be a result rather than a cause of PMS itself. - Body Toxins
Comment: Excessive salt and water retention are common in PMS, but they may be a result rather than a cause of PMS itself. - Nutrient Deficiencies
Comment: Deficiency of vitamin B-complex has been linked to mood changes and depression in women with PMS or those taking a progesterone hormone supplement. Excessive sugar intake and deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids have been variably implicated as a cause of PMS. For example, cramps may be caused by excess production of certain hormone-like substances, which may be caused by deficiencies or imbalances in the dietary intake of essential fatty acids. Optivite and Pro Cycle PMS have delivered excellent results for PMS symptoms and infertility issues for many years and for thousands of women as part of a nutritional regimen. - Hypoglycemia
Comment: Episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may occur in women with PMS and specific studies have shown that hypoglycemia may tend to occur more often in the premenstrual phase of the cycle. Alterations in glucose metabolism due to insulin resistance and excess insulin secretions are key factors in the metabolic Syndrome X, which is strongly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and PMS. - Serotonin Balance
Comment: Serotonin is an important factor in central nervous system and other body functions. Deficiencies in serotonin have been described in women with PMS. This has led to recommendations to support natural serotonin levels in the body with the use of supplements such as 5-HTP.
Potential causes of PMS and speculation on their known contributions.
First-Line Options for PMS The most obvious approaches to this common condition involve simple, gentle and natural therapies and remedies. The lists below summarize natural and conventional approaches for the management of PMS. In the absence of serious medical emergencies and/or disease, the natural approach should be tried first.
NATURAL APPROACHES
- Moderation of salt intake
- Restriction of simple sugars in diet
- Avoidance of smoking, alcohol, caffeine
- A balanced diet, low in simple sugars, low in saturated fat, high in fiber, moderate in protein (vegetable, fish and meat protein) enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and high in fruit and vegetables
- Selected dietary supplements (ginkgo biloba, green tea, evening primrose oil, flaxseed, chasteberry, etc.)
- Behavior modification
- Exercise
- Stress reduction
- Restoration of normal sleep patterns
CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL APPROACHES
- Tranquilizers
- Spironolactone (a potassium-sparing diuretic)
- Antidepressants
- Sleeping pills (sedative-hypnotics)
- Surgery
- Lithium
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- L-Dopa
- Pain killers (analgesics)
- So-called "Birth-control" pills (which are often abortifacient) -- we do NOT recommend this!
- Hormone supplements
- Progesterone
- Thyroid supplements
- Diuretics
Every woman experiences different symptoms with varying degrees of severity. Because of this, trial and error of the natural approaches and lifestyle changes listed above may be the best option for soothing the discomforts associated with PMS.
