DHEA is a natural steroid hormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands, and in the body it is converted into testosterone and estrogen. The most abundant of all steroid hormones in humans, DHEA declines as we age. The concept in regards to fertility is that androgens may augment FSH-receptor expression and stimulate granulosa cell proliferation. This could potentially increase oocyte yield, by increasing the number of follicles responding to exogenous FSH administration and by improving the quality and pregnancy potential of the retrieved oocytes.
“Apparently the maximum effect of DHEA kicks in only after about four months,” says leading fertility researcher Dr Norman Gleicher. It’s also important to note that Gleicher thinks that DHEA can only boost egg production when used in combination with prescribed fertility drugs. “In a natural cycle, it doesn’t matter how many eggs a woman produces. In the end her body will release usually only one,” he explains. “When you are on fertility drugs we make the body release more eggs. And so in order to get the full benefit of DHEA, it is very likely that it will have to be taken in combination with fertility drugs so that the woman does release more than just one egg.”
Dr Gleicher has begun to conduct a larger controlled, double-blind study that might offer more concrete proof that DHEA can increase egg yield in older women. The results are due out in March 2010 but in the meantime, read below for his initial research literature results.
For optimal fertility health, it is vital to look at the health of your adrenal glands and support them using natural therapies. Stress has a huge impact on our adrenal glands, as they are activated […]
DHEA May Optimise Fertility in Combination with IVF
Launching My Beautiful Rejuvenation Tea
Thank you to all the beautiful people that came to my tea launch today – we had the most exquisite muffins and cakes and all in the name of Cancer Research. We raised a very generous amount of money and had a fantastic time chatting over a cup of Rejuvenation Tea. My tea is now available to purchase from Balmain Sports Physiotherapy so pop in and pick up your gorgeous pot.Rejuvenation TeaI have been drinking Rejuvenation Tea for five years now and I still love the way it makes me feel relaxed and serene. Rejuvenation Tea began as something that I blended for myself and drank during consultations with my patients. Curiosity meant that many people would ask me for a taste and then, without fail, they would ask me where they could buy it. So, I began to craft this wonderful blend to enable people to enjoy its many benefits. I always pop an Inspiration Card in each tisane and it has become a signature of mine that people love.Now, I want to share with you this wonderfully therapeutic tisane – it is blended from exquisite organic herbs that are grown in the mountains of Tasmania. I have travelled to this farm, Highland Herbs, and felt a very spiritual presence while I toiled the fields. The energetic value of these herbs is phenomenal and will soothe your soul while your body unwinds. Rejuvenation Tea is suitable for everyone – whether you are pregnant, undergoing IVF, suffer from high blood pressure or simply need to unwind and destress.Enjoy a relaxing cup in winter as you arrive home from your long day or sip on iced Rejuvenation Tea in summer. When you brew your tisane, […]
Infant formula: How to choose it&use it
Infants need breast milk or formulaInformation about contaminants in formula and water can be scary, but remember that infants less than 1 year old should not be fed straight cow milk, and other drinks might not meet their complex nutritional needs. Breast milk and appropriate formula are the best foods for infants.Choose powderedA toxic chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA) can leach from the lining of metal cans and lids. Liquid formulas have higher levels, so powdered is a better bet. Use soy formula only if medically necessaryThe American Association of Pediatricians recommends that soy formula use be limited to infants who need it for medical reasons. There are longstanding concerns that natural plant estrogens in soy formula may affect the developing baby’s body. There is not enough research to make a solid conclusion, but in the meantime I recommend you limit soy formula use Use filtered waterBoth bottled and tap water can contain contaminants that are toxic for babies whose sole or main source of food is formula. Examples are fluoride and lead. If you have fluoride or lead in your water, use a reverse osmosis filter. Avoid bottled water including ‘infant’ water – because contaminants are not known. Choose glass or BPA-free plastic bottles. Plastic bottles can leach a toxic chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA) into formula. Most companies sell non-BPA plastic. Look for details on packaging or from the manufacturer.Always avoidUnfiltered water when reconstituting formula.Ready-to-eat liquid formulas in metal cans.Old or used plastic baby bottles; they are more likely to contain and leach BPRemember that the World Health Organisation recommends breast feeding until 12 months as this is ultimately the best food for your baby.
Infant formula: How to choose it & use it
Infants need breast milk or formula
Information about contaminants in formula and water can be scary, but remember that infants less than 1 year old should not be fed straight cow milk, and other drinks might not meet their complex nutritional needs. Breast milk and appropriate formula are the best foods for infants.
Choose powdered
A toxic chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA) can leach from the lining of metal cans and lids. Liquid formulas have higher levels, so powdered is a better bet.
Use soy formula only if medically necessary
The American Association of Pediatricians recommends that soy formula use be limited to infants who need it for medical reasons. There are longstanding concerns that natural plant estrogens in soy formula may affect the developing baby’s body. There is not enough research to make a solid conclusion, but in the meantime I recommend you limit soy formula use
Use filtered water
Both bottled and tap water can contain contaminants that are toxic for babies whose sole or main source of food is formula. Examples are fluoride and lead. If you have fluoride or lead in your water, use a reverse osmosis filter.
Avoid bottled water including ‘infant’ water – because contaminants are not known.
Choose glass or BPA-free plastic bottles.
Plastic bottles can leach a toxic chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA) into formula. Most companies sell non-BPA plastic. Look for details on packaging or from the manufacturer.
Always avoid
Unfiltered water when reconstituting formula.
Ready-to-eat liquid formulas in metal cans.
Old or used plastic baby bottles; they are more likely to contain and leach BP
Remember that the World Health Organisation recommends breast feeding until 12 months as this is ultimately the best food for your baby.
Women: Sentinals of Imbalance
“A woman’s health is the barometer of her environment. It is moulded and shaped according to her evolution in the womb and the social, cultural and ecological environment of her childhood. It is created out of her relationships, her joys and traumas. It is grounded in the quality of her nutrition and the purity of the air and water around her.”What incredibly powerful words and I want to thank the talented Samantha Bulloch for bringing it to my attention at her fantastic seminar, Milestones in Reproductive Health. I often say to the mums that come in to see me, “Happy mum means happy family. You are at the pivotal centre of your family – emotionally, spiritually and physically”. It is absolutely vital that women practice self care and take the time they deserve to nourish themselves so that they can then nourish those around them. So, I want you to do one thing for yourself today. Whether that is booking a massage, having an Epsom salt bath with lavender essential oil or dancing to your favourite song! Whatever it may be that connects you to yourself, do it. If you can’t think of anything then sit quietly and remember what brought you joy as a child. This will give you the insight you need to tap in to your creative side and begin yourself care.Hyman MA. The Life Cycles of Women: restoring balance. Altern Ther Health Med.2007 May-Jun; 13(3):10-4, 16.
Healthy Supermarket Tours
Are you completely confident that you understand a nutrition information panel? Do you know what “lite” actually means?How about, “reduced salt”, “cholesterol free” or “no added sugar”?Join Naturopath, Emma Sutherland and Dietitian, Caitlin Reid for a supermarket tour that will unravel all the confusion you face when shopping for healthy products.Tours are held at 6pm on the First Monday evening of every month at About Life, Rozelle.Places are limited to ensure that all questions can be answered and that you learn everything you need to know for your future shopping trips! Please call (02) 8755 1333 to secure your spot today.
