Bioidentical Hormone info, research and testing, prescription alternatives advice and more...
Bioidentical Hormone Library
Articles and research about bioidentical hormones and natural hormone balance, how to use progesterone cream, managing menopause and PMS, including many articles by Dr. John Lee and other experts.
Research, Advice, Opinion: Virginia Hopkins Health Watch
The Virginia Hopkins Health Watch features articles, research, advice and opinion about bioidentical hormones, , progesterone research, new insights on hormone balance, prescription alternatives advice, and much more…
Products: Many Test Kits, Cellphone Ladybugs, Books and CDS by Dr. John Lee and More...
Saliva and blood spot home test kits for bioidentical hormones such as progesterone, hormone balance, bone loss, anemia, cholesterol, body mineral levels, heavy metals, water safety, lead and more...
Find Articles by Topic
An alphabetized list of article topics ranging from bioidentical hormone replacement (BHRT) and hormone balance, progesterone cream and menopause, to anemia, heartburn and fatigue.
Dear Reader,
Three of the four articles in this newsletter include warnings about products or pitches that promise to reverse the aging process. Anti-aging hypes and scams are reaching fever pitch as baby boomers head for their golden years; after all, it’s a multi-billion dollar business! The promise is that we can stop or reverse the aging process and regain our youthful looks and vigor—if we just empty our wallets for the latest greatest hormone, vitamin, herb, exercise gadget or fat-sucking and expression-erasing plastic surgery.
We baby boomers have made so many things politically incorrect. Let’s make aging politically correct. Let’s make it politically correct to have the beautiful facial expressions of aging, especially smile lines. Let’s consider making it OK to have jiggly upper arms, a bit of belly fat and gray hair. Can we surrender our inevitable loss of youth with grace and graciousness? Can we admire and appreciate youthful beauty without envy or regret?
It makes no sense to be anti-aging. We’re born, we age, we die. What happens after that is debatable. Hopefully while we age we make the most of life’s journey. It’s worthwhile to be as healthy as we possibly can while we age, but to be against aging, and the natural processes that go with it, is a terrible waste of money, energy and attention. It’s like being against the setting sun or the falling leaves. The true keys to optimal aging are free—friendship, laughter, compassion, understanding and tolerance (especially of ourselves).
In the last newsletter I introduced my Facebook page, and was very touched to see the faces of so many readers. We’re in good company. Really good.
Warm regards,
Virginia Hopkins
Why a Little Belly Fat is a Good Thing
Belly fat is the trendy new “no no” for women—everybody’s talking about it. But I beg to differ. For a menopausal woman, a little bit of belly fat is natural, healthy and put there for a purpose…
Is hCG a Miracle Weight Loss Solution?
Proponents claim that this pregnancy hormone can melt away stubborn fat at the rate of 1 to 2 pounds a day. Is it a miracle or is it hype?
CONSTIPATION – What Your Dr May Not Tell You
Five causes of constipation you might not know about- Simple, commonsense remedies for constipation
- Colon cleansers or wallet cleansers?
Hormone Testing Q&As
Answers to interesting reader questions about hormone testing.
- Are my urinary tract symptoms due to hormones?
- Could my husband have low thyroid?
- Can men get hormonally related migraines?
- What’s better—saliva testing or blood spot testing?
- I’m taking oral progesterone, why do I still have symptoms?
NEW!
Optimal Health Gems from John R Lee MD
The Best Q&As
John R Lee MD Medical Letter
1998 to 2003
A booklet packed with Dr. Lee's famous and timeless down-to-earth advice about hormones, progesterone cream, birth control, osteoporosis, breast cancer, pregnancy, vaccinations and much more.
RECENTLY POSTED ARTICLES
NIH Testosterone Trial for Men Over 65
A new study by the government’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) aims to find out if testosterone replacement in men aged 65 and older will improve their health, but the trial design may be flawed. learn more>>
10 Ways to Encourage Kids to Eat Their Veggies
by Dr. John Lee
With seven young grandchildren I understand first-hand how difficult it can be to keep kids away from the soda pop and candy and eating their veggies. However, vegetables are the mainstay of a healthy diet, even for kids. With a bit of creativity and consistency, you can integrate vegetables into your children’s daily routine. Here are some suggestions…learn more>>
List of Kid Nutrition Myths
by Dr. John Lee
There are an amazing number of myths about children and nutrition, most of them perpetrated by various sectors of the processed food industry that have an economic interest in having your children eat their products. Here’s the list… learn more>>
Holiday Help – How to Douse Heartburn
Surprisingly simple solutions you may not have thought of, from Dr. John Lee. learn more>>
Most Popular Articles of 2009
Buyer Be Aware Report on Mirena
This high-tech form of contraception should not be taken lightly. The Mirena IUD …is being heavily promoted to young women in the U.S. as a wonderful high-tech, no muss, no fuss, put-it-in-and-forget-about-it for five years form of contraception.
10 Steps to Hormone Balance
If you’re just beginning the journey to optimal health and hormone balance it can seem like a daunting and confusing road to travel. Just take it one step at a time! Here are some first steps that can help you get started.
Hormone Balance Test for Women
Your personal hormone portrait and where to go from here.
Open Letter to Oprah about Bioidentical Hormones
Dear Oprah, Ever since your shows on bioidentical hormones aired, my newsletter readers have showered me with emails requesting that I respond. Being a discriminating group, they realize that while your shows were wonderful and will help millions of women, there are a few points to be made that can help women use hormones with even greater wisdom and safety.
Gallbladder Disease, Women and Hormones
by John R. Lee, M.D.
Most people don’t even know where their gallbladder is located, never mind what it does, yet gallbladder disease is the most common digestive disease in the U.S. It affects over 20 million Americans, the majority of them women, with a million new cases diagnosed each year.
Most Popular Products of 2009
Vitamin D Test Kit
Detects deficiencies in both Vitamin D2 and D3 as a potential cause of health problems. Also for those who are taking vitamin D supplements to ensure adequate levels and avoid excess.
Female Hormone Test - Blood Spot Profile I
The Female Profile I is a comprehensive assessment of overall female health, vitality and hormone balance. In particular, this test can be a good indicator of specific hormone imbalances. Includes estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, cortisol.
Cell Phone Ladybug
New Lower Price!
A nifty little device that helps reduce cell phone radiation.
Hormone Balance for Men
A booklet by John R. Lee, M.D. available for download
The original and thought-provoking work by John R. Lee, M.D. about men's hormones, how men can use natural hormones for optimal health, causes of prostate cancer and more. A quick read, yet loaded with useful information and suprising insights about male hormones.
Male Hormone Test - Blood Spot Profile I
Overall assessment of male vitality, performance, and prostate health. Includes: estradiol, testosterone, SHBG, PSA, DHEAS, Cortisol.
RESOURCES
New Lower Price!
Cell Phone Ladybug
A nifty little device that helps reduce cell phone radiation.
Are your vitamin D levels high enough to get you through the winter?
Find out with a Vitamin D Test
Simple to use, high tech accuracy
RECENT NEWSLETTER ARTICLES
Hormone Q&As Virginia answers questions from readers about hormone replacement and lung cancer; Evamist dosages and side effects; bioidentical progesterone and osteoporosis in an elderly woman, and how pregnenolone supplements affect hormone balance. learn more »
Zostavax, the Shingles Vaccine
Zostavax is a vaccine against shingles, the painful chickenpox-related disease that occurs most frequently in those over the age of 60. Is it worth risking the possible side effects to avoid shingles? learn more »
Bioidentical Hormone Overdose Causes Harm
Letter from a reader who was harmed by mega-doses of bioidentical hormones. learn more »
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Swine Flu Dangers and Common Drugs
Millions of Americans take commonly prescribed drugs with hidden dangers that may increase the risk of flu-related pneumonia. Drugs as common as statins and heartburn remedies... learn more>>
Top Reasons to Avoid Hand Sanitizers
It seems so quick and simple--pump out a squirt of gel, rub the hands for ten seconds and voila! Germs are gone! Or are they? Even the CDC recommends hand-washing before hand sanitizers. What's in those gels, anyway? learn more>>
RESOURCES
More Articles about the Flu
A list of articles about flu shots, flu fighters, flu drugs and more... Read More>>
Vitamin D Test
When sun exposure drops in the fall, so does vitamin D levels. Find out if you have enough vitamin D to get you safely through the winter.
Chinese Herbal Remedies
Tried and true Chinese herbal formulas made in the USA, for colds, flu, sinus problems, sleeplessness and more.
Prescription Alternatives - 4th Edition
by Earl Mindell and Virginia Hopkins -- If you're taking prescription drugs or want to avoid taking prescription drugs, this is the book for you! Hundreds of common drugs are listed with side effects, interactions, and best of all, natural alternatives.
MORE RESOURCES
70% of U.S. Children are Vitamin D Deficient
VITAMIN D – The Best Test
Easy, Accurate, Reliable, Affordable
New! SnoreMeds is a Snoring Solution
This stop snoring mouthpiece helps 85% of people who suffer from snoring problems. It s comfortable to wear, custom shaped to your mouth, and made from hypoallergenic thermoplastic. Find out if SnoreMeds could stop your snoring.
Confidential Test Results for Heart Disease and Diabetes Risk Factors
Test for 6 important markers of heart disease and diabetes risk in the privacy of your own home with this easy-to-use test kit. Free gift with purchase!
HORMONE TESTING FOR MEN
Male Hormone Profile
Includes testosterone, SHBG, PSA, DHEAS, cortisol, estradiol
NATURAL HORMONE HELP
10 Steps to Hormone Balance
How to Begin the Journey Towards Optimal Health and Hormone Balance
If you're just beginning the journey to optimal health and hormone balance it can seem like a daunting and confusing road to travel. Just take it one step at a time! Here are some first steps that can help you get started. [read more...]
SHOP FOR BETTER HEALTH!
NEW! The Watersafe® Well Water Test Kit
Made especially for homes that use well water. You get lab quality results right in your own home! With the Well Water Test Kit you can easily and accurately test for the most common problem areas found in well water.
MAKE 2010 YOUR YEAR FOR HORMONE BALANCE!
NEW TO BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES?
Read Natural Progesterone-An Overview. This article will give you a great introduction to natural progesterone, the building block for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), and will point you to more detailed articles.
Bioidentical Estrogen - How Much to Take and When
by John R. Lee, M.D.
A little bit of estrogen goes a long way. Dr. Lee explains which types of estrogen to use, in what forms and at what dose, for optimal hormone balance.
Dr. John Lee's
HORMONE BALANCE MADE SIMPLE
Better mood, weight loss, younger looking skin, stronger bones, increased libido and relief from menopausal sypmtoms. These are just some of the benefits that can be achieved with hormone balance.
If you need a user-friendly guide to hormone balance, this is the book for you. A step by step program for hormone balance that's easy to follow.
MORE HORMONE BALANCE RESOURCES
Need Help Deciding Which Hormones to Test?
Take the Hormone Balance Test
For Women
For Men
Hysterectomy and Natural Hormones