Pollen extract cuts menoapause symptoms – new study

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Pollen extract could be used to help ease menopausal symptoms for women during the time of the menopause, new research has revealed*.

The 10 month trial, published in a recent issue of Genesis: The Journal of Genetics and Development, studied 417 menopausal women taking two tablets a day of Femal – a specialised formulation of nutritional flower pollen extracts – at Bordeaux University in France.

The results indicated:

A significant reduction in the frequency of hot flushes by 65%
A reduction in the frequency of night sweats by 64%
The intensity of hot flushes was reduced amongst participants by 64%
The discomfort of night sweats was also reduced by 67%
A clear improvement in irritability and fatigue was noted and quality of sleep improved by 47%
93.5% of the participants felt the supplementation was effective in improving discomfort of symptoms associated with the menopause

Christian Lebreton from Hirapharm which manufactures Femal, commented: “Adding to an already impressive body of evidence supporting the benefits of pollen extract for women experiencing PMS or the menopause, this study confirms the extremely positive indications of supplementation for the 75% of Western women who suffer with menopausal sysmptoms”.

Femal contains two special extracts of standardised pollen combined with vitamin E, formulated to support women’s health throughout the life stages from the start of womanhood to maturity. Femal is available from Boots and independent pharmacies priced around £16.00. For further information about Femal, contact UK telephone number + 44 (0)1372 379828.

References:

* Assessment of the tolerance and effectiveness of a food supplement Serelys (Femal) for menopausal women. Elia, D., and Mares, P., 2008. Genesis, 135, November 2008

Femal

Femal, Scandinavia’s number one selling formula, is the result of 10 years of research and development that began with the biochemical analysis of more than 400 plants. Clinical research and development has consistently established the health benefits of seven specific nutritional flower extracts and their role in supporting women’s health.

Flowers are glorious manifestations of nature’s healing and balancing power, offering us health and vitality. Pollen is nutrient-dense and guarantees the proliferation of the plant world and our healthy existence. Femal gives you the essence of pollen in 100% bioavailable form.

Vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, enzymes phytosterols and prostaglandins all form a part of pollen, making it the perfect building material for our cells. Femal helps safeguard the intake of these nutrients on a daily basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will pollen cause an allergic reaction?

The pollen extracts in Femal have been specially treated to ensure minimal risk of allergic reaction. Most allergic reactions to pollen are caused through airborne particles that then cause irritation of the airways. Since food supplements are digested, this reaction would be unlikely.

How many do I take?

It is recommended that two tablets per day would be the best intake, particularly when taking Femal for the first time. This intake can be adjusted to one tablet per day to suit individual requirements. This may be most comfortable with a glass of water or fruit juice in the morning.

Can I reduce the intake?

Everyone is different and therefore will have different requirements. However, some women find that they can reduce their long term usage down to one tablet a day once they have been taking Femal for a time. If at some point you feel that your requirements have changed and you feel reverting to a higher dose would be appropriate than it is perfectly acceptable to take two tablets for a three month period. It is not advised to exceed the recommended intake.

How long can I take Femal for?

As with many food supplements Femal is intended for use regularly over time and on a daily basis. Most women find that after three months the two tablets per day dose can be adjusted to one tablet per day. Femal is designed to be taken throughout a woman’s adult life and may therefore be used during the monthly cycle and during and after menopause. As a food supplement, it should be taken in addition to a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle and should not be a substitute for either of these important aspects of healthy living.

Can I take Femal alongside medications?

It should be OK to take Femal alongside any medicines. However, should you have any concerns do consult your doctor.

Can I use Femal whilst pregnant and or when breastfeeding?

It is recommended that pregnant women and those breastfeeding should stop taking the product during this time. Whilst this is precautionary, if in doubt you should consult your doctor.

What other measures can I take?

You have already taken some steps in reading this. Supplementing your diet may provide your body with additional nutrients during its natural changes.

This may also be the time to look at your lifestyle and how this may affect your dietary needs, such as eating at least five fruit and vegetable servings per day and maybe reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption. Exercise is another important aspect in helping to keep your body in optimum health and you may want to consider how this may be incorporated in your daily routines. Keeping a diary may help to monitor your success.

Beat the monthly blues – new FREE guide

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Efamol with The National Association for Pre-Menstrual Syndrome support the nation’s women with a new FREE handbag companion to managing PMS.

84% of women in the UK experience PMS, with sufferers spending an estimated two years of their lives struggling with the symptoms*. But help is now at hand in the form of a new free handbag companion, offering simple daily living tips and advice to help women manage their PMS.

‘Magic Away Your Monthly Monster’ has been launched by Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil in association with the PMS charity, The National Association for Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (NAPS).

Packed full of information, the booklet includes a PMS diary to help women take control of their symptoms, expert advice and useful contacts for extra support. From diet commandments – including how supplementation with Evening Primrose Oil has been shown to benefit women’s hormonal health – to exercise such as yoga and relaxation, it also provides practical tips and tricks to make living with PMS more bearable.

Nick Panay, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Chairman of NAPS, commented: “PMS is a condition which affects vast numbers of women, many of whom battle on month after month without support. While the physical symptoms are unpleasant, PMS can also affect women’s mental health, making it even more important that help and advice is widely available.

“It is essential to have well balanced evidence based information regarding PMS – as such, this publication will be a welcome resource for PMS sufferers”

Claudine Domoney, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Trustee of NAPS, added: “The booklet aims to cover symptoms and management of PMS in a supportive style. The sensible advice and symptom diary will both be valuable for all women suffering with this common but poorly recognised condition.”

For FREEcopies of ‘Magic Away Your Monthly Monster’ or for more information about Efamol contact 01372 379828, email info@efamol.com or visit www.efamol.com
* Onepoll, 2007

About Efamol

Efamol has been the global leader in essential fatty acid supplements for almost 30 years, with a range of products that have been scientifically formulated to target particular health concerns.

About Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil

Research has shown that supplementation with Evening Primrose Oil can benefit women’s hormonal health. Women suffering from PMS are lacking in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) making supplementation particularly beneficial. Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil contains up to 33% more GLA than other evening primrose oils.

Available from Boots, Waitrose, independent pharmacies and health food stores, Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil comes in both capsule and liquid format. For further information visit Efamol.com or call the telephone helpline 01372 379828.

About NAPS

The National Association for Pre-Menstrual Syndrome is a national charity which supports women suffering from PMS with information, medical contacts, networking events, new product evaluation and online advice. www.pms.org.uk

Non invasive surgical procedure for heavy periods

London: For years, women suffering from really heavy periods (menorrhagia) have either had to put up with the embarrassment and discomfort of the condition, or undergo either dilation and curettage, or a full hysterectomy. Both are invasive surgical procedures.

But there is an effective option. 350,000 women around the world have had their heavy bleeding treated by GYNECARE THERMACHOICE™, a highly successful minimally invasive procedure normally undertaken as day case surgery.

Known as balloon therapy, the procedure takes eight minutes and it can be done under general or local anaesthetic. Even if done under a general anaesthetic the woman can go home the same day.

This procedure has helped reduce the number of hysterectomies performed in the UK. This means that an increasing number of women are avoiding the risks of major surgery.

The company responsible for GYNECARE THERMACHOICE™, Ethicon Women’s Health and Urology, have set up a dedicated Women’s Health Careline – a telephone helpline staffed by trained health professionals which deals with many aspects of women’s health, including menorrhagia. Women can call in complete confidence on 0845 850 0305, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. In addition, further information on menorrhagia and other gynaecological conditions can be found at www.womenshealthsolutions.co.uk

Notes:

It is estimated that 1 in twenty women between the ages of 30 and 49 visits her GP each year complaining of heavy menstrual bleeding which equates to approximately 1.5 million women.

More than 40,000 hysterectomies were carried out in England in 2003 – 2004. It is believed that heavy periods was the presenting complaint in about half of these cases. Furthermore, about half of all women who have a hysterectomy for heavy periods have a healthy uterus removed.

The aim of the procedure is to remove the lining of the womb, thus reducing heavy periods or stopping bleeding altogether. GYNECARE THERMACHOICE™ involves passing a thin catheter inside the womb through the cervix. There is a balloon on the end of the catheter. Hot fluid is circulated inside the balloon and the heat treats the lining of the womb. The procedure takes eight minutes and it can be done under general or local anaesthetic.

Ethicon Women’s Health and Urology is a division of Johnson & Johnson Medical Ltd.