STILL ON MENOPAUSE EDUCATION

34 Menopause Symptoms Treatments

While some women undergo the menopausal transition without incident, most will experience some combination of the 34 menopause symptoms. In fact, more than 70% of women experience menopause symptoms during the transition. The duration varies: for many women, the symptoms cease after the occurrence of menopause (typically in their fifties), yet other women will continue experiencing them well into old age. Though these menopause symptoms may be unpleasant, it is important to remember that menopause, rather than being an illness, is a natural, normal change in a woman's body.

All menopause symptoms are connected to the hormonal fluctuations that take place during this transition. Because of this root cause, the go-to treatment for many years was hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, the potential side effects of this medication have led to reconsideration of how it is prescribed. As a first recourse, a combination of healthy lifestyle adjustments and alternative medicine is often enough to address symptoms.

Three Approaches to Treating the 34 Menopause Symptoms

In the treatment of menopause symptoms, three tiers are typically considered: (1) Lifestyle Changes, (2) Alternative Medicine, and (3) Medications and Surgery. The general recommendation is that women begin with the first tier and move on to the others only if necessary.

1. Lifestyle Changes

While this approach requires the most self-discipline, it is risk-free and also benefits overall health in addition to helping with menopause symptoms. Fundamentally, techniques for stress reduction, such as yoga or meditation, combined with regular exercise and an improved diet, can be a great natural menopause treatment. Diet in particular is key. Studies have shown that diets rich in foods that boost estrogen levels - such as soy, apples, alfalfa, cherries, potatoes, rice, wheat, and yams - are great menopause treatments. These foods contain compounds that resemble estrogen, so they mimic the function of estrogen in the body.

Other lifestyle changes a woman can make depend on the specific symptoms she is experiencing, though all of the above tips are good starting points to promote overall wellness. Some changes in habit, however, can be hard to implement, and not all lifestyle modifications directly address hormonal imbalance. Alternative medicine can help balance hormone levels safely and naturally.

2. Alternative Medicine

Many alternative treatments are proposed for menopause symptoms - such as aromatherapy, therapeutic massage, and biofeedback - but they range in effectiveness and cost. Of the varied alternative treatments, the only type that can address menopausal hormone imbalance directly is certain herbal supplements. They are also simpler to keep up with and require less time and money commitment.

Two types of herbal supplements are relevant in treating menopause symptoms: pythoestrogen and hormone-regulating supplements.

Phytoestrogenic supplements

2. Alternative Medicine

Many alternative treatments are proposed for menopause symptoms - such as aromatherapy, therapeutic massage, and biofeedback - but they range in effectiveness and cost. Of the varied alternative treatments, the only type that can address menopausal hormone imbalance directly is certain herbal supplements. They are also simpler to keep up with and require less time and money commitment.

Two types of herbal supplements are relevant in treating menopause symptoms: phytoestrogen and hormone-regulating supplements.

Phytoestrogenic supplements

From "Nature and Health Magazine," Dr. Chacon says:

"Macafem nutrients help restore natural hormones in women. Unlike hormone drugs, which are basically resumed in taking synthetic hormones, Macafem acts totally different in your body. It nourishes and stimulates your own natural hormone production by inducing the optimal functioning of the endocrine glands." Click on the following link if you want to read and learn more about Macafem.

Often, a combination of the above approaches is an effective and holistic route to take for most menopause symptoms. In some cases, though, symptoms may be severe or they may not respond to lifestyle changes and herbal supplements. In such cases, medication or surgery may be required, though these interventions inherently carry more risk.

3. Medications

Medications and sometimes even surgery for menopause symptoms often present the risk of side effects and tend to me more expensive than other approaches. The most common way to treat hot flashes and other menopause symptoms has been hormone replacement therapy. While it is very effective for certain symptoms, like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, it may not alleviate all menopause symptoms. Additionally, it may increase the risk of some serious diseases, as revealed in the following clinical study.

In 1991, the National Institutes of Health began the Women's Health Initiative, the largest clinical trial ever performed in the U.S. The aim of the study was to answer questions about the risks and benefits of HRT. However, the trial was cut short in 2002 after the data showed that synthetic hormones can increase a woman's risk of blood clots and stroke, as well as breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The results were subsequently published in JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Other medical treatments

Other medications for menopause symptoms are tailored to specific symptoms. One of the more widely-used therapies is antidepressants, which may help relieve hot flashes, depression, and severe mood swings. Surgery may also be necessary in some cases of severe symptoms, such as the removal of uterine fibroids that are causing irregular bleeding. It is necessary to consult a physician for a full diagnosis and for information on the risks and benefits of different treatments in each individual case.

Nowadays, many women are finding relief from their menopause symptoms using a combination of lifestyle changes and alternative treatments without the need for medications.

A Safe Way of Treating Menopause Symptoms

Making lifestyle changes:

• Consuming estrogen-boosting foods
• Exercising regularly
• Getting adequate sleep

While avoiding:

• High stress levels
• Excessive caffeine and alcohol
• Processed foods

And taking hormone-regulating herbal supplements:

• Support a healthy hormonal system
• Completely natural, safe, and effective

A good option is Macafem - learn more about it.

https://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/treatments.htm

Joint Pain Treatments

Joint pain is a symptom that women commonly experience - about twice as commonly as men do. While it may be linked to aging and general wear-and-tear on the body, hormonal fluctuations during menopause can also cause or exacerbate joint soreness and pain. Both a deficiency of estrogen and an excess of cortisol - the stress hormone - can produce inflammation in the joints.

Because hormonal imbalance is the underlying cause, menopausal joint pain can easily be treated with many methods. Continue reading to learn about the three combinable approaches to managing joint pain.

Three Approaches to Treating Joint Pain

Women seeking to ease joint pain have three approaches to consider. These are categorized as: (1) Lifestyle Changes, (2) Alternative Medicine, and (3) Medications and Therapy.

In general, it is recommended that women start with the least risky and least invasive approach - lifestyle changes - before moving to the next tier. Medications and physical therapy are typically resorted to only in severe cases or when all other options have been exhausted.

1. Lifestyle Changes

The first tier of treatment poses virtually no risk, but it requires the most self-discipline. To relieve joint pain and lead a healthier lifestyle, making minor adjustments in daily habits is the first step. Other menopause symptoms may increase stress, which can in turn aggravate joint pain. Therefore, lifestyle changes are a holistic way to reduce all symptoms of menopause and lead a healthier life.

First, modifying one's diet may be necessary to enrich it with nutrients that help fight joint pain. Antioxidants like vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids - found in berries and coldwater fish, respectively - are good for reducing pain and inflammation. In addition, calcium helps maintain healthy bones, which in turn reduces the risk of joint pain. Dairy products are rich in calcium, and for the lactose intolerant, alternatives like soymilk and fortified orange juice are available.

Although joint pain may discourage physical activity, regular exercise is necessary to keep joints in working order. Low-impact exercises are the best choice in order not to put too much pressure on the joints. Overall, exercise can keep joints flexible and provide other health benefits. It is best to talk to a doctor before beginning an exercise routine to see which activities are suitable.

Low-impact Exercises for Joint Pain

• Swimming
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Walking
• Biking

Finally, it is important to maintain healthy habits. Smoking tobacco can negatively impact bones and increase inflammation, so it should be avoided as much as possible. Using hot or cold compresses in 20-minute intervals can also help to ease pain. In addition, lowering stress and identifying effective ways to diffuse stressors can contribute to the reduction of inflammation.

Lifestyle changes are a healthy way to manage joint pain and improve wellness, but they can be hard to put into practice, and not all methods treat joint pain at the common source - hormonal imbalance. Fortunately, alternative medicines present an effective way to balance hormones. Keep reading to learn more about natural treatments for joint pain.

2. Alternative Medicine

This approach consists of various potential treatment methods. Though all of them are viable, herbal supplements are the most prominent, since they are easy to keep up with, less expensive compared to other alternative options, and they can also treat hormone imbalance directly.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Herbs

• Chili peppers (capsaicin)
• Turmeric
• Cat's claw

In terms of herbal supplements, two distinct types can be used to balance hormone levels: (1) phytoestrogenic and (2) hormone-regulating supplements.

1. Phytoestrogenic supplements - e.g., ginseng

These supplements are rich in phytoestrogens - plant-based compounds that work like estrogen in the body - so they can compensate for an estrogen deficiency. However, they should not be used for a prolonged time, since long-term use of these supplements can lower the body's ability to produce natural hormones, ultimately resulting in a decline. They are typically used for short-term symptom management.

2. Hormone-regulating supplements - e.g., Macafem

These supplements, instead of containing hormones, benefit the endocrine system by providing the hormonal glands with the nutrients they need to produce hormones efficiently. This creates a balance of not only estrogen, but also of other hormones like cortisol. In addition, because these supplements do not introduce external hormones into the body, they are safe and can be taken as long as necessary.

From "Nature and Health Magazine," Dr. Gloria Chacon says:

"Macafem nutrients help restore natural hormones in women. Unlike hormone drugs, which are basically resumed in taking synthetic hormones, Macafem acts totally different in your body. It nourishes and stimulates your own natural hormone production, by inducing the optimal functioning of the endocrine glands." Click on the following link to learn more about Macafem and how it works.

The most effective form of treatment is typically a combination of approaches, especially lifestyle changes complemented by herbal supplements. However, when joint pain is severe and interferes with daily life, medical treatment may be called for. It is important to be aware of the risks and benefits before opting for this approach.

3. Medications and Therapy

Therapy

Chronic joint pain may damage the joints and reduce a person's mobility. In such cases, physical therapy may be recommended to rehabilitate the ailing joint or joints. While this requires several sessions and requires effort and cooperation from the patient, it is one of the most direct and effective ways to treat joint pain.

Over-the-counter medicines

Medications used to treat joint pain depend on the type of joint pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve inflammation. Aceteminophen (Tylenol) may help the soreness feel better. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help relieve pain and swelling. Talk to your doctor before taking aspirin or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen if you are suffering from digestive problems. If these must be taken, try deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), as this will at least aid the protection of the digestive system.

Medications for hormone-related joint pain

 In recent years, the most common medication for menopausal joint pain has been hormone replacement therapy or HRT. While this can be a fast and powerful way to manage joint pain, it also poses the risk of severe adverse side effects, as revealed in the study below.

For more sources visit:

 https://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/joint-pain-treatments.htm

Experts on menopausal arthritis: symptoms, treatment

ANI

PublishedOct 13, 2016, 11:09 am IST

UpdatedOct 13, 2016, 11:10 am IST

Did you know that post-menopausal women are prone to arthritis?

 Joint pain affects many people as they get older and is also common among menopausal women. (Photo: Pixabay)

New Delhi: Throwing light on menopausal arthritis, experts count its symptoms and treatments on the occasion of the World Arthiris Day.

Joint pain affects many people as they get older and is also common among menopausal women. Aches, stiffness and swelling around the joint and sometimes warmth are typical symptoms of menopausal joint pain.

These may be worse in the morning, improving as the day continues. Larger joints such as hips and knees experience higher impacts and are more prone to arthritis in menopausal women.

Back, Hand and finger joints are also commonly affected. High impact exercise such as jogging can exacerbate the problem, although this is often eased with rest.

Weight gain is a common problem faced after menopause. Joint pains cause limitation of mobility thus causing weight gain which further puts pressure on the affected joints.

Scientific literature is available to suggest that post-menopausal women are prone to arthritis. Menopausal arthritis can run in the family.

This may be due to disturbance of the metabolism of estrogen due to presence of abnormal genes which are genetically inherited. Women who are taking estrogen blocking medications such as breast cancer therapy, have increased risk of developing joint pains and swelling.

Women who have undergone operation to remove the ovaries are also at higher risk of developing menopausal arthritis. Menopause is also linked to late onset or worsening of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Women who are using estrogen containing oral contraceptives are at reduced risk of developing arthritis as suggested by research. This has established the protective effect of estrogen on bone and joints

Replenishing the levels of estrogen hormone forms the basis of treatment as well as prevention. Starting estrogen replacement therapy under the guidance of your doctor will help reduce the symptoms of joint pain and swelling.

Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise and having a balanced diet is helpful to keep symptoms under control. Reducing the pressure and repititive strain on the joints is important, Avoid jogging on hard surfaces to protect your joints.

At the same time though, keeping them flexible will reduce joint pain. Yoga and swimming are beneficial for strengthening your muscles and joints without exerting too much pressure or load on the joints.

Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants. They can help reduce joint inflammation. Balanced diet will also help in weight control thereby reducing the strain on the joints.

Inclusion of nuts, wholegrains and dried fruits into your diet with help supply calcium and magnesium which are essential for strong and healthy bones. Taking oral supplements can also help.

Vitamin B3, Omega fatty acid and fish oil supplements can also recommended. Hormone cortisol which is released during stress causes inflammation and worsen the symptoms.

Relaxation and meditation might be of help. Alternative treatments such as massage or acupuncture help many women with their joint pain symptoms.

They directly target the area of pain in order to ease the symptoms. Other medical therapies available include oral pain control medications, intra-articular injections, physiotherapy, splints.

Surgical options are considered when other options have been exhausted or for established deformities.

Tags: menopause, arthritis, menopausal arthritis, breast cancer

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/health-and-wellbeing/131016/experts-on-menopausal-arthritis-symptoms-treatment.html

Menopausal Arthritis and Bioidentical Hormones by Jeffrey Dach MD

Menopausal Arthritis
by Jeffrey Dach MD

This article is part one of a series.  For Part Two, Click Here,

Joyce is a 52 years old, post menopausal typist who came to see me in the office because of joint pain in her hands which keeps her up at night with aching, and interferes with her job as a typist. She was fine until about three years ago when she went into menopause and stopped her menstrual cycles. Since then, Joyce has made the rounds with a number of doctors and all the usual tests. Xrays of the hands were normal (left image), and blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis were negative. Her doctors told her she had early osteoarthritis and recommended the standard treatments listed here:

Conventional Treatment of Osteoarthritis:

1) NSAIDs. Over-the-Counter Aspirin, Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen and naproxen,COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib. NSAIDS have adverse effects on the GI tract.

2) Injections.into the joint with medications such as steroids, hyaluronic acid, stem cells, platelet rich plasma etc.

3) Topical Creams for pain relief available over the counter.

4)  Physical Therapy to keep the joint active.

6) Prosthetic Joint Replacement after irreversible joint damage causes pain an dimmobility.

Above left image: xray of normal hand without signs of arthritis. There is a fracture of the fourth metacarpal though. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Menopausal Arthritis

I explained to Joyce that she had fairly classical Menopausal Arthritis caused by an inflammatory response associated with declining estrogen levels.  I have noted this in many of my patients.  The inflammatory process is usually relieved by bio-identical estrogen as a topical cream. Joyce's lab panel showed low estrogen levels, and Joyce was started on her bio-identical hormone program. Six weeks later, Joyce reports complete relief of symptoms.  Her arthritis pains have gone. In addition, Joyce reports that she went off the bio-identical hormone cream for a week to see what would happen, and sure enough, the arthritis came back, only to be relieved again by resuming the hormone cream.  This is a fairly typical story that I have seen over and over again.

Doubts From A Colleague

In casual conversation with a rheumatologist friend of mine, I mentioned Joyce's story and the association of arthritis with declining estrogen levels relieved by bioidentical estrogen. To my surprise, my rheumatologist friend merely laughed and scoffed at the idea, saying he never heard of it and doubted the association between low estrogen levels and arthritis. As surprising as this might seem, there are many "denialists" doctors, possibly a result of not keeping up with the medical literature.

Association Well Documented in the Rheumatology Literature

As it turns out, the association of arthritic aches and pains with low estrogen levels is well documented in the mainstream rheumatology literature.

For example, an article published in Sept 2005 in Arthritis & Rheumatism by Felson and Cummings entitled,"Aromatase Inhibitors and the Syndrome of Arthralgias With Estrogen Deprivation", showed that menopausal women treated with estrogen depleting medications tend to develop aches and pains in their joints.

Another report in The Lancet Oncology,September 2008 by Sestak and Cuzick showed the same finding that estrogen depletion is associated with joint aches and pains.  They say "Joint symptoms (eg, arthralgia and arthritis) are a well-known side-effect of certain drugs that reduce estrogen levels.  Low estrogen levels and postmenopausal status are associated with the development of symptoms of arthralgias and arthritis."

Natural Treatments for Osteo-Arthritis

Althought bio-identical hormone therapy seems to work for most post-menopausal women for arthritis relief, there are a few women that still have arthritis and arthralgis in spite of the estrogen cream.  It just doesn't work for them.  What natural therapies do we have in our tool kit, that we can offer these women?

Doctor Yourself with Anti-Inflammatory Treatments

A Vegetable Juicing Diet is anti-inflammatory and can relieve arthritis:

The vegetable juicing diet is an effective lifestyle modification that is very effective for arthritis.  Credit and thanks goes to Andrew Saul MDfor bringing this to my attention in his book, "Doctor Yourself ", Page 36-38  (see image right) which is devoted to arthritis and the vegetable juicing diet.  This is certainly worth a try.

left image: Courtesy of Andrew Saul MD

Niacin Vitamin B3 is useful for osteoarthrits according to William Kauffman MD.

Weight loss is anti-inflammatory.  Fat in the "spare tire" of the abdomen produces inflammatory chemical mediators.  By reducing this fat depot, inflammation is reduced everywhere in the body.  This is certainly worth a try.

There are an number of anti-inflammatory herbs such as Boswellia, Ginger and Curcumin which can relieve the symptoms.

Omega 3 Fish Oil is anti-inflammatory and a number of studies reveal just as effective as NSAID anti-inflammatory medications for rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatments to Rebuild Cartilage

Cartilage is an important cushion material in the joints that often wears thin as osteoarthritis progresses.  Once cartilage loss is severe enough to show up on an x-ray, this usually indicates irreversible damage to the joint. Cartilage nutrients such as Glucosamine have been found to be effective at relieving arthritis.  Be patient, it takes about six weeks to get full relief.

Treatments to Rebuild Strong Bone and Collagen

In addition to cartilage, joints are made of bone material, so taking supplements to build strong bone makes sense.  Bone is made of collagen, so supplements that are required for strong collagen formation are ones we want here.

1) Vitamin C is a key vitamin for strong collagen.
2) Silica (BioSil) is a supplement that makes strong collagen.
3) Collagen is made from amino acids so, the amino acids-lysine, proline are useful.
4) Collagen strength comes from sulfer crosslinking, so the sulfer nutrient MSM is added.


Articles with Related Content:

Bioidentical Hormones for Menopausal Arthritis

Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Arthritis Pain

Bioidentical Hormones Prevent Arthritis

Nightshade Vegetables and Arthritis

Jeffrey Dach MD
7450 Griffin Rd Suite 180/190
Davie, FL 33314

Phone: 954-792-4663
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References and Links:

Menopause Arthritis

http://cme.medscape.com/viewarticle/512093

"Menopausal Arthritis" May Develop in Women Receiving Estrogen-Depleting Treatments
News Author: Laurie Barclay, MD CME Author: Désirée Lie, MD, MSEd

Sept. 2, 2005 — Women receiving estrogen-depleting treatments may develop "menopausal arthritis," according to a review article published in the September issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism. The authors suggest that the symptoms are usually transient and resolve with estrogen therapy or when aromatase inhibitors are discontinued.

The authors review trial data showing that women treated with aromatase inhibitors often develop musculoskeletal and joint pain or aching sometimes leading to treatment discontinuation. They also review biologic mechanisms linking estrogen deprivation with joint pain, both in natural menopause and in pharmacologic estrogen deprivation.

Although estrogen is not known to specifically affect articular structures in a manner that would cause joint pain, it influences inflammation and neural processing of nociceptive input via tissue-specific effects on inflammatory cytokines and direct effects on opioid pain fibers in the central nervous system (CNS).

The best evidence that decreased estrogen production may cause arthralgias comes from trials of aromatase inhibitors for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer. Compared with women receiving placebo or tamoxifen, those receiving aromatase inhibitors have greater frequency of arthralgia.

When objective findings accompany arthralgias, this may result in an erroneous diagnosis of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in women who might not otherwise be diagnosed.

Article: "Aromatase Inhibitors and the Syndrome of Arthralgias With Estrogen Deprivation,"
David T. Felson and Steven R. Cummings, Arthritis & Rheumatism, September 2005; 52:9; pp. 2594-2598.

http://www.emaxhealth.com/70/3606.html
Women treated with aromatase inhibitors often experience joint pain and musculoskeletal aching: severe enough, in some cases, to make them stop the treatment.

"Estrogen's effects on inflammation within the joint are not well known," Dr. Felson and Dr. Cummings observe. Yet, as they note, estrogen has well-established tissue-specific effects on inflammatory cytokines. Estrogen's role in joint inflammation could account for the increased sensitivity to pain that some women suffer with estrogen depletion. Citing studies of pharmacological suppression of estrogen and studies of natural menopause, the authors offer a look at compelling evidence associating estrogen deprivation with joint pain, including:

http://cme.medscape.com/viewarticle/579250
Anastrozole Associated With Joint Symptoms in Patients With Breast Cancer CME
News Author: Roxanne Nelson   Author: Charles Vega, MD

Joint symptoms are most prominent in women in the fifth decade of life, and women who are postmenopausal are more likely to experience joint symptoms vs premenopausal or perimenopausal women of the same age. Hormonal therapy with estrogen can relieve these joint symptoms, whereas third-generation aromatase inhibitors promote joint symptoms.

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(08)70182-7/abstract
The Lancet Oncology, Volume 9, Issue 9, Pages 866 - 872, September 2008

Risk factors for joint symptoms in patients enrolled in the ATAC trial: a retrospective, exploratory analysis

Ivana Sestak PhD a , Prof Jack Cuzick PhD a, Francisco Sapunar MD b, Prof Richard Eastell MD c, Prof John F Forbes FRACS d, Angelo R Bianco MD e, Aman U Buzdar MD f, on behalf of the ATAC Trialists' Group

Joint symptoms (eg, arthralgia and arthritis) are a well-known side-effect of aromatase inhibitors. Low oestrogen concentrations and postmenopausal status are associated with the development of these symptoms.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17368903
Breast. 2007 Jun;16(3):223-34. 2007 Mar 21

Aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia syndrome. Burstein HJ.

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are widely used as an adjuvant endocrine treatment in postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer.  Clinical experience also suggests that AI therapy is associated with a novel musculoskeletal side effect consisting of an arthralgia syndrome. The actual incidence of AI-associated arthralgias or musculoskeletal symptoms is not known, though such symptoms are quite prevalent and appear more commonly with AI use than with tamoxifen. Arthralgias can be a reason for discontinuation of AI treatment.

NATURAL Treatment for Arthritis

1) anti-inflammation
Vegetable juicing diet-weight loss
Herbs- Boswellia, Ginger Curcumin
Aspirin, NSAIDs
Fish Oil

2) cartilage nutrients
glucosamine chondroitin MSM

3) bone nutrients-collagen fromation
Vitamin C
Silica (BioSil)
AMino acids-lysine, proline
Sulfer crosslinking -MSM

Fish Oil for Arthritis

http://www.jrheum.com/subscribers/06/10/1931.html
Collateral Benefits of Fish Oil Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis by CHAK SING LAU, MD, FRCP,Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology,

"Cod liver oil (n-3 fatty acids) as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug sparing agent in rheumatoid arthritis," Galarraga B, Ho M, et al, Rheumatology, March 24 2008 [advance access published online]

James MJ, Cleland LG. Dietary n-3 fatty acids and therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum . 1997;27:85-97.

* Volker D, Fitzgerald P, Major G, et al. Efficacy of fish oil concentrate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol . 2000;27:2343-2346.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/PainArthritis/story?id=4566412
Are There Any Vitamins Or Herbal Supplements That Can Be Used To Treat Pain Resulting From Osteoarthritis? Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., Director of Education, Program in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona January 2, 2008

Glucosamine, Devil's claw - south african herb used in Europe. Clinical trials done concluded effective. Standardized extract.

Bromalain- pineapple digestive enzymes.
Commonly used in Europe.  Use enteric coated form to prevent break down from stomach acid.  May have blood thinner effect.

http://www.arthritis.org/media/newsroom/statements/GAIT_Statement_FINAL_2_21_06.pdf

Arthritis Foundation Statement on the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial

Summary ..The study did find that the combination of the two supplements provided significant pain relief for people with moderate-to-severe knee OA.

http://www.healingdaily.com/conditions/glucosamine.htm
Even JAMA admits glucosamine is effective against osteoarthritic pain.

McAlindon TE and others. Glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment of osteoarthritis: A systematic quality assessment and meta-analysis JAMA 283:1469-1475, 2000.

Reginster JY and others. Long-term effects of glucosamine sulfate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 357:251-256, 2001.

Experimental Biology 2000 Conference San Diego April 18, 2000

Niacin and Osteoarthritis

http://www.doctoryourself.com/JOM1.html

Reprinted with permission from Saul AW. William Kaufman, B-3, and arthritis. J Orthomolecular Med, 2001. Vol. 16, No. 3, Third Quarter, 2001, p 189.  The world was still deep in the Great Depression when William Kaufman, MD, PhD, had already begun treating osteoarthritis with two to four grams of niacinamide daily. Now, over 60 years later, his pioneering work in orthomolecular medicine is receiving the recognition it so well deserves.

Jeffrey Dach MD
7450 Griffin Road Suite 190
Davie, Florida 33314
954-792-4663
http://www.drdach.com/
http://www.naturalmedicine101.com/
http://www.truemedmd.com/
http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com/

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