A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women taking HRT had an increased risk of ovarian cancer irrespective of the duration of use of hormone replacement therapy or the type of therapy. The study involved 900,000 women in Denmark who were followed for an average of eight years. Compared with those who had never used HRT, present users of hormone therapy had a 38 per cent increased risk of ovarian cancer. This equated to approximately one extra ovarian cancer for every 8300 women taking HRT each year (JAMA 2009; 302:298-305).

Fortunately there are many effective herbal and nutritional remedies which successfully address any of the health concerns which may lead to a woman to consider HRT.

With this report in mind we should also remind ourselves of the World Health Organization’s declaration in The Lancet Oncology in 2005, that taking oral contraceptive pills containing progestin and oestrogen could increase a woman’s risk of cancer. We need to very seriously question the wisdom of using any type of hormone therapy. There are always viable, safe alternatives.

Many of you may have heard discussion in the media recently about the MTHFR gene and its association with folinic acid and weight loss.

The MTHFR gene is an important regulatory enzyme involved in the metabolism of hormones. One aspect of a defect in this gene (and 50 per cent of Australians are estimated to carry this gene polymorphism) is central adiposity, or being overweight. It is associated with higher BMI, higher waist to hip ratio, higher androgens and lower SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin).

Vitamin D is obtained through the diet, and depending on sun exposure is also produced and stored in the body. Dietary vitamin D is found in fortified food, such as milk and butter, fish and sun-dried shitake mushrooms.

Traditionally, the primary function of vitamin D3 has been to assist in the development, growth and mineralisation of a healthy skeleton through its role in calcium metabolism. Recent findings however have shown other benefits of vitamin D3, such as playing a vital role in maintaining the immune and nervous systems, a healthy cardiovascular system and cardiac muscle, healthy skin, kidney health and muscle strength. Vitamin D is also required for healthy cell differentiation, particularly in the prostate gland.

This relatively new herb to be added to my herbal dispensary is a fantastic adaptogenic herb. It can increase stamina and energy, improve memory, has an anti oxidant effect, alleviates anxiety and has even been shown to reduce high altitude sickness. What more could a naturopath want?!

 Rhodiola rosea (R.rosea) commonly referred to as the golden root and rose root belongs to the Crassulaceae plant family and the name rose root refers to the beautiful rose like perfume of the freshly cut root stock. 

The mode of action of R.rosea is believed to be via its ability to influence the level and activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain stem, cerebral cortex and hypothalamus. 

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was performed on 161 cadets aged between 19–21 years, to measure the effect of a single dose of R.rosea extract on their capacity for mental work during times of stress and fatigue. The study showed a pronounced, statistically significant antifatigue effect after the single dose of standardized R.rosea. 

An overview of R.rosea found that it increases mental performance, physical working capacity and has a stimulating effect on humans within 30 minutes of administration. This effect continues for at least 4–6 hours.

Patients experiencing adrenal exhaustion, fatigue, and anxiety are guaranteed to find this gorgeous herb in their next delicious herbal mix!