PERIMENOPAUSE
Written by Slawomir Gromadzki, MPH.
SHORT DESCRIPTION
PERIMENOPAUSE: Initial fluctuations of female sex hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) and their gradual decrease overtime leading to irregular and skipped menstruations, sleep & mood problems, chest pain & breath shortness, heart palpitations, hot flashes, etc.
KEY REMEDIES: Try increase both hormones (oestrogen and progesterone): Menovital (excellent formula by HealthAid), Soy Isoflavones (should be taken with good Probiotics or raw sauerkraut), Red clover, Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Wild Yam, Good Multivitamin, Vitamin D3 (5,000 IU per day, must be with 200mg Magnesium twice daily), Magnesium, 5-HTP Tryptophan, Star flower oil or Evening Primrose Oil, Fresh Ground Flaxseed, Ashwagandha, Ginsengs.
EAT MORE: Organic non-GMO soya products (Tofu, organic soya milk, etc.).
LIFESTYLE: Exercise every day, Learn to control stress.
WHAT IS PERIMENOPAUSE?
Perimenopause refers to the time of body’s natural transition to menopause. Women start perimenopause at different ages. It can begin 2-10 years before menopause, when the ovaries gradually make less estrogen. It starts in their 40s, but may start even in 30s.
In case of some women, perimenopause can last only few months, whereas in others it can last several years. The average length of perimenopause time is about four years.
Oestrogen is a feel good hormone and progesterone reduces anxiety. Both these hormones fluctuate wildly in perimenopause when ovulations become irregular. In the peri-menopause estrogen and progesterone levels spike and drop suddenly.
Progesterone is produced in the ovaries, and is the precursor for both estrogen and testosterone, as well as many other natural steroid hormones.
During perimenopause levels of estrogen rises and falls unevenly triggering various symptoms and making menstrual cycles last shorter or longer, and when its levels become lower than normal it may cause menopause-like symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, sleep problems, etc.
Since hormone levels fluctuate as a result of fewer ovulations, also less progesterone is made in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Due to hormonal imbalance and the change in ratio of estrogen to progesterone, periods tend to be unpredictable, skipped or heavy.
In the last 1-2 years of perimenopause, the drop in estrogen accelerates leading to menopause symptoms.
Despite a decline in fertility during perimenopause, women can still become pregnant, as menstruation and ovulation continues irregularly.
PERIMENOPAUSE VS MENOPAUSE
Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause are similar, but usually they’re more noticeable and frequent during menopause.
If you’re still getting your period (even if it’s very irregular) and your menstrual cycle has not fully ended, then you’re not yet in menopause. Perimenopause continues until menstruation is absent for 12 full months.
PERIMENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of perimenopause may vary as they are caused by initial fluctuations of female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone and by their gradual decrease overtime.
Initially, periods tend to occur every two to four months on average at first, and then further and further apart. They can also get lighter or heavier at times.
The following are the most common signs of perimenopause:
Menstrual irregularity (you may skip some periods or have menstrual cycles in which you do not ovulate), hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, sleep problems, heart palpitations, vaginal dryness (making intercourse uncomfortable), headaches, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, increased risk of infections of the vagina and bladder, weight gain (especially in the abdomen), decrease in breast volume, hair thinning and skin dryness, night sweats, changes in sex drive, etc.
Sexual desire (libido) may change as estrogen levels decrease.
Loss of muscle tone may contribute to urinary urgency.
During perimenopause the good HDL cholesterol may start decreasing while the bad low density lipoprotein (LDL) may start increasing, raising the risk of heart disease.
Heart palpitations may occur as a result of changes to the blood vessels, heart and autonomic nervous system.
During perimenopause there is also increased risk of developing fibroids, blood clotting problems, or cancer.
A decrease in estrogen causes blood flow to be reduced to the genital area and the muscle tissue of the clitoris starts to shrink and become less sensitive.
The vagina shortens and loses elasticity.
The breasts might start becoming smaller.
Perimenopausal women may have higher than normal levels of MAO-A, the enzyme that breaks down serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine increasing risk of depression.
Reduced blood flow, lack of sleep and other problems can contribute to headaches.
Sleep difficulties affect about 30 percent of women during perimenopause. It is one of the earliest signs of changing hormones.
Approximately 75 percent of women experience hot flashes and night sweats at some point during perimenopause.
Due to lower oestrogen you may also start losing bone mass (exercise helps prevent this process).
Hormonal changes related to menopause (and perimenopause) may play a role in lung function decline (causing shortness of breath and other symptoms) since they can lead to systemic inflammation and the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis. Researchers suggest that osteoporosis can compress the height of the chest vertebrae, limiting air intake, thus contributing to the shortness of breath.
CAUSES
The changes in production of oestrogen and progesterone are the key cause of perimenopause and premenopausal symptoms.
Perimenopause is marked by a drop in oestrogen (and also progesterone), female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. The estrogen levels can also go up and down causing irregular periods and other symptoms.
However, there is a strong evidence that the following lifestyle and environmental factors may increase the risk of entering into this state prematurely or/and intensify the symptoms:
Hormonal imbalance during perimenopause can be exacerbated by many different factors such as lack of physical activity, environmental toxins, fear and negative attitude toward menopause, or chronic emotional stress.
However, the strongest negative influence on hormonal balance seems to be imposed by an unhealthy refined diet which is deprived of various essentials nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin D, E, and C that are required by the body to make hormones including progesterone and oestrogen and maintain their balance.
It is believed that the key reason why women in other countries (such as Korea or China), do not experience bad premenopausal and menopausal symptoms is that they do not share unhealthy western diet and lifestyle habits.
TREATMENT
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS & HERBAL REMEDIES
Unlike in PMS when oestrogen levels are too high and need to be lowered, during perimenopause (like in menopause) usually both hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) are too low and need to be increased. Fortunately, there are many herbal remedies and nutritional supplements (listed below) that are known to be effective in helping elevate both hormones and reduce perimenopause and menopause symptoms.
– For a few years I have been recommanding Menovital (HealthAid) and many ladies told me it usually gives best results in regulating estrogen (according to our customers) and removing unpleasant symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.
– Numerous studies have shown that Soy isoflavones (natural phytoestrogens) help boost oestrogen and reduce perimenopausal symptoms (if they are caused by low oestrogen) in a safe way without increasing the risk of breast cancer. Research suggests Soy isoflavones may even reduce the risk of breast, uterine, and colon cancer, while benefiting women with perimenopause, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Soya isoflavones (daidzein and genistein) are famous for their oestrogen-regulating properties (although it may depend on one’s capacity to convert the isoflavone daidzein to equol that has greater oestrogenic activity than daidzein itself). In the past, trials studying the effects of these isoflavones on hot flushes and other menopause symptoms have given mixed results, but now a new meta-analysis combining data from 17 different studies provides strong support for their efficacy. The analysis revealed that an average intake of 54 milligrams per day of soy isoflavones for between six weeks and 12 months was associated with an average 21% reduction in the frequency of hot flushes, compared with placebo.
However, soya supplements don’t seem to be equally effective in regulating oestrogen in women. It is so because isoflavones from soya can be significantly more effective in women whose colon is inhabited by probiotic bacteria able to convert soya isoflavones into equol (isoflavandiol metabolized from daidzein by bacterial flora in the intestines).
Unlike endogenous oestrogenic hormones such as estradiol are steroids, equol is a non-steroidal estrogen. Equol has been also suggested to be responsible for enhancing many other health benefits of soya. However, some sources state that only about 30-50% of people have intestinal bacteria that make equol from daidzein. Some studies also indicate that in Japan, Korea, or China over 50%, while in Western countries only 25 to 30% of the adults are able to produce equol after eating soy foods containing isoflavones. Also vegetarians and vegans due to diet higher in fibre are more capable of converting daidzein to Equol. There are over twenty different types of intestinal probiotic bacteria that have the ability to convert daidzein into equol but two strains Eubacterium ramulus and Flavonifractor plautii are particularly active in this process. Both species are normally highly prevalent in healthy human gut but due to numerous factors including antibiotics, diet high in sugar and deprived of fibre many women today are low in probiotic bacteria and therefore may experience less or even no benefits from soya flavonoids. For this reason it is highly recommended to use soya isoflavones together with good probiotic formulas such as ColiProbio or UltraProbio.
Since the same soya isoflavones (daidzein and genistein) are potent antioxidants they also help remove free radicals preventing them from causing gene mutations in our cells, thus reducing the risk of various cancers. People today are brainwashed with the idea that consuming these phytoestrogens is dangerous and may contribute to various problems including breast cancer. The opposite is true as these isoflavones are actually powerful antioxidants (particularly genistein) and research has repeatedly demonstrated that they are very beneficial and protect against breast cancer. Being a weak form of oestrogen, soya isoflavones compete at estrogen receptor sites, blocking the stronger oestrogen (naturally produced by the body) from working with full strength. Since high blood levels of oestrogen increase risk of breast cancer; daidzein and genistein may provide protection against this disease.
– Red clover contains isoflavones, which work as phytoestrogens, with possible benefits for perimenopause. It may help reduce cholesterol levels and protect against osteoporosis by reducing bone loss. Red clover may assist in the relief of perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms as it is rich in phytonutrients and phytoestrogens, which are similar in shape to the female hormone called estrogen.
– The following story may encourage you to use ground flaxseed: “My wife (62) had hot flashes for many years. In the beginning she tried HRT for a short time but to no avail and stopped. She tried black cohosh, soy, and other supplements, again to no avail. Last year she heard Dr. Oz recommend ground flax seed. Two tablespoonfuls a day stopped the hot flashes completely the same day. When she forgets to take the flax the hot flashes are back that night. Taking the ground flax seed again and the hot flashes are immediately gone. To avoid oxidation she buys whole flax seed and grinds it in a coffee grinder. It is simple and cheap and it is the only thing that has worked.”
– Evening primrose oil and Star flower oil supplements (both high in gamma linolenic acid) are known to help to regulate hormones and combat mood swings.
– Black cohosh (active ingredient: remifemin). Studies show that this herb can reduce hot flushes and improve mood. Research involving Black cohosh has shown benefits for both hot flushes and depression. Like Soy isoflavones, Black Cohosh also mimics the effects of oestrogen, thus relieving hot flushes and vaginal dryness, and is reported to have a sedative and relaxing effect. According to some controversial studies regular use of black cohosh for a longer period of time may contribute to liver damage and higher lead levels in the blood. It is not clear whether black cohosh stimulates the growth of breast cancer cells or inhibits their growth. With regards to both liver toxicity and breast cancer research has been limited and has produced mixed results as according to some studies the same herb was beneficial in treating breast cancer. Nevertheless, taking supplements such as Menovital that contains Black cohosh as one of many other natural phytoestrogens and vitamins is not only effective but also safe and eliminate any possible side effect of Black cohosh. Also, taking Black Cohosh together with Milk Thistle and Chlorella along with unrefined plant-based diet and healthy lifestyle should eliminate any possible harmful effect.
– Also Tulsi tea has relaxing and calming properties and are helpful for those with insomnia due to anxiety.
– Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is known for its ability to support and maintain the natural balance of female hormones. It does not have oestrogenic activity. This herb should not be taken if a woman is experiencing heavy bleeding.
– The most effective herb to increase and balance progesterone before menopause is Agnus castus (Vitex). Agnus Castus (known also as Vitex, Chaste Berry or Monk’s Pepper) is a large shrub (native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe) with lilac or white flowers and small fruits. Taking Agnus castus works by stimulating the body to produce more natural progesterone in a safe and controlled way. That is the reason why Agnus castus is so effective in helping women to cope with PMS and other symptoms associated with low progesterone.
– Ashwagandha has been shown to be beneficial in normalising hormones including oestrogen & mood fluctuations, sleep issues, irritability & anxiety.
– Maca is a plant that grows in central Peru and it is traditionally used for female hormone imbalance, menstrual problems, tiredness, and symptoms of perimenopause and osteoporosis. Although maca doesn’t contain any hormones, yet it has a rare set of nutrients that nourish the endocrine system and help correct levels of oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or DHEA. As an adaptogen herb, maca has been used to lower the effects of stress by decreasing cortisol levels. It can also help reduce hot flashes and weight gain while improving libido and energy.
– Studies have demonstrated benefits of Rhodiola in promoting hormonal balance by improving adrenal function. It also helps reduce fatigue and enhances mental function.
– There are reasons to believe that due to severe soil depletion and refined diet majority of people in the UK are very deficient in minerals such as magnesium and zinc. Magnesium and zinc not only allow the body to absorb calcium, thus preventing osteoporosis during perimenopause, but they also play important role in maintaining healthy nervous system function as well as maintaining normal levels of progesterone and oestrogen.
– Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, demonstrated that participants who had normal vitamin D levels were less likely to experience perimenopause and menopause symptoms, compared to those who had less vitamin D. Take 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 a day with breakfast. Vitamin D deficiency also plays important role in the prevention of osteoporosis. It is essential in helping your body to properly absorb and use calcium which helps to keep spine and bones strong. Without vitamin D, our body begins to robe the bones and spine of calcium. Since vitamin D supplements lead to magnesium deficiency, and because according to recent studies almost every person in the UK is now deficient not only in vitamin D but also magnesium, you must take 400 to 800mg of good quality magnesium (such as magnesium citrate) every day. The most important way of obtaining vitamin D is of course through regular sun exposures during summer time between 10am and 2pm. Unfortunately, since in the UK almost every person is deficient in vitamin D the only solution seems to be supplementation. Read more about vitamin D >
– Magnesium regulates the pituitary gland, which in turn controls the production of FSH (follicular stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) that in turn regulate the production of progesterone and oestrogen. Deficiency of Magnesium contributes to perimenopause and osteoporosis. Take 2 x 200mg of well-absorbed magnesium citrate between meals with water. MagCitra is an excellent supplement as it is high in elemental magnesium citrate. Also remember to take magnesium whenever you use vitamin D supplements as it leads to magnesium deficiency! The more vitamin D3 you take the higher doses of magnesium you need.
– The most important nutrient for maintaining normal progesterone levels before menopause is vitamin B6 which is absolutely crucial for the development of the corpus luteum (a gland produced in ovaries after the egg is released) out of which progesterone is produced. Therefore, vitamin B6 is necessary for preventing progesterone deficiency and through progesterone for balancing other hormones including oestrogen.
– B vitamins are essential for proper hormonal balance and nervous system function. Their deficiency can cause hormonal imbalance, fatigue, slow metabolism (overweight), and poor mental health. Take 50mg of B complex a day with breakfast. B vitamins are essential for nervous system function. Their deficiency can cause depression and anxiety. Especially B12 is excellent for maintaining the nervous system.
– Some studies have found benefits with higher doses of a Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 500 mg a day.
– Folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and B6 (pyridoxine) are very important for the body to make many of the mood-regulating hormones including progesterone, oestrogen, and serotonin.
– Supplements containing Omega 3 fats (such as molecularly distilled fish oils or flax oil) have been suggested by research to have a calming effect on the nervous system enhancing brain health and mental well-being.
– Zinc acts on multiple organs of the body that are implicated in progesterone production including the pituitary gland and ovaries. Zinc increases levels of follicle stimulating hormone, which in turn causes ovulation and also stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone.
– Also vitamin C is required to assist the body in producing progesterone. In a 2003 study, women who took 750 mg of vitamin C increased their progesterone levels by 77 percent! It is important to remember that in order to be effective vitamin B6 must be taken with zinc as without zinc vitamin B6 won’t help to cope with low progesterone! You need to take daily dose of about 20 to 50mg of zinc (such as zinc citrate) after breakfast.
– Also amino acid L-arginine is known to help increase progesterone levels.
– Omega 3 fats have been suggested by research to have a calming and anti-depressive effect on the nervous system enhancing brain health and mental well-being. Rich sources of Omega-3 are: Spirulina, Chlorella, Flax oil, flax seeds (ground), chia seeds, walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. Apart from plant sources of omega 3 use also omega 3 fish oil (ate least 1000 mg a day) but only good quality one and with capsules made out of fish gelatine (Pharma Nord).
– Take 10 Chlorella tablets (500mg per tablet) about 15-30 minutes before breakfast. Drop in reproductive hormones beginning at middle age (and sometimes much earlier) often triggers a reaction in your thyroid. Spirulina and chlorella are high in natural iodine and thus will increase health of the thyroid.
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS
– Eat more whole organic soy foods (isoflavones in soy foods help balance hormone levels and have some oestrogenic activity): Instead of GMO soya meat substitutes choose Tofu, Miso and Tempeh which are better options.
– Avoid the following: refined sugars such as chocolate, cake, biscuits and sugar-based foods, food high in harmful fats (butter, whole milk, cheese, ice cream, and meat). Sugar and other refined foods (white flour products and white rice) cause deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B12, magnesium, zinc, and calcium leading to nervousness, anxiety, fatigue, and irritability.
– Eliminate caffeine, alcohol, black and green tea, as they can also have adverse effects on hormone levels. Caffeine dehydrates the adrenal glands, affecting cortisol levels, while sugar exhausts them. Caffeine and alcohol are likely to trigger panic attacks because they stimulate negative activity in the brain.
– Increasing foods rich in fibre such as legumes (peas, beans, lentils, carob, soybeans, etc.), raw fruits, vegetables, and oat bran.
– Avoid refined salt. Use only Celtic, pink or sea salt instead.
– Some women feel much better on a gluten free diet: “I thought that the loss of sex drive and dryness and horrible health was just part of the process and that I had to try to use more supplements etc. My hair was falling out, my joints hurt, I was short of breath, extremely tired and had all of the more typical symptoms. I met someone who told me about gluten intolerance. She suggested that I get off of all grains. I thought that I’d give it a try, since I had nothing to lose and everything to gain if it helped me. Within two weeks I saw a huge difference in my overall health and symptoms. I can eat rice and corn and potatoes. It means no wheat, barley, no spelt, oats, etc.”
LIFESTYLE SUGGESTIONS
Get regular exercise (fast walking outside is the best) as it boosts serotonin levels and releases endorphins (happy hormones) which give a feel good factor.
– Drink only distilled water > and avoid hard water (high in calcium) because it contains inorganic calcium carbonate which is harmful and contributes to arthritis, kidney stones, constipation and hardens arteries. Add a little bit of fresh lemon juice to your distilled water to make it more alkaline and tastier.
Read a fascinating article about WATER >
Diet and exercise have a great influence on hormonal balance. Exercise has been shown to help reduce the frequency of panic attacks. It uses up any excess energy, it promotes better sleep, it helps with hormone regulation and it encourages good breathing techniques. A 2002 study found that exercise, particularly outdoor, was invigorating to both body and mind.
Proper deep Breathing plays a prominent role in panic attacks.
Get adequate rest, which is crucial for the nervous system. If you do not sleep well you are far more likely to suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. Scientists have indicated that we need on average, 7-8 hours sleep per night to rejuvenate us holistically and recharge the brain.
Drink 2 litres of water daily to boost brain function as water transports oxygen to the brain. Apart from that experiencing a dry mouth (caused by dehydration) may feel like the start of a panic attack.
Don’t dwell on the past and present things you cant change. Stop worrying and learn to let things go! Look for the positive in a situation rather than focusing on the negative.
Spend time with family and friends who are supportive. Remember to talk positive. Praise people instead complaining and criticising.
Avoid toothpastes with fluoride, as it is toxic and competes with iodine for absorption and utilization, so less dietary iodine is absorbed, and iodine is absolutely essential for proper thyroid function. Combine this with the reality that our diets are very often deficient in iodine or other nutrients needed for adequate thyroid functioning, such as zinc, selenium, manganese,
Enjoy good humour as it helps to release endorphins (happy hormones).
Choose TV programs wisely. Many of them may trigger panic attacks and depression.
Listening to music that you enjoy has been found to be beneficial. A 2008 Cochrane review demonstrated that music enhances mood. In particular, for those who are depressed, music therapy was found to boost the emotional level so that they appeared to have less negative thoughts when listening to their favourite music.
Feed the spirit. Daily prayer and reading peace-inducing spiritual literature such as the Gospel of John found in the Bible, or books such as the Ministry of Healing, or the Desire of Ages by Ellen G. White enhances spiritual and emotional well-being.
Prayer and meditation (silent reflection) has been shown to provide stress relief and resiliency to face difficult life situations. The Royal College of Psychiatrists discovered that mental health service users identified positive outcomes associated with good quality spiritual care. Additionally, a study by the Mental Health Foundation published 2006 found that religious people, in particular those who believed in a loving and caring transcendent being, are more likely to recover from depression.
The following testimonies by Shelley and Michele prove the effectiveness of spiritual empowerment in coping with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and other menopausal symptoms:
“I was having anxiety and panic attacks. I thought I was dying ever day. I was out on medical leave for 3 months because I couldn’t drive 56 miles to my job and I thought I was going crazy. I only stayed on HRT for 1 month because my doctor didn’t want me on it long. I didn’t want to take any anti-depressants because I didn’t want them to change who I was nor did I want to be dependent on them. It really was a living hell. But thank God it has changed. I haven’t had any panic attacks in over a year. I get anxiety every once in a while, but its been really mild and manageable. I’ve always believed in God, but wasn’t an extremely religious person. I don’t go to church, but I have become very spiritual. Ill tell you what, He is the only one who got me through this. It changed the way I look at everything now. I don’t really know how to explain it in words, but I thought I would put it out there in case you are not finding any relief for your anxiety or panic attacks.” (Shelley Binkley, October 21, 2013)
“I always thought I was a strong woman. I worked, took care of my family and handled everything situation very well or so I thought. When my anxiety and panic attacks started I had no idea what they were. I went to the doctor and had many tests including thyroid and heart. I felt physically ill and I too had weird negative thoughts all the time. I didn’t want to take meds that would change who I was or become dependent on them. I read up on everything I could find about anxiety and panic attacks. Everything I read told me that I was making the anxiety worse. I was feeding it with the negative thoughts. I tried hard to think of other things, but if I had quiet time, they would seep back in. I started to notice that when I was busy doing physical things like chores or projects around the house, the anxiety did not consume me because my mind was on other things. I started listening to Charles Linden. I listened and learned what he did to get through his panic attacks and anxiety. This confirmed to me that I was causing it. Some days it was so bad that I would cry uncontrollably. It was at this time that I cried out loud to God asking what I did that was so bad that I had to go through this. That was a turning point in my life. I started a one on one relationship with God that day even if it was just to ask why. A friend at work gave me a book titled Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. This book has an inspirational message for every day, 365 days a year. It also has references from the Bible that the messages are derived from. I’ve been reading it for 2 years now. When I started reading it, Id felt lighter. I started having more positive thoughts. In addition to this, I started listening to a Christian Radio station. Things started changing inside me. The more I read and the more I listened, the more my thought process started changing. I was becoming more positive. My family was the first to notice (even before I did). I started to give thanks everyday, even for my trials and tribulations, because they all had a purpose. I pray and I give thanks multiple times every day (even for the little things or the things we take for granted). I don’t need to worry about what’s happening or going to happen in my life any more. I trust in Him and He is with me always. I really hope I don’t turn anyone off thinking I’m pushing religion. I just wanted to share that negative thoughts create more negative thoughts and positive thoughts create more positive thoughts. I hope this helps someone. God Bless! Michele” (21/10/2013).
Below you will find some faith- and peace-inducing Bible verses for everyday reading and meditation. Remember that unlike other books the Word of God doesn’t only talk about power but it contains the saving and transforming power because it is inspired by God’s Spirit: “For the word of God is living and powerful.” (Hebrews 4:12). Here are some examples of great comforting promises that will give you strength and improve your emotional and spiritual condition if you claim these promises with faith. Meditate on them every day, and repeat them with confidence and thanksgiving:
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2, ESV)
A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7
Bless the Lord o my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagles. Psalm 103:2-6
I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord. Psalm 121:1,2
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13)
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice! The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-11)
“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” (John 6:37)
“God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1Corinthians 10:13)
“Everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:8)
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defence – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1John 1:7)
“The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.” (1John 1:7)
“If we refuse to admit that we are sinners, then we live in a world of illusion and truth becomes a stranger to us. But if we freely admit that we have sinned, we find God utterly reliable and straightforward – he forgives our sins and makes us thoroughly clean from all that is evil. For if we take up the attitude ‘we have not sinned’, we utterly deny God’s diagnosis of our condition and cut ourselves off from what he has to say to us.” (1John 1:8-10, J. B. Phillips NT Translation)
Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold, all things are new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
“I urge you (…), offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (…) And do not conform any longer to the pattern (lifestyle and diet) of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:1-2).
For by wise counsel you will wage your own war and in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Proverbs 24:6
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right and whenever you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25 NKJV
“See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:16
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Luke 4:18 NKJ
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
And do not be conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of the mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-8
Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of Gods wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. Philippians 4:6,7 (MGE)
“Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, will not be condemned; and he has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24)
SOURCES
Teschke, R., Schwarzenboeck, A., Schmidt-Taenzer, W., Wolff, A., and Hennermann, K. H. Herb induced liver injury presumably caused by black cohosh: a survey of initially purported cases and herbal quality specifications. Ann Hepatol. 2011;10 (3) :249-259. – See more at: http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Blackcohosh.html#sthash. W9jiyEwt.dpuf
Naser, B., Schnitker, J., Minkin, M. J., de Arriba, S. G., Nolte, K. U., and Osmers, R. Suspected black cohosh hepatotoxicity: no evidence by meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials for isopropanolic black cohosh extract. Menopause. 2011;18(4):366-375. – See more at: http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Blackcohosh.html#sthash.W9jiyEwt.dpuf
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