Menopause brings on a whole laundry list of unpleasantness. Everyone knows about hot flashes and mood swings. But one of the lesser-known effects of decreasing estrogen levels is cognitive decline. The best way to ward off this potential problem is to replace the hormones that the body is missing. Unfortunately, the side effects of conventional synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT), such as an increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, have left a lot of women empty-handed in the battle against all sorts of menopausal symptoms, cognitive decline included. 

But a new study has proven once again that women don't have to accept the risks of conventional synthetic hormone therapy, and instead can choose natural, risk-free substitutes to counter the effects of menopause. Dutch researchers have shown that plant-based estrogens called lignans, found in flaxseed, linseed, broccoli, and berries, can help preserve cognitive function in postmenopausal women. 

Scientists at the Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care looked at two sets of healthy, postmenopausal women. Of the 394 women they studied, those who consumed higher amounts of lignans in their diets performed better on tests of mental ability. And the study found that the older group of women -- the ones who had been postmenopausal the longest -- performed better on cognitive testing than the younger women. 

Investigators theorized that the older women outperformed the younger ones because the effects of eating lignans might be cumulative, offering more protection to the nervous system the longer they are consumed. 

**************************************************** 

Growth potential 

Q: I have been a reader of your books and newsletter for years, and you have mentioned growth hormone as a beneficial anti-aging tool. But recently I read where you strongly advised against growth hormone, saying it causes cell division, which can lead to cancer. I'm confused. Can you clear this up? 

JVW: Thank you for your continuing interest. As a long-time reader, you know that I am a firm believer in the right of every responsible adult to make his or her own health-care decisions, and that includes decisions on the use of human growth hormone. I have occasionally prescribed human growth hormone (HGH) for those patients who insist upon using it for anti-aging purposes. However, I have only done so after I have fully explained my concerns about its potential for increasing one's risk of cancer. 

The association between cancer and HGH can be found in a substance called insulin-like growth factor 1, or IGF-1. The effectiveness of HGH is marked by an increased blood level of IGF-1. Higher levels of IGF-1 have been associated with an increased risk of both breast and prostate cancer. To me and many other physicians, this raises a cautionary flag. 

In cases where my patients have insisted upon using HGH, my advice is to also take a "full load" of cancer-preventing nutrients and undergo careful testing to monitor for developing cancers. 

**************************************************** 

What is...a phytoestrogen? 

Phytoestrogens are natural compounds found in plants, like soy, or plant products, like whole grain cereals, that act like estrogen in the body. 

Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Editorial Director
Nutrition & Healing 

Sources:
"Higher dietary intake of lignans is associated with better cognitive performance in postmenopausal women." Journal of Nutrition 2005; 135(5):1,190-1,195.