Tonight on Larry King on CNN

Suzanne Somers will be interviewed about her newest book on aging and natural bio identical hormones.  She is getting a lot of critical reviews, especially regarding her chapter on the research of T S Wiley.
I read the book. I thought some parts were excellent. I thought some parts were valid.  I thought it was disjointed and uninspiring in other parts.  It is more a collection of interviews with so-called experts (that is, not all written by her).  I noticed several contradictions throughout the book.
It is time that the health agencies all over the world got their resources together and did some proper research on this issue.  It impacts so many people's health, and if it is proven safe and viable, then it should be readily available.
Personally?  I use several bio-identical hormones and I feel good.  
But I worry...for us all.... The fact that some women are STILL on Premarin and Prempro, for example.  Those are just wrong.

[chickpea_and_me]

I read one of her older books and bioidenticals and I thought...wow when its time that is the way to go but now I am in remission for ov cancer and my oncologist and my gyn said no bioidenticals.  

It was on national news a few weeks ago and they said right now I think it was the FDA?? or someone said they dont recommend them because there isnt enough testing out there.  I figure I'll keep my hot flashes if it means no more cancer (my oncologist said my cell type was estrogen driven).  But then everyone has to do what works for them....I"m a firm believer and echinacea for colds/flus and medical docs poo hoo that too!

[sdp4314]

I just read an article on her new book and was going to check it out.  Normally I can't stand Larry King, but I love her for some reason and I'm interested in it too.

Thanks for keeping us updated!

Shawn

[merytre]

Awwww great, I dont' think I get CNN, I get a thousand other channels, but I don't see CNN on it.  I wonder if it is listed as another channel on mine?

[AnotherKatie]

The whole thing is so darn confusing.  Why does it seem like no one is doing research to help women (some very young) who have had cancer and are experiencing horrible menopause symptoms?  Just saying "no estrogen for you" is NOT good enough.
I get that the big drug companies are not interested in funding trials of something they cannot patent.  But shouldn't there be more studies done by the health care system, or are all the drugs we ingest just made up by the pharmaceutical industry, for big profits?

[Jatoo]

Dear Katie:

That's an excellent idea "of making drugs to make money". I did not realize it at first why we are all using this chemo drugs that would eventually require the use of expensive Neupogen and procrit. Now upon reading your post, it dawn on me as to why they cannot finish the research on ginger a lot faster since it was proven by The University of Michigan scientists and presented to the American Association of Cancer Research Annual meeting recently to not only kill Ov cancer but also prevents them from building up resistance to cancer treatment. Well that's true who will make money on ginger which is so common and cheap and that it cannot be patented?

Thanks for the posts.
Jatoo

[AnotherKatie]

I am sure you are right.  That makes sense.  
I can't stand it.  I just can't stand it!  The whole drug system needs some major overhauling.  It is CORRUPT.  It's so unfair.  How much have our countries spent on the war(s)?  Can you imagine, if they poured all those funds into cancer research?  I am convinced companies like Wyeth should be government run or monitored somehow.  How many coverups and under the table payoffs and bribes does it take before we wake up?  Remember DES?  

If you research the history of HRT, you will discover what a total scam it was and is.  They make billions sucking in women with dangerous, unproven drugs.  

This is one blog I came across that talks about it...

http://drhotzeblog.netymology.com/2006/09/11/broken-promises-the-history-of-hrt-2/

I watched Larry King. Ridiculous. Suzanne Somers made a fool of herself.  They were all hysterical and interrupting.
Larry King obviously doesn't know s**t about the topic and did a terrible job.  He just likes Somers so did it as a favor to her.  With her high profile, she should raise money for research instead of lining her pockets ripping off confused and frightened women.

[scoutshadow]

This is a topic close to my heart.  There are many studies out there which work but will never be picked up because they cannot be synthesised (like bio-identicals) and so don't make money.  I understand that drug companies pour millions into the research and have to pass several strict tests and trials before they are allowed into the' market place'.  They need to recoup the loss but they make billions from drugs so there is a huge disparity.  There was a study done in USA regarding the monetary cost of the side effects of some of the drugs used for therapy.  It's staggering and does make you wonder.

[chickpea_and_me]

what is this about ginger preventing ov cancer?? I've never heard that...what forms? raw ginger root, powder? I'm curious. Thanks

[Jatoo]

In this study dated 17 Apr 2006 -Oncology News: Univ. of Michigan "scientists applied a solution of ginger powder and water to ovarian cancer cells (similar ginger powder to what is sold at grocery stores, onnly a standardized reseacrh grade). In every single one of their tests they found that the cancer cells died as a result of being in contact with the ginger solution - they either committed suicide (apoptosis)or they digested/attacked themselves (autophagy). If ginger can cause autophagy as well as apoptosis, it can prevent resistance to chemotherapy - something that is a common developement with ovarian cancer patients.

Whether or not this brings the same encouraging results in animal studies remain to be seen, say the researchers.

Another great advantage of ginger is that there are hardly any reports of side effects. It is also an easy product to present in capsule form." (which by the way is available in market online and have already purchased. Waiting for the right moment for my wife to use.).

Isn't this exciting and wonderful? Now my question ever since is, "Why will a take so long to test it with mice and people (in vivo not in vitro) when ginger is so cheap?" My take is we have to do our clinical trial among ourselves which actually many of your "sisters" are already doing. The researchers themeslves inferred that it helps chemo work not interfere with it.

Jatoo