[miabella]

Are there any alternatives to taking hops (prolactin-wise) I want to get the permanent results, but I do not want the depression side-effect.

[shortcake]

I have been wondering the same thing! I'm unable to tolerate hops. I can't take even just one 350mg capsule without getting a migraine and very extreme tiredness within an hour. And I definitely don't need the added push toward depression, as that tends to be an issue for me naturally. I used to think it was the fenugreek that was giving me the the feeling of being overly tired and the horrible headaches but after I tried herbs this last time, I realized it was the hops. I don't know whether it's an intolerance to the herb itself or whether it does crazy things to my hormones very quickly and that causes the headaches... Either way, it's out for me. That was one thing that made me feel like individual herbs may not work for me, since I can't take hops, even in small amounts. I will watch for replies on this one! I suspect Isabelle may be giving her input here pretty soon!

[miabella]

Hope so, I feel like it's the one thing I'm missing.... but I can't add it! :|

[Isabelle]

First off, hops does nothing for prolactin. My current list of prolactin uppers is here:
http://www.breastnexus.com/showthread.php?tid=8419&pid=40097#pid40097

Undigested hops is an anti-androgen, and digested hops a phyto-estrogen. I manage the side effects like this:
- sleepiness: take 1 hour before bed time.
- depression: use maca.
- headaches: increase progesterone, e.g. with fenugreek, or add a progestin, like fennel.

The alternatives as a phyto-estrogen are:
- PM (messes up cycles)
- soy (slows the thyroid)
- flax
- panax ginseng (estriol only: use every 1-4 hours, as tea or cream)
- yellow dock
- sheep sorrel
- milk thistle (liver cleanser too)
- red clover (phyto-progestin too)
- licorice (phyto-progestin, anti-androgen, and inceases prolactin too)
- turmeric (strong phyto-progestin too)
- thyme (strong phyto-progestin too)
- vervain (verbena officinalis, strong phyto-progestin too)
- yucca (strong phyto-progestin too)
- shatavari tea
- wild yam (not a phyto-estrogen, but contains diosgenin, and a 16α-hydroxyestrone blocker)

[shortcake]

Isabelle,

That list will undoubtedly be of use for me in the future! I'll make sure I save it. Thanks!

[miabella]

Isabelle,

That list will undoubtedly be of use for me in the future! I'll make sure I save it. Thanks!

AGREED. It is thanks to Isabelle that I am gaining any knowledge on these things

[BigDee]

Hi Isabelle,

Is the yucca in your list, yucca or yuca? These are very different plants.

Cassava, manioc, yuca, etc.
Manihot esculenta
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassava

Yucca
Yucca L. Various species
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yucca

The two varieties most common in my area are the Mojave Yucca, Yucca schidigera and the Joshua Tree, Yucca brevifolia. There are others, but these are most common.

Note 1: You can replace the 'en' in the above addresses (and below) with the language code for whatever version of Wikipedia you use.

Note 2: The mobile addresses are;

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassava

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yucca

[Isabelle]

Hi Big Dave,

The original article only specifies "Yucca (Yucca Spp.)":
http://www.cancersupportivecare.com/estrogenherbdata.html#table3
Scroll up tu the bottom of Table 1.