Metagenics is a dietary supplement manufacturer based in California and with many other locations throughout the United States and abroad. The company makes EstroFactors, a product it says works by providing women nutrients that restore and maintain estrogen balance. According to Metagenics, the formula’s ingredients facilitate production of the hormone through metabolism, which relieves symptoms of estrogen deficiency. Take EstroFactors under the supervision of a health-care provider.

About Estrogen

Estrogen refers to a complex of three hormones: estrone, estradiol and estriol. Men and women produce estrogen. In women, the group of hormones is usually known for making it possible for girls to develop female sexual features as they mature physically. Besides, as the estrogen travels in the bloodstream, it attaches to certain cells in the breasts, uterus, brain, bone, liver and tissues, helping to regulate much more than reproductive function. It prevents bone loss and mood swings, for example. While estrogen is often discussed in the context of menopause, a period when the hormone production drops, a deficiency can also affect menstruating women.

Low Estrogen Symptoms

An estrogen deficiency can cause a number of symptoms in women that include physical and emotional issues. Sleep problems, hot flashes, urinary tract infections, incontinence, impaired memory, depression and anxiety are only a few of them. Note that these symptoms are also associated with other medical conditions. Refrain from making assumptions about your health. Instead, consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment plan.

EstroFactors Claims

According to Metagenics, EstroFactors alleviates pre-menstrual cramps, crankiness and painful breasts. It also helps the body flush excess estrogen to maintain an adequate level of the hormone. Metagenics also markets its product to older women to relieve menopause symptoms, including sweating, hot flashes and mood swings.

EstroFactors Details

Metagenics recommends three tablets of EstroFactors daily at mealtimes. The active ingredients in each pill are vitamins A, B-6, B-12, D, E, K and folate, as well as turmeric, rosemary, isoflavones, resveratrol, trimethylglycine and chrysin. Manufacturers of dietary supplements do not have to present the same thorough scientific research that drug makers provide the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before putting their products for sale. That allows Metagenics the freedom to not reveal what role each of EstroFactors’ ingredients plays in regulating estrogen production.

Many women question the safety of supplements, such as betaine hydrochloride, during pregnancy. Betaine hydrochloride, or betaine HCl, is also known as stomach acid or hydrochloric acid, which is essential for proper digestion. Although hydrochloric acid supplements are generally considered safe for consumption, little is known about the effects of the supplement on pregnancy or fetal development. Consult your obstetrician or midwife before using betaine HCl supplements during pregnancy.

Identification

Hydrochloric acid produced by the body breaks down proteins and fats found in food while protecting the digestive tract from harmful bacteria. The acid also contributes to the absorption of nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, iron, zinc and magnesium. Betaine HCl supplements are often prescribed for individuals who suffer from stomach acid deficiency, also known as hypochlorhydria. Symptoms of hypochlorhydria include irritable bowel syndrome, iron deficiency, accelerated aging due to malabsorption and acid reflux. Betaine HCl supplements are available in tablet or capsule form at various vitamin shops and health food stores. Consult your physician if you have symptoms of hypochlorhydria.

Uses

Individuals who suffer from allergies, gallstones and asthma often have reduced levels of hydrochloric acid. Using betaine HCl supplements might help improve these health conditions. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the supplement has also been used to treat digestive problems, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ulcers, heartburn, acne rosacea and chronic yeast infections. More scientific research is necessary to validate the effectiveness of the supplement on these conditions. Consult your physician before using betaine HCl supplements to treat any health condition during pregnancy.

Side Effects

Like other supplements, betaine HCL may cause side effects. Excessive amounts of betaine HCL can burn your stomach lining. If you experience a burning sensation while taking betaine HCL, stop taking the supplement and contact your physician. In rare instances, betaine HCL might cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Do not use betaine HCL if you have a history of ulcers, acid reflux or other gastrointestinal issues. Betaine HCL may interact with other drugs, including certain types of thyroid medication and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.

Warning

Although medical research does not indicate any adverse effects related to pregnancy or fetal development, pregnant women should avoid using betaine HCl supplements unless otherwise directed by a knowledgeable health-care professional. Do not take hydrochloric acid supplements if you suffer from ulcers or acid reflux. Always consult your physician before using any type of supplement during pregnancy.

Up to 50 percent of women may experience fibrocystic breasts at some point in their life, according to the MayoClinic.com. Treatment, if any, usually entails medications to manage the pain. Making certain changes to your diet may help, though nutritional interventions have not been established as a routine part of treatment.

High Estrogen Levels

An article published in the November 2000 issue of ‘’The Journal of the American Dietetic Association,’’ reports that excessive estrogen production is likely responsible for fibrocystic breasts. Termed estrogen dominance, too much estrogen in the body is believed to contribute to a host of conditions. Some health professionals espouse making certain dietary changes may help reduce high estrogen levels in the body, though these suggestions are not backed by hard scientific evidence.

Fiber and Excess Estrogen

Ronald Hoffman, a physician who advocates the importance of nutrition in health, writes on his site that excess estrogen gets excreted through the bowels and following a high-fiber diet can help keep estrogen levels in check. He explains that if you are eating a low-fiber diet, stool remains in the intestines longer and the estrogen gets reabsorbed into the blood stream. Make sure to drink enough fluids – too much fiber and not enough fluids can actually cause constipation.

Weight and Estrogen Levels

Your body produces estrogen and other hormones from fat and the more body fat you have, the more estrogen you have in your body. Physician and women’s health expert, Christiane Northrup, explains that having 28 percent body fat or greater can lead to problems of estrogen dominance, such as fibrocystic breasts. The dietary changes necessary to promote weight loss are no big secret – lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

Other Factors that May Affect Estrogen Levels

Hoffman explains that impaired liver function may also contribute to too much estrogen in the body. This organ is not only responsible for filtering out toxins, it helps remove excess hormone and other substances naturally produced in the body. He reports that research has shown women who drink alcohol have higher levels of estrogen in their blood and he recommends limiting alcohol intake to deal with issues of excess estrogen production. Northrup also reports a lack of high-quality fats may contribute to estrogen dominance; healthy fats include omega-3 fatty acids found in flax seed and cold water fish, and monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocados. Look for meat and other animal products produced without added hormones.

Other Considerations for Diet

Many suggestions for managing fibrocystic breast disease, do not appear to be supported by research. An article published in ‘’The Journal of the American Dietetic Association,’’ reports that avoiding caffeine, using dietary supplements such as vitamin E and eating soy do not appear to affect the condition. Ultimately, no dietary interventions have been firmly established as making a difference, but it does not mean they definitely do not work for everyone. Experiment with the different suggestions and see if they affect your condition.

The pre-menopausal phase is a challenging time for many women. They may find their lives disrupted by hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, depression and changes in bone mineral density. Because well-designed scientific studies have cast doubt on the safety of taking supplemental hormones, many women are using soy products for the phytoestrogens they contain. Other women, for various reasons, prefer not to. If you want to avoid using soy, you have other dietary alternatives that can ease pre-menopausal symptoms.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Supplementing your diet with ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid, E-EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, may reduce the number of hot flashes you have, according to a study published in the March-April 2009 issue of "Menopause." Researchers found that women given E-EPA for eight weeks had significantly fewer hot flashes than women given a placebo. Furthermore, the number of women showing a decrease in hot flashes was three times greater in the treatment group than among those in the placebo group.

Green and Yellow Vegetables

A study of perimenopausal and menopausal women published in the June 2003 issue of the Korean Journal "Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi" questioned 276 women about their diets and the severity of their menopausal symptoms. An analysis of the questionnaires revealed that a higher consumption of green and yellow vegetables and a reduced intake of coffee, sweets and processed foods were associated with a reduced number of hot flashes.

Avoid Very High Protein Diets

Pre-menopausal women concerned about bone health may want to avoid very high protein diets for weight loss, according to a study published in the October 2010 issue of "Journal of Gerontology, Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences." In this study, menopausal women were put on either a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet containing 18 percent protein or a meat-based diet containing 30 percent protein. Women on the vegetarian diet showed little change in bone mineral density, but women in the meat-based diet showed significant decreases.

Botanical and Dietary Supplements

A review paper published in the September 2005 issue of the "Journal of Women’s Health" analyzed studies of black cohosh, red clover, which contains phytoestrogens, and soy products. The authors concluded that black cohosh is safe and effective for reducing hot flashes and may improve accompanying mood disorders. However, both soy and red clover appear to have only minimal effects on menopausal symptoms. St. John’s wort may improve mild to moderate depression, but since this herb may interact with other drugs, always discuss its use with your doctor.

Although humans are born with all, or almost all, of the brain cells that they will ever have, brain development continues throughout infancy. A newborn’s brain develops by forming connections between nerve cells, connections reinforced by experiencing and observing the world around her. Proper nutrition is crucial to brain development in these early stages. According to “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” phospholipids in human breast milk may aid in the maturation of the developing brain.

Breast Vs. Cow Milk

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, or LCPUFAs, are incorporated into brain phospholipids during human brain development, according to the American Society of Nutrition. These LCPUFAs continue to be incorporated into the developing brain from the third trimester of pregnancy until the child is 2 years old. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA and arachidonic acid are the two LCPUFAs needed to support brain phospholipids, but these DHA does not naturally exist in cow’s milk and must be added to fortify it. A 2011 study published by “The Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition” found that human breast milk contains enough DHA and phospholipid to support brain development for full term babies, but not for premature babies.

Phospholipids and Brain Function

The “Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition” states that phospholipids may be of high importance in infant brain development. Phospholipids are fat molecules that are the principal structural component of cell membranes, including the membranes of brain cells. Phospholipids also help in the synthesis of messenger molecules that carry signals from receptors in cell membranes to various organelles inside your cells. The molecular makeup of brain phospholipids evolves in the womb and in early life, and these changes affect the way signals are carried between brain cells, according to “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.”

Phospholipids and Schizophrenia

Anomalies in phospholipid synthesis are associated with the early development of schizophrenia, according to the journal “Molecular Psychiatry.” A study conducted in 2003 by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that free phospholipid precursors were significantly lower in the pre-frontal lobes of children and adolescents who were at high risk of developing schizophrenia due to a family history of the disease.

Phospholipids, ADHD and Autism

A physical inability to process dietary phospholipids may be a factor in the development of autistic disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, according to the journal “Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids.” More research is needed to determine the effects of breastfeeding on the prevention of these disorders.

As your child begins to stand and takes his first tentative steps, you may be concerned because he is walking with his toes pointing in or out while standing on his arches. While it is normal for a parent to worry, your child is most likely developing normally, according to physical therapist Gena Livingston. If your child isn’t developing arches after about six months of walking or so, he will probably have flat feet for life. But this isn’t much of a problem, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Those First Steps

Toddlers who are first learning to walk tend to spread their legs and walk on their arches to help stabilize their stance and develop their balance. They may walk with their toes turned in or out, but perhaps most notably they walk on the insides of their feet. Walking on their arches is because their arches haven’t yet formed.

Flat Feet

A flat foot is defined as a foot that hasn’t developed an arch. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that arches in your foot don’t form until you’re around 2 to 3 years old, but sometimes they never develop. The condition rarely causes any problems. You should notice an arch forming in your child after he has been walking for six months or so.

Causes of Flat Feet

Your child will often stand and begin taking his first steps before the age of 2 or 4, before their arches have had the chance to develop. Since his arches haven’t formed yet, you may notice that he tends to stand on the inside of his feet, which are equipped with fat pads to cushion these first tentative steps. This, coupled with the wide foot position as the child learns to balance, can give him a clumsy stride as he first begins to walk.

Concerns

You shouldn’t be worried during the first six months or so as your child begins to walk unless he complains of severe leg, hip or knee pain. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that foot development will occur whether your child develops flat feet or not. Nothing can or should be done to help treat flat feet unless it causes severe pain, which can indicate a more serious condition.

Many expectant mothers question the safety of natural products during pregnancy. Acacia fiber, also known as acacia gum, is a natural dietary fiber that has been used as a folk remedy for centuries. The fiber is used commercially as a demulcent and stabilizer in pharmaceuticals and processed foods. Although the fiber is nontoxic, it may not be safe to consume during pregnancy. Consult your health-care provider before taking acacia fiber powder or any other natural product while pregnant.

Identification

Acacia fiber comes from the hardened sap of a thorny tree that grows in certain parts of Africa. According to peer-reviewed medical information website Drugs.com, Egyptians used acacia fiber as a pain-reliever and glue, while Arabic doctors used it to treat various ailments. The fiber contains a variety of acids, calcium, neutral sugars and electrolytes. The primary component of acacia fiber is arabin, a water-soluble carbohydrate. The hardened sap is odorless, brittle and has a bland taste. Supplemental acacia fiber is available in powder form from various natural health stores and online retailers.

Uses

The Center for New Crops and Plant Products at Purdue University states that acacia fiber is used as a demulcent in pharmaceuticals to relieve inflammation in the stomach and throat caused by intestinal mucosa. The fiber has been used externally to treat wounds, burns and nodular leprosy. Other uses of acacia fiber include treatment for dysentery, fever, diarrhea, coughs and gonorrhea. The fiber is commonly used as a binding agent in throat lozenges. Research published in 1993 in the "Journal of Clinical Periodontology" indicates that the antibacterial properties of acacia fiber can inhibit the development of periodontal bacteria in whole gum mixtures. More research is needed to test the validity of this claim. Consult your physician before using acacia fiber to treat any type of health condition or injury during pregnancy.

Side Effects

Mild to severe side effects may occur as a result of using acacia fiber. Orally ingesting acacia fiber may increase your serum cholesterol levels. The fiber might cause a severe allergic reaction, especially if you are allergic to dust. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to acacia fiber include skin lesions, asthma attack and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the fiber and seek emergency medical care. Untreated, an allergic reaction during pregnancy reduces oxygen and blood flow to the uterus.

Warning

According to Drugs.com, scientific research on the effects of acacia fiber on pregnancy and fetal development is lacking. Avoid intravenous administration of acacia fiber, which can cause liver or renal damage. Always consult your obstetrician or midwife before orally ingesting or topically applying acacia fiber during pregnancy.

Gluten intolerance is a spectrum of problems some people have when eating wheat, rye and barley. It can be as minor as symptoms of bloating or a stomachache after eating a large plate of pasta, or it can be a full-blown autoimmune disorder that causes permanent damage to the intestines. Gluten intolerance is associated with many symptoms you might not connect with a digestive disorder. One of these symptoms is defects in a child’s tooth enamel.

Gluten Intolerance

The protein gluten occurs in wheat, barley and rye, and other grains become contaminated with gluten during milling and food processing. These grains are pervasive in processed foods, and many food manufacturers also add gluten to a variety of products. While many people have differing degrees of gluten intolerance, more than 3 million in the United States have the autoimmune disorder celiac disease, according to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. This type of gluten intolerance involves an abnormal response in which the immune system attacks the small intestine and destroys villi, which are tiny projections in the intestinal lining that absorb nutrients.

Symptoms

Celiac disease has hundreds of possible symptoms, many of which are not digestive in nature, explains the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. In addition to a broad range of digestive issues, celiac disease is associated with symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, rashes, anxiety and depression. An individual with celiac disease also could have no symptoms whatsoever. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse lists tooth discoloration as a sign of celiac disease. Your child could have celiac disease with tooth discoloration being the only symptom.

Dental Defects

Celiac disease can affect any organ or body system, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC. Some dental indications may include pitting, mottling and bands of white, yellow or brown spots on the enamel. If your child has any tooth discoloration such as yellowing of the enamel, consult your dentist. However, be aware that some dentists assume tooth discoloration in children is due to excessive fluoride intake or the mother taking tetracycline antibiotics while pregnant, when it actually may be caused by celiac disease, cautions the NDDIC. A health-care provider can refer your child to a gastroenterologist to confirm or rule out celiac disease with a biopsy.

Considerations

The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that damage to the intestines from celiac disease interferes with the absorption of some nutrients essential for healthy teeth, including phosphorus and calcium. Other types of gluten intolerance do not damage intestinal villi, but can cause intestinal inflammation that also interferes with nutrient absorption. Related signs of gluten intolerance in children may include slow development, failure to grow, weight loss, irritability, poor memory and difficulty concentrating.

Radiation therapy, a form of cancer treatment used to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells, can be delivered to your body using external radioactive beams or internal placement of radioactive material in the body. It is a powerful form of therapy meant to damage cancerous cells, but undergoing radiation treatment has many adverse effects, including hormonal imbalance leading to fever, sweats and hot flashes. Consult your physician before trying herbal remedies to alleviate symptoms because no clinical evidence substantiates use of herbal products as effective for treating hot flashes related to radiation therapy.

Hot Flashes and Radiation

Men and women undergoing radiation treatment for cancers of the breast or prostate commonly experience hot flashes, the sudden acute onset of flushing, body warmth and sweating. Hormonal imbalance in men whose testicles are removed or unable to produce testosterone combined with radiation increases the risk of hot flashes. Women experiencing radiation while also going through menopause also have a higher risk of hot flashes. Radiation treatment for other forms of cancer like lymphoma or cancers of the endocrine system also can induce hot flashes by causing hormonal imbalance. Medical treatment for hot flashes typically involves hormone replacement medications or off-label prescriptions of antidepressants and hypertension medications.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh, a perennial plant native to North America, is prepared by using the root or rhizome of the plant. The herb is thought to have estrogenic activity supplied by the naturally occurring active compounds of the plant, which includes fukinolic acid, triterpene glycosides, caffeic and isoferulic acids, notes the Office of Dietary Supplements. Black cohosh is sold as a dietary supplement over the counter, with no standardized dose. Clinical evidence is contradictory in supporting black cohosh as an effective herbal remedy for hot flashes, although research is ongoing. Consult your physician before using black cohosh to treat hot flashes because you might experience side effects of gastrointestinal distress or liver damage.

Red Clover

Red clover comes from the branched stems of a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. It has isoflavones, chemicals with estrogenic-like activity, which is the main constituent in relieving hot flash symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, red clover can be used as a dried or powdered herb, fluid extract or topical treatment, but the dosing varies. Use of red clover for more than six months is not suggested and side effects from red clover might include nausea, rash and drug interactions. Consult your physician before using red clover to treat hot flashes.

Kudzu and Dong Quai

Kudzu and dong quai are ancient Chinese herbal remedies with isoflavone activity. Kudzu taken orally is rapidly absorbed for immediate hot flash and night sweat relief. Dong quai typically is mixed with other herbs for best effect and can be taken as an oral supplement, fluid extract or tincture. Side effects of kudzu include liver complications and drug interactions. Dong quai side effects include excess diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, sedation and weakness. Consult your physician before using kudzu or dong quai to treat hot flashes.

Juice fasting is a type of short-term detoxification diet that focuses on consuming highly nutritious fruit and vegetable juices while abstaining from solid foods, especially meats, grains and dairy. Juice fasting is not seen as beneficial or necessary in any way by conventional medicine and is largely regarded as a marketing myth. Juice fasting while pregnant is highly controversial, due to the concern of negatively impacting the health of your growing fetus. Health and safety concerns ultimately depend on the length of the fast and the types and amounts of juices consumed. Consult with your obstetrician before implementing dramatic dietary changes.

Reasons for Juice Fasting

Fasting, particularly going for days or weeks with nothing but water, has a long cultural and religious tradition that is meant to purify and make one more spiritual in some capacity. However, the modern medical establishment views fasting as unnecessary and potentially dangerous to your health. Juice fasting is done less for religious reasons and more for specific health reasons, such as detoxification, weight loss, immunity boosting and combating certain diseases. Many people who juice regularly view modern foods as full of preservatives and other additives that are toxic and damaging to their bodies. By juicing with fresh fruits and vegetables high in nutrients, they believe they are healing their bodies and allowing their digestive system to recuperate. Juice fasting prior to attempting conception is not uncommon, but fasting while pregnant is still considered very controversial.

Common Juices

Juices commonly used for juice fasting include carrot, beet, celery, cucumber, parsley, apples, dark grapes, lemon and wheatgrass juice, often in different combinations, according to the book “Contemporary Nutrition: Functional Approach.” These juices are exceptionally high in nutrients including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and some, such as wheatgrass juice, are considered super-foods because they also contain amino acids and enzymes. Juicing requires a juicer, or even a specialized extractor as is the case for wheatgrass, in order to derive juice without any pulp.

Potential Benefits

Getting lots of nutrients into your body is an obvious benefit of consuming the natural juices, but that also depends on how much you drink each day. Most people aim for eight to 10 glasses of fresh juice daily. If you are pregnant, your goal should not be to lose weight, because gaining weight as your baby grows is natural and healthy. Your baby needs you to ingest more calories than normal in order to grow properly. Juicing limits the amount of preservatives and toxic additives consumed, but eating well-cleaned and fresh organic foods accomplishes the same goal, according to “Public Health Nutrition: From Principles to Practice.”

Potential Concerns

You and your baby need more than just vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to thrive. Protein, or at least all the essential amino acids, and fat are essential to every healthy diet also, especially during pregnancy when your caloric requirement might increase by 50 percent. Fatty acids, in particular, are needed for the formation of the central nervous system in a developing fetus. Further, juices are quickly digested carbohydrates that can cause bloating and insulin spikes in your bloodstream.
Ultimately though, it depends on the length of the juice fast as to whether or not any danger exists to your baby. If the fast is less than three days and you are keeping yourself well hydrated, then there probably isn’t any harm. If it is for much more than a week, then you should consult with your primary care physician and get checked out. It is important to ensure that you and your baby are healthy enough before you opt to juice fast.