Helios, Sunbio Release 'Safe Menopause' Report

SANTA FE, N.M.Helios Corp. and Sunbio released a free report on alternative therapies for menopausal symptoms: "Is Gritting Your Teeth The Only Safe Way To Get Through Menopause? A Frank Discussion of The Risks And Efficacy Of Alternative Nutritional Treatments For Menopause." The report discusses data from studies on black cohosh, isoflavones, Siberian rhubarb extract and Amberen, as well as the company's branded ingredient EstroG-100.

"Menopause is tough enough as it is," said Michael Jeffers, CEO of Helios Corp./Sunbio. "Women shouldn't have to put their health at risk to get through it with some comfort. A 2003 study shows 80 percent of women turn to natural alternatives to help with the symptoms of menopause. Our thinking in supporting the release of this report is to make sure women have the information they need to make a safe and reliable choice."

The long-term safety of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the conventional pharmaceutical treatment for addressing menopausal symptoms, has been in question since 2002, when findings from the Women's Health Initiative trial showed HRT could increase a woman's risk for heart disease, breast cancer and stroke. However, there has not been consensus in the medical community, nor the natural products industry, regarding effective, safe natural alternatives to address issues such as hot flashes and mood changes.

The new report addresses the state of research for different natural remedies, and also looks at the level of science supporting their efficacy. "There should be well-researched, nutritional choices available to the consumer," Jeffers said. "This report challenges the nutritional supplement industry to consider the high road where safety and performance exist."

Helios and Sunbio have supported Phase I and Phase II clinical trials into the effects of EstroG-100; its safety has been demonstrated in five toxicity tests and two liver toxicity tests. In fact, EstroG-100 received the 2012 Best Science Editor's Choice Award from Functional Ingredients during the Engredea portion of Natural Products Expo West.

Visit safemenopause.com to download a free copy of the report.

More information on women's health can also be found in the Natural Products INSIDER Women's Health Content Library .