Description

Symptoms of hormone imbalance are sparked by an imbalance of estrogen to progesterone, with estrogen being dominant. EstroSense® is a complete natural formula that helps maintain lifelong healthy hormone balance from puberty onward. EstroSense is the ideal hormonal health partner for women using oral contraceptives and those suffering from the symptoms of hormonal imbalance: acne, breast health concerns, exposure to xenoestrogens (pesticides, herbicides and toxins), endometriosis, fibrocystic breasts, heavy/flooding periods, PMS, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and more.

Ingredients

EACH 2 CAPSULES CONTAINS

Medicinal Ingredients

• Calcium D-Glucarate… 150 mg
• Indole-3-Carbinol (plant sourced)… 150 mg
• Green Tea Extract (80% Polyphenols)… 100 mg
  (30:1 from 3000 mg of Green Tea–caffeine free)
• Turmeric (95% Curcumin) … 50 mg
• Milk Thistle Extract (80% Silymarin)… 50 mg
  (30:1 from 1500 mg of Milk Thistle)
• DIM (di-indolylmethane)… 50 mg
• Rosemary Extract (6% Carnosic Acid)… 25 mg
  (10:1 from 250 mg of Rosemary)
• Lycopene (from 83 mg Lyc-O-Mato® tomato extract)… 5 mg
• Sulforaphane… 200 mcg
  (from Broccophane™ broccoli sprout extract)

Encapsulated in a vegetarian capsule, microcrystalline cellulose (cellulose, purified water, silica), L-Leucine, silica.

Suggested Usage

3 capsules twice daily taken with food or as directed by a health care practitioner.

F.A.Q.

Why has the recommended dosage on EstroSense increased from 2-4 capsules per day to 3 capsules twice daily?  Isn't this excessive?

The change to our suggested usage has been at the directive of Health Canada.  It is our understanding that Health Canada has deemed the higher dosage necessary to have better therapeutic effects.  With that being said, many people have experienced results at lower dosage.

Your label states: "Used in Herbal Medicine to promote a healthy liver", but then underneath it cautions about liver disease or liver trouble.  Isn't this contradictory?

No, EstroSense is designed to help detoxify the liver, so this reminder has only been added for consumers who do already have a liver problem(s) that they need to consult their MD, NP or Health Care Practitioner before beginning to take EstroSense.

Why is there now a caution on your EstroSense labels about low iron levels?

The iron deficiency caution on our new EstroSense label is derived from the Green Tea Extract Monograph (which can be found on the Health Canada website).  The new Health Canada regulations for NPNs require that we make reference to any and all cautions pertaining to the applicable monographs.

What is it about the Green Tea Extract that can affect iron absorption?

Green tea contains tannins that may affect iron absorption by forming a complex with the iron in the digestive tract and the resulted complex is not bioavailable (only plant sources of iron are affected by tannins). 

What is "Sulforaphane"? Does it have anything to do with Sulpha drugs?

Our Sulforaphane is naturally occurring in broccoli and is obtained from broccoli. It has nothing to do with sulfa drugs.

I am on the birth control pill. Can I still take EstroSense?

Absolutely, EstroSense should be taken while on the pill. This product protects women from the negative effects of the pill by helping to protect the liver from converting your estrogens into cancer causing estrogens. Estrosense does not lower or reduce the effectiveness of the pill for birth control.

Should I continue to take EstroSense while I have my period, or do I stop like I do with my birth control pill?

Yes, continue to take EstroSense during your period.

Does EstroSense contain soy?

No, this product is soy free.

I see that EstroSense contains milk thistle, but isn't milk thistle estrogenic?

We use milk thistle seed extracts in EstroSense and no, this is not an estrogenic ingredient - it is a very safe herb that can help your liver detoxify cancer causing estrogens.

How much elemental calcium (if any) is in the 150mg dosage of Calcium D-Glucarate that is in each EstroSense capsule?

Calcium D-Glucarate contains 16.15% calcium, therefore each capsule of EstroSense contains 12mg of elemental calcium (or 36mg per 3 capsule dose).

Who should take EstroSense?  Do I stop when I reach menopause?

Any female from the time she gets her first menstral cycle and right through menopause, should be taking EstroSense.  Even if a woman has stopped menstruating, she will still be exposed on a daily basis to exogenous estrogens from the environment and may still have "bad" estrogens stored in the body's fatty tissue.  Also, many post-menopausal women do take HRT - which, like the birth control pill, has negative side effects that EstroSense can help counteract.

Your label doesn't specify what time of day I should take these capsules?

As long as you are taking the recommended dosage (based on the condition you are trying to address) within a 12-hour day, then it really doesn't matter what time you take them. Many seem to prefer to take 3 capsules with breakfast and the additional 3 capsules (if/when required) with dinner. If someone would rather take all 6 capsules at once, that is fine too.

How long before I notice a difference by using EstroSense?

EstroSense was designed to help ensure that your hormones are balanced, to help halt ovarian pain and to help alleviate your PMS symptons while normalizing your periods. You should notice EstroSense working within two to three menstrual cycles.

I have started taking EstroSense, but am now experiencing cramps and mid-cycle bleeding.  What could be happening?

EstroSense is important for supporting the liver and detoxification of unhealthy estrogens as well as helping to reduce inflammation.  If the liver is very congested then, in some cases, people may experience a cycle with increased cramping as the body is detoxifying.  If you are taking the full recommended dosage of EstroSense, you might want to consider minimizing your dosage in order to support a gentler detoxification.  If your cramping and mid-cycle bleeding persist, you should see your GP or ND and request an ultrasound, in order to determine what other possible underlying factors are at play.

I have to take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory just before and then during my period.  Can EstroSense help instead?

PMS and menstrual cramping usually involve inflammation caused by estrogen dominance.  Our EstroSense formula includes herbs to help support healthy metabolism of excess estrogens through the liver and to balance the body's estrogen/progesterone ratio.  Continue to take EstroSense during your period and over time you may not even have to take the anti-inflammatory anymore.

I am currently using Wild Yam cream. Can I use EstroSense also?

Yes, Wild Yam cream and EstroSense can be taken together.

Is it safe to take EstroSense and Vitex together?

Yes, we recommend taking these two supplements together to possibly help with fertility issues, as well as with concerns regarding painful periods and heavy bleeding.

Can men take EstroSense?

Yes, they can.  Just as women can experience estrogen dominance from xenoestrogens (exogenous estrogens from the environment), so can men.  Calcium-d-glucarate, Indole-3-carbinol and sulphoraphane all help metabolize excess estrogen from the body through the liver.  Milk thistle and curcumin help support the liver for detoxification.  Lycopene, green tea and rosemary are all potent antioxidants - and all these ingredients are totally safe to be taken by men and are certainly not female specific.

Are your capsules GMO free?

Yes, both our capsule shells and our softgel shells are GMO free.

I recently bought a bottle of EstroSense 150 capsules, and I was extremely disappointed in the packaging. The bottle is huge and when you open it, it's only 1/4 full. I don't understand why the bottle has to be so big - isn't this a waste of packaging in the day and age of being environmentally friendly? Why not at least put it in a smaller bottle? 150 capsules are 150 capsules, no matter what size the bottle is.

This has been an ongoing challenge with our bottles. With Canadian label standards it has been difficult to get all the required print on our labels in both English and French while keeping the font large enough that it can be easily read. Also, this is a bonus bottle size which required us to use a larger bottle than the 120's so that there would be no confusion on the shelves at retail level. We have used smaller bottles in the past and have received feedback that the writing was too small and hard to read. We try our best to put our products in the smallest bottle possible in an effort to be mindful of the environment. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention again as it has prompted us to take another look at our options in this area.

Why have your cautions and your recommended/suggested usages changed so dramatically on many of your labels?

The changes you may be noticing to our suggested usage and cautionary statements have been at the directive of Health Canada.  There have been many regulatory changes with regards to Natural Health Products causing companies to change their labels accordingly.  We have been updating our website, product information sheets and labels on the actual products to reflect these regulations as quickly as we possibly can.

Where do you source your products from?

All of our products are manufactured at a GMP facility certified by Health Canada. All raw materials come in and are tested for purity, safety and potency. If they do not meet our standards they are rejected and sent back or destroyed. We use the highest quality ingredients available. Many of our products contain proprietary patented ingredients that have been clinically researched. We also use organic whenever we can.

Are your products gluten free?

All of our products are manufactured in a facility that is not dedicated to be gluten free. Therefore we cannot guarantee that any of our products are gluten free since there is always a possibility of cross-contamination.

Are your products peanut free?

Following compliance with food regulations, in order to make a negative claim such as "peanut free", it would be necessary to insure a zero tolerance of any peanut traces, including the possibilty of cross contamination.  Although our manufacturing facility has a policy in place for allergen control, there is no specific policy for peanuts, nor is there a specific "no peanut agreement" with our raw material suppliers.

If a product does not specify "vegetarian capsule", then what is it made from?

These capsules are gelatin capsules sourced from either pork or beef.

Are any of your products "vegan-friendly"?

Yes, AdrenaSense, BioSil, EstroSense and MenoSense (from our Preferred Nutrition and WomenSense lines), our MacaPunch Products and the Ultimate Anti-Stress Vegan formula are all vegan friendly.

Can your products be used after the expiry date has passed?

Supplements generally keep their potency long after the expiry date. There is certainly no safety issues with consuming after the expiry date has passed however the potency degrades over longer periods of time.

Do all of your products have NPN numbers?

Some of our products have received NPN numbers. Others are in the application process or are waiting to be reviewed by Health Canada.

Can I purchase products directly from you? I went to a health food store and the prices seem very expensive.

We only sell to Health Food stores since they have a personal commitment to the natural health lifestyle. Consumers are then able to buy our products from knowledgeable staff that are genuinely interested in helping people be well - people who care! Always be sure to look for in store promotions or coupons when you are making your purchases as this can help alleviate your cost concerns.

Do all health food stores carry all of your products?

To find Health Food stores in your area that carry our products, please click on "Store Locator" at the top of this screen.  All you have to do is enter your postal code and you will be given a list of retailers in the radius that you choose. We do recommend calling ahead to see if they stock the item you are looking for and in most cases if a store does not normally carry something, they will offer to do a special order for you.

Are any of your products tested on animals?

No, there is no animal testing on any of our products.

Should your supplements be taken with or without food?

Most of our products will specify directly on the bottle whether they should be taken with a meal or not. If nothing is stated, then the choice is yours as to when the best time is for you to take them.

I like the sound of many of your products. Am I able to take different formulas at the same time?

Yes, it's safe to combine various WomenSense products to help support the body in achieving optimal health. The same applies to the Balanced Planet products, Dr. Whitaker's formulas and to Brad King's. If you are unsure of any combination, then please consult your Health Care Practitioner.

I have heard that drinking green tea along with my supplements will end up flushing out all the nutrients? Is this true?

No, you are fine taking your supplements with green tea. Coffee inhibits the absorption of nutritients, but the caffeine in green tea will not pose the same problem.

Can you tell me if I can combine any of your supplements with the medication(s) I am on, as prescribed by my doctor?

It is best to consult your Doctor or alternative Health Practitioner before taking any new supplements while on medication.

Can I take your products when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

We are not able to make any recommendations with any of our products when it comes to pregnancy or while nursing. You must contact your Health Practitioner, Naturopath or Pharmacist.

I understand that you put a recommended dosage on your labels, but I can take more or less than that, right? And, really, do I have to take the product every day?

With regards to the recommended dosage, we would suggest you speak to your Doctor or Health Care Practitioner before increasing any amounts. As with any supplement you can determine your amount based on your personal preference - if you find that a product works for you immediately then you should be fine to take it just on the days you feel you need it, but again we suggest you discuss this with you MD or HP. Some consumers find that a product needs to be in their system for a few days to a few weeks before they notice results and/or feel the full benefits.

I don't understand why when I purchase your product and open the bottle, the contents don't even fill 1/2 of the packaging that is being used?

The containers we use are determined based on product fill and required label information, as well as capsule count when/where applicable.  Sometimes we do have to use a larger bottle than seems necessary because of the information required on the labels - requirements both from Health Canada and in order for the label to be clear and legible to our consumers.  Also, in a case where we are offering larger volume (ie/ 400g versus 200g or 180 capsules versus 90 capsules), then we have to put the contents in a bigger container in order for there to be differentiation on the shelf.

What is your 100% money-back guarantee?

Our 100% money back guarantee ensures that if a customer is not completely satisfied with their purchase, they can return it to their point of purchase and we will credit the Health Food store 100% of their purchase price from us.  We cannot dictate if a store will give cash back or an in-store credit ~ but we do promise to credit them, regardless of the reason for the return.

Studies

Dalessandri KM, Firestone GL, Fitch MD, Bradlow HL, Bjeldanes LF (2004) Pilot Study: Effect of 3,3’ – Diindolylmethane supplements on urinary hormone metabolites in postmenopausal women with a history of early-stage breast cancer. Nutrition and Cancer, 50(2): 161-167

Lao CD, Ruffin MT, Normolle D, Heath DD, Murray SI, Bailey JM, Boggs ME, Crowel J, Rock CL, Brenner DE (2006) Dose escalation of a curcuminoid formulation. BMC Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, 6:10

Bell MC, Crowley-Nowick P, Bradlow HL, Sepkovic DW, Schmidt-Grimminger D, Howell P, Mayeaux EJ, Tucker A, Turbat-Herrera EA, Mathis JM (2000) Placebo-controlled trial of Indole-3-Carbinol in the treatment of CIN. Gynecologic Oncology, 78: 123-129

Reed GA, Peterson KS, Smith HJ, Gray JC, Sullivan DK, Mayo MS, Crowel JA, Hurwitz A (2005) A Phase 1 study of Indole-3-Carbinol in women: tolerability and effects. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers, 14(8): 1953-1960

Walaszek Z, Hanausek M, Narog M, Raich PC, Slaga TJ (2004) Mechanisms of lung cancer chemoprevention by d-Glucarate. Chest, 125:149S – 150S

Chow HHs, Cai Y, Hakim IA, Crowell JA, Shahi F, Brooks CA, Dorr RT, Hara Y, Alberts DS (2003) Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Green Tea Polyphenols after Multiple-Dose Administration of Epigallocatechin Gallate and Polyphenon E in Healthy Individuals. Clinical Cancer Research, 9: 3312-3319

Cheung CW, Gibbons N, Johnson DW, Nicol DL (2010) Silibinin – a promising new treatment for cancer. Anticancer Agents Med. Chem, 10(3):186-195

Wang HJ, Jiang YY, Wei XF, Huang H, Tashiro S, Onodera S, Ikejima T (2010) Silibinin induces protective superoxide generation in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Free Radic Res, 44(1):90 – 100

Kim S, Kim SH, Hur SM, Lee SK, Kim WW, Kim JS, Kim JH, Chloe JH, Nam SJ, Lee JE, Yang JH (2009) Silibinin prevents TPA-induced MMP-9 expression by down-regulation of COX-2 in human breast cancer cells. Journal of Ethnopharmacol, 126(2):252-257

Lin CJ, Sukarieh R, Peletier J (2009) Silibinin inhibits translation initiation: implications for anticancer therapy. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 8(6): 1606-1612

Kim S, Chol JH, Lim HI, Lee SK, Kim WW, Kim JS, Kim JH, Choe JH, Yang JH, Nam SJ, Lee JE (2009) Silibinin prevents TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and VEGF secretion by inactivation of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Phytomedicine, 16(6-7): 573 – 580

Wang HJ, Tashiro S, Onodera S, Ikejima T (2008) Inhibition of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor signaling enhanced silibinin-induced activation of death receptor and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, 107(3): 260-269

Verschoyle RD, Brown K, Steward WP, Gescher AJ (2008) Cpnsumption of silibinin, a flavonolignan from milk thistle, and mammary cancer development in the C3(1) SV40 T,t antigen transgenic multiple mammary adenocarcinoma (Tag)  mouse. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology, 62(2):369-372

Raina K, Agarwal R (2007) Combinatorial strategies for cancer eradication by silibinin and cytotoxic agents: efficacy and mechanisms. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 28(9):1466-1475

Lee SO, Jeong YJ, Im HG, Kim CH, Chang YC, Lee IS (2007) Silibinin suppresses OMA-induced MMP-9 expression by blocking the AP-1 activation via MAPK signaling pathways in MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 354(1): 165-171

(2009) Milk Thistle [Monograph]. Retrieved from Health Canada Natural Health Products Ingredients Database

(2008) Rosemary – Oral [Monograph]. Retrieved from Health Canada Natural Health Products Ingredients Database

(2008) Turmeric – Oral [Monograph]. Retrieved from Health Canada Natural Health Products Ingredients Database

(2006) Calcium D-Glucarate [Monograph]. Retrieved from Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database

(2006) Lycopene [Monograph]. Retrieved from Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database

(2006) Sulforphane [Monograph]. Retrieved from Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database