Kavinace by Neuroscience is no longer available as a supplement. April 10th, 2019, the FDA issued a letter to several nutraceutical companies to discontinue supplements containing 4-amino-3phenylbutyric acid. The FDA has determined that 4-amino-3phenylbutyric acid, also commonly referred to as Phenibut is not a dietary supplement. We published a previous Kavinace article shortly after the FDA letters were sent out.
As of the letter dated April 10th, the companies had 15 days to comply. This left people that had taken Kavinace safely for years in a bit of a quandary. Kavinace is, I mean, was a dietary supplement that many people took to help with staying asleep. It contained 950mg of a combination of taurine and 4-amino-3-phenyl butyric acid HCL per capsule.
Most people did well on one to two capsules taken at night before bed. It wasn’t a sleep medication, like Ambien or Unisom but did help to raise GABA to help with staying asleep at night. I used this myself and with patients to stay asleep at night.
Commonly in perimenopause and menopause, women have trouble staying asleep. Often they fall asleep easily but will wake up in the middle of the night for hours. And by the time they are able to fall back to sleep, it is time to wake up for the day. Kavinace was very helpful because it contained 4-amino-3-phenyl butyric acid, which is a precursor to GABA. Meaning it is easily digested and can cross the blood-brain barrier to help convert to GABA and stimulate GABA receptors to stay asleep.
One of the reasons that sleep is so important is terrible sleep can make you gain weight. People, especially women, will gain weight easily if they do not sleep well at night. Sleep is necessary for so many health reasons, it is also responsible in part for your metabolism. It really goes back to our adrenal glands.
The adrenals secrete cortisol in a diurnal fashion. Meaning that cortisol is released highest in the morning and stays up through the day and drops at night so that you can sleep well. Commonly, (especially in hormone imbalance, perimenopause, and menopause) you will see cortisol rise in the middle of the night. That causes us to wake up in the middle of the night for no reason.
Other than it is aggravating to be awake for hours in the middle of the night and tired during the day, the elevation of cortisol at night can negatively affect metabolism. Often we tell patients, forget waking up early to go to the gym. Just get that extra hour of sleep. One of the first things that we work on with patients is sleep. Sleeping properly is great for the waistline.
Well you might be asking, Kavinace is no longer available, what do I do now? There are many options available to replace Kavinace and sleep well. Back when I first found Kavinace years ago, all we had available to us was GABA. GABA is a huge molecule that is not easily absorbed through digestion, so it was a waste to take. Now we have available, PharmaGABA, which can be absorbed through the digestive tract.
PharmaGABA is a great alternative to Kavinace. You can take it as capsules at night or chewable tablets. If you are a tough sleeper, and still wake in the middle of the night, you can chew up 1-2 more tablets to help you fall back asleep and stay asleep, without feeling groggy in the morning.
Another important thing to consider when it comes to sleep is balancing the neurotransmitters. While Kavinace was a precursor to GABA, it is also important to balance dopamine and serotonin. Balancing Serotonin, Dopamine, and GABA is important for restful sleep. Often we will use products that contain 5HTP, which is a precursor to Serotonin and Mucuna pruriens standardized to 10-40% of L-Dopa which converts to dopamine.
When combining Mucuna pruriens and 5HTP with PharmaGABA can really help balance the neurohormones for healthy sleep. When people think of natural supplements for sleep, they think melatonin. Actually, melatonin can help you fall asleep, but it is not great to stay asleep.
Other ways to help with staying asleep through the night is glycine. Glycine is an amino acid that can help with feeling wound up and slow down the mind-racing. It usually comes as a powder which you mix up with water. I often like to recommend to patients to drink part of the glycine water before bed. If they wake up in the middle of the night, then finish the rest of the glycine water to fall back asleep easily without waking up groggy.
Also, phosphorylated serine is helpful for reducing cortisol levels at night to stay asleep. It doesn’t help you fall asleep, but it can help you stay asleep. Phosphorylated serine is, so it is more easily absorbed if taken with food that might have healthy fats in it.
Other options that you already know to help with sleep are no caffeine after 3pm. Also exercising, especially cardio exercise in the evening can raise your cortisol, causing trouble sleeping later that night.
Remember I talked about elevated levels of cortisol in the middle of the night causing waking? Well, that can come from low blood sugar. Let’s say you eat dinner at 6pm and nothing thereafter and go to bed at 10pm. By the time 2am comes, you have not eaten for 8 hours. Your blood sugar can drop. This causes cortisol to rise and stimulates the liver to do gluconeogenesis, which is a process to make blood sugar, even though you didn’t eat anything. This rise in cortisol from the low blood sugar makes you wake up in the middle of the night.
A good option, that I promise will not make you gain weight, is to have a bedtime snack. A small snack of protein and fat before bed is a great way to balance blood sugar to help you stay asleep at night.
We understand that you might have tried this and everything else and still have trouble staying asleep. This usually occurs in perimenopause and other hormonal imbalances. This is why we created the Perimenopause Masterclass.
If you are between the ages of your late ’30s to late ’40s and not only have trouble sleeping, but period issues, weight gain, moodiness, hair and skin issues, then this course might of interest to you.
At this point we have to say, the disclaimer …this is not meant for medical advice, please ask your doctor and if your doctor doesn’t know, get a new doctor, and this information is intended for educational purposes only, etc. But I understand that you might have more questions, please reach out anytime to [email protected]
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Discover the common and unfamiliar symptoms that you might be experiencing. Get access to cases of real women with hormonal conditions.
In this episode, we discuss the best way to reduce triglycerides. Sasha, a podcast listener, asked us how to lower her triglycerides. We then go into depth about triglycerides, how to lower them, and why they could be high in the first place.
How to read a lipid panel
Supplements for lowering triglycerides
Lifestyle changes for lowering triglycerides
What do high triglycerides mean?
Building blocks for triglycerides
Improving metabolic health
Can menopause increase triglycerides?
High triglycerides and thyroid hormones
Sacha’s Question:”I know this isn’t a hormone question but was hoping you could give me some direction. I was wondering what is the best way to lower triglycerides? thank you for your help!”
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns youmay have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode, we discuss a podcast listener’s question. ‘Alesha’ is concerned that she should not take estrogen replacement therapy because she has fibroids. This is a common concern. The idea that estrogen can cause or propagate fibroids has left many menopausal women without support for their symptoms. Just because women have or have had a history of fibroids does not mean they are not a candidate for estrogentherapy. In fact, women with fibroid can take estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
In this episode, we go into depth about taking estrogen with fibroids. And we break Alesha’s question into:
What are fibroids?
Fibroids and estrogen replacement therapy
Can I take estrogen if I have fibroids?
What is adenomyosis?
Estrogen’s role in fibroids
Difference between perimenopause and menopause
How menopause can affect prediabetes
Alesha’s Question:
“Is there any hope for someone with adenomyosis take estrogen? If so, when is the right time? I know adenomyosis is stimulated by estrogen. I even had 1 dr offer a hysterectomy so I could take estrogen without any issues ??!! I have a history of heavy periods have had many trans vag ultrasounds and biopsy’s over the years Uterus was enlarged, lining was wnl. Had a hysterscopy to remove some cysts they found 4 hrs ago. Last ultrasound showed probable adenomyosis.i am almost 57and I am in late perimenopause. Cycles have been erratic just went 6 months without a cycle then had a normal cycle…for years of perimenopause I had symptoms of high estrogen. Most of the time for the last year I had symptoms of low estrogen. Poor sleep waking up 4-5x night, dry skin, vaginal dryness, night sweats, brain fog, difficulty concentrating which makes my job very difficult. I have also developed mild sleep apnea(sleep lab) and after my last physical I am on the edge of pre diabetes. ( am normal weight, I walk daily and lift weights, eat high protein diet with lots of veggies and healthy fats.) I am currently taking a progesterone troche( 1/4 lozenge 50mg 2x day) and vaginal estrogen. I was taking an oral progesterone 300 mg thought it would help with sleep but didn’t. The progesterone has helped with GI issues, puffiness, bloating, cramping and anxiety.”
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode, we talk about POI (primary/premature ovarian insufficiency) and earlymenopause. Samantha sent in a question about whether she is in menopause or hasPOI at the age of 36.We break Samantha’s question into:- What is POI (Premature/Primary ovarian insufficiency)?- Taking estradiol during perimenopause- Difference between perimenopause and menopause- What is an FSH?- Insulin resistance and perimenopauseSamantha’s Question:I am 36 and have been slowly noticing perimenopause/low estrogen symptoms for thepast year and a half. I went to an online provider and started HRT and haveexperienced so much relief! From mental symptoms to night sweats to dryness(everywhere) I have started to feel so much better being on estradiol and progesteronefor 3 months. I have been working with a functional nutritionist on my diet, walking daily,etc.i had gestational diabetes for all 3 pregnancies and also got my tubes removed lastyear. After I came off the birth control all of my symptoms started! I recently saw mynormal OBGYN so I could get my HRT through insurance and he agreed- but made itclear this isn’t menopause, could be POI, but seemed skeptical. I got bloodwork doneand my FSH has risen in the past few months from a 3.7 to an 8. But it’s still considerednormal. All of my thyroid and other bloodwork also comes back normal. Is POI apossible diagnosis? I feel crazy!!If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats,was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim topromote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various healthtopics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, ortreatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns youmay have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of somethingyou have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested indiscussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
Can you be in both in perimenopause and menopause? Can you be menopausal andperimenopausal at the same time? The difference between perimenopause andmenopause is not a line in the sand. It is not like crossing through the Peace Arch fromBlaine Washington to the country of Canada. And at times, there is nothing peacefulabout perimenopause or menopause.There is a gray area where you are just moving out of perimenopause and intomenopause, where you are not quite in perimenopause but are not completely inmenopause. We delve deeper into the place that is between perimenopause andmenopause:- What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?- Can you be both in perimenopause and menopause?- The difference between perimenopause and menopause- What it feels like to go from perimenopause to menopause- Can you take estrogen or biest when you are going from perimenopause tomenopause?- Is bleeding in menopause considered perimenopause?- Top symptoms of perimenopause- Top symptoms of menopause- Are you a candidate for estrogen replacement in perimenopause?If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats,was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim topromote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various healthtopics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, ortreatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns youmay have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of somethingyou have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested indiscussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode, we discuss a listener’s question about how to apply estriol to your face. ‘Connie’ is confused about whether she can use her Biest cream on her face. And she wanted to know the difference between estriol and Biest when it comes to treating menopausal symptoms.
We analyze Connie’s question into:
Applying estriol to the face
What is biest?
What is estriol?
What is the difference between estriol and biest?
Applying estriol vaginally
It is not a good idea to apply biest to vaginal tissues if you have a uterus
Connie’s Question:
“HI there, I loved your article on estriol for the face. I was prescribed an 80-20 bi-est cream for HRT. My question is, how is that different from a 0.3 estriol cream for the face like the kind My Alloy makes? Could I just use more of my Biest cream on my face? Would that be stronger than the My alloy 0.3 estriol cream? Lastly, the .3 estriol cream is not supposed to affect your overall hormone levels, but the Bi-est cream is supposed to affect your hormones and relieve symptoms of menopause. Why does one estriol work differently than the other? Thank you so much for any guidance you may be able to offer. It’s so hard figuring all of this out!”
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
In this episode we talk about where to apply hormone creams. Sadie, our listener wants to know if she needs to rotate the application sites of her hormone cream.
In this episode we discuss:
Where to apply biest cream
What to apply testosterone cream for females
Places you should not apply your testosterone cream
Best absorption sites for hormone creams
Sadie’s Question:”I have been using hormones for a little over a year. I swear by them!! I have not rotated sites at all. I use testosterone/DHEA cream behind both of my knees and E3/E2 on both of my inner thighs every morning. I take a progesterone capsule at bedtime. My doctor and everything I read says to rotate sites. I found an article by Dr. Collins and now I found your article about not having to rotate sites, so I am going to keep doing what I have been. I put the cream on both of the backs of my legs and thighs. My question is should I alternate one back of knee and then the other and the same with the inner thighs or does it matter?
If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.
Disclaimer: All content in this blog, including text, images, audio, video, or other formats, was created for informational purposes only. This video, website, and blog aim to promote consumer/public understanding and general knowledge of various health topics. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If your healthcare provider is not interested in discussing your health concerns regarding this topic, then it is time to find a new doctor.
