Dearest:  It would take the better part of the hour devoted to the chat to properly 
introduce tonight's guest - his accomplishments are so vast and extraordinary. 

Briefly, Dr. Duane E. Townsend, is a Board Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist. 
He has developed various techniques and programs within the fields of gynecology
and oncology. 

He popularized "colposcopy" and introduced "rollerball" ablation. This is performed 
as an option to hysterectomy. He was the first to train and use "nurse 
practitioners" in gynecology. In addition, he is a fellow of the American College of 
Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 

He has nearly 100 articles in peer review journals, has written over 20 chapters for 
various text books and co-authored the first text book on Gynecologic Oncology now 
in its 5th edition. 

Having taught at the University of California at Los Angeles, the University of 
Southern California, and the University of Utah, doctor. Townsend now practices and 
resides in Park City, Utah. doctor. Townsend's first book for women is "A Maverick 
of Medicine Speaks To Women: A World Renowned Gynecologist's Solutions for a Better 
World in Women's Health." 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  Thank you for inviting me here tonight.  I really appreciate it. 


Dearest:  Do you call yourself a "maverick" of medicine because you dare to 
challenge traditional medicine as it's practiced today? 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  I use the term maverick in part because of what you said but 
when I introduce these new things, doctors are skeptical.  Now that I'm doing more 
natural things, doctors are even more skeptical.  I feel that it's important to 
stand out from the crowd. 


Dearest:  What was the impetus behind the transformation from a traditional, drug-
oriented physician to the open-minded physician who recommends natural remedies for 
his patients before prescribing strong drugs - basically, to the physician you are 
now as opposed to then?


Duane Townsend M.D.:  I had a malignant melanoma several years ago and I was looking 
for a way to keep it from coming back.  My mother and father had died of cancer and 
I didn't want to get another cancer. I began exploring other avenues because 
mainstream medicine does not preach prevention.  I met a naturalist physician nearly 
10 years ago whose knowledge about cellular chemistry was clearly superior to mine.  
As I talked to him, he mentioned that he had developed a number of products that 
would positively affect the immune system.  I then spent hours with him learning 
about the potential role of alternative health care.  

My first exposure was to a a product called Transfer Factor. It had no side effects 
and has been a boon to my health for 9 years.  The second product was genestein, the 
active isoflavones in soy, red clover and kudzu.  There were 1,000 articles on 
MedLine on genestein, virtually all of which were extremely positive.  I then began 
exploring other so-called alternative products but settled only on those that had 
some scientific reason why they seemed to work. 

That was my impetus for change.


DCrosley:  I had a bilateral adrenalectomy a few years ago.  Now I have fibroid 
tumor size of a grapefruit and multiple smaller ones.  If I choose a hysterectomy 
can I keep my ovaries? I'm afraid of another surgically induced hormone crisis. 
I'm 48. 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  Before I would have a hysterectomy for fibroids I would try to 
reduce them in size and reduce them with isoflavones and progesterone cream.  They 
must be used together on a daily basis.  The amount of isoflavones - genestein - 
should not be more than 100 milligrams for fibroids.  Yes, you can keep your ovaries 
if they're healthy.


LeslieAnanda:  One of the major problems I have developed since my total 
hysterectomy (for low malignancy ovarian cancer) 1 year ago is bad arthritis in my 
hands and feet. It is getting worse. Do you have any suggestions on what might help 
alleviate it, and how it can turn up overnight like this? 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  I would use glucosamine/chondroitin and the Transfer Factor 
which would help calm this down. I would try to determine if this is rheumatoid 
arthritis, which it sounds like it is, or something else. 


LeslieAnanda:  With RA (rheumatoid arthritis) is Transfer Factor ok? 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  For RA, the Transfer Factor and the glucosamine/chondroitin. 


Dearest:  You can E.mail me at Dearest@aol.com for more information on where to 
obtain Transfer Factor. 

How can we, as patients, become more aggressive/proactive in our own health care, 
especially when we disagree with what our doctor's suggestions? 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  First of all, change doctors if they won't be positively 
responsive to your point of view.  There are people out there who WILL listen to 
you. 


RocksMom:  I had a complete hysterectomy in last February, also a bladder tuck.
I first was on Premarin but hot flashes were bad.  My doctor put me on Estratest
for that and lack of libido.  I still wasn't feeling good so he put me on Sarafem 
and Premarin vaginal cream at night.  Since then I've gained a lot of weight.

A few weeks ago I noticed I gained 4 pounds in 4 days.  He cut me back to Estratest 
everyone day plus a water pill every day.  I still have no libido and hot flashes. 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  Estratest helps only a handful of women and there are the 
potential side effects of testosterone, since it is a male hormone. 

In terms of hot flashes, I would place you on Estradiol, probably a patch, since 
it's as close to natural as we can get, plus isoflavones such as Revival, plus 
natural progesterone cream. I would adjust the patch accordingly, in terms of 
dosage. 


Dearest:  So, you recommend using both a soy product like Revival along with natural 
estradiol and progesterone? 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  I do. 

I think in women who have a surgical menopause, the hot flashes are difficult to 
control without some form of estrogen but the addition of the isoflavones found in 
the Revival helps to neutralize the bad effects.  It actually helps.

We always use natural progesterone in every woman to completely balance the
hormone milieu. 


RocksMom:  I go back in November.  Should I tell that's what I need to be on? 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  Wait until you see how you do on the system I outlined, first. 


CheetaBump:  Isn't taking natural hormones still messing with the body's system in 
some way? We can't control how much we are getting since we are constantly changing, 
right? How do you determine dosages? I am afraid of messing with things even more.


Duane Townsend M.D.:  The body doesn't have any hormones, which is why you feel so 
poorly.  This is why we prescribe what is necessary to feel better.  The amount of 
hormones in estrogen, isoflavones and progesterone is small.  It's a rare patient 
who doesn't realize benefits from these products. 


Dearest:  So many women experience vaginitis. What is the simple and natural way you 
have for treating vaginitis? 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  Vaginitis is an imbalance of natural bacteria resulting in an 
imbalance of the pH.  We dramatically drop the vaginal pH to a very acid state which 
eliminates yeast and bad bacteria.  Invariably after the acidification treatment, 
the patient's pH returns to normal and the normal bacteria reestablishes itself.  
It's very inexpensive and has no side effects. 

Treatment consists of small gelatin capsules with boric acid powder that is inserted 
into the vagina each night for 7 days.  Then, we recommend a weekly version of the 
boric acid powder as a prevention. You can get both the capsules and the boric acid 
powder at the drug store. 


Henny1:  Do you recommend SOME kind of hormone replacement for non at-risk 
postmenapausal women? Or should we go without? 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  All women, I feel, will benefit from some form of alternative 
therapy. This must be accompanied by diet and exercise to get full benefit from the 
program.  The aging process can be dramatically slowed, I feel, with a program of 
proper nutrition, primarily organic foods, exercise and selective vitamin and 
minerals. Also, food byproducts that replace the need for vitamins or minerals. 


SBHamee:  I have been researching flax seed oil, it's supposed to be excellent for 
us because of the omega oils in it. Do you see any reason why I shouldn't take it 
for a supplement? 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  The data strongly suggests that milled or freshly ground flax 
seed is superior to the oil from flax seed.  The reason is the ground flax seed has 
the omega 3 fatty acids plus important fiber and lignans which are converted to 
isoflavones different from those in soy by the intestinal bacteria.  As a 
consequence, it's a more complete food than just the oil. You're better off with the 
actual food, than the processed food. It's more healthy for you. If you buy the 
unground, it must be the pure golden flax seed, not the mix of black and brown. 


JusDee:  My menopause was surgically induced about 6 years ago. I was immediately 
put on Premarin, which worked well, so I had no idea what hot flashes, night sweats, 
mood swings were. Last year I went off the Premarin. I have tried Soy Isoflavones 
first, and a mixture of Soy, Dong Quai, Red Clover, both worked for a couple of 
months, then failed. Is there a natural supplement to help control these symptoms? I 
take a good multivitamin with minerals, Glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM and RND/DNA.
I am concerned about interactions. 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  Surgical menopause invariably requires some form of estrogen 
as close to natural as possible.  This is always given in association with the 
isoflavones, like Revival, and natural progesterone cream.  It can be over the 
counter (OTC) natural progesterone cream or by prescription, from a compounding 
pharmacy.   I don't think you should be concerned about interactions with the 
suggestions I just made. 


MacMom:  I have break through bleeding every month with normal paps. Is this just 
hormones? I'm 40 and not on hormones.


Duane Townsend M.D.:  Breakthrough bleeding at age 40 is probably related to early 
hormone imbalance.  It could be due to polyps inside the uterus, and less commonly, 
uterine fibroids.  A vaginal probe ultrasound will detect the presence of polyps 
and/or fibroids. I suggest you have this done.  If you have symptoms of estrogen 
excess i.e. PMS, premenstrual breast tenderness, headaches, bloating, the use of the 
natural progesterone cream for 14 days prior to menses should help. 


Dearest:  WHY are doctors still recommending SO Many hysterectomies when we have 
options such as your Rollerball ablation? 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  Many physicians are uneducated regarding ablation and many are 
of the opinion that when you've had your children the uterus is just a worthless 
organ so you might as well just take it out. The surgeon's credo is: When in doubt, 
take it out. The chance to cut, is the chance to cure. 

I've been trying to educate these physicians and the public since 1988 when I 
introduced the Rollerball ablation and, as I tell residents, it just takes time to 
get the message out.  I'm not a media doctor, so many people don't know about this. 

Clearly, 60-70% of hysterectomies are unnecessary and it's because of websites such 
as Power Surge that more women will be informed.  Natural products can dramatically 
reduce bleeding and hysterectomies. 


DCrosley:  Where do I get the progesterone cream and directions on how to use it do 
I need an prescription would the Revival contain all the isoflavones I need? how 
long should I try it how will I know if it's working will it decrease the heave 
menstrual bleeding and cramping? Do fibroids affect hormone production?


Duane Townsend M.D.:  Contact Dearest@aol.com. She has all the answers to these 
questions. You can also check the Power Surge Recommendations page. 


RocksMom:  Would what you suggested help my libido plus mood swings and also should 
I be on the Sarafem?


Duane Townsend M.D.:  It sounds as if you might have estrogen dominance.  We would 
suggest the Revival along with natural progesterone cream.  We would try to get you 
off the Sarafem, as it might reduce the libido.  A woman with estrogen excess 
typically has loss of libido.  Getting the hormones back in harmony will often help.


WH:  I have been very sick for several years, including with what seems to be many 
symptoms of perimenopause. However I also have had several other health conditions 
(H.pylori infection induced GI bleeding, PTSD, MTBI from a minor motor vehicle 
accident). The infection and bleeding have been treated. The other conditions I am 
treating myself, using very low impact natural methods of healing. My last period 
was in March of this year. I have spotted several times since then. I may be 
menopausal. 

Now that I am feeling much better, I would like to ensure that I am diagnosed and 
have a plan of coping if I return to my earlier state of sickness (flashes, 
insomnia, cognitive problems, mood swings, fatigue, anxiety, phobias, depression 
etc.) I live in BC. What course of action would you recommend for me to get a 
differential diagnosis and to protect myself in the case of future relapses of ill 
health? I was not able to effectively get help or help myself (optimally) when I was 
suffering from all those conditions concurrently. Sorry this is long, I believe that 
all the parts of this message are necessary and relevant. Thanks. GA 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  Try and focus on the future and forget the past.  I would use 
a product called Transfer Factor which helps the immune system and I would suggest 
natural progesterone cream applied daily for a period of 4-6 weeks and see what 
effect that has.  Consider introducing isoflavones like those in Revival, if the 
progesterone cream has not helped improve the hormonal environment. 


Candace:  I'm 53 years old and using progesterone cream, I take estroven. VERY tired 
most of the time and very low sex drive. Also, I seem to have fibroids that cause 
painful intercourse due to tip of the uterus getting bumped.  Any suggestions?? 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  Candace, in addition to the progesterone, I would add Revival 
to the program and some natural estrogen cream into the vagina. 


Candace:  Any place in particular?  I've already used it in thyroid area daily for 
the past 3 years.


Duane Townsend M.D.:  Apply the progesterone cream in the following manner:  
Use 1/2 teaspoon of the cream on one wrist.
Transfer half to the other wrist, or 1/4 teaspoon on both wrists.
Make sure, however, you're bare-chested before applying to the wrists.
Apply both wrists to the upper portion of each breast in a circular motion.
Continue until the progesterone cream is absorbed.


This is called the wrist-breast rub. Do this once or twice a day depending on the 
strength of the cream. 


HotStuff42:  What do you think of the CA125 test to detect ovarian cancer? Is it 
reliable? 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  The CA125 for the detection of ovarian cancer is not proven
to be reliable and is very expensive.  A vaginal probe ultrasound is more valuable 
to detect ovarian cancer.  A blood test is being developed at Yale which looks to 
have a 95% reliability but will not be available for at least 5 years. 


Leslie:  What do you suggest for women entering menopause to help minimize the 
effects?


Duane Townsend M.D.:  I would start with the natural progesterone cream, Revival 
and, if the symptoms are not relieved in 4-6 weeks, add some natural estrogen 
combined with a good diet and exercise. 


Dearest:  Some natural compounding pharmacists use something called Tri-est and 
Bi-est - combinations of estradiol, estriol and estrone. What are your thoughts
on these combos? 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  In many patients, they are effective. In others, not so 
effective. It's an individual choice but they all must be used with natural 
progesterone cream and I would suggest the addition of isoflavones in the form
of Revival or ground flax seed. 


Mstxca:  I had a TAH/BSO 6 months ago, age 52. Not menopausal before surgery.
No HRT. Symptoms seem mostly to have smoothed out recently. I am concerned about 
long term effects of loss of ovaries, especially osteoporosis.  

What do you recommend? Are bioidentical hormones safe? I have testosterone in PLO 
gel prescription for libido, but I'm afraid to try it.


Dearest:  Why did you have the hysterectomy? 


Mstxca:  Long story. My doctors were afraid I had endometrial cancer; did not show 
up on pathology. 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  I would suggest natural estrogen like estradiol, Revival, 
progesterone cream to help prevent an imbalance.  It will help prevent osteoporosis, 
restore your sex drive and keep you younger. 

If sexual relations are difficult because of dryness, insert estrogen cream 
vaginally once a week. You must modify your diet, exercise and take at least 1,000 
mg. calcium plus magnesium, plus vitamin D plus boron to help prevent osteoporosis.


EllieKatz:  Two part question: (Sorry y'all--I'm a pre-menopausal woman with 
questions. Praise God for this site! :) 

Does having an anteverted uterus affect symptoms of PMS/PERI-menopause? I'm 42,
no children, and docs have said I'm too young to experience MENO. I disagree (I 
think). 

Periods are not reliable (used to be down to the hour, every 28). PMS symptoms are 
increasingly problematic (10-15 days prior extreme breast tenderness, emotional 
disruptiveness 10 days prior, spotting 5 days prior). Am I a freak? Does anatomical 
alignment of uterus play any part? If experiencing PERI, what can help?  Being 
uncomfortable 2-3 weeks out of 4 isn't great (not whining--well, yeah, a bit), just 
frustrated).


Duane Townsend M.D.:  It sounds as if you have a condition referred to as estrogen 
excess which is explained in detail in my book.  I would initially suggest natural 
progesterone cream, beginning 15 days before menstrual cycle.  If this doesn't work, 
use it all of the time and in some women we will add isoflavones, such as those 
found in Revival, to the progesterone cream program. 


JusDee:  I applaud you for your patience with us:) 5 years after my uterus was 
removed, I had surgery to remove large masses of endometriosis. 8 years after that, 
I had my ovaries removed and more endometriosis. Is there a possibility of it 
growing again?


Duane Townsend M.D.:  The chances of your endometriosis returning is very small.  
You did not mention if you are taking any hormones or medications or having any 
symptoms of menopause, such as moodiness or hotflashes. 


CootchieBay:  I am 53, post menopausal 2 years, no HRT, feel great, increasing 
superfluous hair on face.  Are there any measures (OTC) that can be taken to reduce 
the growth or slowdown the growth pace? 


Duane Townsend M.D.:  It's usually hereditary.  You need an androgen blood test to 
rule out an adrenal tumor.  If the tests are negative, see a good dermatologist.


Dearest:  Dr. Townsend, thank you for joining us to answer so many of our 
questions about women's health and menopause. I strongly recommend everyone read 
Dr. Duane Townsend's, "A Maverick of Medicine Speaks To Women."


Duane Townsend M.D.:  It was great to be here - let's do it again sometime.



Read Dr. Duane Townsend's second transcript





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