The 2 main active ingredients (isoflavones or ISOs) from soy are genistein and daidzein. They bothbind to oestrogen receptors (ERs).There are, in fact, 2 types of ER. A second type was discovered in 1996 and called ER beta (ERb)while the initial one is now called ER alpha (ERa).This is important because we know that the 2 subtypes predominate in different tissues - ERapredominates in the pituitary, kidney, epididymis and adrenals. ERb in prostate, lung, brain andbone.They are equally common in breast tissue, ovaries and uterus.The reason this matters is because ERa or ERb, when present in the absence of the other, andresponding to ISO binding - both exhibit oestrogen agonist (increasing) activity in the relevanttissue. However, in the presence of ERa, ERb receptors (when responding to ISO binding) exhibit a strongoestrogen antagonist (decreasing) activity.This is not true of pharmaceuticals.In addition, studies show that, in the presence of high doses of oestrogen in the system(perimenopause), ISOs act as antagonists, weakening oestrogen action.In contrast, at low doses of oestrogen in the system (menopause), ISOs exert weak oestrogenagonist activity, strengthening oestrogen action.This means that supplementation with ISOs can, for example, exhibit strong oestrogen activity inbone and bone marrow to increase bone density, and in the brain to improve memory, balance,reaction time etc. AND AT THE SAME TIME, limit oestrogen activity in tissues with both ER subtypes,namely breast, uterus and ovary, which may reduce cancer risk in 80% of cases. (80% of breastcancers are oestrogen receptor positive). This means we can create increased oestrogen activity exactly where we want it, and at exactly theright time, and decreased oestrogen activity exactly where we want it, and at exactly the right time.Pharmaceuticals do not do this.It should be noted that many studies have been done to try and achieve good blood levels of ISOs byadding soy or ISOs to the diet. None have shown any success at all. However, studies do show thatabsorption through the skin is much more effective, and it is possible to achieve much higher bloodlevels this way.

When someone has a significant imbalance in their hormone levels, the specialized areas on theircell walls which respond to hormone levels (the receptor sites) begin to become much less sensitive,(called down-regulating) so that the cell doesn’t react as strongly to the hormone levels.When this person starts to take steps to normalize their hormone imbalance, the FIRST thing whichwill happen is that the receptor sites on their cells will begin to become re-sensitized to oestrogen(up-regulating). This will make the person more sensitive to their high oestrogen levels, andtemporarily worsen the way they feel. This only happens when someone has a significant imbalance (meaning that this person has animportant need to get their hormones balanced) and the symptom changes will lessen when thehormone levels come into balance. You need to give your body time to adjust.

Duelle Balancing Cream is listed with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for the relief of symptoms of menopause, including hot flushes, as well as symptoms of premenstrual tension, mid-cycle menstrual pain and menstrual cramps in females. These approved indications are clearly stated on Duelle Balancing Cream packaging. While research into hormones, oestrogen receptors and soy isoflavones extends across many areas of health, Duelle does not make therapeutic claims beyond its approved indications. No claims should therefore be inferred regarding the prevention, treatment or management of other conditions.

Diosgenin is the active ingredient in Wild Yam extract. And, yes, it does turn into progesterone.I have seen it written many times that this is not the case – but it’s like asking, “Does ice turn intosteam?” and getting the answer, “No. Ice turns into water. It’s water that turns into steam”.Simply stated, the female body can convert correctly extracted diosgenin into cholesterol, whichconverts into pregnenolone, which converts into progesterone.