The 2 main active ingredients (isoflavones or ISOs) from soy are genistein and daidzein. They both bind to oestrogen receptors (ERs). There are, in fact, 2 types of ER, known as ERa and ERb. This is important because we know that the 2 subtypes predominate in different tissues – ERa in the pituitary, kidney, epididymis and adrenals. ERb in prostate, lung, brain and bone. They are equally common in breast tissue, ovaries and uterus. This matters because ERa or ERb, when present in the absence of the other, and responding to ISO binding - both exhibit increasing oestrogen activity in that tissue. However, in the presence of ERa, ERb receptors exhibit a strong decreasing oestrogen activity. This is not true of pharmaceuticals. Studies also show that, in the presence of high doses of oestrogen in the system (perimenopause), ISOs weaken oestrogen action. At low doses of oestrogen in the system (menopause), ISOs strengthen oestrogen action. This means that supplementation with ISOs can strengthen oestrogen activity in bone to increase bone density, and in the brain to improve memory, balance, reaction time etc. AND AT THE SAME TIME, limit oestrogen activity in breast, uterus and ovary, which may reduce cancer risk in 80% of cases. (80% of breast cancers are oestrogen receptor positive). This means we can create increased oestrogen activity where we want it, and at exactly the right time, and decreased oestrogen activity where we want it, and at exactly the right time. Pharmaceuticals do not do this. Many studies have been done to try and achieve good blood levels of ISOs by adding soy or ISOs to the diet. This does not work. Absorption through the skin is much more effective, and it is possible to achieve much higher blood levels this way.

When someone has a significant imbalance in their hormone levels, their cells can become much less sensitive, (down-regulating) so that the cell doesn’t react as strongly to the hormones. When this person starts to take steps to normalize their hormone imbalance, the FIRST thing which can happen is that their cells will begin to become re-sensitized to oestrogen (up-regulating). This will make the person more sensitive to their high oestrogen levels, and temporarily worsen the way they feel. This only happens when someone has a significant imbalance and has an important need to get their hormones balanced. The symptom changes will lessen when the hormone 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, as long as the extraction process is done correctly, the female body can convert the extract into cholesterol, which converts into pregnenolone, which converts into progesterone.