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Caroline Somers.
Oct 16 2009 |
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As one of the lucky few to read KNOCKOUT first, I want to say how proud I am of my mother-in-law for this profoundly important piece of work. As Suzanne mentions in the book, I lost my mother to breast cancer, my step-mother to ovarian cancer, and my aunt to ovarian cancer. Three mother figures all wiped out by this insidious killer. When Suzanne found out she had cancer 9 years ago, I just didn't know how I would get through it again. THIS BOOK OFFERS HOPE. Suzanne has access to professionals around the world who are not able to get their voices heard. She has interviewed doctors having INCREDIBLE results with alternative methods - even with Stage IV cancers. I sobbed from a deep place - wondering if there could have been a different outcome for my loved ones... and hopeful that I and my young girls will have a different story knowing there are people out there trying something different and having positive results. Suzanne offers something for EVERYONE in this resource - wherever you land on the spectrum, from totally natural/alternative to straight up chemo and radiation, to integrative methods that combine both - she guides you to professionals who offer your best chances for success. Today I am not writing as a member of Suzanne's business, nor as a member of her family. I am writing this testimonial as a human who has been devastated by cancer and who has found HOPE in this book. Thank you, Suzanne - I love you and have never been more proud of you. Caroline
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Tammy McHale.
Oct 12 2009 |
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I wanted to thank you for your research into BHRT,and your TV appearances discussing the topic. I am 47 years old, and was having hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, weight gain, etc. Because of you, I made an appointment with the wonderful Dr.Randy Birken, got blood tests, and now am on a regimen of BHRT. I have my blood tested this week, as I have been on the regimen for only three weeks, so expect some tweaking. I am already feeling so much better, sleeping better, no hot flashes. I look forward to enjoying this time of my life as the best. I have also ordered your Somersize books, as I now believe I might be able to finally lose some weight with balanced hormones.
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Gail Haws.
Oct 1 2009 |
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Dear Suzanne
I will start by telling you I don't take the time to write fan mail. I feel
my time is too valuable and I find all the media hype of chasing down and hunting celebrities very silly.
I do however like to stay informed and read a great deal. I have been a
long time fan of yours, but not the scary type of fan. Read most of your
books, had not read ageless but owned it at the time I saw you on Oprah.
I am taking the time to write to you because of your show on Oprah last
January or February, I knew in an instant what my problem was. I saw the
interview with the lady from Ontario, - I had all the same symptoms. I had
been going to my GP for two years who could not find anything wrong with me
and told me I was getting old and needed to retire.
I am 58, had a full hysterectomy when I was 46. But had gone into early
menopause starting at age 35. I work full time, typically I am a high
energy person, my career is sales, and have two wonderful grown children. I
had for the most part a full, happy and busy life.
I found my life spiralling down a deep dark hole, I had no energy, I was
terribly tired all the time. I had a very difficult time thinking and
remembering. Not good when you need to meet potential clients sell yourself
and your company. Getting on a plane every two weeks, was very difficult. I
gave up exercise all together and went to bed every day at 4:00 p.m. I just
could not go any longer in the day. I kept thinking I was dying and they
just could not find the cancer.
After seeing your program I was determined to find someone in Vancouver
Canada where I live, who could help me. Started with my GP, no she could
only refer me to a gynaecologist who would prescribe estrogen tablets no
other hormone. Searching the internet found a Naturopath and the long story
short is 8 months into treatment and I feel amazing and yet have a little
way to go. My treatment started with the vitamin IV's, getting the mercury
4 only fillings out of my mouth, chelation, hormone treatment, detox pills
and lots of other pills,etc. I am so grateful to have my life back.
I wanted to share my story with you, your work and books are wonderful and
greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Gail Haws
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Dr. Julian Whitaker.
Jan 26 2009 |
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Using Celebrity for Good
At the most recent meeting of the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) in Las Vegas, I had the pleasure of meeting Suzanne Somers. ACAM was honoring Suzanne for her support of complementary and alternative medicine. This approach, practiced by myself and other physicians who are members of ACAM, includes the use of bioidentical hormones, vitamins and minerals, lifestyle changes, and other safe, natural therapies for achieving optimal health.
What I really admire about Suzanne is that she uses her celebrity status for good. She’s a strong, vocal, and responsible advocate of complementary medicine and a well-informed critic of the overuse of pharmaceuticals. ACAM pays her no fees, nor does she receive royalties from any pharmaceutical company. She’s simply committed to spreading the word about alternative treatments in order to help people and make a difference in their lives.
Can we say the same thing about other celebrities who are mouthpieces for Big Pharma? Does Sally Field appear in Boniva ads because she truly has a passion for this drug? How much did Dorothy Hammill rake in for hawking Vioxx? What did Pfizer pay Bob Dole and Raphael Palmeiro for their endorsements of Viagra?
A Courageous Advocate
Suzanne spreads the word through her appearances and her many books—and does she ever sell a lot of books! Her latest, the bestselling Breakthrough: Eight Steps to Wellness, is an excellent resource on natural approaches to wellness.
A major thrust of the book is a subject near and dear to Suzanne’s heart and to mine: bioidentical hormone replacement. At Whitaker Wellness, we’ve long eschewed dangerous, side effect-riddled horse hormones and synthetic chemicals in favor of hormones that are identical to those produced by the human body. Suzanne does an admirable job explaining the difference between the two and making a case for hormone replacement.
Breakthrough also includes interviews with a number of physicians, most of whom I know and can heartily vouch for. It also contains a list of alternative healthcare practitioners. Interestingly, half a dozen of them got their start in complementary medicine working at Whitaker Wellness!
Those of us who practice complementary medicine appreciate not only the support given to us by Suzanne, but the courage, sincerity, and honesty with which she offers it. She knows she is going out on a limb as an advocate of bioidentical hormones and unconventional therapies medicine, and she’s been harshly criticized by some in the mainstream media and by many conventional physicians. This doesn’t sway her, because she is simply telling the truth as she sees it.
The event also marked Suzanne’s 60th birthday. This vibrant, attractive woman obviously practices what she preaches—she’s the picture of health—and, boy, does she brighten up a room.
Recommendation:
• Suzanne Somers' books are available in bookstores and at amazon.com. I highly recommend them. Following the eight steps in Breakthrough will lead you to a healthier, happier life.
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Jodi W.
Jan 2 2009 |
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Dear Ms. Somers,
“Hormonally challenged” is how I define myself to friends and family. After 3 ½ years of increasingly debilitating symptoms, frustrating and heartbreaking visits on the ‘medical merry-go-round’ in search of a doctor to listen & provide an accurate diagnosis, and living with the mental, emotional, and physical affects that accompany my illness has led me to reach out to you.
Previously, I worked 50-60 hour weeks as primary teacher, attended graduate school, ran and lifted weights for an hour each day, cooked, cleaned… basically I was the girl who everyone asked if I “ever sat down”! I had endless energy, ate healthy, had a zest for life, and felt fabulous!
Suddenly, I started to pack on weight. I started to feel sluggish, exhausted. I picked up my workouts thinking I had been slacking, but to no avail. One day my hair started coming out in clumps, my fingernails breaking, I lost my ability to remember, I had endless aches & pains. My symptoms continued to increase and escalate.
After about a year, I was finally diagnosed with hypothyroidism and, when complained about my weight and energy, was offered diet pills and anti-depressants. I knew that I didn’t need them. Knowing there was more wrong with me, I hopped from doctor after doctor without any resolution.
Finally, a co-worked told me of a doctor she saw and was getting help for her multiple ailments. After about 6 months of having her “harass me” I caved and made an appointment, thinking I was going to get the same routine as the others had given me. By this time, I could barely walk in the mornings and had to crawl down the stairs. I hadn’t slept well in years, spent hours “waking up”, and couldn’t remember how to get to the grocery store. I figured I could try another doctor! To my surprise, she did a massive round of testing and I was diagnosed with 10 hormone abnormalities/deficiencies, vitamin & nutrient deficiencies, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Sleep Apnea, metals, and toxic Systemic Yeast! Wow, that sure beats Hypothyroidism and crazy!
By this time, my body had crashed leaving me without any resources for my daily life. I was barely functioning and struggling to care for my young daughter every day. I couldn’t work and it was draining us financially. At this point we were barely scraping by. My husband started working 2 full time jobs for us to make ends meet and he continues to work those hours; sacrificing for his family because I am ill.
I am currently on a regime to help build my body to a healthy point. No one understands my illness, my feelings, frustration, loneliness, withdrawal, changes…. I have lost friends; most have given up on my and at times, I believe they think I’m a hypochondriac.
My greatest hope is to bring awareness to the fact that hormone deficiencies and abnormalities are ever present, medically challenging, and life-altering to those who suffer.
I commend you for what you have brought to the fore-front for all women. I adamantly believe that there are millions of women suffering from multiple ailments who are not getting heard by their physicians. Left untreated, I would have ended up in the hospital from sheer exhaustion and physical collapse. Discovering my physician, Dr. Lena Edwards (who directed me to your books), and you have provided me with insight, assurance, resolution, and hope. I am thrilled to have a connection with someone, albeit through text, but it helps me realize that I am not alone in my suffering. I’ve felt alone for so long and I still struggle every day with loneliness and isolation.
I am still unable to work, we are close to losing our home because I cannot work, and we barely make ends meet. Our cars are old & in need of repair that we cannot afford. I hate that an illness has caused this type of destruction. I have a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading. I am capable of a career, a good income. I know that had I been informed prior to the arrival of my symptoms, our situation wouldn’t have escalated this far. I spent almost 3 years thinking that I was losing my mind, that I had somehow allowed myself to lose control. The mental aspects are horrendous and no one can relate to them unless they’ve experienced them as you have.
Thank you for touching my life, giving me hope, and helping me understand my body and mind. I know that one day I will persevere. It’s just a matter of time.
I look forward to reading all of your work!
Sincerely,
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Dee T.
Jan 2 2009 |
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I just finished your book "Ageless". It makes sooo much sense!
I also had breast cancer in 1996, & it has changed my life as far as eating right, etc. The more I can do to stay healthy, the more I like to do it, if at all possible. I'm sure Insurance won't cover this, but hopefully, it will be cost efficient. I have exercised for years, but have never done yoga. Guess I will give that a try, too. I am 63 years old as of the 16th of this month, so I want to do everything I can to live as long & a good quality of life as I can.
Anyway, good luck to you; you have always been one of my favorites. Loved the show, Three’s Company!!!
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Gordon T.
Jan 2 2009 |
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Hi Suzanne,
I am a 69 year old Nutritional Consultant and affiliate of Genewize Life Sciences. I am working my way to being optimally healthy and am almost there but I am always looking for new and better ways to achieve that goal. I read Breakthrough with an open mind and it absolutely opened up a whole new world for me. No one ever explained the importance of hormonal balancing like you and your top notch doctors. I am recommending your book to every health conscious person I know.
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Hope H.
Jan 2 2009 |
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Please tell Suzanne, thank you so much for her book,”Breakthrough" she describes me to the tee in her letters. I now have taken the time to get many tests done and have an appointment booked with Body Logic in December. Looking forward for someone to take me seriously this time since my primary doctor didn't.
Tell her I honor and respect her so much. Thank you with all my heart! God Bless.
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Tracey C.
Jan 2 2009 |
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Dear Suzanne,
Thanks so much for speaking out for women in the area of Bioidentical Natural Hormone Therapy.
I have dealt with depression on and off since I was 19 years old. I am now 48.
Two years ago I found a doctor in Dallas, Texas that believes in NHRT. He also believes that Alzheimer’s is caused by lack of Estrogen in the brain. My primary care physician and gynecologist all said that my hormone levels were within normal range. I had been having anxiety attacks and mood swings that were getting much worse. I had a wonderful family, good job and a supportive husband and no situational reason to feel this way. I really thought I was a malcontent and a little crazy. My husband encouraged me to see someone else. The physician in Dallas took one look at my blood work and hormone levels and said I had absolutely no progesterone and my estrogen levels were that of an 80 year old woman. The other doctors wanted to give me Xanax.
I now use progesterone and have not had an anxiety attack since. I also take Biest as I had a bilateral oophorectomy a year ago. I had no choice at the time because I was in severe pain due to scarring and ovarian cysts. My gynecologist thought the Biest and progesterone had caused the cysts. Immediately after the surgery the gynecologist put a vivele dot patch on me. Within a week my whole body ached; especially my legs. (He
was so against the biodentical and I started thinking that I maybe I better listen to him because he said they caused the ovarian cysts. I also had heard all of the bad press about the bioidentical). I immediately returned to the physician in Dallas and got started on the biodentical again. I don't even mention the bioidentical to my other
physicians because they won't hear of it. Within a week I felt like my old self again.
If these hormones were not available I could not imagine living another 40 years in this body. I regret that I have to drive to Dallas to see a physician that will prescribe them and that I get chastised for taking them by my gynecologist and primary care physician. (Dallas is about and hour 1/2 drive for me). I believe that I should feel good and if the synthetic hormones make me feel bad then there must be something in them
that is not good for me. I don't understand why the medical community is so closed minded. They won't even listen. Oh yes...it is the pharmaceutical drug company syndrome....I forgot :)
I saw you on Nightline last night. Thanks for being the mouthpiece for us!! I wanted so badly to be there with you. I really thought the female reporter was much too hard on you. I am sure she has not been down this road yet; however someday she will. If there is anything I can do to help support your cause, please let me know. I owe my life to these hormones.....
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Barbara M.
Jan 2 2009 |
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Hi Suzanne,
Just wanted to let you know I've been on BHRT for a year and a half and it's helping me so much! I've read your books and look forward to your future ones. Keep up the great work and keep spreading the news of how BHRT improves women's health!
Thanks for keeping women informed!
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Tanya S.
Jan 2 2009 |
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I was introduced to your book by my parents and them through my sister in law. Just the possible promise about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy will help me is getting me forging ahead each day! I have found a great doctor (near my own city no less). And after a 2 week wait to get in and blood work (another 2 week wait for the results). And now I need to wait 5 days for the compounding pharmacy to make my individual RX, let me tell you it is seriously like a child waiting for Christmas Morning!
I thought that all of my feelings and symptoms were in my head. I have also been told this for years by my doctor (previous doctor) in fact he wanted to send me to marriage counseling (we have a great marriage, but "Bitchy" likes to creep up sometimes).
When I finally met with the new doctor, he told me that he has never seen blood work like mine in a 35 year young women. I am like a post menopausal 65 year old woman, and I shouldn't have any energy to get up in the day let alone take care of my 3 children, and 5 extra daycare kids. and run my eBay and cleaning business.
Needless to say I am prioritizing my life and cannot wait to get my Bioidenticals!
I was the typical patient who took her Prescription and shut up (as my father is a MD and that is how we were raised (give me my drug and I will be on my way). But I truly have to say after reading Breakthrough, then The Sexy Years, then AGELESS, it has taken this pill popping, junk food eating 35 year old and totally rebirthed her into a "healthy mind and body chick!"
I thank you for letting me finally see the light, my parents the light, my husband the light and touching so many individuals!
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Tamara S.
Jan 2 2009 |
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Dear Suzanne!
Hi! I live in Palm Springs too and have always been an admirer of the research you do for (especially) women’s bodies and for the inspiration you are for educating people on natural remedies! YOU GO GIRL! THANK YOU!!!
Suzanne, I personally want to thank you for all the research and education you are giving to WOMEN (and men too)! I find it so sad that people don’t know what is really going on – especially that drugs are really a “band aid” to real issues our bodies face!
I am planning to buy your book soon! My WONDERFUL husband heard you on the radio recently and mentioned to me about Dr. Steve Nelson. I went on the internet today and made a phone call to his office. Much to my surprise, HE ANSWERED the phone!!!! Oh my goodness, how often does that happen???!!! This man is AMAZING!!! He spoke with me on the phone for about 20 minutes!!! (I have to say that maybe mentioning that I found out about him through YOU may have helped a bit! –so I owe you a BIG “thank you”!).
In my opinion, not many celebrities work as hard as you do to help others! Suzanne - YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!
I hope that one day our paths will cross!!!
With the Warmest Regards and Many Blessings,
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Becky V.
Jan 2 2009 |
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Hi! I’m a 43 year old single, childless woman who started going through full blown menopause in my late 30’s. I could go on forever how my life steadily went downhill, but no doctor would even discuss hormones with me. I read Suzanne’s book and visited Dr. Neil Ahner in Palm Beach Gardens, Fl – I now use bioidentical HRT and my life is literally transformed. I call it the “miracle”!
Thank you,
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David L.
Jan 2 2009 |
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Dearest Suzanne,
I really want to share a personal experience with you. I read your book about hormone replacements. I am a 49 year old male, and I just ran out of energy.
I was unable to work. I became moody, bloated, tired and had no sexual energy at all – frankly I’d rather eat something sweet and not too good for me - like cake, or fresh Italian Bread from LaSalles in Providence, R.I., things that were comforting.
At night I would wake up about 2 am, 3 and even 5 with these terrific night sweats, I would be soaking wet. When I went out, about mid afternoon, I would feel as if I was just going to drop off to sleep. It was that severe – I could not even drive when that exhausted feeling would hit me. I’d pull in somewhere and get a Coke and later a triple Latte and then I’d perk back up. My doctor thought I was hypoglycemic and then he thought I had Chronic Fatigue. None of that felt right to me.
I went to another doctor after reading your book and we talked. We also tested my hormones. Normal testosterone levels for a male my age ranges from 1000 to 1600. I was at 232!
I have been on Andro-Gel, a topical clear testosterone that absorbs through your skin for a couple months now – it is not a patch, just topically applied. It is amazing. Amazing. I sleep the night through, no sweats. No moodiness and no eating issues. I sleep really well; eat better, exercise more – each day and am feeling good. I feel like a guy again!
I want to personally thank you. Often times we never really know the direct impact of our work on someone’s life. I wanted you to know you helped me to have a better quality of life. You know, growing up was a challenge, because often times as a child we know we are different. I grew up raised by my grandmother and it was rough. We were poor, or rather marginal, and she did the best she could. But there was no career training or school for higher education because we could not afford it. She was a cross guard and made minimal money. There was no one to mentor me and help me in developing the skill or ability to have confidence enough to get up in front of people and build a living for myself. It was hard-knocks.
There were times I’d work and work, and at the end of it all everyone but me was making money. It was hard to learn who to trust. I often felt defeated and wondered what the heck I was doing. But inner belief and positive thinking, not like the self-serving kind – or the ‘motivational want’ of material things kind, but more like just knowing somewhere inside things would be okay kind helped me survive.
So here I am, 49 and still making it. With a little help from good people like you who do good things. Thanks for providing the light that helped make my life better.
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Harriet D.
Jan 2 2009 |
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I too have taken the bio-identical hormones for many years now. It has been the one thing that has made the most difference in my feeling good.
I have told all my friends and none of them have given them a try. Their loss.
Thanks for all the wonderful work you do and then share with us.
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