Krystal,
I want to share this info that was posted a couple weeks ago, not so surprising, but you wouldn't be the first to suffer leg pain from PM, that includes phytoestrogens too.
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Studies in male-to-female transsexuals have shown that both flow-mediated and nitroglycerin-induced vasodilations in the brachial artery are enhanced compared with control men, suggesting that high-dose estrogen treatment enhances vascular reactivity in genetic males.
Low-Dose Estrogen Supplementation Improves Vascular Function in Hypogonadal Men
http://hyper.ahajournals.org/content/38/5/1011.full
There might be a correlation to vasoconstriction and increased levels of estradiol, (more so in genetic males). PM is the closest to E2 by as much as 25%, so when dosages exceed the normal amounts, one has to associate the elevated risk in comparison.
How does this relate?, some supplements slow clotting, blood sugars, and * nitric oxide levels, hrt meds carry risks too. You'll hear endo's or doc's in general advising lose dose aspirin to prevent clotting and the fact that it reduces the risk of DVT. I'm glad to hear a trip to the doc is planned, a wise decision, I hope/pray no damage was caused.
Again, the fact that this and many other issues keeps surfacing suggests an alarming pattern. As a group we should hear more about stopping the suggestion of "Ramping Up" is somehow a recommended practice or good idea. I fell victim to this practice and hurt myself on a few occasions requiring immediate medical attention and surgeries.
Everyone reacts differently, however putting the liver and other vital organs in a toxic state for the coveted prize of increasing the bust is a bad idea on so many levels.
Please, let's stop suggesting that anything above 1500 mg of PM is safe. I recently had a pharmacist (Thailand) inform me that PM shouldn't be taken past 2 years, they informed me of the increased risk of cancer. I don't wish to cause alarm or panic, only awareness.
Good luck Krystal,
* Nitric oxide (NO) contributes to vessel homeostasis by inhibiting vascular smooth muscle contraction and growth, platelet aggregation, and leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium. Humans with atherosclerosis, diabetes, or hypertension often show impaired NO pathways. A high salt intake was demonstrated to attenuate NO production in patients with essential hypertension, although bioavailability remains unregulated.