Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 7/25/2008

Question
i have adrenal problems and my herbalist gave me raw adrenal from this company at this link

https://www.nutritionfirst.ca/products.asp?viewbrand=Life+Choice

Life Choice.............do u know if its a good company like all natural no synthetics?  and also if someone has excess testosterone will simply increasing estrogen fix this?

im 25 female thank you

Answer
Hello Amrit,
Thanks for your question.  I am not familiar with this company, so I cannot speak about whether it is reputable.  It is not a common brand in the US--it might be in Canada, though.  For adrenals and other glandulars, I would be cautious about companies.  Typically, I suggest practitioner-only brands or high quality health food store brands.  Mail order/internet has less quality control.  
In general, you want supplements that are certified as having GMP (good manufacturing practice), with as little fillers, unnecessary ingredients, etc as possible.  Also, you want them to have full disclosure on the package, with no proprietary blends.  These are usually the signs of a good company.  
In response to your other question, hormonal issues are complicated.  It's unlikely that increasing estrogen will decrease testosterone, unless you find out why it all occured in the first place.  Otherwise, you are simply chasing a symptom, not the cause.  I would recommend you find out the cause before seeking help from an herbalist.  They have knowledge of herbs but not hormones and are not qualified to complete a full assessment with their training.  Find a naturopathic doctor or holistic MD for that level of care.   
Good luck,
Dr Conner