Friday, May 16, 2014

What the heck is a cherry angioma?

By Glen Depke, Traditional Naturopath

I was trained by Dr Chi years ago in to use the tool of fingernail and tongue assessment and I cannot share the level of assistance this has provided for my clients throughout the years. While I often use other testing such as adrenal saliva testing, stool collection, urine analysis and blood testing for food sensitivity, the use of the body provides another holistic benefit for all.

Dr Chi has agreed to come to our clinic for 3 days in June to work with our clients personally and this is truly a gift because there is nobody better at fingernail and tongue assessment than this man. He is internationally renowned for his skills, years of work in this field and his uncanny ability to get right to the point of your health issues.

While I would suggest that everyone comes in during those three days, this is not realistic. First off, there are only 105 available appointments, so there is no possible way that everyone that follows Depke Wellness could get in. Second, there are many people that follow our newsletter that either are not in the Southern California area or do not have the ability to travel on these specific dates. 

Since most of you will miss the opportunity to see Dr Chi personally, I am going to share some of the assessment tools over the next few weeks, so you can enjoy some of these "gifts" personally. I will also share that when we reach out in upcoming emails, you will not only have an opportunity to see Dr Chi, but we will also offer Dr Chi's books on fingernail and tongue assessment as well as his herbal treatment book. 

Look for this coming out soon!

So let's get into the question, what the heck is a cherry angioma?

Have you ever notice cherry or red-colored moles or dots on your forehead or chest? These are called cherry angiomas and often signify estrogen dominance. They are a manifestation that excess estrogen attacks peripheral blood vessels, causing an aneurysm, which creates that cherry color. 

The location of the cherry angiomas is helpful in determining what may be the problem.

CHERRY ANGIOMAS ON THE ABDOMEN/CHEST

Cherry angiomas located on the abdomen, or the chest, may either be because of a liver or hormone problem, or both.


Liver - In both men and women, cherry angiomas in the abdomen can signify a liver problem, most likely liver cirrhosis.

Hormone - If there is no liver issue, then excess estrogen may be the cause. This is typically related to problems with the reproductive organs, such as prostate or testicular issues in men and ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, breast tumors, endometriosis, etc, in women. If there are over 10 to 15 large cherry angiomas, it can signal prostate cancer risk in men and breast cancer risk in women. 

J.P., DC from Montana, has a 34-year-old female patient with cherry angiomas on the abdomen and red dots on the tongue, indicating a risk for estrogen-related conditions. She said that she did have an ovarian cyst but did not treat it. A year after that, she found that her CA.125 (ovarian cancer marker) was 16 (normal is below 3) and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

CHERRY ANGIOMAS ON THE FOREHEAD

Cherry angiomas on the forehead or hairline can indicate a stroke or aneurysm risk. Again, this is also tied to hormones, particularly estrogen. Many studies have linked excess estrogen (and low testosterone in men) to an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, stroke, myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure.




S.M. from Florida has cherry angiomas on the forehead and abdomen, making her at risk for aneurysm or stroke. She reveals that five years prior to that, she had a stroke. Her estrogen level is also elevated, which is already affecting her breast and liver.

R.L, a 58-year-old male from Minnesota has more than 50 cherry angiomas on his abdomen and more than 10 on his face and head. When he learned that the cherry angiomas are related to hormones and heart issues, he revealed that he already had a stroke twice before.

With this information, you can potentially understand your own health issues a bit deeper and provide areas to investigate. As an example in my practice, if I see cherry angiomas on the torso, I will test adrenal function along with estradiol and estriol. This will help me understand if this is a liver or an estrogen dominance issue. These tools are invaluable if used properly.

Look for other tools of assessment over the next couple of weeks. This can assist you in moving forward in your journey to health and happiness.

 

63 comments:

  1. I have a rather large one on my upper right shoulder on my back...appeared with my second pregnancy....any ideas on what organ/hormone that would involve?

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    Replies
    1. Any on the torso are most likely tied into liver or hormones.

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  2. Thanks for this clear, concise article on this topic...

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  3. Ok, great info, thank you. But I feel as if I've been left hanging. Do you have any links to further information or articles? I have cherry angiomas on various places on my body, but not on my abdomen or forhead.

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    Replies
    1. Other areas of the body are most likely hormonal/estrogen challenges. I would recommend getting Dr Chi's book on this. It is an invaluable reference tool. If you get my newsletter, I will be offering this coming up to Depke Wellness followers.

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  4. Once the challenges are addressed with liver or excess hormones, do the cherry angiomas shrink or disappear, or are they permanent?

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    Replies
    1. Good question Diane - I'd like the answer to this too.

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    2. Permanent. You can burn them off though. Heat up a needle and press it to the area. It will turn black, scab, and then heal and be gone. Big ones may require you do this several times.

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    3. They could become smaller or fade in color but they will not necessarily go away. This is why you use this as a guide for further investigation. Typically when I see them on a client I look first at hormone and specifically adrenal function and estrogen hormones.

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    4. While that may be true with the needle, I would recommend that if removing these is a goal, to visit a dermatologist.

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  5. I have a question-How do these relate to "Hemangiomas" and/or what sort of markers would the presence of a hemangioma indicate? My daughter had one that developed within the first 9 months after birth on her head. We had it removed, but this discussion makes me wonder if it was I signal of things under the skin?

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    Replies
    1. I am not sure on the true causes of hemangiomas. When Dr Chi is in my office I will get his opinion. He will be here June 5-7.

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    2. I did talk to Dr Chi about the hemangiomas and he mentioned that these are likely tied into too much estrogen while in the womb. Also suggest this as a possible blood vessel tumor. Sorry it took me a while to respond.

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  6. I get these on my breasts quite often, and i believe my hormones are all over the place, not confirmed by doctor but by me, am i at risk of breast cancer???

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    Replies
    1. The main hormonal risk factor for the angioma is actually estrogen dominance which would be a risk factor for breast cancer and prostate cancer for men. I would take a look at your hormones with a comprehensive adrenal saliva test.

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  7. Replies
    1. Any on the head would be a risk factor for stroke. Take this as a sign for preventive measures. I have one in my hairline personally and I was happy to know what to work on.

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  8. So glad you posted this! I've been told for years they are nothing to worry about! My hormones are clearly out of whack- PCOS, no period for 5 months now, acne, the whole classic case. I have the angiomas everywhere! About 9 across my breast, a few on the abdomen, a few across the back, several on upper arms, and a handful on thighs too! AND have recently developed 2 along my hairline! Now I have to worry about stroke along with hormones? And what do the ones on the thighs mean? Thank you so much for this info!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those on the thigh are most likely the elevated estrogen rather than the liver. I would not say "worry" about having a stroke but more of caution to take the necessary preventive measures. Definitely complete a comprehensive adrenal saliva kit ASAP though.

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  9. Mine started in pregnancy..and I have them in various places all over my body. I did a hormone saliva test and everything came back normal a couple years ago...should I look into something else?

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    Replies
    1. Did you also test estrogen type hormones with this test? Often the angiomas are tied into estrogen dominance. If this is not the case, this is most likely a liver challenge. Also remember that these can tie into something you were experiencing in the past that is now resolved. The angiomas do not typically go away without removal.

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  10. I have 20 of these, almost all of them are on my abdomen and stomach, and one on my breast. They started showing up when I had a bad reaction to an antibiotic many years ago. I think it was Cipro. In fact, the doctor didn't believe I was having a reaction to the antibiotic until I told him about these red spots on my stomach. Then he immediately told me to stop taking the drug.
    But recently I noticed I have a lot more than I thought I remembered. I recently had my hormones tested via saliva. Here are my results:
    (I am postmenopausal & 52 yrs old. And definitely have adrenal fatigue.)

    Estradiol-1.3
    Estriol-10
    Progesterone-187.2
    Melatonin-14.3
    Testosterone-46.38

    Cortisol AM-12.9
    Cortisol Noon-3.2
    Cortisol Afternoon-1.6
    Cortisol PM-1.0
    Cortisol Sum-18.7
    DHEA-S Average-4.86
    Cortisol/DHEA-S Ratio-3.9

    From comparing to the "normal", it seems that my estriol and progesterone are very high. And my testosterone seems a little bit high.
    Should I be worried about cancer or a stroke?

    Thank you for this article. I have never seen this addressed anywhere before, even though I was worried about the spots, the doctors never seemed to be.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, you are showing a stage III adrenal fatigue and hopefully you are already working on resetting your HPA axis. I would also agree with the high estriol and there are protocols to get this down quickly for you. I would also share that the elevated estriol and the past Cipro use have most likely both taxed your liver also.

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    2. I'm not sure what the HPA axis is, or how to reset it. Would taking progesterone help bring down the estriol levels? And is it a problem that my progesterone seems a little bit high, or doesn't that really matter? My test were taken 6 months ago. I have been working with a doctor regarding my adrenal issues, but almost all of the supplements he has recommended to help me, have ingredients I am not able to tolerate. So i have not started any protocol for my hormones yet. I have been searching the Internet, but can't seem to find anything similar without those ingredients. I was not able to find any ingredients listed for the supplements on your website. What would you recommend as the most important thing to start with?

      Re: the Cipro: I was on it less than three days, and that was back sometime during the 1980s.

      One day last fall I noticed that my tongue was completely coated with white and the chiropractor said it seemed like my liver was clogged up. So, for the last six months I have been taking measures to detoxify my liver such as eating dandelion greens, beets and beet greens, Eissac tea, and things like these. My tongue is now healthy pink! But since the cherry spots don't ever go away, and since I haven't addressed my hormonal issues, it's kind of hard to tell whether my liver is working better or not except based on the color of my tongue!

      Just last Friday, my regular doctor, at my request, ordered a liver panel and some other blood tests on me. But the results have not come back, yet.

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    3. I would recommend starting with resetting your HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal axis) and reducing the estriol but not with progesterone. Depke Wellness can help you with this. If you would like you can set up a complimentary 20 minute phone consultation by calling (949)954-6226.

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  11. BTW, they are not large, but all are about the size of the head of a pin.
    I think I have been having issues with my liver, too. Have another strange rash that has appeared on my torso and shoulder. It looks like puffed up puddles of pink. I have heavy metal toxicity as well as gluten sensitivity; have been off gluten for two years now, except for a few accidental glutenings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would work on the adrenals and estriol prior to any detox.

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    2. Last September, I went on an elimination diet to find out which foods were cross reacting with gluten. Since then I have lost 34 pounds; 48 pounds in the last year. I think this has caused the heavy-metals to be re-released into my system, and that is why I have been so sick. I have hardly been out of bed in the last five months!

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    3. Losing that amount of weight will drop toxins into your body but if your adrenal function was optimal, this would likely not leave you in the same space. It's time to get out of bed!

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  12. I think I'll need to do a hormone/adrenal test. I have 3 cherry angiomas on my breasts.
    What is the the best test to go for or are they all the same?
    Thanks, Claire

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    Replies
    1. Hi Claire,

      I would call my office at (949)954-6226 and order the #205 adrenal test kit. This will not only look at adrenal function but also estradiol and estriol. This is the test and company that I have used for years that consistently shows the results we need.

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    2. Actually I have 5 on my chest and 2 on my shoulders. I never thought I had hormonal problems. I'm 30.

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  13. I have had disseminated Lyme's disease for seven years, and symptoms recur every 1-2 years. I also took estradiol and progesterone supplements in the past. When I recently started acupuncture for fibromyalgia, I got scores of cherry angiomas on my legs, below my knees (when the doctor needled the liver points near my big toes.) After a week or so they fade or disappear. I got a similar rash? After sulfa for an infection when I was 10. A year ago I think I started detoxing estrogen after I started drinking carrot and fruit smoothies every day, that lead to spotting/mild period two years post menopause. One angioma became very inflamed and swollen. I think I am detoxing estrogen and clearing liver. I've also had a rash on my cheeks and neck for 6 years, but not angiomas.lyme's I think). Any comments, suggestions? Thanks. I see an internist who incorporates holistic medicine.

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  14. Janette,

    I would start with a comprehensive adrenal saliva kit that not only reviews adrenal function but also other end result hormones. Working on balancing the adrenals and HPA axis while understanding your triggers would likely be a key for you.

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  15. I have a pin sized cherry angioma on my forehead. I am 6.5 months pregnant but recently even washing my face causes it to bleed, a lot. It takes about 6 cotton pads and pressure to stop it. What should I do or what would cause this?

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    Replies
    1. I would suspect that at some point you damaged the tissue around this angioma and now when you touch it, this disturbs the scabbing and this bleeds. This should heal in time but be sure to stay away from that area for a few days. If this continues, you can call my office at (949)954-6226 to set up a phone appointment to discuss this.

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  16. I had one appear on my nose with my first daughter and then with my second some on my torso and now with my son on my breasts and ten tiny ones on my belly with a few on my back and a couple on my legs. I have been struggling with major digestive disorders and am very concerned. Every dr tells me that they are nothing to worry about. What would you advise me to do? thanks

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    Replies
    1. I would suggest calling my office and booking a complimentary 20 minute phone consultation with me to discuss the possibilities here. This is too much to write in a post response. Call us at (949)954-6226 and be sure to ask for the free 20 minute session with Glen. Talk to you soon!

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  17. I have several of these on on both of my breast, both small and a couple large ones.. They're bright red no hint of purple.. Any information would be wonderful

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  18. These could be due to either estrogen dominance or liver congestion. Since they are on your breast, I would recommend a comprehensive adrenal saliva test kit that also looks at all three estrogen hormones. In my practice this is referred to as a #205E plus Estrone. You can call our office at (949)954-6226 to order this and you can also schedule a free 20 minute phone consultation if you need more info. Glen Depke, Depke Wellness

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  19. I know this is an old post, but I cannot find much information on this subject.

    My father and I both get these, in huge amounts. We were both told as we got older, they would get better, but the opposite has happened. His are the size of nickels now and he is in his 70s.

    I am on bio identical hormones, and I feel best when my estrogen is low. In fact, before I hit menopause, I drove my estrogen down with indole 3 carbinol.

    My estrogen is now considered low, and my progestrine normal, with testosterone being high, even though I don't supplement with testosterone.

    My doctor keep wanting me to up my estrogen, but even when I add only a little cream, I get another rash of red spots over my abdomen, chest and face. So, I'm not estrogen dominant, but it is affecting me this way.

    Is it possible to be allergic to estrogen? I've gotten these all my life, and so has my dad, so it isn't the particular cream using.

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  20. Hello Sherri,

    If you are estrogen creams, you might show low in your blood but still have a build up of estrogen in the tissue of your body. The best test for this is saliva testing. I use a #205 test kit from BioHealth for this. Based on the different hormonal imbalances you have mentioned, I would recommend this to you. If you cannot get this test, you can always call my office at (949)954-6226. We do work remotely.

    Also remember that these can also tie into liver congestion, which interestingly enough can also affect estrogen in the body.

    I would look into this deeper.

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  21. I have 2 medium sized ones on my breast, and a medium sized one on the top of my head that itches daily. What would make them itch? Should I go to the Female Doctor or Dermatologist for this issue??

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  22. In my opinion it is not an issue for a dermatologist. This is most likely either a liver congestion or estrogen dominance issue. Since they are on your breast, I would definitely rule out the estrogen dominance first. The best way to test this is via saliva because it will also pick up estrogens in your tissue and not just your blood with a blood test. If you do not have an avenue for this, feel free to reach out to the Depke Wellness Center at (949)954-6226.

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  23. Hi Glen- I just turned 32 and I am recently trying to conceive. I decided to use a completely 100% natural progesterone cream (Bravado Labs- yam based) during my last cycle (which ended today) only during post ovulation. I have pretty sensitive skin, severe dairy allergy and today I noticed several cherry angiomas on my body (stomach, thighs and 2-3 chest). Any thoughts on whether the cream caused this? Thank you! Really looking to treat my body naturally without Meds etc. Thanks! -Brittany

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    Replies
    1. Hi Brittany,

      Based on Chinese medicine, cherry angioma are either tied into and estrogen dominance or liver congestion. The cream would not likely lead to estrogen dominance yet if you already had a congested liver, this could have been an impact on your liver. I would be a little leery of hormone creams regardless. They have been known to build up in fat tissue for some. If you would like to learn about alternatives, we offer a 20 minute phone consult for new clients. You only have to put down a refundable deposit to hold your appointment. Feel free to call us at (949)954-6226.

      Glen Depke
      Depke Wellness

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  24. I have three cherry angioma's in a straight line on my lower abdomen. I was diagnosed with adrenal fagitue three months ago. I didn't notice these tiny antioma's until today & am wondering if they're linked with the adrenal fatigue & what I need to focus on treating? Thank you.

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  25. Hi Cakey,

    Your adrenals definitely play a role because your adrenal function will affect both liver function and estrogen hormones. How to address this is definitely too deep for a blog response and this depends on the individual also. If you want to discuss this, feel free to call Depke Wellness at (949)954-6226 and set up an initial 20 minute phone consult to discuss this. The session if free yet it does require a $50 refundable deposit to book the session.

    Glen Depke

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  26. I have approximately 20-30 very tiny flat cherry angiomas, all about the size of a pin point (super tiny)on both arms. I cannot emphasize enough how tiny they are. If I didn't have a pretty fair complexion I probably wouldn't notice them. Most are located around my biceps. I have less than 5 on each shoulder nearer my back all really tiny save one pin head size one on each shoulder (still super small). I have 1 flat pin head size cherry angioma on my left inner thigh and finally 1 super tiny pin point size cherry angioma on my forehead about one inch to the left of smack dab in the center of my forehead. I used to have another very similar cherry angioma on my forehead more to the right, but this one has now faded to the point where it is really hard for me to find and I'm just guessing at where it was.

    I've been to a dermatologist and have been informed that these are genetic and nothing to worry about and I'll most likely get more as I get older (I'm 35 year old male). My dad and mom both say they have none, however I have a 59 year old aunt who has a bunch of super tiny ones like me? Were both overweight and have fair complexion. I am 245lbs and 6'0" so I could stand to lose a good 40lbs. I'm leaning towards possible estrogen dominance due to being overweight and their placement. What are your thoughts?

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  27. I would suggest testing for the possibility of estrogen dominance with a reputable saliva test kit. If estrogen dominance is not an issue, it may be liver congestion. There are some other body signs to assess this. If you need the test or want us to address the other body signs, feel free to call us at (949)954-6226.

    Glen Depke, Depke Wellness

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  28. I have endometriosis and a couple months ago got a cherry angioma on my inner thigh. Also noticing my endo pain has been increasing each cycle... And my cherry angioma increases and decreases size often.. Would the two be related??

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  29. Somewhat related but not directly. Make sure you assess if this is liver congestion or estrogen dominance. If you need help with this you can call our center at (949)954-6226. We're always happy to help!
    Glen Depke, Depke Wellness

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  30. I have some of these on my chest area. About 10. My adrenal results showed low estradiol, which I assume would therefore mean I can't have too much estrogen.
    That leaves liver but when I had my tongue checked it seems no issues with liver. Perhaps the tongue liver signs are not accurate enough to prove there is an issue with liver?
    I'm not sure what it could mean for me.

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  31. I have some of these on my chest area. About 10. My adrenal results showed low estradiol, which I assume would therefore mean I can't have too much estrogen.
    That leaves liver but when I had my tongue checked it seems no issues with liver. Perhaps the tongue liver signs are not accurate enough to prove there is an issue with liver?
    I'm not sure what it could mean for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are a couple of different tests that I would recommend in this case. You would have to be a client of ours for this of course.

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  32. I have pink dots some on my breast and some on stomach..doctor told me it's harmless and gave me diet supplement.should I take a second opinion or go with what doctor said?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Conventional doctors are not trained to recognize most of these body signs. This can be an indicator of either estrogen dominance or liver congestion. The first thing I would rule out is estrogen dominance by testing hormones via saliva.

      Glen Depke, Depke Wellness

      Delete
  33. Hi i live in Spain and I've always had 2 or 3 cherry angiomas , i am 70 years old now and 4 years ago i had to have my gull bladder removed i had a bad reaction to the antibiotics, and since then i now have about 100 cherry angiomas all over my body but not on my face ive been to 2 doctors and they don't want to know , they just say they are cosmetic problems. But i want yo know what causes them . And what to do about them . Please help .

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    Replies
    1. This is most likely due to liver congestion and could still be estrogen dominance, or both. I do work with client internationally via Skype and would be willing to discuss this with you. I would suggest calling my office at (949)954-6226 to set up a complementary 20 minute Skype appointment. You would just have to put down a $50 refundable deposit to hold the appointment time. Glen

      Delete
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