The Estrogen Alternative

With almost 100,000 copies sold in earlier editions, this revised edition provides the most up-to-date information on natural alternatives to synthetic hormone replacement therapy A must-read for any woman taking synthetic hormones for infertility, birthcontrol, PMS, or menopause • Includes the latest research on using natural progesterone to combat osteoporosis, endometriosis, heart disease, PMS, fibroids, and breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer More and more women are seeking alternatives to synthetic hormones and their harmful side effects. Despite increasing awareness of the dangers of synthetic hormones, over-prescription of estrogen is still rampant, as is confusion among doctors and patients whether the benefits of conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) outweigh the risks. This updated fourth edition offers the latest information on how botanical progesterone therapy, also known as natural HRT, can provide safe, natural relief for many of the problems women face from hormone deficiency, including PMS, fibromyalgia, depression, menstrual irregularity, miscarriages, uterine fibroids, and infertility. Botanical progesterone supplementation can be also extremely effective in relieving hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and even cancer. The authors sift through misinformation and contradictory studies, warning against corporate-sponsored research in a multi-billion dollar menopausal industry, and guide readers to natural alternatives. This fourth edition also includes new studies regarding the dangers of a diet rich in soy contributing to the onset of premature menopause, as well as thyroid disorders. The dangers of mammography and the importance of focusing on safer, more effective methods of cancer detection are also well documented.

Raquel Martin's other works include Preventing and Reversing Arthritis Naturally and Today's Health Alternative. Judi Gerstung, D.C., is a chiropractic consultant and national speaker on hormonal and nutritional issues who specializes in environmental pollutants and their impact as endocrine disruptors.

Foreword to the Third Edition Foreword to the Second Edition Foreword to the First Edition Acknowledgments Preface to the Fourth Edition: A Bombshell That Changed HRT Medical History Introduction Part One -- Natural Hormone Replacement from God's Garden 1 -- Sick and Tired of Being Tired and Sick 2 -- The Myth of Estrogen Deficiency Versus the Reality of Progesterone Deficiency Part Two -- Opening Up a New World of Hope and Healing 3 -- The Seasons of a Woman's Life 4 -- Can We Circumvent Osteoporosis? 5 -- The Risk of Cancer Part Three -- Making Assertive Lifestyle Changes 6 -- Hormonal Support from Our Foods 7 -- Planning a Personal Approach Appendix A. Ways and Means of Hormone Application Appendix B. Synthetic Compounds: A Sampling by Chemical or Brand Name Appendix C. Natural Formulas for Infants Appendix D. Resources for Cancer Patients Appendix E. Resources for Preventive Medicine Appendix F. Clinical Studies and Research Reports Appendix G. Sources of Natural Progesterone Notes Index