The 1990s have brought about considerable changes in health care in this country. Many of these changes result from the emergence of managed care organizations in an attempt to reduce medical costs. This approach, unfortunately, has brought with it limitations and restrictions on health care delivery. Many consumers are now turning to more user-friendly complementary and alternative care in which individuals take an active part in the decisions necessary to maintain optimum health.
Expanding knowledge of the usefulness of such complementary care is supported by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994. A major aspect of this includes the greater use of plant chemicals (phytochemicals) as dietary supplements or “medicinals,” which in many cases may replace synthetic pharmaceuticals.
As women become more and more involved in decisions about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), The Estrogen Alternative serves a vital need. It is very timely and addresses this increasingly complex problem. The dilemma of HRT today stems largely from the many inconclusive and contradictory studies published by traditional medical institutions.
The woman who chooses to be an active participant in decisions regarding hormone therapy must first heed the authors’ reminder that we still have a lot to learn. With that in mind, they have presented an extensive amount of information on HRT, with emphasis on the use of natural progesterone. The decisions a woman makes must include consideration of risk versus benefit, a vital factor in all health care choices. It’s not an easy task, and unfortunately, the focus of most scientific studies has been only synthetic preparations. This book addresses the many aspects of HRT, whether natural or synthetic, that we need to consider. On one hand, benefits include a reduction in both osteoporosis (progesterone decreases the risk of bone fractures and vertebral body collapse) and vascular disease (it also decreases the risk of heart attacks and stroke). On the other hand is increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer with traditional HRT. A woman’s quality of life, as well as her longevity, are influenced by her decisions about hormone therapy. Yet much of the information that reaches the general public provides inconclusive data on which to base proper decisions.
The Estrogen Alternative examines the benefits of natural progesterone therapy for women of all ages. The authors’ shared experiences make it even more appealing. They provide educational support for women who wish to participate in decisions about their own care. They also present a challenge to the physicians who, it is hoped, will become more receptive to patients considering a more natural approach.
I. Sylvia Crawley, M.D.
Chair, Medical Education Committee
American Nutraceutical Association