Explains female hormones, synthetic (and see effects) and natural. Feeling well informed now. Bring on my consultant appointments.....I know what I want and won't settle for less! ( )

Lee offers a clear explanation of the workings of a woman's endocrine system, particularly as it relates to menstrual cycles, the climacteric, and pregnancy. There are a number of gems of information here: food and herb sources of progesterone, progesterone as a builder of bone (while estrogen simply slows loss), how the artificial progesterone used in the United States is made from natural progesterone, and more. While natural progesterone has no side effects and has been well researched, it is no longer in vogue. Why? It's not patentable! Drug companies buy natural progesterone (primarily made from Mexican wild yam) and alter it to form a patentable drug. This synthetic form, called progestin, has numerous side effects and is thought to negate the healthy heart effect of estrogen. Since drug companies are the primary sponsors for seminars, which give doctors the continuing education credits required to keep their licenses, most doctors are never even aware that the natural progesterone that was beginning to be valued in the 1960s disappeared from the scene as drug companies altered it to gain profitable patents. Lee also discusses healthy lifestyle and supplements as an important part of a healthy midlife for women. Lee is an entertaining writer, as well as offering a thorough and well-documented discussion of the value of progesterone in balancing the hormonal systems of hysterectomized and midlife women. So add an over-the-counter progesterone skin cream to your shopping list and give your bones a treat. (April 1994) ( )