The Estrogen Alternative: A Guide to Natural Hormonal Balance [Paperback]

Raquel Martin (Author), Judi Gerstung D.C. (Author), John Hart M.D. (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 22, 2004

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

There's little doubt that women are seeking alternatives to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) without their doctors' help. Author Martin found herself in this position long before the Women's Health Initiative 2003 study informed millions that HRT was dangerous. She, along with Gerstung, a chiropractor specializing in osteoporosis, takes readers through her journey to a natural way of living that includes the use of botanical progesterone therapy, organic foods and supplements. The authors draw on lesser-known studies (which include convincing biochemical evidence) along with many anecdotal reports to support their premise that natural progesterone is what perimenopausal and menopausal women really need. They discuss progesterone deficiency as it relates to infertility, miscarriages, postpartum depression, fibromyalgia, PMS and more. Martin and Gerstung emphasize what they see as the huge influence of corporate pharmaceutical companies on physicians' decision making for prescriptions, urging women to "take an active role in our own process of getting better." They also present insightful advice on diet, and appendixes that offer a wealth of information on everything from hormone application and infant soy milk formulas to preventive medicine. The health-care profession may take issue with this book—many physicians have been trained to believe estrogen is the answer—but Martin and Gerstung's solid research and excellent presentation make it a worthwhile resource for doctors and patients.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"If you are a woman and do not read this book, you are very possibly denying yourself the most important information of your physical life. . . . A powerfully persuasive, well-written, and extensively documented case. . . . A must-read if you value your health." (So Young )

"Any woman who is considering synthetic hormone therapy or who wishes to get off of it owes herself the reading of this densely informative book. The simplicity and safety of the solution is almost shocking. One might ask why every suffering woman is not using botanical progesterone."
(World Health News )

"Books like The Estrogen Alternative are important: people have to become so knowledgeable that they don't let the health establishment get away with its systematic deceptions."
(Raymond F. Peat, Ph.D. )

"I was thrilled to read The Estrogen Alternative. . . . The writing style incorporates the research into a narrative that is easy for the layperson to read. The book is thorough, well-referenced, and prepares the reader to make educated choices about her homonal health."
(Marcia Smith, N.D., Ph.D. )

"This is an enlightening, easy-to-read book of vital interest to every woman. It assesses information not generally forthcoming from medical doctors and offers information that can help women decide how to manage the seriously important question of whether or not to take synthetic hormones. This book is a valuable tool if you are interested in maintaining your health naturally."
(Catholic Women's NETWORK, March/April/May 2001 )

"The Estrogen Alternative is a book that women should be reading now to get ready for the changes in their lives."
(Barbara Ardinger, SageWoman, Autumn 2002 )

"Produced in consultation with alternative health practitioners, this very important reference is a one-of-a-kind guide to very good health."
(The Book Reader, Fall/Winter 2002-2003 )

"A very informative book, helping to give women back the power to make their own decisions without having to depend on a medical doctor."
(Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf, December 2002 )

"It reads easily, explains clearly why natural progesterone should replace synthetic hormones, and has that added level of personal experience."
(Irene Alleger, Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients, October 2002 )

"...insightful advice on diet, and appendixes that offer a wealth of information on everything from hormone application and infant soy milk formulas to preventative medicine....a worthwhile resource for doctors and patients."
(Publishers Weekly, Dec. 6, 2004 )

"This is a terrific source book for women of any age. There is no padding here and it is packed with information. . . . Recommended for anyone interested in women's health and wellbeing."
(Jennifer Hoskins, New Dawn, Sept-Oct 2005 )

"[Readers] seeking information on safe ways to ease symptoms of menopause and treat various female health problems will appreciate this thoroughly researched healthcare handbook for women."
(New Age Retailer, Vol. 19, No. 7, Gift 2005 )

"The Estrogen Alternative is not just for women searching for relief from menopausal systems but for women of all ages seeking optimal health. . . . Through their thought-provoking and accessible text, Martin and Gerstung successfully assist women in making informed health decisions."
(Edge Life, March 2007 )

"I really enjoyed this well-researched and informative book on hormone balance. The authors clearly present many of the complicated issues surrounding menopause. I would not hesitate to recommend this resource to my menopausal patients, as well as add it to my own reference library."
(Robyn Barlow, ND, Lotus Guide, May-June 2007 )

"Raquel Martin and Judi Gerstung have performed a tremendous service to women, who need a book like The Estrogen Alternative to understand what is happening to their bodies during pre-, peri-, and postmenopause. It is a terrific resource for practitioners to recommend to their patients. I believe all women can greatly benefit from reading it."
(John Hart, M.D. )

"This book, in its third edition, is hailed as a must-read for women."
(Frontier Perspectives, Fall 2002 )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Healing Arts Press; 4th edition (November 22, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594770336
• ISBN-13: 978-1594770333
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #98,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gentle push to natural alternative therapies, May 11, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Estrogen Alternative: A Guide to Natural Hormonal Balance (Paperback)

If The Estrogen Alternative: A Guide To Natural Hormonal Balance sounds familiar, that's because this is a completely updated fourth edition of a classic, providing the latest research and information on how HRT therapy can provide a natural solution to hormone deficiency. Misinformation and common misconceptions are discussed, chapters provide a gentle push to natural alternative therapies, and current controversies in women's health are surveyed. An important, useful guide.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read ...., March 14, 2007

By 

S. Cornell-Douglas - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Estrogen Alternative: A Guide to Natural Hormonal Balance (Paperback)

This book has very important information pertaining to all aspects of Estrogen and Progesterone...It is a must for anyone considering hormone replacement...The information is well documented and researched...Very informative....

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!, April 30, 2009

By 

Marilyn V "Marilyn V" (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Estrogen Alternative: A Guide to Natural Hormonal Balance (Paperback)

Recommended to me by staff at the Dixie Health Center for Menopause. Women need to know this information. Hormone replacement can be a godsend. This book helps explain what you need to know and help you get started to finding a road to better health.