Schwartz (The Hormone Solution
), a practicing physician specializing in natural hormones, provides a 30-day program that relies on the use of natural hormones to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as lack of libido, bone loss, insomnia and depression that often beset women. Schwartz clearly explains that while synthetic hormone replacement therapy interferes with human hormones, natural hormones made from plants are identical to hormones in the human body. She recommends working with a physician to establish an individualized treatment program. In addition to natural hormone therapy, Schwartz's 30-day program for maintaining good health while aging, relies equally on a combination of diet and exercise. The strength of Schwartz's program is that it's designed to be gradually introduced into one's lifestyle. For example, positive dietary changes are initiated over a period of weeks; at the same time, sugary processed foods, caffeine and alcohol are reduced or eliminated slowly. Included are two chapters on hormone friendly recipes. These strategies will be helpful to menopausal women and others with hormonal imbalance who want to avoid any possible health risks in taking synthetic hormones. (Jan.)
