Keep in mind that health problems arise from not only the estrogen itself, but from imbalance resulting from a deficiency in progesterone. This is the question most frequently asked of Dr. Lee during his more than 30 years of active clinical practice. The system taken together is neither necessarily corrupt nor evil, but, like any human agency, is subject to the frailties and faults of humankind. The two are closely interlocked. Any given pharmaceutical company, like any private enterprise, must make a profit to stay alive.
Profit comes from the sales of patent medicines.
Thus the flow of research funding does not extend to infinites which cannot be patented. A doctor willing to study, to learn the ins and outs of an alternative medical therapy, and to put what he has learned into practice in helping patients is potentially exposing himself to serious charges of malpractice. The answer is quite simple, really. Ample medical research regarding progesterone was carried on from the 1940's through the 1960's, and amply reported in mainline, recognized medical literature. I suspect that it is fear of alienation from the flock that is paramount in their minds.