She also presents a challenge to the physicians who, it is hoped, will become more receptive to patients wishing to consider a more natural approach. For example, the book documents the fact that estrogen replacement merely delays but does not prevent osteoporosis. Rinzler generally lets the facts speak for themselves, offering no shrill diatribe against pharmaceutical companies or physicians, no easy indictment of the medical establishment. The picture she creates is more complex, since powerful medications such as estrogen are never risk-free, and the benefits always must be weighed against the dangers. If the author meets her aim, women won't abandon the Pill or hormone-replacement therapy, but will ask critical questions of their physicians and make informed decisions about the risks they're willing to take.
Women produce some testosterone just as men produce some estrogen.
Yet many physicians, especially male gynecologists and endocrinologists, believe that giving testosterone to women is unnatural and potentially dangerous. Rako points out, however, that women do not display a simple dose-response curve for such treatment. This means that physicians not only have to overcome feelings of unnaturalness if they wish to aid some of their female patients but also must take the time and effort to match dosage to each individual's need. More important, in Natural Woman, Natural Menopause Marcus Laux and Christine Conrad offer readers their complete plan for long-lasting health and renewed vitality. Advanced Endocrinology Technical references are generally expensive and special-order.