The hormonal changes of menopause can produce a wide variety of
symptoms, ranging from hot flashes and vaginal dryness to
anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Many of these symptoms are
undoubtedly caused by the natural decrease in estrogen
production that occurs at menopause; however, the human body is
so complex that other hormonal factors undoubtedly also play a
role. Menopause is not a disease. It is clearly a natural
process, but one that many women prefer not to experience. No
longer do women accept as merely part of life the decrease in
libido, pain during intercourse, years of hot flashes, and other
uncomfortable problems that may accompany menopause. This raises
an important point: How close to nature do we want to live? One
of the most valued ideals of alternative medicine is the desire
to trust nature, but sometimes we may want to draw a line. For
example, in a state of nature, infant and maternal mortality is
high. This process of survival of the fittest helps humanity as
a species to be stronger, b