Suzanne Somers’ book Ageless: The Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones  is one of the latest to hit book stores on the subject. Other authors owe Ms. Somers a debt of thanks for using her celebrity status to bring the issue of bio-identical hormones forefront, allowing for other books to be published on the subject. One such book :The Miracle of Bio-Identical Hormones, 2nd edition by Michael Platt, M.D. seems to stand out from the rest written on the subject.

Most books on bio-identical hormones focus on estrogen. However, Dr. Platt’s book explores the idea that it is not the estrogen that is beneficial, but bio-identical progesterone that may be the key to treating many conditions including osteoporosis, migraines, fatigue, ADHD, PMS, sexual dysfunction and obesity.

In fact, Dr. Platt shares that he only prescribes estrogen supplements for certain patients because it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer. Progesterone, he notes, is involved in many key chemical reactions in the body and can affect many different body systems including those involved in metabolism, heart function, temperature regulation, bone development and brain function (among others).

Unlike many other authors who are doctors of naturopathic medicine, Dr. Platt is a medically trained doctor who is also familiar with bio-identical hormone replacement. This is refreshing in that he seems to have a very balanced approach to treating the conditions in his book. He also explores potential benefits of other bio-identical hormones such as DHEA, testosterone and Co-enzyme Q10. Readers will find his book easy to read.  Dr. Platt does a good job of introducing the idea that treating and preventing many health conditions is less complex that the media and drug companies would have one believe. Using bio-identical hormones may be a viable way to treat and prevent many health conditions we struggle with today. Although Dr. Platt admits that much more research must be done in this area, he shares that the treatment programs in his book have worked well for the patients at his clinics.