>Mother is not satisfied with any of these weaning reasons.  She would also
>like to look into natural hormone replacement.  Her biggest concern is
>calcium loss.  She is taking calcium supplements, eats a balanced diet, and
>does not smoke or drink.

There are several good books out now that point out that menopause doesn't
mean the end of estrogen.  There are steps that one can take to assure that
her body provides  estrogen for her. One book is Natural Woman, Natural
Menopause, by Christine Conrad.  Another is Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom,
by Christiane Northrop. Through these books she can connect with a
practitioner who is knowledgable about the natural hormone replacements.

And there are dietary sources of plant estrogens--the most readily available
being soy products.  Once again, the Asians show us that our inevitable
physical failings aren't so inevitable.  Tofu, soy milk, tempeh, and that
yummy soy-based "ice cream" Tofutti all will supply phytoestrogens (plant
estrogens) that will help maintain her body's needs for estrogen.

You say that she is taking calcium.  As I have mentioned before, she needs
to be sure that she is taking a ca/mag combination in a 2/1 ratio.  The
calcium is best utilized in that combination.  And it is best taken with an
acidic juice.

Patricia Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee
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