"Natural Alternative to HRT was published in 1997 and quickly became an international bestseller.

Women told me it was the most easy-to-read and practical book on the menopause they had found. The book’s reception revealed the enormous interest in the natural approach that exists worldwide.

It proved that women desperately wanted to know what choices were available to them, so that they could make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle.

"In 2001, Kyle, my publisher, asked if I would update the book, since it was so popular and still in great demand. I agreed, thinking it would only take a few weeks to do. In fact it has taken nearly a year to sift through all the current research.

I have uncovered some startling issues hidden in the medical literature, which I feel all women everywhere, should be made more aware of. For example: Can phytoestrogen supplements (soya and red clover) increase the risk of breast cancer?

Are new 'designer' HRTs safe?

Does HRT increase the risk of DVT on flights?

Do mammograms cause more deaths than they save?

In the original Natural Alternatives to HRT I put forward my opinion that HRT could increase a woman's risk of heart disease and breast cancer. This has been borne out by the news that large-scale trials using HRT have had to be stopped because the risks have proved too great.

It is now acknowledged that not only does HRT increase the risk of breast cancer but also, contrary to the advice given at the time, it cannot prevent heart disease or strokes..."