My hippy friend Devra says to eat seawead! And Miso soup. She says they have natural hormone balancers in them. Also raspbery tea. And agrees that Acupuncture should be helpful.
(Boy, I wish she was around when some of these questions come up!)
Did her doctor recommend exercise or homeopathic routes? If not, does he not subscribe to any of that, or did he think she wouldn't be receptive. Does he want the "easy fix" or maybe she thought she would prefer it? I agree about the second opinion advice.
I, personally, agree drugs should be taken when the benfits will outweight the risks, but I also think all natural avenues should be explored before you take something that might have such risks.
Another thing my friend says is for you friend to do her own research and do what she's comfortable with.
-S. Kav