You are SO right, and a big factor is this: drug companies can NOT patent a natural substance. Consider this: magnesium deficiency is widespread. Magnesium works together in the body with calcium; in fact, magnesium is the body's natural calcium channel blocker. But drug companies can't patent magnesium, so they have to make *artificial* calcium channel blockers for everyone to take. Doesn't it make more sense just to treat the deficiency? Of course, but it doesn't turn much of a profit.

Ditto for progesterone. Natural progesterone will cause virtually zero side effects when women take it, but a natural substance can't be patented, so drug companies have to make *artificial* progestins, which are *brutal*. (Do I sound bitter? Artificial hormones are the reason I'm here. )