Turning Point: The Myths and Realities of Menopause

The thirteen million women now between the ages of forty-five and fifty-four have focused attention on menopause as a major health issue and greatly increased the demand for information on this once taboo topic. In Turning Point, biologist and author, Sue Furman puts menopause into perspective as one of many hormone-driven events in the continuum of a women's physical and emotional growth. Furman takes a close look at the powerful influence hormones have on a woman's life, from bone growth and memory functions, to sometimes even swaying a woman's choice of Mr. Right. She then looks at the myriad symptoms that may arise around the time of menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, migraine headaches, and palpitations, and explains exactly what is happening when these symptoms occur and how to alleviate or cope with them. Finally, Furman discusses the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and how simple life-style choices like good-nutrition and moderate exercise can have a significant impact on the menopause transition. Debunking the many myths and fears surrounding menopause by providing women with easy-to-grasp, reliable information, Turning Point helps women retain the peace of mind--and sense of humor--that can make menopause a healthy experience and allow women to move confidently into the second half of life.

Table of Contents:
1. The chemistry of love ; 2. Hormone cycles ; 3. Making sense of the meopause myths ; 4. More changes ; 5. Menopause before your time ; 6. The silent epidemic ; 7. The heart of the matter ; 8. Hormone replacment therapy ; 8. You are what you eat ; 9. Survival of the fittest ; 10. Up in smoke ; 11. Looking ahead

About the Author :
Sue Furman, Ph.D., retired from academia after many years on the faculty at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine and a short period on the faculty at Colorado State University. She now lives in Tennessee where she draws on her scientific background to write articles and books that address women's health concerns.

Review :
"Furman does a brilliant job of translating the scientific literature on menopause into a clear, concise, and, above all, interesting survey for the general reader."--Booklist "Furman does a brilliant job of translating the scientific literature on menopause into a clear, concise, and, above all, interesting survey for the general reader....She helpfully supplements the findings of clinical trials and other research with case studies and her own experiences to produce an absorbing account of as well as an informative guide to a natural transition in life."--Booklist "Is highly readable and touches upon historical perspectives, basic biology of the male and female reproductive systems, and varied ethical perspectives.... The subject matter is topical and appropriate for exciting the interest of students from varied backgrounds and perspectives. This could be one of the few books students will still remember years after they leave with their degrees." --The Quarterly Review of Biology