A comprehensive and practical guide for women of all ages to gain a clear view of the physical, mental, and emotional changes related to menopause
Although menopause is a natural and inevitable stage in every woman's life, its physical, mental, and emotional manifestations can vary greatly from one person to the next. Add the conflicting "expert" information about the benefits, risks, and side effects to which women are exposed on a daily basis, and it's easy to see many women find it difficult to make informed choices about how to deal with their menopausal symptoms.
Authored by a team of acknowledged experts in treating menopausal symptoms, Menopause For Dummies provides you with all the information you need to stay in control every step of the way. In plain English, it explains the role menopause plays in a variety of common health problems, such as osteoporosis, stroke, and heart disease. It walks you through proven measures for minimizing your risk of developing complications, including diet and exercise, stress management, hormone replacement, and other techniques. And this no-nonsense guide gives you authoritative, up-to-the-minute coverage of:
- How to identify pre-menopause (perimenopause) and what it means
- The stages of menopause
- How menopause can affect your body, emotions, and libido
- The latest facts about hormone replacement therapy
- The pros and cons of various alternative treatments
- The best ways of handling hot flashes
- Easing symptoms with diet and exercise
- Preventing bone loss
- Helpful lifestyle changes
This book has four top ten lists to provide even more ways of navigating the changes you'll experience throughout menopause—exposing common myths about menopause, giving you the scoop on medical tests you might need, kicking around ideas to kick-start or rejuvenate your exercise routine, and tempting you with fabulous healthy foods (because eating healthy doesn't have to be boring).
Additionally, the book has a glossary and a list of resources to find more information about menopause, hormones, and related conditions. With Menopause For Dummies in your corner, you’ll have a kinder, gentler "change of life."
Table of Contents:
Introduction 1
Part I: The Main Facts about Menopause 7
Chapter 1: Mapping Out Menopause 9
Chapter 2: Talking Biology and Psychology: Your Mind and Body on Menopause 17
Chapter 3: Fooling Mother Nature: Early Menopause 31
Chapter 4: Getting In Sync with the Symptoms 41
Part II: The Effects of Menopause on Your Body and Mind 53
Chapter 5: The Business of Your Bones 55
Chapter 6: Getting a Handle on Heart Health 79
Chapter 7: Dealing with Vaginal and Urinary Changes 95
Chapter 8: Examining Your Skin and Hair on Menopause 107
Chapter 9: Maintaining Your Sex Life Through Menopause 115
Chapter 10: Mental and Emotional Issues 129
Part III: Treating the Effects 141
Chapter 11: The Basics of Hormone Therapy 143
Chapter 12: Understanding Hormone Therapy and Your Heart 161
Chapter 13: Checking Out Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer 173
Chapter 14: Reviewing Reproductive Cancers and Hormone Therapy 185
Chapter 15: Considering Hormone Therapy and Other Health Conditions 197
Chapter 16: Making the Decision about Hormone Therapy 209
Chapter 17: Taking an Alternate Route: Non-Hormone Therapies 225
Part IV: Lifestyle Issues for Menopause and Beyond 239
Chapter 18: Eating for the Change 241
Chapter 19: Focusing on Fitness 261
Chapter 20: Enjoying a New Lease on Life 285
Part V: The Part of Tens 297
Chapter 21: Ten Menopause Myths Exposed 299
Chapter 22: Ten Medical Tests for Menopausal Women 307
Chapter 23: Ten Terrific Fitness Programs for Menopausal Women 313
Chapter 24: Ten Powerhouse Foods for Menopausal Women 319
Part VI: Appendixes 325
Appendix A: Glossary 327
Appendix B: Resources 335
Index 343
About the Author :
Marcia L. Jones was a freelance writer for more than 20 years.
Theresa Eichenwald, M.D., is an internist with experience in caring for menopausal women.
Nancy W. Hall has written extensively on health, pregnancy, and child development for over 18 years.
