Menopause For Dummies

by Marcia L. Jones, Theresa Eichenwald, Nancy W. Hall

Overview

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."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780470053430
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	12/06/2006
Series:	For Dummies Books
Edition description:	Revised Edition
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	266,560
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.20(h) x 1.00(d)

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.

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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