December 3, 2009 (RELEASE) Questions from their readers prompted them to write The Menopause Book. They say they wanted to write the essential book on menopause for women between 40 and 60. There are more than 37 million of them in the U.S. alone, looking for up-to-the-minute, readable, and comprehensive advice on one of the most mysterious and significant transitions in life. The Menopause Book covers the role of hormones and the latest advances in hormone therapy. It offers new findings on why it's difficult for menopausal women to lose weight and discusses the impact of menopause on sexuality—offering advice on how to counteract a wavering libido. In addition, there are sections on memory (how to protect it), moods (how to ride them out), and sleep (how to get what you need). And finally, it explains why this period of your life can be a natural springboard to staying healthy, feeling great, and looking beautiful for the next act of your life.
The authors of The Menopause Book provide up-to-date information on issues including:
The latest research on hormone therapy
Very individual decision: we went from thinking hormone therapy was essential for every woman to thinking every woman should avoid it.
Now we know it's a smart decision for some and not for others, based on a woman's symptoms, health history and personal preferences
It's probably safer to use HT when you're younger:
Experts have more confidence that there's a fairly low risk associated with a symptomatic women using a low-dose HT for a few years, right around the time of menopause (typically 51).
But the risk is cumulative, so most doctors recommend stopping after 2-3 years.
The debate over bioidentical hormones
More options are a good thing: It's true that "bioidentical" hormones more closely match the chemistry of your own hormones and some women find them more effective.
But all forms of HT likely have similar risks and benefits. It's not true that bioidenticals are more "natural" or safer (all types of hormone therapy likely have similar risks and benefits).
It's not true that blood, urine or saliva tests tell a doctor anything about how much hormone you should be using.
Smartest strategy: stick with FDA approved bioidenticals: they are certified for dosage and purity, something you don't get with HT prepared at compounding pharmacies. Another advantage: The FDA approved ones are also covered by insurance.
Weight loss
Why can't I lose weight!--It's not your imagination, it's tougher to lose weight and more fat tends to accumulate around your middle during the menopause transition.
Move more, eat less: To maintain your current weight, you'll likely need to walk 15,000 steps a day (everyone else needs about 10,000) AND eat less.
Lift weights too: Start weight training to build bone and muscle, which will speed your slowing metabolism and burn calories faster
Each chapter in The Menopause Book includes dozens of Q&As, plus sidebars and charts answers questions including:
Who are the best candidates for hormone therapy and who should avoid it?
Are skin patches better than pills?
Could hormone therapy prevent heart disease in some women and increase the risk of breast cancer in others?
Why could celebrity advice on bioidentical hormones be hazardous to my health?
Does progesterone cream stop hot flashes?
Can I buy what I need at a health food store?
Could menopause ease my migraines?
Why is my hair dye bothering me?
Why am I getting panic attacks now?
The Menopause Book is an all-in-one resource for women who want to know the truth, who want to feel smarter and more in control. Originally published in 2007 as Is It Hot in Here? Or Is It Me? the paperback it is completely revised and updated with the latest medical findings and advice.
Pat Wingert is an award-winning journalist and correspondent for Newsweek, with a focus on health and medicine. Barbara Kantrowitz is a former Newsweek senior editor who writes about health and women's issues. Together, the authors write Newsweek.com's popular "Her Body" column on women's health and have coauthored dozens of cover stories. They are the 2009 winners of the Endocrine Society's Award for Excellence in Science and Medical Journalism.
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