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 "e;expert"e; 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 "e;change of life."e;

A comprehensive and practical guide for women of all ages to gain a clear view of the physical, mental, and emotional changes related to menopauseAlthough 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 Dummiesprovides 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 changesThis 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."

Introduction 1Part I: The Main Facts about Menopause 7Chapter 1: Mapping Out Menopause 9Chapter 2: Talking Biology and Psychology: Your Mind and Body on Menopause 17Chapter 3: Fooling Mother Nature: Early Menopause 31Chapter 4: Getting In Sync with the Symptoms 41Part II: The Effects of Menopause on Your Body and Mind 53Chapter 5: The Business of Your Bones 55Chapter 6: Getting a Handle on Heart Health 79Chapter 7: Dealing with Vaginal and Urinary Changes 95Chapter 8: Examining Your Skin and Hair on Menopause 107Chapter 9: Maintaining Your Sex Life Through Menopause 115Chapter 10: Mental and Emotional Issues 129Part III: Treating the Effects 141Chapter 11: The Basics of Hormone Therapy 143Chapter 12: Understanding Hormone Therapy and Your Heart 161Chapter 13: Checking Out Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer 173Chapter 14: Reviewing Reproductive Cancers and Hormone Therapy 185Chapter 15: Considering Hormone Therapy and Other Health Conditions 197Chapter 16: Making the Decision about Hormone Therapy 209Chapter 17: Taking an Alternate Route: Non-Hormone Therapies 225Part IV: Lifestyle Issues for Menopause and Beyond 239Chapter 18: Eating for the Change 241Chapter 19: Focusing on Fitness 261Chapter 20: Enjoying a New Lease on Life 285Part V: The Part of Tens 297Chapter 21: Ten Menopause Myths Exposed 299Chapter 22: Ten Medical Tests for Menopausal Women 307Chapter 23: Ten Terrific Fitness Programs for Menopausal Women 313Chapter 24: Ten Powerhouse Foods for Menopausal Women 319Part VI: Appendixes 325Appendix A: Glossary 327Appendix B: Resources 335Index 343