Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Dedication

Part 1: An Overview of Menopause
Questions 1–14 describe the physiology and hormonal changes associated with menopause, including:

• What is menopause?

• How long can I expect to menstruate? Can I predict when I’ll have my final

menstrual period?

• What other circumstances can cause menopause?

• What is a hysterectomy, and how does it affect menopause?

Part 2: Experiencing the Symptoms of Menopause
Questions 15–33 address hot flashes, irregular menstrual periods, mood changes, inability to sleep, decreased sexual drive, weight gain, and other symptoms related to menopause, including:

• What kind of symptoms can I expect to experience as I transition into

menopause?

• What is a hot flash?

• What causes me to be so irritable and cry so easily?

• Why do I seem to forget things more easily?

• Why can’t I get a good night’s sleep?

Part 3: Evaluating Symptoms: Is It Menopause?

Questions 34–53 address the importance of having certain symptoms and other midlife health risks evaluated by your healthcare provider, including:

• Are there health problems that I should be screened for as I approach

menopause and after?

• What is osteoporosis? I’ve heard that I’m at greater risk for it during menopause.

Is that true? Why am I more at risk for osteoporosis during postmenopause?

• How do I know if I’m depressed?

• Am I more likely to get breast, endometrial, ovarian, or cervical cancer after

menopause?

Part 4: Lifestyle Changes and Alternative Therapies

Questions 54–72 address lifestyle changes and alternative therapies that are helpful

in managing menopausal symptoms, including:

• What are phytoestrogens? Are they the same as natural hormones?

• Are there other herbs that would be helpful in treating my symptoms?

• Is there a special menopause "diet"? What foods will help me stay healthy

at midlife?

• What would help me sleep better?

• Will regular exercise help my symptoms? What kind of exercise is most

appropriate during menopause?

Part 5: Hormone Therapy and Other Treatment Options

Questions 73–90 describe hormone therapy (HT), the side effects, risks and benefits of its use, and other treatment options, including:

• What is hormone therapy? What are the benefits of HT? Why would I want to

take it?

• What questions should I ask my clinician when I am considering going on

hormone therapy?

• How can I manage the side effects from HT so that I don’t have to stop

taking it?

• What other prescription medications might be effective for my symptoms?

Part 6: Menopause: You and Your Family

Questions 91–100 address the problems and issues that arise as a result of

menopause in your family, and where to go for more information, including:

• In some ways, I want to change my life. Is that a common feeling during

menopause?

• Some people say that women become more creative during menopause. Is

that true?

• Is it normal to mourn the loss of my fertility?

• How can I help my partner understand what I’m going through?

Appendix A
This appendix gives a list of organizations and web sites that can provide you with additional information about menopause and its many symptoms.

Appendix B
This appendix gives a table listing different forms and preparations of hormone therapy.

Glossary
Bibliography
Index