Main description:

The menopause is an inevitable and natural part of every woman's life. Some sail through it with no problems at all. Most are not so lucky: two-thirds of women suffer from one of the characteristic symptoms, and one in five finds that it profoundly affects their mood and quality of life.

The irony is that, partly because of the well-publicised dangers of HRT, many women put up with more pain and discomfort than they need to. This useful book shows that there are many ways in which you can improve and even banish your symptoms.

Medically accurate answers to over 160 questions from real women

Answers to questions that you may not want to ask your doctor

Advice about contraception, osteoporosis, hormone replacement and alternative therapies

Contents:

Introduction

1. The menopause - what happens and when?

The menstrual cycle

When does the menopause happen?

2. Diagnosing the menopause

3. Menopause symptoms

What are the symptoms of the menopause?

How long do the symptoms last?

Later symptoms in the menopause

4. Osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?

Other risk factors for osteoporosis

Tests for osteoporosis

Treatment

5. Menopause after hysterectomy

What type of hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy and loss of libido

HRT and hysterectomy

6. Contraception - what to use and when to stop

Types of contraception for the older woman

When to stop contraception

7. Diet, exercise, lifestyle and general health

Diet

Exercise

Smoking

Relaxation

Breast awareness and screening

Cervical Screening

8. Hormone replacement therapy

What is HRT?

How to take HRT

When to take HRT

HRT for menopausal symptoms

Side effects of HRT

Risks of HRT

Contraindications for HRT

9. Non-HRT drug therapies

Alternatives for flushes

Alternatives for vaginal and bladder symptoms

Osteoporosis

10. Alternative and complementary therapies

Supplements

Progesterone Cream

Biodentical hormones

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Risks

Techniques

11. Medical problems and the menopause

12. Sex, relationships and work

The role of testosterone

Relationships

Sexually transmitted infections

Work

Glossary

Appendix 1 - useful addresses

Appendix 2 - useful publications