Every Woman's Guide to Taking Charge of the ChangeDid you know that the symptoms associated with menopause can begin fifteen years prior to its onset? During this seldom-recognized stage—called perimenopause—many women may experience hot flashes, mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles, sleeping disorders, and what some describe as "PMS all month." It doesn't have to be that way. Authors Nancy Lee Teaff, M.D., and Kim Wright Wiley offer real solutions in a reader-friendly style. Inside you'll learn everything you need to know about this important stage of life, including:
·What perimenopause is, how to diagnose it, and what it means to you
·The effectiveness of different medical treatments and natural alternatives
·How to create a healthy lifestyle through stress management, weight control, exercise, diet, and nutrition
·How perimenopause affects sexuality, fertility, and pregnancy
This book gives you the tools you need to stay healthy and feel good about yourself—before, during, and after the change.
ContentsForeword
Preface
1. Perimenopause: Preparing for the Change
What Is Perimenopause?
When Will Perimenopause Occur?
The Life Cycle of the Ovary
The Egg Count
Medically Induced Menopause
How Do You Know If You're in Perimenopause?
Reverse Puberty
Diagnostic Tests for Perimenopause
An Overall Health Evaluation
Your Medical History
Why Should You Care?
2. Fertility and Infertility
How to Tell If You're Ovulating
How to Get Pregnant
An Infertility Consultation: What to Expect
Infertility Treatments
High-Tech Pregnancies
How to Stay Pregnant
How Not to Get Pregnant
3. Symptoms and Solutions
How Bad Will the Symptoms Be?
HRT: The Umbrella Treatment
Symptoms of Perimenopause
Hot Flashes
Night Sweats and Insomnia
Poor Memory and Loss of Concentration
Menstrual Irregularity
Mood Swings
Declining Libido
Vaginal Dryness
Urinary Incontinence
Headaches
Joint Aches and Back Pain
Dry Skin, Wrinkling, and Itching
4. Hormone Replacement Therapy
Natural vs. Medicated Menopause
What Does HRT Do?
HRT: A Process of Trial and Error
How Much Is Enough?
What Are the Risks?
How Many Hormones Will I Have to Take?
Will I Still Have Periods?
Dosing Regimens
Continuous Estrogen
Cyclic Estrogen Plus Cyclic Progestin
Continuous Estrogen Plus Cyclic Progestin
Continuous Estrogen Plus Continuous Progestin
Continuous Progestin Alone
Types of Estrogen
Premarin
17b-Estradiol
Estrone Conjugate
Tamoxifen and Other SERMs
Methods of Administration
Pills
Patches
Vaginal Creams
Vaginal Rings
Injections
On the Horizon: New Methods of Estrogen Administration
Types of Progestin
Testosterone Replacement
On the Horizon: Tibolone, the Combination Pill
The Pill
Is HRT Forever?
5. Natural Remedies for Menopausal Symptoms
Nutritional Supplements
Soy
Flaxseed
Vitamin E
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Herbal Supplements
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa)
Dong Quai
St. John's Wort (Hypericum)
Ginkgo Biloba
Mexican Yam
Valerian
Garlic
Kava
Ginseng
Hormonal Supplements
Melatonin
DHEA
A Symptom-by-Symptom Guide to Natural Remedies
Hot Flashes
Vaginal Dryness
Insomnia or Night Sweats
Osteoporosis
Heart Disease
6. Risky Business: Heart Disease, Osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, and Breast Cancer
Heart Disease
Osteoporosis
Building Better Bones Now
Alzheimer's Disease
Breast Cancer
Advice for Women with Family Histories of Breast Cancer
Advice for Women with Personal Histories of Breast Cancer
Cancer Screening
The Bottom Line
7. Wellness: Weight Control, Diet, and Exercise
Weight Control
Do Hormones Affect Weight Gain?
How Fat Is Fat?
Muscle Mass: The Missing Component in Weight Loss
Exercise
Types of Exercise
Exercising for Weight Loss
How Does Exercise Counteract Calorie Intake?
Walking
How Am I Supposed to Work This All In?
Some Commonsense Precautions
Diet
How Many Calories Should You Eat?
High Protein vs. High Carbohydrates: What to Believe?
Understanding the Dietary Pyramid
Portion Size
Restaurant Eating
Make Changes Gradually . . . and Permanently
8. Nutrition, Detoxification, and Stress Relief
Step 1: Increase Your Antioxidants
Vitamin A/Beta-Carotene
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Phytochemicals
Calcium
Vitamin B6
Iron
Step 2: Cut Fat
Step 3: Eat More Fiber
Detoxifying the Body
Eliminating Alcohol
Eliminating Caffeine
Eliminating Nicotine
Stress Relief
Techniques for Managing Stress
Attitude
9. Finding the Right Doctor
Schedule a Consultation
Is This the Right Doctor for You?
Top 10 List of Insensitive Physician Comments
What to Expect During an Office Visit
If You Opt for HRT
When Is It Necessary to See a Specialist?
10.Psychology, Sexuality, and Perimenopause
Does Perimenopause Cause Depression?
Are Mood Swings Worse When Menopause Is Abrupt?
Is It All Hormonal?
Plastic Surgery
Talking to Your Partner
Frequency of Sexual Activity
Physical Changes in the Genitals
How to Combat These Changes
Will Your Sex Life Be the Same?
11. Talking with Other Women
Benefits of a Support Group
The Women's Stories
Claudia
Annie
Amanda
Lynn
Debbie
Peggy
Rituals of Perimenopause
12. Perimenopause: Have It Your Way
Patient A
Patient B
Patient C
Patient D
Patient E
Sources
Glossary
Index