Menopause

Medically accurate, no-nonsense answers to over 160 questions from real women about the menopause.

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

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