Full 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 womenAnswers to questions that you may not want to ask your doctorAdvice about contraception, osteoporosis, hormone replacement and alternative therapies
Contents
Introduction1. The menopause - what happens and when?The menstrual cycleWhen does the menopause happen?2. Diagnosing the menopause3. Menopause symptomsWhat are the symptoms of the menopause?How long do the symptoms last?Later symptoms in the menopause4. OsteoporosisWhat is osteoporosis?Other risk factors for osteoporosisTests for osteoporosisTreatment5. Menopause after hysterectomyWhat type of hysterectomy?Hysterectomy and loss of libidoHRT and hysterectomy6. Contraception - what to use and when to stopTypes of contraception for the older womanWhen to stop contraception7. Diet, exercise, lifestyle and general healthDiet ExerciseSmokingRelaxationBreast awareness and screeningCervical Screening8. Hormone replacement therapyWhat is HRT?How to take HRTWhen to take HRTHRT for menopausal symptomsSide effects of HRTRisks of HRTContraindications for HRT9. Non-HRT drug therapiesAlternatives for flushesAlternatives for vaginal and bladder symptomsOsteoporosis10. Alternative and complementary therapiesSupplementsProgesterone CreamBiodentical hormonesDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)RisksTechniques11. Medical problems and the menopause12. Sex, relationships and workThe role of testosteroneRelationshipsSexually transmitted infectionsWorkGlossaryAppendix 1 - useful addressesAppendix 2 - useful publications
