[.ca] The Change Before the Change: Everything You Need to ... (ISBN 055310876X)

From Amazon.com:
"There's no need to be a martyr!" insist the authors of The Change Before the Change: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Healthy in the Decade Before Menopause, ob-gyn Laura E. Corio and health writer Linda G. Kahn. They wrote The Change for women, usually over 35, who have started experiencing some of the symptoms that indicate that menopause is approaching. This transition time, which can last for several years before menstrual periods stop, is called perimenopause. Symptoms may include "irregular bleeding, hot flashes, palpitations, mood swings, headaches, insomnia, memory loss, vaginal itching and dryness, lack of libido, dry skin and hair, weight gain." The Change documents how perimenopausal women can counter these symptoms by adding certain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and foods to their diet; making simple lifestyle changes; and using hormone preparations, including natural hormones and low-dose estrogen. At the same time, Corio and Kahn wisely stress that relief isn't a quick fix, but should be an ongoing collaboration between you and your doctor. "Your body is not a car that you simply take to the shop for a new set of spark plugs," they say. "It's a complicated, fascinating organism that should command your full interest and attention." The book covers the symptoms of perimenopause; changes in fertility; long-term health of the heart, breasts, reproductive organs, thyroid, and bones; and therapies including medical treatments, supplements, and herbs. Corio and Kahn don't tell you what to do if you're encountering perimenopausal symptoms; rather, they introduce you to your options, as if you were a patient asking for advice. Many case studies and anecdotes from Corio's own patients make The Change lively and involving. --Joan Price

this misses the point:
This has a nice rahrah tone, but doesn't have the information or support suggestions I found in THE PAUSE by Dr. Lonnie BArbach -- a book I'm very glad my doctor recommended when I expressed my disappointment in this one. In THE PAUSE I found the kind of detail interpretation and facts which explained not just physical and emotional symptoms, but ways of handling them. It really helped me get going again and I recommend it instead.

Thank you Dr Laura!:
Excellent book, great suggestions for relief, easy read

One Of The Better Ones:
While this book didn't answer all of my questions, it did go a long way toward assisting me in understanding what in the h*ll is going on with my body and mind. Dr Corio's attitude is straightforward; her advice seems logical - and dovetails with everything else I've been reading. Plus, she dishes out a goodly amount of common sense with her suggestions about supplements, vitamins, and minerals. One caveat: This book was published before HRT was recognized as an unacceptable therapy for menopausal symptoms. Dr Corio, however, favors natural remedies over HRT in most cases, something that's comforting in a book published in 2000. I heartily recommend this as an addition to any woman's wellness library.

Awesome book. So informative and encouraging:
As an Labor and Delivery nurse, I have to get Continuing Educational Units for my license. This book was the text book for a at-home course. Anyway, knowing that I have some of the symptoms of perimenopause, I wanted to learn more about what I was going through and where it was all going. This book did all that and more. Excellently written for the lay person or professional. Covers symptoms, pathophysiology (what is going on in the body), what to expect, what to do about it.....and maybe what other physical problems may be occurring that are not related to perimenopause and could be misdiagnosed. The book made me giggle several times...."oh yeah, I am doing that...oh and that, too. You learn that you are not losing your mind, that it is all a natural process and YES, you can do something about it to ease the journey. Actually, the woman's body is pretty amazing. It goes through so many changes throughout life. Sure keeps life interesting...grin. So now I am purchasing the book for my friend...who ran out of the restaurant/bar the other night having a hot flash...she worries that something is not right...grin. I am sure this will help.

AN EXCELLENT AWARENESS BOOK!:
"The Change Before the Change" is a great book explaining the physical and emotional changes during the perimenopause years, the years preceding menopause. The book offers ways to cope and deal with this period, such as the addition of vitamins and herbs, diet change and changes in lifestyle that may make the transitional period somewhat easier. Personally, having passed through this period, I found that if you wake up feeling grouchy as a bear, no vitamin or herb on Earth is going to turn you into Little Ms. Cheerful! The best medicine is often a true understanding of the changes taking place and the realization that they are a natural life-process, no matter how unnatural it may seem at the time. This book addresses some very common concerns, but I think it is important to remember that what works for one does not necessarily work for everyone. In may cases, what does seem to be effective is having a positive attitude and making the commitment of time to do whatever it is that brings YOU peace of mind and tranquility, i.e. meditation, tranquility music, reading a book, aroma therapy, spirituality or a walk on the beach, etc. Difficult as it may seem, it is critical to find time just for you. After all, aren't you worth it? Throughout our life cycle, it is important to our well being to find a sense of balance and harmony. "The Change Before the Change" is well researched and addresses concerns most women have at this time in their life cycle....