This book is one of three I have found to help me understand and deal with perimenopause. The others are The Hormonal Survival Guide for Perimenopause by Nisha Jackson, and Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause by Suza Francina.

This book is one of the four I have found to help me understand and deal with perimenopause. The other three are Before The Change by Ann Louise Gittleman, The Hormonal Survival Guide for Perimenopause by Nisha Jackson, and Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause by Suza Francina.

This is the only book on menopausal symptoms I've read that accurately and precisely spoke about my particular issues. For example, I was having something the author calls "brain static," which for me was like having an electrical current run through my head, keeping me up at nights. After many tests, including a CAT scan, my doctor chalked it all up to stress. Not until I read Lonnie Barbach's book did I realize that brain static is a rather uncommon symptom, but one that other women have experienced. In addition, I also felt comforted to know that the changes in my body odor and breath were also quite common menopausal symptoms. The beauty of her book is that she lists so many other symptoms and signals of changes that are all too easily dismisssed as being oversensitive or just getting older. My own doctor, who is also a woman, wasn't even aware of some of these physiological changes. It has been my experience that most doctors are only aware of the most common symptoms of peri-menopause or menopause - hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, headaches and mood swings. This book, in my opinion, covers it ALL and helped me understand that not every woman experiences menopausal symptoms in the same way and that there really isn't a one-size fits all type of treatment. After reading her book, I felt like someone finally recognized and understood what I was going through. It was comforting to know that I am not the only woman on the planet having some specific symptoms and reactions to hormonal changes in my body! After months of anxiety and even embarrassment about my physical and emotional state, I felt completely vindicated. This book is easy to read, lists the symptoms in a clear, matter-of-fact way, including examples from many women, and gives clear information about the many options available for treatment. It is compehensive and written by someone who has been there!

I keep this book on hand for continual reference as it was very informative and highly recommended.

I enjoyed reading this book. I just turned 40 and am having some of the symptoms described in the book. It was reassuring to read that I am not crazy! I feel like I can handle what is to come in the future.

I have recommended this book to all of my friends and sister. My husband is currently reading the book. It is my opinion that all husbands should read it!

I slept with this book and 3 ice packs every night. I was so worried about my symptoms until I read the book over and over. I have told every friend to get this book

When you haven't got a "bleepin'" clue about the changes your body is going through, this book will free your soul by giving you the information you need.

If you want to purchase only one perimenopause book, this is the one. It gives a very thorough list of some of the physical signs and suggests various treatment options--including herbs, Chinese remedies, acupuncture, diet, and lifestyle changes. HRT is mentioned, but is not suggested as the best or only option. This book has become my perimenopause bible (and--unfortunately-- my best medical advice, since my MD seems to think perimenopause is all in my 45-year-old-female head!) This is the best blend of medical and alternative treatment advice and common sense around.

The Pause is absolutely the best book I have read on Perimenopause and Menopause. I went through menopause quite early (36!) and found this book to be very helpful. Perhaps because I was younger and was going through it more quickly I found some of the other books that focus on the emotional and "spiritual" aspects annoying. Just give me the facts Mam, and this book did just that. First she explains the physiology in a very understandable manner. Just that information helps you to understand so much. Then she goes into each symptom, explaining what you may experience and giving you ways to cope and possible treatments. She explains what your doctor would most likely recomment (HRT etc.) and she also recommends herbal and alternative therapies that other women have found helpful.
Before puberty we are taught what to expect. When we become pregnant the doctor gives us reading material on what to expect. This is a must read for women to understand this next stage in their lives.

This new edition is a must for any woman going through the change. The new edition covers a much broader view on this subject than the older edition. This edition gives different approaches to choices that exists in dealing with the hormonal rollercoater and allows the reader to compare allopathic methods to more complementary methods of treating menopause. As a healthcare provider, I find this a great source of information to refer to my patients who are working through this time of their life and not knowing which way to turn. I like the idea that it covers menopause from a practical forthright place that does not treat it as a disfunctional time, but more as a time to renew oneself and take control of ones life.

This new edition is a must for any woman going through the change. The new edition covers a much broader view on this subject than the older edition. This edition gives different approaches to choices that exists in dealing with the hormonal rollercoater and allows the reader to compare allopathic methods to more complementary methods of treating menopause. As a healthcare provider, I find this a great source of information to refer to my patients who are working through this time of their life and not knowing which way to turn. I like the idea that it covers menopause from a practical forthright place that does not treat it as a disfunctional time, but more as a time to renew oneself and take control of ones life.