The thirteen million women now between the ages of forty-five and fifty-four have focused attention on menopause as a major health issue and greatly increased the demand for information on this once taboo topic. In Turning Point , biologist and author, Sue Furman puts menopause into perspective as one of many hormone-driven events in the continuum of a woman's physical and emotional growth. At about age eight, estrogen levels slowly rise and initiate the transformation of a young girl into a young woman. The hormone ...
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The thirteen million women now between the ages of forty-five and fifty-four have focused attention on menopause as a major health issue and greatly increased the demand for information on this once taboo topic. In Turning Point , biologist and author, Sue Furman puts menopause into perspective as one of many hormone-driven events in the continuum of a woman's physical and emotional growth. At about age eight, estrogen levels slowly rise and initiate the transformation of a young girl into a young woman. The hormone-regulated reproductive phase of life is punctuated at the beginning by menarche, the first of many menstrual periods and at the end by menopause, the mast menstrual period. Hormones play many roles, sometimes even swaying a woman's choice of Mr. Right. Estrogen alone influences at least 300 body functions including memory, bone growth, and the health of arteries and capillaries. Levels of this seemingly ubiquitous hormone begin to decline at about age 35, then drop abruptly around the time of menopause promoting a myriad of symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, mood swings, fuzzy vision, migraine headaches, and incontinence. Turning Point tells readers exactly what is happening when these symptoms occur and how to alleviate or cope with them. Furman notes that the most serious consequence of decreased estrogen is a woman's increased risk for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and even Alzheimer's disease. Restoring lost estrogen with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can substantially decrease these health risks for some, but a discussion of the pros and cons of HRT points out that it is not for everyone. Finally, Furman discusses how simple life-style choices like good nutrition, moderate exercise, and not smoking can have a significant impact on the menopause transition. Turning Point debunks the many myths and fears surrounding menopause, by providing women with easy-to-grasp, reliable information that will allow them to question physicians with authority, understand their answers, and take an active role in treatment. In short, the book helps women retain the peace of mind--and sense of humor--that can make menopause a healthy experience.
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