Marcia L. Jones was a freelance writer for more than 20 years.

Theresa Eichenwald, M.D., is an internist with experience in caring for menopausal women.

Nancy W. Hall has written extensively on health, pregnancy, and child development for over 18 years.

Introduction 1

Part I: The Main Facts about Menopause 7

Chapter 1: Mapping Out Menopause 9

Chapter 2: Talking Biology and Psychology: Your Mind and Body on Menopause 17

Chapter 3: Fooling Mother Nature: Early Menopause 31

Chapter 4: Getting In Sync with the Symptoms 41

Part II: The Effects of Menopause on Your Body and Mind 53

Chapter 5: The Business of Your Bones 55

Chapter 6: Getting a Handle on Heart Health 79

Chapter 7: Dealing with Vaginal and Urinary Changes 95

Chapter 8: Examining Your Skin and Hair on Menopause 107

Chapter 9: Maintaining Your Sex Life Through Menopause 115

Chapter 10: Mental and Emotional Issues 129

Part III: Treating the Effects 141

Chapter 11: The Basics of Hormone Therapy 143

Chapter 12: Understanding Hormone Therapy and Your Heart 161

Chapter 13: Checking Out Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer 173

Chapter 14: Reviewing Reproductive Cancers and Hormone Therapy 185

Chapter 15: Considering Hormone Therapy and Other Health Conditions 197

Chapter 16: Making the Decision about Hormone Therapy 209

Chapter 17: Taking an Alternate Route: Non-Hormone Therapies 225

Part IV: Lifestyle Issues for Menopause and Beyond 239

Chapter 18: Eating for the Change 241

Chapter 19: Focusing on Fitness 261

Chapter 20: Enjoying a New Lease on Life 285

Part V: The Part of Tens 297

Chapter 21: Ten Menopause Myths Exposed 299

Chapter 22: Ten Medical Tests for Menopausal Women 307

Chapter 23: Ten Terrific Fitness Programs for Menopausal Women 313

Chapter 24: Ten Powerhouse Foods for Menopausal Women 319

Part VI: Appendixes 325

Appendix A: Glossary 327

Appendix B: Resources 335

Index 343