I'm 46 years old and have been having menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleeplessness) for about 7 years. I found a wonderful, informative book by Elizabeth Lee Vliet, MD, called "Screaming To Be Heard: Hormone Connections Women Suspect and Doctors Still Ignore". It's thick--almost 600 pages--but has the best information about hormonal changes I've found anywhere. It allowed me to knowledgebly talk to my doctor about what was going on with me and what the best course of action was. Some of the chapters are: Hormones, a guide to your body cycles; hormones and the brain; is it PMS, PCOS, or perimenopause; estrogen & memory; hormonal headaches; estrogen & your heart; hormone therapy, facts & fallacies; making holistic medicine work; just to name a few. I think it would benefit anyone going through this crazy time of life!

[This message has been edited by Cat54 (edited 03-02-2001).]

Cat54, Thanks for the book recommendation. I was asking in one of my posts for a book. I'm 47 and just started the last 4 months. Since we're all going through so many different symptons, This sounds like a book for everyone. Can't take HRT, so I'm interested in alternatives, which I would then present to my doctor. There are so many OTC meds and herbals, that one should not be mixing with other meds or taking at all. Just because it's not prescription doesn't mean safe for all. Thanks Mag

Hi Mag! I think you'll really like this book. It answered questions I never even thought to ask! And it covers all kinds of alternatives to HRT. I personally just started taking a low-dose birth control pill today in hopes that it will give me some relief. I started this when I was 39--I'm way tired of it!! Take care & stay healthy! Cat http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I also liked Dr. Vliet's book. I asked her questions when she was on the Powersurge chats. They keep transcripts of all their chats on their website. I don't know the exact address to the transcripts but you can find the website at http://www.power-surge.com

It is the best menopause site I have found in my searches.

CarolB

Thanks for the info, CarolB! I just visited the site and it's wonderful!!!

[This message has been edited by Cat54 (edited 03-02-2001).]