Foreword — vii
Acknowledgments ix
Introduction — 1
Chapter 1: Perimenopause — 7
The Reproductive Process and Perimenopause 8
The Onset of Perimenopause – 9
A New Stage of Life – 10
Mood Swings – 11
Erratic Menstrual Cycles – 16
Spotting and Flooding – 19
Improving Fertility – 22
Sexuality and Vaginal Changes – 27
Whole-Body Effects of Perimenopause – 30
Chapter 2: Menopause – 34
Cardiovascular Disease – 40
Osteoporosis – 45
Depression – 54
Dysmenorrhea and Reproductive System Pain – 60
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats – 67
Irregular Cycles – 74
Vaginal Thinning and Dryness – 78
Changing Appearance of Skin and Hair – 87
Chapter 3: Hormone Replacement Therapy – 93
HRT Studies: The Pros and Cons of the Drugs – 94
Hormone Therapy: A Historical Overview – 97
Hormones, Herbs, and Cancer Risk – 98
Natural Hormone Replacement or HRT: Your Decision – 102
Premature Menopause – 104
Coming Off of Hormones Safely – 106
Chapter 4: Postmenopause – 112
Arthritis – 113
Changing Nutritional Needs – 122
Nervous System Changes – 133
Immune Strength – 140
Vaginal Changes – 148
Appendix A: Guidelines for Preparing Herbs – 153
Appendix B: How to Make Your Own Menopause Formula – 156
Appendix C: Herbal Home Medicine Chest – 160
Appendix D: Herb Images – 162
Resources – 175
Bibliography – 181
Index – 189
