A comprehensive and practical guide for women of all ages to gain a clear view of the physical, mental, and emotional changes related to menopause Although menopause is a natural and inevitable stage in every woman's life, its physical, mental, and emotional manifestations can vary greatly from one person to the next. Add the conflicting "expert" information about the benefits, risks, and side effects to which women are exposed on a daily basis, and it's easy to see many women find it difficult to make informed choices about how to deal with their menopausal symptoms. Authored by a team of acknowledged experts in treating menopausal symptoms, Menopause For Dummies provides you with all the information you need to stay in control every step of the way. In plain English, it explains the role menopause plays in a variety of common health problems, such as osteoporosis, stroke, and heart disease. It walks you through proven measures for minimizing your risk of developing complications, including diet and exercise, stress management, hormone replacement, and other techniques. And this no-nonsense guide gives you authoritative, up-to-the-minute coverage of: How to identify pre-menopause (perimenopause) and what it meansThe stages of menopauseHow menopause can affect your body, emotions, and libidoThe latest facts about hormone replacement therapyThe pros and cons of various alternative treatmentsThe best ways of handling hot flashesEasing symptoms with diet and exercisePreventing bone lossHelpful lifestyle changes This book has four top ten lists to provide even more ways of navigating the changes you'll experience throughout menopause—exposing common myths about menopause, giving you the scoop on medical tests you might need, kicking around ideas to kick-start or rejuvenate your exercise routine, and tempting you with fabulous healthy foods (because eating healthy doesn't have to be boring). Additionally, the book has a glossary and a list of resources to find more information about menopause, hormones, and related conditions. With Menopause For Dummies in your corner, you’ll have a kinder, gentler "change of life."