Top 5 Books on Menopause
Best Information Available on Natural Menopause Treatment
A review of 5 books written about treating menopause symptoms naturally, but in different ways. Covers herbal remedies, homeopathy , nutrition and natural HRT.
Many women are choosing not to take the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that has been prescribed over the years. These books give insights into alternative ways of managing menopause symptoms.
- 1. The Wisdom of Menopause by Dr Christiane Northrup (Piatkus 2002)
Dr Northrup writes about all aspects of menopause relief from the physical changes such as hot flashes to coping with emotional and spiritual needs. She discusses HRT and the alternatives. The book has diagrams, case studies of women with different menopause symptoms and a resource list covering recommended books, and where to buy herbal remedies and specific beauty products for aging skin.
- 2. The New Natural Alternatives to HRT by Dr Marilyn Glenville (Kyle Cathie Ltd 2006)
Dr Glenville, leading British nutritionist , has a special interest in treating menopause symptoms with diet and lifestyle. This is an updated version of her first book which sold more than 250,000 copies. She writes clearly with chapters such as “What is HRT?” and “What Not To Eat at the Menopause”
Dr Glenville states, “Too many doctors see women as a collection of hormones, and thus regard the menopause as a deficiency disease that needs to be corrected by replenishing declining levels of estrogen.” She goes on to explain the risks of HRT and gives information on how to prevent everything from osteoporosis and aching joints to vaginal dryness and breast cancer.
- 3. Menopausal Years : The Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed (Ashtree Publishing 1992)
This book is the result of research into the lives of 10,000 women over 3 years. Herbalist Susun Weed has written an accessible book packed with information about treating menopause symptoms naturally with herbal remedies, recipes and rituals, and includes several lists of resources and references.
She advocates strengthening the immune system and offers advice on relieving most menopause symptoms including insomnia, hot flashes and vaginal candida overgrowth. Her warmth and gentle humour shine through in this encouraging book.
- 4. Homeopathy for Menopause by Beth MacEoin (Healing Arts Press 1997)
British Homeopath, Beth MacEoin believes that there is life after menopause and her book lists numerous homeopathic remedies to ensure good health. She includes a short chapter on HRT and several tables listing physical menopause symptoms, such as urinary problems, and the appropriate homeopathic remedies. There are also sections dealing with emotional reactions to menopause and these include empty nest syndrome, depression and anxiety.
- 5. What Your Doctor may Not Tell You About Menopause by Dr John R. Lee with Virginia Hopkins (Warner Books 1996)
Dr Lee pioneered and promoted the use of natural hormone replacement therapy with natural progesterone cream and bio-identical hormones. This book explains, in clear language, the benefits of using natural progesterone, alongside information such as why not to use antacids, and the side effects of drugs such as Tagamet.
Two important chapters cover cardiovascular disease and cancer. A simple hormone balancing program shows how to regain and remain in good health through the use of herbal remedies, vitamin supplements, diet and exercise. The book is useful for women with pre-menopausal symptoms as well as women experiencing menopause, as it discusses hormonal imbalances during both stage.
At a time when doctors have too little time to discuss preventative medicine and may not actually know about some of the data included in this book, it is a relief to have Dr Lee’s easy to follow information on the book shelf.
