Our Bodies, Ourselves

August 21, 2006
Readers familiar with Our Bodies, Ourselves
, first published in 1970, will find the same comprehensive, balanced and empowering approach in this volume. The authors consider menopause within the totality of women's health and as a natural process, not a medical problem. They detail typical menopausal symptoms, mainstream and alternative treatments, and risk factors for such conditions as osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer and diabetes as women age. They explain the biology of menopause; provide up-to-date perspectives on hormone replacement therapy (HRT); discuss sudden and early menopause due to surgery, medical treatments or genetic risk factors; and offer personal reflections by individual women. The sections on how to evaluate research findings; make wise health-care decisions; understand the social, cultural, economic and political frameworks in which women's health care is viewed and formulated; and nurture the self—mind, body and spirit—during years of change on all levels will prove most useful. As a general reference on menopause, this volume will be embraced by a wide female audience.

Starred review from August 15, 2006
"Our Bodies, Ourselves" has served as a bible for women's healthcare since the first edition was published in 1970. The Boston Women's Health Collective decided to launch a series of books covering specific aspects of women's health in greater depth; "Menopause" is the first. Like the mother book, this one uses a narrative tone and quotations from diverse women to present the most current clinical information along with political and psychosocial context. Physicians, scientists, academics, psychologists, and writers approach menopause as a natural part of the aging process, emphasizing proper nutrition, exercise, and self-care to prevent troublesome symptoms and ease the transition to a new phase of life. They examine the impact of menopause on relationships and objectively consider such issues as hormone therapy (some women may need it, so data are provided that will help them make informed decisions). A resource list of books, periodicals, and organizations provides material for further research. By furnishing tools for empowerment, this book goes beyond other fine guides, such as Dr. Mary Jane Minkin and Carol V. Wright's "A Woman's Guide to Menopause & Perimenopause". Highly recommended." -Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L."

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.