"As we age, our bodies progressively produce less estrogen. Though the transition is natural, the drop in this protective hormone is associated with a range of strange and discomfiting symptoms that generations of doctors have too often dismissed -- from stereotypical hot flashes, brain fog, and weight gain to less talked about neurological, musculoskeletal, psychological, and sexual issues. Reduced estrogen also increases a woman's risk for developing serious medical conditions, including diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Clearly, "natural" doesn't always mean "healthful," but that doesn't suggest we can do nothing to improve things. This is the empowering approach to hormonal change that pioneering women's health advocate Dr. Mary Claire Haver takes in The New Menopause. A thorough, authoritative resource and a book rich with real women's lived experience, it includes: --A comprehensive A to Z toolkit of science-backed options for coping with more than 70 menopausal symptoms. --Options for mediating your risks for diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and weight gain. --Advice and prompts for how to advocate and prepare for annual midlife wellness visits and insist on whole life care. --A tear-out symptom scoring sheet and questions to ask your doctor. --The very latest research on the benefits and side effects of hormone replacement therapy. --A handy hot flash diary and symptom journal to record your personal specifics. Arming women with the power to secure vibrant health, longevity, and well-being for the rest of our lives, The New Menopause is sure to become the bible of female midlife wellness." -- Provided by dustjacket.