Product Description

“What’s happening to me?”

You’re in the prime of life. As far as you know, menopause could be years away. So why is your body sending you such weird messages?

• Irregular periods you haven’t seen since your teen years
• Mood swings, irritability, and worrisome memory glitches
• Stubborn extra pounds you just can’t shed
• Hot flashes and insomnia that leave you tired all day
• And sex — remember how it used to be?

If even one of these sounds familiar, you could be in perimenopause — the change that precedes the change by as many as ten years. Has your doctor mentioned it? Shockingly, many still don’t. But Dr. Laura Corio has “the talk” with every one of her patients when they reach age 35. And now, in this lively and solution-packed book, she shares her experience helping thousands of women navigate these years in peak physical and emotional health.

You’ll learn the hows — up-to-the-minute options for getting your symptoms under control. You’ll also learn the fascinating whys — from the subtle hormonal shifts that affect every part of your body to the impact of stress and diet. You’ll get precise details on:

• Hormone treatment before menopause, including all the new, natural, and low-dose forms that are making this a safe choice for more women
• Herbs, soy, and other alternative therapies that are backed by solid medical research
• How perimenopause affects fertility — and what to do if you want to get pregnant
• How your skin, hair, and nails reflect deeper changes — and how to make them vibrant again
• Ways to combat cancer fears — and what tests you absolutely must have
• Whether a high-protein diet is right for you — and what vitamins and minerals you should be taking
• What to do now to protect your breasts, uterus, bones, and heart in the years to come

Above all, The Change Before the Change puts you back in charge, with the confidence and resources you need to make the right decisions during these pivotal years.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1439488 in Books
• Published on: 2000-10-31
• Released on: 2000-10-31
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 448 pages

From Amazon.com
"There's no need to be a martyr!" insist the authors of The Change Before the Change: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Healthy in the Decade Before Menopause, ob-gyn Laura E. Corio and health writer Linda G. Kahn. They wrote The Change for women, usually over 35, who have started experiencing some of the symptoms that indicate that menopause is approaching. This transition time, which can last for several years before menstrual periods stop, is called perimenopause. Symptoms may include "irregular bleeding, hot flashes, palpitations, mood swings, headaches, insomnia, memory loss, vaginal itching and dryness, lack of libido, dry skin and hair, weight gain." The Change documents how perimenopausal women can counter these symptoms by adding certain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and foods to their diet; making simple lifestyle changes; and using hormone preparations, including natural hormones and low-dose estrogen. At the same time, Corio and Kahn wisely stress that relief isn't a quick fix, but should be an ongoing collaboration between you and your doctor. "Your body is not a car that you simply take to the shop for a new set of spark plugs," they say. "It's a complicated, fascinating organism that should command your full interest and attention."

The book covers the symptoms of perimenopause; changes in fertility; long-term health of the heart, breasts, reproductive organs, thyroid, and bones; and therapies including medical treatments, supplements, and herbs. Corio and Kahn don't tell you what to do if you're encountering perimenopausal symptoms; rather, they introduce you to your options, as if you were a patient asking for advice. Many case studies and anecdotes from Corio's own patients make The Change lively and involving. --Joan Price

From Library Journal
When Corio, attending physician at Mount Sinai Hospital and cohost of the radio show Women for Women, was in medical school two decades ago, gender-specific medicine barely existed. Today, it is commonplaceDa huge benefit to the 50 million women in America (a third of the female population) who are of perimenopausal or menopausal age. Notable for its clarity, comprehensiveness, and currency, this book describes the signs and effects of perimenopause and suggests treatment options, focusing on the use of vitamins, minerals, herbs, foods, phytoestrogrens, and hormone preparations, all largely of the "natural" variety. Dosages and caveats concerning the use of these products are given, and Corio emphasizes that her suggestions should not be implemented without consulting one's physician. But this is more than a book about perimenopause; its intent is optimization of overall health, and its discussion extends to bones, breasts, the heart, screening tests, etc. The narrative is peppered with interesting and pertinent case histories. This book should be helpful to women of a certain age and is highly recommended.DLinda M.G. Katz, Florence A. Moore Lib. of Medicine, MCP Hahnemann Univ., Philadelphia
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"Every woman, no matter her age, needs this well-researched, informative, and readable book.  More than a health plan for the years leading up to menopause, it is a primer for women's health throughout our life cycle.  Buy it for yourself, and pick one up for a daughter, mother, niece, or friend."
-- Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., author of A Woman's Book of Life

"A tour de force that may become the benchmark in its field...Dr. Laura Corio tells you everything you need to know about the years before menopause, anticipates your questions, and answers them in warm, accessible language."
-- Lee Ellen Morrone, M.D., The Mount Sinai Medical Center

"The science presented by Dr. Corio is clearly distilled and compelling.  This book is a must read for every woman who wants to take control of her hormonal destiny."
-- Barry Sears, Ph.D., author of The Zone

"Dr. Laura Corio is the gynecologist every woman should have in her corner.  Written in her compassionate and friendly voice, The Change Before the Change is brimful with expert information and advice."
-- Adele Puhn, M.S.C.N.S., author of The 5-Day Miracle Diet

"Dr. Corio integrates established medical wisdom with a savvy, holistic approach.  She affirms as well as informs women who notice their bodies are changing even before laboratory tests confirm menopause is near."
-- Carol Birnbaum, M.D., Instructor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

"Women flourish when they are given state-of-the-art health information and a practical plan for putting it to work in their own lives.  The Change Before the Change is a gift to midlife women everywhere."
-- Miriam Nelson, Ph.D., author of Strong Women Stay Young

"Dr. Corio captures the many concerns of women at a time of life that has lacked identity until now.  How marvelous to have a physician who has listened."
-- Elizabeth Stewart, M.D., Brigham and Women's Hospital