The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Menopause »

Holly L. Thacker, MD, founded the interdisciplinary Center for Specialized Women’s Health at Cleveland Clinic. She has appeared on national television and is regarded as a national thought leader in women's health. She has published and lectured extensively on the topic of menopause and is a NAMS-credentialed menopause clinician. She is the executive director of Speaking of Women’s Health, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to educaing women on health, safety, and well-being.

Regain Control and Enjoy A Vibrant, Healthy Midlife!

If you are one of the millions of women who want answers about menopause, help has arrived: Discover leading-edge menopause treatments that offer effective relief from symptoms, and gain optimism and peace of mind about your health!

In The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Menopause, Dr. Holly Thacker, a trailblazer in women’s health, cuts through the myths and misinformation and provides solid information to help you handle menopause more effectively. She also offers advice that helps you improve your vitality, longevity, and quality of life. Inside you’ll find guidance to help you:

• Control menopause symptoms through safe, effective treatments that balance short-term results with your long-term health.
• Understand the myths and facts about hormone therapy and sort through the inaccurate, misleading and conflicting information that’s so prevalent today.
• Sleep better, boost your energy, and recharge your sex life—so you can regain short term results you want!
• Get the facts about vitamins, supplements, and antidepressants.
• Protect your long-term health by strengthening your bones, helping your heart, and taking smart steps to help prevent cancer and other diseases.

Cleveland Clinic is ranked consistently among the top hospitals in America by U.S. News & World Report. Its team of Women’s Health professionals offers coordinated, supportive care for the problems that affect women's lives, from breast cancer and infertility, to incontinence, pelvic floor disorders, and more.

Introduction ix

Chapter 1 Chossing and Seeing a Doctor at Midlife 1

Chapter 2 Symptoms of Menopause 21

Chapter 3 What's to Blame, Age or Hormones? 39

Chapter 4 Maintaining Mood at Midlife 57

Chapter 5 Menopause and Appearance 81

Chapter 6 Healthy Nutrition for a Healthy Midlife 99

Chapter 7 Hot Flashes and Night Sweats 119

Chapter 8 Sleep: Difficulties and Disorders 133

Chapter 9 Menopause and Sex 143

Chapter 10 The Risks and Benefits of Hormone Therapy 159

Chapter 11 Customizing Hormone Therapy 181

Chapter 12 Boosting Bone Health 201

Chapter 13 Abnormal Bleeding and What to Do About It 227

Conclusion: Your Body, Your Choices 245

Acknowledgments 248

Appendix 1 Preventive Care 249

Appendix 2 Shared Medical Appointments 258

Appendix 3 Managing Migraine Headaches 262

Appendix 4 Caregiving Keys 267

Appendix 5 A Word on Compounding Pharmacies 271

Appendix 6 Resources for Midlife Women 273

Index 275

About the Cleveland Clinic Center for Specialized Women's Health 287

About the Author 288