The Power of Perimenopause: A Woman's Guide to Physical and Emotional Health During the Transitional Decade

The perimenopausal years can start as early as age thirty-five and last for up to ten years. This transitional period in a woman's life has often been misdiagnosed or ignored. Now Stephanie Bender, an expert in women's hormonal health, sounds a wake-up call for the confusing years before menopause, which require special emotional, dietary, and health guidance.

The Power of Perimenopause explains how symptoms such as irregular cycles, night sweats and insomnia, decreased libido, memory lapses, and mood swings can be traced to fluctuating hormones. It gives detailed recommendations on how to use both conventional and alternative approaches to lessen symptoms, including the most up-to-date research and new treatments. Bender also goes beyond medical advice to show women how all facets of their lives, from diet to attitude to lifestyle, can be transformed to make this an exciting and productive phase. Perimenopause is a time when women can reconsider their beliefs and priorities with newfound wisdom--perhaps discarding outmoded images of female beauty and examining their relationships with lovers and family on a deeper level. The Power of Perimenopause explores this neglected age with practical ways to enhance the quality of all areas of women's lives.

Stephanie DeGraff Bender, M.A., is the founder of Full Circle Women's Health, Inc., in Boulder, Colorado. Since its inception, this clinic has treated more than 20,000 women while conducting pioneering research into women's hormonal health. As an expert on women's health, Ms. Bender has appeared on Today, Oprah, CBS Morning News, Donahue, and Geraldo. She is the coauthor of PMS: Women Tell Women How to Control Premenstrual Syndrome.