|
JoAnn E. Manson, MD, with Shari A. Bassuk, ScD
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2006
Hot Flashes, Hormones, and Your Health is one of the best books about menopause I’ve ever read. It is not only a great book for the woman going through menopause and experiencing this new phase of life, but also for the well-educated physician who thought she/he had read everything on the topic.
Covering many topics that clearly explain the latest scientific evidence, the book makes the reader feel like she has taken a short course in women’s health and statistics (lacking in most medical schools!). The pictures and flow charts are helpful and scientific. I loved the 1998 poll that showed that 51% of women aged 50 to 65 are more content with being older. What a positive fact to read in a menopause book and not just in Cosmopolitan.
The descriptions of the different hormone therapies with the risks and benefits could be included in a med school lecture. Phytoestrogens are well explained, and the chapter on bioidentical hormones is so well written I would like all my patients to read it. The testosterone information is the best information in one place that I have seen. After reading this book, a woman can make a well-educated decision about using hormones.
One major concern I have with the book is that it is written for an extremely well-educated consumer. If someone wants a quick answer to a question, this is not the book for her. Also, the book is best read in its entirety.
But, having said that, the chapters are so full of information and useful graphics they should be required reading by residents in Family Practice and Ob/Gyn. The book educates without overwhelming with statistics and factual information.
I highly recommend this book.
Review written by:
Robyn B. Faye, MD, FACOG
Assistant Clinical Professor
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
Certified Menopause Practitioner
Member, NAMS Consumer Education Committee
Read more about hot flashes and hormone therapy in the NAMS Menopause Guidebook and Early Menopause Guidebook.
The comments contained here are opinions or information of the reviewers and not necessarily the opinions or information of The North American Menopause Society, its officers, agents, or Trustees. Oversight for the book reviews is given by David A. Hutchins, MD, a member of the NAMS Consumer Education Committee.
Copyright © 2007 The North American Menopause Society. All rights reserved.
The North American Menopause Society
Post Office Box 94527
Cleveland, OH 44101, USA
Tel 440/442-7550
Fax 440/442-2660
info@menopause.org
www.menopause.org |