Review: "Is It Hot In Here Or Is It Me?" (Menopause)

Pat Wingert and Barbara Kantrowitz, two Newsweek writers, explain how the years after 40 are a time for critical changes. More than 37 million women, nearly a third of all American women, are now between 40 and 60 years old, and they are about to begin, have begun, or have finished "the transition from regular menstrual cycles to a full year without any periods (the technical definition of menopause)." According to the authors many women experiencing menopause have only a limited understanding of what's happening to their bodies, which lead to their book "Is It Hot In Here or Is It Me"?

From the Newsweek review:

When boomers were toddlers, menopause was seen as the end of a woman's vital years. But scientists now understand that this is a critical juncture, and what you do during menopause can shape your physical and emotional lives for years to come.

Women who make smart choices in menopause are more likely to live longer, healthier lives. Becoming more physically active, for example, can strengthen your bones, protect you against heart disease, boost your mood and reduce hot flashes, and may even lower your risk of dementia. You can start slowly, adding a 10-minute walk to your daily routine, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or starting the day with a gentle jog around the block. Small changes add up over time. We know many women who began with a few extra steps and now run miles. So it's important to keep at it and not give up.

Learning about menopause will help middle age women weigh some of the health choices they'll have to make. Given the questions concerning hormone therapy and its links to breast cancer this is an aspect of aging that can't be ignored so whether it's this book or another resource, women are strongly recommended to be informed.

---