I'm writing to tell you about an exciting book I just discovered. I've only read part of it but it's VERY interesting and it was written by Dr. Henry M. Hess, M.D., Ph.D.
Some of my local endometriosis support group members have gone through surgical menopause... in other words menopause brought on by a hysterectomy. Others have gone through natural menopause. Still others are entering the perimenopause years. I think it's important to pay some attention to the topic of menopause (and perimenopause).
Many women I know personally were led to believe by their doctors that a hysterectomy would "cure" their endo... only to have serious health problems post-hysterectomy that are endometriosis related. THERE IS NO CURE FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS!
Dr. Henry M. Hess is a gynecologist, chemist, natural therapist & menopause expert. Dr. Hess has practiced in all areas of obstetrics and gynecology for over 25 years with a special interest in menopause and perimenopause. He believes in the integrative approach - a blend of traditional and natural medicine, and this is the focus of his book:
The Perfect Menopause: 7 Steps to the Best Time of Your Life by Dr. Henry M. Hess, M.D., Ph.D., (with Tiffany Farrell).
You may have seen the numerous stories in the news about estrogen replacement therapy or hormone replacement therapy and changes in how the medical community views the benefits vs. risks of certain medications. Due to recent controversy (sometimes quite heated) over treatment for the symptoms of menopause, I'm going to include the disclaimer straight from the book, The Perfect Menopause, here:
This book is meant to educate all women on the latest options for management of their menopause. However, it should not be used as an alternative to appropriate medical care. The information given here is designed to help you make informed decisions in the context of your specific medical situation with the help of your qualified medical provider.
In light of ongoing research and the constant flow of information, newer medical discoveries may invalidate some of the data presented here, and could even alter the considerations discussed in this book. We hope to continue to present updated versions of this book, recognizing that "the answers will continue to change".
In view of the possibility of human error and changes in medical sciences, neither the authors, nor any individual involved in the preparation of this work for publication, nor the University of Rochester, nor any individuals or other institutions mentioned in this book warrant that the information is in every respect accurate or complete. Neither the authors, nor the University of Rochester, nor any other party or institutions mentioned in this book are responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of the information in this book. We strongly advise that the information in this book be used in collaboration with your qualified medical provider.
The book points out, "The fact that it is only within the last century or so that life expectancies increased enough for menopause to become a regular experience for women indicates that the field of menopause is a relatively new area of medical research. Before the 1900s, the average life expectancy for women was 47".
If you are in need of information on menopause or perimenopause, this book was reviewed by Tara Allmen, M.D. (Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, Center for Menopause, http://center-for-menopause.com/) as follows, "Finally, women have a scientifically accurate and up-to-date resource on menopause!"
Here is the website associated with this book:
http://www.theperfectmenopause.com
With all of the confusion about treatments for menopause in the media these days and the fact that some of the women in my local endometriosis support group struggle with how to handle such symptoms, I thought it would be a good idea to devote a post to this book on menopause. Hopefully some of you reading this blog will find it helpful!
This article was posted by Jeanne via "Jeanne's Endo Blog" at www.endendoat.blogspot.com.
