CATEGORY

Menopause is a complicated business. Medical issues vary widely and treatment options seem endless--especially in the wake of bad news about hormone replacement. While The Sexy Years isn't meant to supply you with a specific program of daily supplements, Suzanne Somers does offer an excellent inspiration to march forth and take control of this stage of health. Much of the book covers her own experience of menopause, including some detail on her breast cancer ordeal. She advocates the use of natural, bioidentical hormonal replacement, available through a variety of creams and supplements--it's a rare page that doesn't gush about the power of these substances or raise negative issues about the use of synthetic hormones. Introductory medical information is included on how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone work together to keep people healthy and active; the vocabulary is understandable and generally entertaining rather than overwhelming. She provides interviews with a variety of doctors and women in various stages of menopause. These will give women a good place to start with topics to address with their own medical providers. While a short index of doctors and compounding pharmacies is provided, most women will have to do their own research to find local natural hormone specialists. But if you're looking for a boost of courage to bring up these treatments with your doctor--or simply want to investigate more natural alternatives to the standard synthetics--this is a fine place to get started. --Jill Lightner