Before the Change : Taking Charge of Your Perimenopause

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Summary: Perimenopause 101
Review: For anyone even curious about what a woman's symptoms are during this time of her life and how to deal with it--you should READ this book. I read it, and so did my Man!! It has taught me so much. I am grateful to Ann Louise Gittleman for writing it. I have read it and now keep it as a reference and to referesh my memory. I knew nothing about this subject before now and I'm glad I found this book. Its a real learning experience. Its amazing what doctors don't take the time to explain.

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Summary: Natural Help for the Female Journey
Review: For those of use who know that natural is the only way to go, and for all those who need to learn that, this book is a first step along with Dr Lee's perimenopause and menopause titles to understanding just what your body needs during the crucial time of perimenopause.
Firstly, Gittleman takes the approach that 'one size does not fit all'; instead, by understanding your own symptoms, and trying natural supplements, you will learn just what your body needs to soothe itself. My only problem with some of her suggestions is she gives a range of dosage which may or may not work for each individual. In her defense, on this point, she does suggest various tests to help you get a better fix on what you need to eliminate symptoms. However, for those of us who are used to having a doctor prescribe based on weight or age and blindly follow their advice, this trial and error will seem tedious, but I do believe it is the only solution, especially in the light of the results of the government's HRT study disclosured in the early part of the summer.
Gittleman has many 'zappers' --- treatment suggestions for different perimenopausal problems. Again, there are so many of them, they too may seem a bit overwhelming, but she sprinkles her advise with real life case histories which help the reader relate or not relate to her main purpose. Among the high points, her progesterone cream usage advise is indispensable as is her advise regarding the use of soy in the diet and the supplementation of B vitamins and calcium along with magnesium; but do keep in mind, that again, the quantities she suggests need to be tried out on your individual body and adjusted in accordance to symptom relief.
I think Gittleman's main message is natural, natural, natural. Diet and supplements are the answer. Fill your body with healthy foods as food in this instance and in all others acts as a good medicine and can help in ways you cannot imagine.
I have literally poured over this book--my copy is in utter tatters; the information is that good. Do buy it!

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Summary: Every woman over the age of 35 needs to read this book!
Review: I almost returned this book when, as I was thumbing through it, I saw something about evening primrose oil. I thought it might be too off the wall, then I started reading. I have tried only two of Ms. Gittleman's "Peri-Zappers" and I can't remember when I last felt this good. It's like a miracle! What I can't understand is why no educated physician would tell me my symptoms may be due to a lack of progesterone or a magnesium deficiency. Do yourself a favor ladies and BUY THIS BOOK. It is well organized and easy to read. Each possible perimenopause problem is thoroughly explained in plain language. Once you understand what symptoms correlate to which perimenopause problem, you can make a determination about your own issues. Then, Ms. Gittleman presents a solution of either diet, supplements or both. She even recommends specific products and tells you where to buy them. This book has literally changed my life. I have struggled with horrible "PMS" symptoms for years, and one week with this book and I feel like a new woman. I HIGHLY recommend it and wish you all the renewed vigor I'm feeling.

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Summary: This Book Is An Absolute Godsend!
Review: I am amazed at the one review that is a complaint about the diet and nutrition instruction included in the book; I cannot see how the reader could separate the importance of that from the importance of the Peri-Zappers. I have now been following the Changing Diet, as well as utilizing most of the ten Peri-Zappers, for one month, and my hot flashes are GONE! That happened within the first week. The relief of that alone was well worth whatever changes I have made, but there is more: I feel better, I have more energy, I am actually ENJOYING my walking now, instead of dreading it; my skin and hair look better, too! If you believe you may be in perimenopause, and are not particularly enjoying it--who would?--get this book. Follow the plan, and you will be glad you did.

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Summary: The best Peri Menopause Book Out There
Review: I am going through the Change of Life and have read everything I could get my hands on. This book, written by another perimenopausal woman, answered all of my questions and then some. I started on the Peri Zappers and my sleep improved right away. Plus my skin cleared and my hair stopped falling out after starting the Progesteron she recommends. I really think that only women should be writing about this topic because they know intimately what is happening and care enough to find solutions that work.

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Summary: I am sending a copy of this book to my OB/GYN. Great info.
Review: I am sending a copy of this book to my OB/GYN.. For all you 40+ that feel like PMS is getting the best of you, real life experiences with real life solutions. I

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Summary: Excellent Book
Review: I find this book absolutely wonderful. It is easy reading not a medical text, and loaded with information from symptons to diets. The author explains everything so well, and provides you with natural remedies and explains if this doesn't work discuss with your DR. about other methods. It has turned into my "bible" and I have highly recommended to 5 of my friends already. If I could afford to buy a carton of these books, I would and pass them out to all my friends. Highly recommend to any who may think they are going thru perimenopause or even if you are just curious about it. This should be a part of everyone woman's book collection. We all go thru it let lets do it with a smile. Definetely a 10 +.

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Summary: Very informative
Review: I found this book very informative. I suggest that every women going through this period of her life read this book. It will answer a lot of questions for you.

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Summary: Good Book, But....
Review: I had to downgrade this book from four to two stars because of the author's frequent promotion of particular brands, such as Uni Key. Perhaps it's a pet peeve, perhaps it's just rampant raging hormones, but I've always been driven nuts by that particular practice. I also found the plugs for her other books a bit tedious.
Having said that, the information contained in this book jives with what I've read in others about perimenopause - all of which I've purchased in the past several days. (I'd highly recommend "The Change Before the Change" by Laura E Corio, MD. It does a much better job of explaining the medical underpinnings of what we're all experiencing.)
I have not yet begun the recommended regimine of supplements; it will be interesting to see if what she and others propose actually work.

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Summary: THE BEST PERIMENOPAUSE BOOK OUT THERE BY FAR
Review: I have been suffering from depression and insomnia - which I thought were part of the normal aging process UNTIL I read Ann Louise's book. After taking more magnesium, Vitamin E, and the progestacream she recommends, I am a new person. I have been able to cut down my medications- with my doctor's blessings, by the way- and am starting to lead a much more normal, sane life. I know now, thank's to BEFORE THE CHANGE, that I am a perimenopausal woman and what I have been experiencing are symptoms of this lifestyle change. I wish there were ten stars.