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THE HORMONE SURVIVAL
GUIDE FOR PERIMENOPAUSE:
BALANCE YOUR HORMONES NATURALLY
Reviewed for ProjectAWARE.org by Joan McPhee, MH, WT
April 8, 2004
This book makes sense from beginning
to end. Dr. Jackson has packed an astounding amount of relevant information into
this small volume, which is beautifully organized, easy-to-read, informative, and
positive. It is well written and well referenced.
Overall, this book outlines one of the most common-sense approaches to deal with
the symptoms of hormone imbalance, a very common problem.
It provides answers to questions that many women have given up asking their physician.
Physicians often just don't know the answers when it comes to nutritional or natural
ways to maintain wellness, or treat symptoms. I believe it should be considered a
"Must Read" for physicians as well as any woman over the age of 20.
Many doctors do not appreciate the difference between synthetic hormones and bioidentical
hormones which are sometimes called "natural" or "human identical"
hormones. Synthetic hormones often differ in molecular structure from those produced
by the body. Dr. Jackson is one of an increasing number of practitioners and scientists
who believe that even a slight difference in the molecular configuration of a compound
can produce a totally different response from its natural counterpart. In her practice,
she finds that natural hormones more effectively correct symptoms and have fewer
side effects.
The author explains that hormone-related problems have escalated over the past two
decades, and discusses why. In addition, hormone levels decline with age. The decline
brings with it the symptoms of perimenopause for many, but not all, women. How the
hormones work is described accurately but in a way that the reader can easily understand.
Dr. Jackson advocates hormone testing for women who have typical and distressing
perimenopausal symptoms. She discusses serum versus salivary testing, the use of
hormones to treat hormone problems, placing emphasis on hormone balance and natural
versus synthetic hormones.
She considers diet a powerful way to create hormone balance, and explains why women
gain weight with age, and how insulin becomes a fat-storage hormone. Signs of insulin
resistance are the same as those for low blood-sugar (hypoglycemia). When the ovaries
produce less estrogen during perimenopause, the body's fat cells produce more. A
six-step plan for weight/fat loss is described in detail, as are supplements that
aid fat loss.
The positive benefits of exercise are emphasized, and for those not able, or not
inclined, women are encouraged to start small - "...even 20 minutes of walking
helps."
Overworked adrenal glands and "toxic" stress are huge factors in poor health.
Doctors often miss this, and some women just can't handle the load. The book describes
how stress affects the body, how to recognize the signs of "toxic" stress,
and provides solutions including diet and exercises specifically targeted at this
common symptom.
PMS has some symptoms similar to menopause, and a checklist is provided to aid assessment.
Treatment options are offered. Dr. Jackson also discusses a "healthy" sex
drive, why perimenopausal women often lose it, and talks about the hormones that
affect it. Also explained is how undiagnosed, untreated low thyroid is "bad
news." Finding a practitioner who will work with the patient to obtain an accurate
diagnosis is of utmost importance.
Other hazards of perimenopause such as hot flashes, irregular period, thinning hair,
breast tenderness, vaginal dryness, migraines and other headaches, bladder control,
and sleep are all discussed and suggestions made.
Dr. Jackson has found twelve weeks to be a "magical" time frame for her
patients. The weight management program is a 12-week plan, as is the hormonal overhaul
plan. First the patient is medically evaluated, consulted regarding her problems,
tested via blood samples for hormone imbalances, then scheduled back into the office
to discuss lab results. From there individualized programs are set up.
One thing worthy of mention is that recommendations are made regarding treatment
of hormone imbalance with hormone replacement, yet no mention is made as to how a
post-cancer patient should approach the subject. The book assumes healthy patients
when discussing hormones and dosages. I think I would be more comfortable seeing
contraindications (throughout) as well as recommendations.
This book reinforces everything we have presented in our website which we feel contains
unbiased comprehensive information for women regarding perimenopause, menopause,
postmenopause and related health issues.
| Reviewers: |
Please send a copy of your article
to:
Gary Palmatier, Larkfield Publishing
5256 Aero Drive, Unit 3, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 |
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