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Menopause Mondays: The Girlfriend's Guide to Surviving and Thriving During Perimenopause and Menopause
For Ellen Dolgen, menopause education is a mission. Spurred by her own experience struggling with the symptoms of menopause, Dolgen has devoted the last ten years of her life to helping other women during this often difficult time. While she’s not a doctor or scientist, she’s “talked the talk” with countless menopause experts, so that she can “walk the menopause walk” with you and share the keys to this menopause kingdom. Together with her son, Jack, she created this new, comprehensive guide to all things menopause—the symptoms, the treatments, the long-range effects on a woman’s health. Dolgen shares the expertise of numerous specialists to replace confusion and embarrassment with medically sound solutions, presented in an entertaining and informative way. You’ll find detailed descriptions and treatments for the symptoms you or your loved one may experience, from hot flashes and mood swings to mental fogginess and loss of libido, and lots more in between. In addition to sharing the latest research and proven treatments, Dolgen offers guidance to finding a menopause specialist who’s right for you, and she provides a clear explanation of what tests to ask for. You’ll also learn about the latest studies on hormone replacement as well as alternative therapies and remedies. Finally, Dolgen shares the real-life experiences of women—and those who love them—as they traverse the crazy ups and downs of perimenopause and menopause. Her motto Suffering in silence is OUT! Reaching out is IN!
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2015
205 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 6, 2018
(Did not finish this book) I just turned 50 and so far I am very lucky; no symptoms of pre-menopause yet... but... don't waste your time with this book. I think we need to be surrounded by wonderful girlfriends with humor, instead of Hormone Therapy, more Hormone Therapy, and another chapter about Hormone Therapy, supplements, prescription drugs (the mentioning of Cymbalta "these drugs are often prescribed for the treatment of depression and anxiety, but they also can work in alleviating hot flashes and night sweats" (wait... what??). Look into other sources, such as taking a more natural approach, following a lifestyle filled with exercise and healthy foods (amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants all have a positive impact on our hormone levels).
July 17, 2018
Epiphany!
I noticed an article in my local paper talking about menopause which mentioned this book. I am not a Kindle reader, but I decided to give it a try. Best decision. Within minutes, I was crying tears of empathy and acknowledgement. I am not going crazy! Other women feel like I do! Thank you!!
I noticed an article in my local paper talking about menopause which mentioned this book. I am not a Kindle reader, but I decided to give it a try. Best decision. Within minutes, I was crying tears of empathy and acknowledgement. I am not going crazy! Other women feel like I do! Thank you!!
July 16, 2016
First of all, this is an informational book, not a novel.
This book presents a really good overview of what to expect during peri-menopause and menopause.
Included, are several chapters on serious health issues that are linked to menopause, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and thyroid problems.. good to see that information here, as so many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are the same as menopause and should not be dismissed.
The main thing I learned, is that no matter what, you know your own body best. Don't give up looking for the right answer because not all doctors understand this stuff.
The other thing I learned is that whatever your menopause status, maintaining healthy weight and getting daily, weight bearing exercise will help reduce the symptoms of most of the side issues attached to menopause. I never realised something so simple could make that much difference.
For me, this is a useful book to keep around. Even though some of the medical advice was probably accurate at time of printing, it is slightly out of date now. But that is okay, medicines and perameters are constantly changing as more research is done and improved drugs become available.
However, I will say that a little too much emphasis was put on the various hormone therapies available. Regardless of their efficacy, drugs are not the ONLY answer and not everyone can take hormone replacement therapy. Although this point is briefly raised, no alternatives were suggested or offered.
I would recommend this book to anyone within ten years of her menopause. It's quite possible it will save her sanity. No, you are not going crazy or getting old before your time, your hormones are out of whack and that affects everything in your body's system from your brain to your bones.
I give this book THREE stars.
This book presents a really good overview of what to expect during peri-menopause and menopause.
Included, are several chapters on serious health issues that are linked to menopause, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and thyroid problems.. good to see that information here, as so many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are the same as menopause and should not be dismissed.
The main thing I learned, is that no matter what, you know your own body best. Don't give up looking for the right answer because not all doctors understand this stuff.
The other thing I learned is that whatever your menopause status, maintaining healthy weight and getting daily, weight bearing exercise will help reduce the symptoms of most of the side issues attached to menopause. I never realised something so simple could make that much difference.
For me, this is a useful book to keep around. Even though some of the medical advice was probably accurate at time of printing, it is slightly out of date now. But that is okay, medicines and perameters are constantly changing as more research is done and improved drugs become available.
However, I will say that a little too much emphasis was put on the various hormone therapies available. Regardless of their efficacy, drugs are not the ONLY answer and not everyone can take hormone replacement therapy. Although this point is briefly raised, no alternatives were suggested or offered.
I would recommend this book to anyone within ten years of her menopause. It's quite possible it will save her sanity. No, you are not going crazy or getting old before your time, your hormones are out of whack and that affects everything in your body's system from your brain to your bones.
I give this book THREE stars.
July 13, 2022
A book for dipping in and out of personally for me in case I need to check something about menopausal hormones. I like the embedded links in the e-book (some of which go straight to the author's blog for more info), and particularly enjoyed the easy chatty, warm style of the author as well as the real life stories at the end.
I skimmed through a lot of parts which didn't relate to me, took what I needed and left the rest (hoping I won't ever need it lol).
As it is not that in-depth, I recommend the book mostly as a general beginner's book on menopause.
I skimmed through a lot of parts which didn't relate to me, took what I needed and left the rest (hoping I won't ever need it lol).
As it is not that in-depth, I recommend the book mostly as a general beginner's book on menopause.
November 4, 2017
i am very happy this book was written, it was very helpful and imformative.
November 15, 2017
Clear no nonense and direct
You will want to read this if you are going through menopause it gives hope and makes you realise that you are not alone.
You will want to read this if you are going through menopause it gives hope and makes you realise that you are not alone.
May 28, 2019
lots of good information
November 1, 2019
There's a whole lot of info in this book and appreciate the frankness of the author.
February 7, 2020
Helpful
I figured I would get ahead of the game hear, being 39. I found the book full of helpful information. Seriously loaded with everything I think I'll need to know.
I figured I would get ahead of the game hear, being 39. I found the book full of helpful information. Seriously loaded with everything I think I'll need to know.
August 27, 2020
Encouraging
So encouraging. So honest. It felt like she was describing my life. Good, helpful info. We definitely need to share with and prepare each other.
So encouraging. So honest. It felt like she was describing my life. Good, helpful info. We definitely need to share with and prepare each other.
February 21, 2021
Good information
Good information. At the end of the book are some stories of women and their menopause journey. Thanks for writing this book.
Good information. At the end of the book are some stories of women and their menopause journey. Thanks for writing this book.
March 8, 2017
Very informative.
Very well written with lots of information. Would have liked more info on hysterectomy induced menopause. I would recommended this book. The older women are supposed to teach the younger women.
Very well written with lots of information. Would have liked more info on hysterectomy induced menopause. I would recommended this book. The older women are supposed to teach the younger women.
May 16, 2015
This is a Must-Read for All Women!!! Don't be Shy Men, if You Want to Better Understand Women, Read This!
This book is super important for every woman and man to read, particularly for women whose families have difficulties discussing the body's functions. In my own case, all of the older women in my close family are long deceased from age and/or cancer, and the other distant acquaintances that could be informative, are too ladylike or reserved to discuss such intimate issues. I was going to have to figure it out on my own until this book came along. Perfect timing! Thanks Ellen Dolgen and Jack Dolgen for a superlative and necessary book, and for all of the good deeds that you are accomplishing by educating doctors, and the general public, and the world on this indispensable topic! This subject ranks right up there in importance of subjects like learning to brush your teeth, and yet, until now has definitively not received the attention it needs! Good job!!! I hope you keep up the good work, and look forward to your next informative books on this topic!
This book is super important for every woman and man to read, particularly for women whose families have difficulties discussing the body's functions. In my own case, all of the older women in my close family are long deceased from age and/or cancer, and the other distant acquaintances that could be informative, are too ladylike or reserved to discuss such intimate issues. I was going to have to figure it out on my own until this book came along. Perfect timing! Thanks Ellen Dolgen and Jack Dolgen for a superlative and necessary book, and for all of the good deeds that you are accomplishing by educating doctors, and the general public, and the world on this indispensable topic! This subject ranks right up there in importance of subjects like learning to brush your teeth, and yet, until now has definitively not received the attention it needs! Good job!!! I hope you keep up the good work, and look forward to your next informative books on this topic!
December 26, 2025
Early education is key
We make sure to educate our daughters about their periods. WHY do we not educate ourselves EARLY about perimenopause/menopause until we're in the thick of it? We and the medical community must do better and the Dolgen duo has done a great job covering the basics and beyond. I had no idea there were so many symptoms of perimenopause and was enlightened. I encourage you to read this book way before you
THINK you need it.
We make sure to educate our daughters about their periods. WHY do we not educate ourselves EARLY about perimenopause/menopause until we're in the thick of it? We and the medical community must do better and the Dolgen duo has done a great job covering the basics and beyond. I had no idea there were so many symptoms of perimenopause and was enlightened. I encourage you to read this book way before you
THINK you need it.
June 27, 2015
Very helpful
This books covers it all! I just realized I was suffering from peri menopausal symptoms and this book helped me beyond belief. It gives me hope knowing I am not alone and my symptoms are not just me loosing my mind. It has prepared me for my next doctors appointment as well! Thank you!!
This books covers it all! I just realized I was suffering from peri menopausal symptoms and this book helped me beyond belief. It gives me hope knowing I am not alone and my symptoms are not just me loosing my mind. It has prepared me for my next doctors appointment as well! Thank you!!
April 3, 2016
This was am inspiring and informative read. Though I am barely starting perimenopause, I have already experienced doctors being unable to accept my version of the symptoms or pursue a solution for me. I learned a lot about the journey to come, and plan to keep this handy as a reference tool for the future.
February 26, 2016
Just two things
Sum up this book with two solutions: exercise and hormone therapy. But there is nothing in here about the need to STOP hormone therapy after a certain number of years. And very little help for those who had a hysterectomy - just the advice to not have one, and if you do then get HT.
Sum up this book with two solutions: exercise and hormone therapy. But there is nothing in here about the need to STOP hormone therapy after a certain number of years. And very little help for those who had a hysterectomy - just the advice to not have one, and if you do then get HT.
June 28, 2016
I KNEW I wasn't crazy! I just need to find a menopause specialist. I was sure I was in perimenopause and after reading Ms. Dolgen's book, I'm sure of it. If even in the back of your mind think it could be, read her book. Doctors can be notorious for discounting how women feel because "you're too young for menopause" but follow your instinct. Ms. Dolgen tells you how.
May 25, 2015
Some good information
Some info is outdated, mo s t is not.. well written and entertaining. It helps women to recognize the symptoms, which is a relief ("no, I don't have dementia. It's menopause!").
Some info is outdated, mo s t is not.. well written and entertaining. It helps women to recognize the symptoms, which is a relief ("no, I don't have dementia. It's menopause!").
May 29, 2015
A quick read but full of useful information about menopause that I wish I knew 20 years ago. Worthwile for all women... and the men in their lives. Explains a lot about the emotions we all deal with, but may not have understood.
February 2, 2016
Oh. My. God. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm an educated, intelligent woman. I knew I was in perimenopause. But I didn't know all the symptoms I've been having are perimenopause symptoms. Holy cow. I feel like, thanks to this book, I can reclaim my sanity.
September 17, 2016
This is a good reference book to keep handy for when I get a little older. I had no idea that there could be so many symptoms to menopause. I'm not looking forward to it but my eyes are more open after reading this book.
May 20, 2015
Very helpful
This book has a lot of helpful information about what women go thru in menopause. It's fantastic that this book is free!
This book has a lot of helpful information about what women go thru in menopause. It's fantastic that this book is free!
August 30, 2015
Some good insights and tips. Confirmation that you're not crazy is very helpful. :)
March 13, 2016
Great information!
This has so much info and interviews from real women with real symptoms. I am so glad I read it and want everyone to read it, too!
Thank you.
Enjoy!
This has so much info and interviews from real women with real symptoms. I am so glad I read it and want everyone to read it, too!
Thank you.
Enjoy!
December 8, 2015
interesting and funny as hell.
December 26, 2015
Taboo subject
This book deals with a subject that we just don't talk about. It says things women need to know. Lots of references and hyperlinks to back up what she is saying.
This book deals with a subject that we just don't talk about. It says things women need to know. Lots of references and hyperlinks to back up what she is saying.
February 1, 2016
Really enjoyed this very informative book. I would highly recommend to all women of about 30 and up to read so that you are prepared.
January 15, 2016
Brilliant for any sufferers of menopause symptoms
July 5, 2016
The book is very general but had some good tips and websites for reference.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews