Customer Reviews

Could It Be...Perimenopause?: How Women 35-50 Can Overcome Forgetfulness, Mood Swings, Insomnia, Weight Gain, Sexual Dysfunction and Other Telltale Signs of Hormonal Imbalance

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

The sanity you save could be your own!

I have read almost every book I could get my hands on on this topic. Many gave herbal remedies only, and being the "aging hippie" that I am, I followed a lot of them.

Here is the BIG NEWS! Menopause (for which many herbals are touted), is NOT the same as peri-menopause! You may actually make the problem WORSE by not finding out at least which stage you are in before self-medicating.

I found, after a blood test, (after reading the book), that I am in peri-menopause, and the LAST thing I needed was more estrogen plant remedies.

I am now on a low dose birth control pill, and feeling MUCH BETTER, thank you! I would never have thought I would consider traditional medical treatment over herbal, but for me it was the best choice. Herbs can do much good, if you know exactly what you are doing and what you are treating, but they can make you feel worse.

Thank GOODNESS I found "Could It Be ... Perimenopause?..." - by Steven R., Md Goldstein. I am grateful, my family is grateful, (those crying jags are a bit tiresome!) and most of all, I have learned it's not all black and white out there in this area, you can take what you feel is best for YOU and go with it.

The most important part is to be informed.

This book will do that for you.

Everyone else raves but I really really didn't like this book. Here are my reasons:
- he rejects all herbal remedies because they have not been FDA approved. I admit there are problems with quality control and no you shouldn't ask the check out clerk for advice on natural remedies but there are other educated practitioners, even doctors, who can give advice on natural remedies.
- he is too quick to recommend a hysterectomy. While he says that you shouldn't have a D & C to try to identify excessive bleeding if you're going to have any surgery you might as well have a hysterectomy, forget myomectomy or any other less invasive surgery. I'm quite happy that I got rid of my fibroids with a myomectomy and still have my uterus - thank goodness my doctor didn't agree with this book.
- the book is 4 years old now and doesn't take into consideration the recent studies which show that HRT may not be the right way to go. I'd like to know how those studies affect his recommendation that all perimenopausal women take low dose birth control pills
- he seems to have only one answer for perimenopause and that's low dose birth control pills. I'm always suspicious of complicated problems that have only one answer.

I'm still looking for a book that I feel comfortable with.

The book was informative but it seemed to me that the answer to everything was low dose birth control pills and any other solution was suspect. Fortunately, I didn't stop my research with just one book. I also read "What Your Doctor May Not tell you about Premenopuase". I can't say I agree with all that either but I like the idea of having alternatives. I am currently trying out the progresterone cream with some positive results after only a few weeks. And I intend to keep reading...

Dr. Goldstein has written a book that answers questions that perimenopausal women have and NEED to know. It is easy reading and addresses important issues such as low dose birth control pills, and natural remedies, and the important difference between perimenopause and menopause. It was immeasurable it helping me to reach a decision on which route to take to ease my symptoms. A must have book for any woman from late 30's on. He also explores and suggests other reasons why one could be experiencing certain symtoms and weather or not they are truly related to perimenopause. Thank-you Dr. Goldstein

I'm 36 years old and started taking an antidepressant for mood swings six months ago. I didn't know at the time that anything else could be wrong. When my periods came at odd times I thought it was stress related. Reading "Could it be Perimenopause?" put what was happening to me in a new light. This book is so easy to read and it explains everything about perimenopause, helpful medications, natural remedies, and the side effects of both. I did find when searching for the book recommended by Dr. Goldstein on flexibility training by auther Lydia Bach that this book is no longer available through the publisher.

This book provides a straightfoward checklist on the symptoms of perimenopause. The easy to read format and the humourous cover makes me laugh (instead of cry about this stage of life.)The book is well organized around symptoms, medical and natural treamtents. It provides a substantial amount of information in a straightforward not-too-scientific voice. Dr. Goldstein emphasizes that surgery is the last resort for menstrual problems and outlines new treatments for perimenopausal symptoms. If I had one criticism of the book, it's that he oversells the pill as the cure all treatment.

I knew something was 'not right' about me, I didn't feel like myself, I gained weight, I was too moody, and my periods were unpredictable. After reading this fabulous book I realize I'm approaching menopause (being only 44)and there's a reason for what's happening to me physically and mentally. Dr. Goldstein seems so sympathethic to all these ailments and makes good and reasonable recommendations. There is power in knowledge and this book has helped me gain that power.

This could quite possibly be the worst book written on perimenopause. I am not a doctor, but from all the information I've read, this book is full of misinformation. And it pretty much laughs in the face of natural remedies. I think the authors are in ca-hoots with the birth control manufacturers, since that seems to be their answer for everything.

Excellent insight into the conditions and symptoms leading to menopause (which can span 15-20 years!). Perimenopause can create vague havoc in the physical and mental wellbeing of EVERY female and Dr. Goldstein addresses these issues and offers identification of symptoms, information and sound advice (includes prescription, OTC and lifestyle "remidies"). Advantages of this book: 1) big picture variety--stuff Mom, sisters or girlfriends can't tell you 2) infinitely more objective than the literature distributded by the drug companies (thru your doctor's office) 3) provides "ammunition" for discussion at your next doctor's visit. Regret: wish I had read this book 10 years ago! Next Step: have sent a copy of "Could This Be...Perimenopause" to my two younger sisters.

My doctor recommended this book and I'm so glad she did. It is full of helpful information, and unlike so many other books explains what your symptoms might mean in addition to perimenopause. I found real help here, and realistic options.