Customer Reviews

The Pause: Positive Approaches to Premenopause and Menopause

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Pause is absolutely the best book I have read on Perimenopause and Menopause. I went through menopause quite early (36!) and found this book to be very helpful. Perhaps because I was younger and was going through it more quickly I found some of the other books that focus on the emotional and "spiritual" aspects annoying. Just give me the facts Mam, and this book did just that. First she explains the physiology in a very understandable manner. Just that information helps you to understand so much. Then she goes into each symptom, explaining what you may experience and giving you ways to cope and possible treatments. She explains what your doctor would most likely recomment (HRT etc.) and she also recommends herbal and alternative therapies that other women have found helpful.
Before puberty we are taught what to expect. When we become pregnant the doctor gives us reading material on what to expect. This is a must read for women to understand this next stage in their lives.

This new edition is a must for any woman going through the change. The new edition covers a much broader view on this subject than the older edition. This edition gives different approaches to choices that exists in dealing with the hormonal rollercoater and allows the reader to compare allopathic methods to more complementary methods of treating menopause. As a healthcare provider, I find this a great source of information to refer to my patients who are working through this time of their life and not knowing which way to turn. I like the idea that it covers menopause from a practical forthright place that does not treat it as a disfunctional time, but more as a time to renew oneself and take control of ones life.

This is the only book on menopausal symptoms I've read that accurately and precisely spoke about my particular issues. For example, I was having something the author calls "brain static," which for me was like having an electrical current run through my head, keeping me up at nights. After many tests, including a CAT scan, my doctor chalked it all up to stress. Not until I read Lonnie Barbach's book did I realize that brain static is a rather uncommon symptom, but one that other women have experienced. In addition, I also felt comforted to know that the changes in my body odor and breath were also quite common menopausal symptoms. The beauty of her book is that she lists so many other symptoms and signals of changes that are all too easily dismisssed as being oversensitive or just getting older. My own doctor, who is also a woman, wasn't even aware of some of these physiological changes. It has been my experience that most doctors are only aware of the most common symptoms of peri-menopause or menopause - hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, headaches and mood swings. This book, in my opinion, covers it ALL and helped me understand that not every woman experiences menopausal symptoms in the same way and that there really isn't a one-size fits all type of treatment. After reading her book, I felt like someone finally recognized and understood what I was going through. It was comforting to know that I am not the only woman on the planet having some specific symptoms and reactions to hormonal changes in my body! After months of anxiety and even embarrassment about my physical and emotional state, I felt completely vindicated. This book is easy to read, lists the symptoms in a clear, matter-of-fact way, including examples from many women, and gives clear information about the many options available for treatment. It is compehensive and written by someone who has been there!

When you haven't got a "bleepin'" clue about the changes your body is going through, this book will free your soul by giving you the information you need.

I enjoyed reading this book. I just turned 40 and am having some of the symptoms described in the book. It was reassuring to read that I am not crazy! I feel like I can handle what is to come in the future.

I have recommended this book to all of my friends and sister. My husband is currently reading the book. It is my opinion that all husbands should read it!

The Pause is an easy, informative read if you're interested in finding out what perimenopause might have in store for you. Many recent complaints I have are related to perimenopause, and I hadn't been aware of the connection. However, if you're looking for information on how to treat or alleviate symptoms, skip this book. This book hasn't been updated since 2000. In light of all the new information in the last few years regarding the problems with hormone therapy, this book is very out of date.

The book started off on a high note for me, describing the how's and why's of the Pause (Ms. Barbach's coined term for perimenopause). I certainly appreciated hearing about the wide constellation of symptoms and how they are attributable to the Pause / hormonal fluctuations.

The author's personal journey visiting what seemed like countless health care providers without even one of them considering that the symptoms were likely a result of natural processes at work mirrors my own. We are conditioned to be fearful of changes in our body, and medical providers are all too eager to order a barrage of expensive tests focused on discreet symptoms rather than looking holistically at the human body and where that body is on the journey.

Then Ms. Barbach falls into that very trap of viewing the Pause as a medical illness that MUST MUST MUST be treated. Yes, I agree a small percentage of women have symptoms so extreme, they do need medical intervention. For a vast majority however, we'll get through with a little help from our friends and some knowledge and understanding. Instead, Ms. Barbach offer a mind bending, enormous, and confusing array of remedies. I can't get a doctor to spend more than 5 minutes in a room with me let alone find one who could spend 5 hours a week monitoring my hormones and fine-tuning all these potential remedies.

I'd like to find support for this journey that doesn't focus primarily on doctors, drugs, practitioners, pharmaceuticals, herbs, and homeopathic remedies (spending $$$). I manage my symptoms by respecting my body and feeding it untainted, non-hormonally supplemented proteins, organic fruits, veggies, and nuts and with LOTS and LOTS of exercise. Very disappointing to see yet another woman hawking products and making a natural process seem like a system failure.

I slept with this book and 3 ice packs every night. I was so worried about my symptoms until I read the book over and over. I have told every friend to get this book

I am 52 and have owned this book for years. Every time I experience a new symptom (heartburn, night sweats, PMS, fatigue, bad breath, etc.), I reach for it. Premenopause hasn't been particularly easy for me, but at least this book helps me understand that most of my symptoms are normal. This knowledge provides me with a great deal of comfort. I have recommended this book to all of my friends.

This book is one of three I have found to help me understand and deal with perimenopause. The others are The Hormonal Survival Guide for Perimenopause by Nisha Jackson, and Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause by Suza Francina.