Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness [Hardcover]

E (Author)

Book Description

Release date: January 18, 2011

“Informative, engaging, and hilarious!”
—Sarah Brokaw, author of Fortytude

Hot flashes flashing you awake at 3 a.m.? Forgetting the names of your very own children? Don’t worry—E, the author of Shmirshky, understands how you feel.

Shmirshky is the first book of its kind—a guide to women’s midlife changes that’s quick, easy, and full of love! Reading Shmirshky is like having coffee with a hilarious friend who tells it straight about hormone craziness and how to get help.

Let’s face it, perimenopause and menopause are still too rarely talked about. Shmirshky turns this taboo topic into an all-inclusive page-turner.

Whether you’re a woman who’s suddenly losing her keys, her temper, and her mind, or that woman’s partner, child, or friend, Shmirshky is for you.

Suffering in silence is OUT. Reaching out is IN.

What the heck is a shmirshky?

a delicious dessert
an ancient form of yoga
a superfood
a posh baby stroller brand
a painful deep tissue massage
an automatic floor mop
a precursor to modern-day vodka
the feeling you get after eating too many French fries
a feeling of serenity and empowerment a community a movement
a name for something special that only women possess
a guide to achieving your very own version of hormone happiness
. . . well, now you’re on to something!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Penned with her son, Jack Dolgen, the authors arrive with an entertaining and informative account of the surprises that await the woman reaching menopause. While many writers approach the topic with reservations, or don't approach it at all, E uses word creation, substitutions, and abbreviations to add a fun factor to the sticky, often embarrassing terms. Not only does E keep the book free of filler but she also includes the practical information about menopause that many women will want to know, including instances of depression and sleeplessness, and practical advice on the importance of getting a thyroid checkup and hormone level testing. Pocked with footnotes, charts, a mini dictionary, and further reading advice, E approaches her subject like the enthusiastic leader of a self-help seminar. And anecdotes sharing the disparate menopausal experiences of E's friends and acquaintances add to the book's charm. E tackles her topic with grace, humor, and a youthful but knowledgeable attitude. By intertwining guidance and jest, she's created an unexpected page-turner.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

About the Author

"E" is the pen name of Ellen Sarver Dolgen, who wrote Shmirshky in collaboration with her son, the writer, musician and entrepreneur Jack Dolgen. Ellen was the National Deputy Treasurer of the Carter-Mondale re-election campaign; was a member of Berman and Associates, a Washington, D.C., consulting firm and served as National Finance Coordinator for U.S. Senator Henry M. Jackson's 1976 bid for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. Ellen has continued her lifelong commitment to health and wellness through board representation, event organization, and fundraising, most recently for the Obama campaign. In May she was invited to The First Lady's Mother's Day Tea at the White House, where Michelle Obama said she needed a copy of the book now, and served on the Host Committee for DNC Women's Leadership Forum. Ellen is a founding member of Fresh Start Women's Foundation and currently serves on the Community Advisory Board of Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.

Jack Dolgen is a writer, musician and creative entrepreneur who lives in LA. While Ellen Dolgen is the charismatic, relatable spokesperson for Shmirshky, she and Jack are a memorably funny duo and backstory to the book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Voice (January 18, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401341683
• ISBN-13: 978-1401341688
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #135,927 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ellen Dolgen is a Health and Wellness Advocate, Menopause Awareness Expert, Author, Speaker, and health blogger.
Ellen is the author of Shmirshky: The Pursuit of Hormone Happiness -- a cut-to-the-chase book on perimenopause and menopause that's filled with crucial information, helpful guides, and hilarious and heartfelt stories. Known for her humor, compassion, and sassy personality, Ellen has appeared on numerous television and radio broadcasts, including: the Rachael Ray Show, The Doctors, Oprah Radio, Playboy Radio, "Tell Me More" on NPR, Doctor Radio, and dozens of other regional and national media outlets. Ellen is a frequent guest on the popular radio show, "Broadminded," on Sirius XM Radio (Stars XM 107) and is a regular contributor on Huff/Post 50 along with blogging for many leading women's health sites. Ellen has dedicated herself to women's wellness through a wide breadth of activities ranging from being a founding board member of the UCSD Student Wellness Center, working with pharmaceutical companies in helping them to effectively address women's health needs, serving on hospital advisory boards, and advocating for cardiovascular health.

Ellen's motto is: Reaching out is IN! Suffering in silence is OUT!

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Kristi Bernard @ BookPleasures January 20, 2011

By Kristi Bernard

Format:Hardcover

The very first thing I wanted to know when I opened this book is what is Shmirshky. Well, it is Dolgen's nickname for a woman's privates. We all have nicknames but Shmirshky is not just a name but a symbol or representation of all women who are experiencing menopause. Everything you would ever want to know about menopause is in this book. It was very thought provoking and educational for me to read this. I didn't know what was happening to me and Dolgen covers every aspect of the symptoms, how to deal with them and how to get the right medication for treatment. She gives advice on how to find the right doctor to help you get through PM&M, her fond term for menopause.

Women have to understand they are not alone. Dolgen shares experiences of her own as well as many other women she has interviewed and asked very delicate questions. She brings about a sisterhood by informing the reader of what changes to expect and how to get your family involved and becoming supportive. After all, they will be going through this with you. The reader will be able to ask for help and talk with family members about PM&M. Husbands and children will benefit from reading Shmirshky as well. No longer do women have to hide in shame. This book shines a light on the many changes a woman can go through experiencing PM&M.

Dolgen has introduced a whole new vocabulary of acronyms for the women, men and family members. In the back of the book she offers definitions of medical terms as well as all of the acronyms she uses through out the book. Readers will find a hormone therapy menu, hormone brands, website resources, a daily symptom chart and a journal. Everything a woman needs to get through this process that none of us will be able to escape. Don't think that if you have a hysterectomy that you will be set free. Dolgen has a section on that as well. She stresses not to run towards surgery because it's dangerous and you still end up going through menopause. She even speaks with women who share experiences with what happened to them after surgery.

Shmirshky is an important book for every woman. I highly recommend this fun and enlightening book for families too. It's a quick read and you will laugh, cry and totally relate to these women and their stories. Thanks Ellen, for sharing so much wonderful information.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Life Changing! January 19, 2011

By barbarabcoronado

Format:Hardcover

I have read several books in the past on the subject of Menopause. They were all very technical and hundreds of pages long. Shmirshky is a fun, fast, witty read chocked full of solid advice and resources. The best part is that the men in your life find Shmirshky interesting and helpful in understanding what we are going through during our pursuit of hormone happiness!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a topic that needs to be shared... January 20, 2011

By Debra C. Allen

Format:Hardcover

As I read Shmirshky all I could do was smile and nod my head. I repeatedly found my own experiences being described - and the best part was, the book was fun to read.

Although this little book covers a very serious topic it is done in a way that can make you laugh at yourself. Important messages are shared in an interesting way. It's a book every woman should read.

Debbie Allen
[...]