The premature menopause book: When the change of life comes too early [Unknown Binding]

Kathryn Petras (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2002

WHY NOW? WHY ME?

Today, millions of women in their twenties and thirties, many of whom are just beginning to plan a family, are receiving the shocking news that their reproductive years are already over. They are in premature menopause -- menopause years before its time. Whether due to an autoimmune disorder, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or the often undiagnosed condition known as Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), premature menopause is common, increasing -- and almost always traumatic.

If you are one of the women experiencing early menopause, you have hundreds of questions, but have probably found few answers...until now. The Premature Menopause Book is the first book focusing on this difficult transition -- written by a woman who faced the same questions: What can I do about it? Do I need hormones? How can I have a baby despite this condition? How can I feel like "me" again?

The Premature Menopause Book provides the latest information on health and emotional issues, explores all of your options, lists resources, websites and support groups, shares the experiences and advice of women going through this experience, answers frequently asked questions and offers the support and understanding you need.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Diagnosed with premature menopause at age 38, Petras has written the book that she wished had been available to her at that traumatic time. Well researched, engrossing, and easy to understand, this book will be invaluable to the millions of women in their twenties and thirties who share Petras's experience, answering the questions women ask when faced with the physical and emotional consequences of early menopause and the reality that their ability to reproduce might be over. In addition to a thorough discussion of the pathophysiology and emotional aspects of premature menopause, this book includes chapters on hormone replacement and other pharmacologic therapies, diet (including vitamins and natural supplements), and exercise, as well as choosing the right doctor. Personal accounts from women dealing with premature menopause coupled with Petras's references to her own experiences should help empower women. Appended to the text is information about support groups and web sites. A worthwhile addition to consumer health collections.ALinda M.G. Katz, MCP Hahnemann Univ., Philadelphia
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From Kirkus Reviews

For women in their 20s and 30s who are already facing menopause, a thorough discussion of issues and treatments, along with plenty of support from those who've been there. Petras herself was diagnosed with premature menopause at age 38 (before shed had children) and went through what turned out to be an all too common ordeal: insensitive, inaccurate, unhelpful medical care, a myriad of vague and distressing symptoms, emotional crises brought about by the early end to her reproductive years, a bewildered spouse. She hopes here to help others avoid as much of the confusion (if not the pain) as possible. Petras first explains ``The Symptoms and Signs That Can Tip You Off and the Tests You Should Ask Your Doctor For.'' She then describes the physiology of early menopause (what isn't working and why) and considers ``Why Me? Dealing With the Emotional Realities of Premature Menopause.'' She covers the issues of hormone replacement therapy (generally, Petras thinks it's appropriate here), vitamin and other supplements, and finding good medical care, and she looks at the possibilities of having a baby (egg donors, surrogates, and adoption are discussed). Throughout, Petras refers frequently to her own and others experiences (she is now part of an extensive support network). Included are lists of medical resources and support organizations. Sound advice and information for those facing a similar diagnosis. -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Unknown Binding: 406 pages
• Publisher: Quill (2002)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0006S5MA4
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)

More About the Author

I'm half of a brother and sister writing team who were born in the late 50s and raised in suburbia.

One of us wears glasses, one doesn't, and 50% of us is female. The other 50% is male -- and is taller than the other half.

We're the authors of the national bestselling "Stupidest" series - which includes the #1 bestselling page-a-day calendar "The 365 Stupidest Things Ever Said" (now in its 17th year -- with over 4 million copies sold), "Unusually Stupid Americans," "B is for Botox," "Jane's Guide to Dicks," and the just published "The Stupidest Things Ever Said Book of All-Time Stupidest Top 10 Lists" -- a collection of the stupidest of the stupidest. (You can visit us at www.stupidest.com and at janes-guide-to-dicks.tumblr.com)

Our work has received the attention of personalities like David Brinkley and Howard Stern and publications including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Wall Street Journal, Playboy, Cosmopolitan, the Washington Post and the London Times.

One or the other (or both!) has/have been a guest on hundreds of radio shows and tv shows, including Good Morning America (about menopause), CNN (about bad poetry) and Fox and Friends (about Paris Hilton).

Oh, and one of us was a Jeopardy contestant (but, sadly, came in third - and only won a designer watch . . .).

AND...one final note: We're always looking for more stupidity -- so if you have a quote or photo that's wonderfully stupid, send it to us at [e-mail] -- and let us know if you want credit if we use it in a calendar or book.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When Menopause Comes too Early, January 9, 2000

By 

"superevie" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Premature Menopause Book:: When The "change Of Life" Comes Too Early (Paperback)

Kathryn Petras' book The Premature Menopause Book is the only book out on book shelves that deals with this very importtant topic. As the founder and creator of HotFlash! the perimenopause/menopause web site and online support group I have interviewed Kathy and read her book. Her compassion and breath of knowledge is incredible. She has helped literally thousands of women through her book and drive to make this once unknown health challenge get the attention it deserves. In dealing with the media and in consulting with women, I have found that women AND men want to know all they can about perimenopause and menopause. While folks are still catching up on what menopause means to the average woman, Kathy has broken ground in talking about the health challenges, emotional struggles, and the reality of hitting menopause, (which traditionally occurs at age 51) while still being thirty or even twenty. Doctors are finding more and more women, each day, are in early or premature menopause. Thankfully Kathyrn Petras has written a compassionate and informative book to help all women who are faced with a premature menopause.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars READ THIS BOOK FIRST BEFORE THE OTHERS!!, January 31, 2001

By 

M. A. Morgan (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Premature Menopause Book:: When The "change Of Life" Comes Too Early (Paperback)

"The Premature Menopause Book: When The Change Comes Too Early", should be the FIRST book you read if given the diagnosis of POF (or premature menopause). After my diagnosis of POF, I read any and all material I could find on menopause. All they did was confuse me! These other books were written for women in their late 40's to late 50's. I am 36! "The Premature Menopause Book: When The Change Comes To Early", is wonderful. It answers alot of questions and gives you support! I read this book before I went to my doctor to talk about HRT (hormone replacement therapy). I'm glad I did. I was better able to understand what my doctor was talking about, and I feel, make better decisions about HRT than if I had not read this book.

I can't say enough about it. BUY IT!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional Lifesaver, August 2, 2001

By 

Stephanie (Nashville, TN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Premature Menopause Book:: When The "change Of Life" Comes Too Early (Paperback)

I am 34 and was diagnosed with Premature Medipause two weeks before I finally found this book. That was two weeks of Hell! I was depressed, confused and an emotional mess. I cried all the time. I thought I was going insane. Then I got this book. It truely explains not just the medical and physical traits of this condition, it also goes into the feeling of unexplainable loss. I felt like someone truely understood how I felt. The short statements from many other women with this rare condition were so helpful for me. These feeling are so hard to explain to family or friend. Thank you so much for writing this book.