The Natural Menopause Plan

by Maryon Stewart

Hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia: the effects of menopause can be debilitating, affecting relationships, careers, and overall quality of life. "The Natural Menopause Plan" offers a holistic approach proven to alleviate these symptoms through diet, exercise, herbal remedies, and relaxation-all without the alarming side-effects of hormone replacement therapy. Customizable checklists, symptom diaries, and menu plans with more than 80 recipes help women enter mid-life healthier and happier than ever.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well balanced book covering the causes and symptoms of menopause, natural remedies, supplements, exercises to help prevent osteoporosis and to keep your heart healthy, etc. The last section is a good selection of recipes. At first I was worried that the recommended lifestyle was going to be all soy, nuts and seeds, and ingredients difficult to find in the UK. It isn't, however, and what I like most about it is that you're free to choose the supplements and diet that address your own particular symptoms, rather than be constrained to following a complete plan. Recommended for fellow Greaders living in a constantly humid environment!

Thanks to NetGalley and Nourish Publishers for an ARC.

[ArtemisKate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have started implementing the author's suggestions for diet changes in order to combat menopausal symptoms and I believe they are helping. It feels good to have natural alternatives, to take command of your life.

[Andrea Smart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I wouldn't recommend taking on a 10 year old child when you're facing the menopause - this bumpy ride is not meant to be travelled with new parenting challenges! Having done so for 4 years now though, I found this book insightful and a great help in sharing the challenges I was experiencing, with my loving partner. I did not realise that I would face mental challenges from feeling overloaded. Friends and family haven't all appreciated my generosity, kindness and weaknesses, so I felt misunderstood and judged. I have struggled with this transition which can take 12 years to complete (it's still early days for me) but I am now managing to cope and flourish in my new found wisdom. All thanks to those who didn't care enough to care! Great book.

[Sandy Sandmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Natural Menopause Plan by Maryon Stewart is a must-read for those who are impending menopause or deep in the heart of it.

The first part of The Natural Menopause Plan is an explanation of what menopause is, the symptoms, and natural solutions to help relieve symptoms - diet, supplements, therapies, and more. I found this part of the book so helpful. Without doing tons of research online or short of someone giving you all the answers, the author simply spells out what's happening (or what to expect) beginning at perimenopause and suggestions on how to breeze through with a minimum of discomfort. And while women have the option of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), it's not always a good solution depending on your situation. Some women can't use HRT because of cancer. So what options do they have? Thankfully, this book has solutions to make this transition better.

These are just some of the topics The Natural Menopause Plan covers

• Hot flashes/Night sweats
• Sexual problems
• Headaches
• Emotional symptoms
• Insomnia
• Dry skin/Wrinkles
• Aching joints

Next, the author discusses how consuming certain foods and supplements can help with the symptoms of menopause. She spells everything out to make it easy for you to follow and to find what works for your particular symptoms. The book goes as far as suggesting herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture and acupressure, cranial osteopathy relaxation therapy, exercise, and habit changes.

Part 2 of The Natural Menopause Plan is a very extensive index of 90 recipes containing nutrients that are helpful for those with menopause. They are grouped according to meals and include desserts, cakes, breads, and snacks. There are even meal plans to make eating simple. I was impressed with the list of the nutrient content of foods. The author even included references and resources.

[David Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book appears to be a sensible, well thought out strategy for managing menopause symptoms. I won't be using it myself but my partner is approaching perimenopause and is encouraged by the initial premise of the book. All advice appears sensible, the recipes look interesting, and I am encouraged by the publishing of references. Recommended.

I received a copy of this book for free through Goodread's Giveaways.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting ideas and suggestions - but I'm not a big fan of supplements, so not so useful in that regard. However, it was a good quick overview of symptoms and possible accelerants thereof. The recipes really bugged me because they never said anything about number of portions! Am I supposed to eat all of that food by myself? With my equally menopausal partner? Such basic info...

[Nilay Mustafa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful, easy to read support guide to manage your menopause. Very resourceful, with all the information you needed in a compact book. A lovely variety of recipes from shakes and soup, to main courses and desserts.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read with lots of hints, tips and yummy recipes.

[Nez · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Kara Rowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[Ruth Ropper · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stopped reading this book as it was too much about changing your whole lifestyle to manage the menopause rather than a variety of different ways to try out. It seemed to be that you have to take only the vitamins and supplements recommended to make a difference and was very American in approach. It may be that for some women they have to radically change their whole life but it appeared to be that to get through the menopause you had to stop eating everything you have enjoyed and take a whole load of supplements. Not for me!

[Irenic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will become a wonderful resource for me as I move through menopause. The information is presented in a clear manner, with appropriate use of medical language. The recipes have ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores. It allows you to create a plan that will work for you and is adjustable as your menopause changes. (This book review is based on a free copy received via Netgallery.com - it is an honest review)