The Wisdom of Menopause Journal: Your Guide to Creating Vibrant Health and Happiness in the Second Half of Your Life Book

This book or one similar should be handed out to women by their gynecologists when menopause, perimenopause and hysterectomies become an issue. Why? Because doctor's can't seem to talk to their patients about menopause. There seems to be a disconnect. I had a hysterectomy and the doctor really didn't say much about what to expect, etc. I think he was waiting for me to ask questions and I had no real idea of what to ask or what I would be in for after the hysterectomy.

I wish I'd had this book to begin with at least as a jumping off point when I began speaking about a hysterectomy with my doctor. I feel I was so unprepared for menopause. I knew about hot flashes but not how long I might have them, how bad they might get, how they were different with every woman, that they could be triggered. Basically, I didn't know anything. Now that I've reached menopause (not having a period for 12 months) I feel overwhelmed.

Among the things I learned from this book are that I'm not alone, many women are bewildered, mystified, exasperated or just plain upset by their symptoms. That's good to know because I know I'm not alone in my trek to and through menopause. Also, they ask questions I hadn't thought to ask yet but now don't have to. I learned something that shocked me; the transition to menopause, called perimenopause can last up to TWELVE YEARS. I still can't believe it. Also, hot flashes don't always go away. That's right, once they arrive, they may never leave. Probably never heard that have you?

Why isn't there more cohesive and readily info available from doctors about this. I should have learned about this from my doctor, not a book I happened to find, a year after a hysterectomy. Yes, I'm angry. This is 2015, not 1950. This is the information age. I guess I should just be glad for this book, and I am. Lots of helpful questions, honestly answered.

About a third of the book is about staying healthy but after reading so much stuff I didn't know (that's bad) I kind of feel like I really needed a pep talk. I don't know, more comments from women who have had a hard time but either things got better or they just learned to cope and how. If you know a woman that is having hot flashes, might be getting a hysterectomy (and know them well), I think this would be a thoughful gift.