Part I

The Main Facts about Menopause

In this part . . .

T he first act of Dance of the Hormones probably occurred three decades or so ago for you. Remember the bittersweet tale of teenage angst and joy that we call puberty? And now, intermission (the menstrual years) may be coming to a close as the hormones once again take the stage for the second act — menopause. Take your seat and get ready to peruse your program . . . uh, Part I of this book.

In Part I, we provide you with an outline to your menopausal years. We define menopause, review the biology, introduce you to the actors —your hormones — and briefly review the related symptoms and health conditions (physical, mental, and emotional). There’s even a special scene with a little extra drama for those of you for whom the menopause curtain rose early. Get to it before the usher dims the lights.