The symptoms associated with menopause can begin fifteen years prior to the onset of menopause. During that early stage, called perimenopause, many women experience bewildering symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles, sleeping disorders, and what some describe as "PMS all month." Perimenopause has often been ignored in the past, and even the medical community is just becoming aware of its widespread presence in pre-menopausal women. Given that fact, it is wise to learn as much as possible about this process. In a jargon-free, reader-friendly style, Perimenopause—Peparing for the Change discusses: • What perimenopause is, when it occurs, how to diagnose it, and what it means • Symptoms and solutions and natural versus medicated treatments • Wellness: stress relief, weight control, excercise, diet, and nutrition • Finding the right doctor and what to expect during an office visit • Fertility and infertility • Psychology, sexuality and perimenopause • Talking with other women: support groups and how to tell if you need them • The pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) In order to be proactive in your health care you need to educate yourself. Menopause may have once changed women. But, when informed, women can change menopause. About the Authors Nancy Teaff, M.D., is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. As a female infertility specialist, she saw a need for more information on menopause. Kim Wright Wiley is the best-selling author of Walt Disney World with Kids. She is a contributing editor to Working Mother magazine and writes regularly for Family Fun, Parents and Parenting magazines. From the Trade Paperback edition.